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Trend Update: Turkey’s Erdogan Vows to Topple Syria’s Assad, November 2016

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Isaiah, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 29, 2016 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 17:12 Alas, the uproar of many peoples who roar like the roaring of the seas, and the rumbling of nations who rush on like the rumbling of mighty waters!

The context of this verse is regarding the Burden of Damascus. Parallel passages for the Burden of Damascus include Isaiah 17, Amos 1:3-5, and Jeremiah 49:23-27.

November 29, 2016: President Erdogan of Turkey has made news again with his comments. His words speak for themselves. Commentary is not necessary.

“In my estimation, nearly 1 million people have died in Syria. These deaths are still continuing without exception for children, women and men. Where is the United Nations? What is it doing? Is it in Iraq? No. We preached patience but could not endure in the end and had to enter Syria together with the Free Syrian Army (FSA). Why did we enter? We do not have an eye on Syrian soil. The issue is to provide lands to their real owners. That is to say we are there for the establishment of justice. We entered there to end the rule of the tyrant al-Assad who terrorizes with state terror. (We didn’t enter) for any other reason.” Recep Erdoğan, First Inter-Parliamentary Jerusalem Platform Symposium in Istanbul.

Turkey has joined forces with the Free Syrian Army (FSA). This group is also known as Al-Nusra or Al-Qaeda in Syria. The Free Syrian Army is supported by the United States.

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-entered-syria-to-end-al-assads-rule-president-erdogan.aspx?pageID=238&nid=106709

http://syria.liveuamap.com/

These comments were made during a discussion in the context of a symposium on Jerusalem.

Erdogan went on to elaborate further regarding the al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

“It is the common duty of all Muslims to embrace the Palestinian cause and protect Jerusalem. Safeguarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque should not be left to children armed with nothing but stones.”

http://www.timesofisrael.com/erdogan-urges-muslims-to-protect-jerusalem-support-palestinians/

Remember, Russia supports President al-Assad of Syria. It will be interesting to see how Vladimir Putin responds to these comments. Turkey and Russia are in the process of normalizing relations and economic ties.

This is one hot mess.

Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard bad news; they are disheartened. There is anxiety by the sea, it cannot be calmed.

This is the area in and around Aleppo, Syria.

For Scripture linking Meshech, Tubal, Beth Togarmah, and Gomer to modern day Turkey.

https://paulthepoke.com/2015/12/09/trend-update-russia-magogisrael-ezekiel-38-39-december-9-2015/

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Trend Update: Burden of Damascus/Russia Adds Naval Forces to Mediterranean, October 2016

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 6, 2016 by paulthepoke

Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard bad news; they are disheartened. There is anxiety by the sea, it cannot be calmed.

Who are Hamath and Arpad?

Hamath: The name means “fortress”. In the times of Jeremiah, Hamath was a city in valley of the Orontes River. Hamath was considered the capital of the northern kingdom of Syria. In the early 21st century, this is the city known as Hamah, Syria. It has a population of roughly 854,000 per 2009 census. It is the fourth largest city in Syria (Wikipedia).

Arpad: The name means “I will be spread out.” Per Ellicott’s Commentary, the modern day location is approximately 14 miles north of Aleppo, Syria. The city is effectively on the Turkey border. Scholars believe the modern day city is Tel Erfad, Syria (Barnes Notes on the Bible).

The Hebrew grammar says the cities are confounded, put to shame, or dismayed. Why?

Our translators did not do us any favors for the word “bad”. It is the Hebrew word ra`. Simply stated it means: evil, wicked, malignant, displeasing, and miserable. The news will cause people’s hearts to melt.

There is anxiety by the sea, it cannot be calmed. The sea is the Mediterranean. Peace, tranquility, or quietness are nowhere to be found.

Definitions and grammar provided by Strong’s Concordance.

August 15, 2016: Russia acquired its first permanent air base in Syria. The Khmeimim Air Base is located near Latakia, Syria on the Mediterranean Sea.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/russias-permanent-military-base-in-syria-moscow-just-tipped-the-balance-of-power-in-the-mediterranean/5541294

September 21, 2016: Russia deployed an aircraft carrier into the Mediterranean Sea. The carrier will join other Russian naval vessels in the eastern Mediterranean. The ship carries 40 aircraft.

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/09/21/russia-to-send-its-aircraft-carrier-to-eastern-mediterranean.html

October 5, 2016: Russia deployed 2 warships full of cruise missiles to the Mediterranean.

https://www.rt.com/news/361699-syria-russia-navy-missiles/

October 6, 2016: A third Russian warship has set sail from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. This warship is loaded with cruise missiles.

“Currently, the Russian naval group in the eastern Mediterranean includes at least six warships and three or four support vessels from all fleets. To increase the combat capabilities of the group, [we] plan to include the cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov into its ranks.” Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.

Russia states this military buildup is for operations against ISIS.

https://www.rt.com/news/361827-third-ship-syria-op/

The United States has an operational fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.

This headline broke on the evening of October 6, 2016 out of an Israel Publication. Know foreign news sources are printing this information.

US Military Told To Prepare for Tactical Nuclear Exchange with Russia in Syria! Stateside Military Told to Prepare for Intercontinental One-for-one Nuke Exchange

http://www.jewsnews.co.il/2016/10/06/us-military-told-to-prepare-for-tactical-nuclear-exchange-with-russia-in-syria-stateside-military-told-to-prepare-for-intercontinental-one-for-one-nuke-exchange.html

According to the prophecy of Jeremiah, the damage starts up north in Syria. Then, the war moves south before the Burden of Damascus.

Parallel passages for the Burden of Damascus include Isaiah 17, Amos 1:3-5, and Jeremiah 49:23-27. One of Damascus’ greatest claim is it the longest inhabited city on the earth. We know this is prophetically the future of today. Scripture is pretty clear about the future of Damascus.

Are we watching this prophecy unfold? Do your own homework.

IF this is it…Somebody is getting close to His second return to planet Earth.

There are 8 posts from the past related to the Burden of Damascus at www.paulthepoke.com

https://paulthepoke.com/category/burden-of-damascus/

 

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Trend Update: Israeli Tanks & Bulldozers Cross Golan Heights’ DMZ into Syria, July 15, 2016

Posted in Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , on July 15, 2016 by paulthepoke

Breaking Story: Israeli Defense Forces are reported to have crossed into Syria via the Golan Heights with tanks and bulldozers. Air support is being provided as tanks appear to be digging a defensive posture. Fighting is not indicated at this time.

 

http://www.debka.com/article/25539/IDF-bulldozers-with-tanks-enter-Golan-DMZ

http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/71880/unusual-activity-sparks-confusion-idf-tanks-bulldozers-roll-golan-syria-border/#v5D8z3DWYbMKeMKq.97

http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160714/1042928221/israeli-bulldozers-enter-the-dmz.html

 

 

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Trend Update: Burden of Damascus, December 2015

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Isaiah, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , on December 30, 2015 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 17:1 The oracle concerning Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city and will become a fallen ruin.

This is quite a statement. Damascus is going to be wiped out. The Hebrew is interesting in the description. The grammar states it is going to be taken away and removed. One could state it will be a ruined ruin or a ruined heap!

jobar

This is a photograph of the neighborhood of Jobar in Damascus. The photo is compliments of a Russian drone. The link to the article below contains video of further destruction in Damascus.

http://www.news.com.au/world/drone-footage-shows-apocalyptic-scenes-of-syria/news-story/771dbd6acc10bb0948db41208acb78f3

This is the city of Damascus, Syria. The country of Syria has been in Civil War since the spring of 2011. Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on the planet. The city’s had residents and inhabitants for over 5,000 years. There is some debate of what the meaning of the name is. In the Hebrew, according to Strong’s Concordance, it means “silent is the sackcloth weaver”. According to Wikipedia, the Damascus metropolitan area had approximately 5 million people.

That was before refugees started leaving the city and region in the thousands upon thousands. The New York Times estimates 4 million people have left the country. More than 200,000 have died. Other estimates have the figure topping 310,000. The actual number of deaths is difficult to assess due to the level of violence in the country. Data taken was in September of 2015.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/09/14/world/middleeast/syria-war-deaths.html?_r=0

The following countries and entities have military hardware in Syria: Russia, opposing Syrian factions, Iran, Lebanon, Hezbollah, United States, ISIS, France, Great Britain, and China. Israel has reportedly flown some air missions into the country. Did I miss any one?

Speculation and conjecture are Damascus would be the recipient of a nuclear blast. As of December 2015, that remains to be seen. Vladimir Putin has mentioned nuclear weapons are an option in the conflict. It is thought a nuclear weapon would bring about the complete destruction of Damascus noted in Isaiah 17:1.

…will become a fallen ruin… Based on recent history of the ongoing civil war, Damascus may experience a methodical and slow demise. The bombing and shelling are taking their toll. The visual images are stunning and demonstrate the complete, absolute, and utter destruction. The pictures are a ruinous heap of rubble.

Are we watching the Burden of Damascus unfold in our time?

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Trend Update: Russia (Magog)/Israel, Ezekiel 38-39, October, 2015

Posted in Ezekiel 38-39, Persia/Elam/Iran, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 7, 2015 by paulthepoke

Ezekiel 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet…

Russia is prophesied to invade Israel. Russia will be joined by several countries with their future invasion of Israel (Ezekiel 38-39). One of these countries is Persia. The country was known as Persia until the name change in the 20th century. Biblical Persia and Elam make up modern day (October 2015) Iran.

This ancient prophecy from 2,500 years ago appears to be trending into shape.

01R_RUSSIAN AIRSTRIKES SYRIA test

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ushome/index.html

Iran has now moved troops into Syria in coordination with Russia and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. It appears there is preparation for a major ground offensive.

http://nypost.com/2015/10/01/iranian-troops-arrive-in-syria-ahead-of-major-ground-offensive/

It is estimated Iran has approximately 7,000 military members in Syria.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/iran-expands-role-in-syria-in-conjunction-with-russias-airstrikes-1443811030

Russia is also looking to bolster troops in the region. Vladimir Putin has announced the drafting of 150,000 more troops. Russia is also sending more naval hardware into the arena.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3259035/Putin-s-bombing-innocents-Russian-jets-pound-heavily-populated-civilian-areas-Cameron-savages-Putin-backing-butcher-Assad.html

As of October 6, 2015, Russia is sending in their highly trained Spetsnaz unit of special force soldiers along with other covert forces. They are looking to confront Assad’s opposition. These forces have a significant history with jihadists. They do not like jihadists.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/putin-sent-feared-spetsnaz-special-6579970

On October 7, 2015, Russia fired cruise missiles into Syria from the Caspian Sea (Drudge Report).

The situation continues to escalate and build.

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Trend Update: Russia (Magog)/Israel, Ezekiel 38-39, September 2015

Posted in Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , on September 16, 2015 by paulthepoke

Ezekiel 39:4-6 You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your hordes and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. You shall fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Lord God.  I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the Lord.

At some point in the future, Russia is prophesied to invade Israel. The results are noted above in Ezekiel 39:4-6. See Ezekiel 38-39 for complete details.

The Bible and ancient historians point to the fact the land of Magog is modern day Russia. Gog is their leader. See attached post.

http://paulthepoke.com/2015/01/07/trend-update-russia-magogisrael-ezekiel-38-39-january-2015/

The point of the Russian invasion of Israel is stated by God Himself. Ezekiel 38:16 “and you will come up against My people Israel like a cloud to cover the land. It shall come about in the last days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I am sanctified through you before their eyes, O Gog.”

God is still here and He remains in charge. Ezekiel 38:23 “I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the LORD.”

PutinAssad

Russia has recently moved military troops, naval hardware, and air support into Syria which is north of Israel. Russia says they are supporting the government of President Assad of Syria. Russia is present to fight against ISIS and terrorism. Secretary of State Kerry has warned Russia not to interfere with the fight against ISIS.

Two Lebanese sources said the Russians were establishing two bases in Syria. One is near the coast and an operations base further inland. The Russians have installed modular housing units for hundreds of people at the airport. Portable air traffic control equipment has been placed.

It is important to understand Syria’s President Assad has the support of Iran.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/09/09/us-mideast-crisis-syria-exclusive-idUSKCN0R91H720150909

http://news.yahoo.com/u-voices-concern-russia-over-latest-military-moves-023835214.html

http://news.yahoo.com/huge-russian-military-planes-land-syria-221502659.html

It remains to be seen if Vladimir Putin is “Gog”. If he is, Vladimir’s history has been written by a Hebrew prophet roughly 580 years before Christ. From our standpoint (September 2015), this was written approximately 2,600 years ago. If Putin is “Gog”, he is like a fish being reeled in by the Lord Himself.

Ezekiel 38:3-4 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords…”

Ezekiel 39:1-2 “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal; and I will turn you around, drive you on, take you up from the remotest parts of the north and bring you against the mountains of Israel.

Gog’s fate is sealed in Ezekiel 38-39.

Ezekiel 39:8 “Behold, it is coming and it shall be done,” declares the Lord GOD. “That is the day of which I have spoken.”

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Trend Update: Assyrian Empire/Damascus, November 2014

Posted in Prophecy with tags , , , , , , , , , on November 20, 2014 by paulthepoke

ISIS and Al Qaeda have agreed to play nice and stop fighting each other, allegedly. Both parties want to take out the President Assad of Syria. Both parties want control of Syria and specifically Damascus. They have agreed in part to unite against their enemies. That would also include the United States and Israel.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-and-alqaida-agree-to-end-fighting-and-join-against-their-opponents-9859999.html

If one does not think ISIS is serious about Damascus, consider this. ISIS has announced they are going to start minting coins of gold, silver, and copper. The coins worth will be backed by the physical properties of the coin itself. Their money will be actually worth something other than the good word of any particular government.

Granted, they have to accumulate the precious metals for this undertaking. The plan is to have seven different coins. One of the gold coins implies world domination. One of the silver coins has the white minaret of Damascus. See the link below for the design of the coins.

http://mashable.com/2014/11/13/isis-currency-design/

Remember, there is an end times figure the Bible refers to as the Assyrian. He launches an invasion of Israel from the north in Damascus. Isaiah 10:28-32 describes an invasion of Judah from the north to the south. These verses describe the Assyrian advance toward Jerusalem. All the cities named are within a three-hour march of Jerusalem (Ryrie Study Notes). He is stopped short and north of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 10:28-32 He has come against Aiath, he has passed through Migron; at Michmash he deposited his baggage. They have gone through the pass, saying, “Geba will be our lodging place.” Ramah is terrified, and Gibeah of Saul has fled away. Cry aloud with your voice, O daughter of Gallim! Pay attention, Laishah and wretched Anathoth! Madmenah has fled. The inhabitants of Gebim have sought refuge. Yet today he will halt at Nob; He shakes his fist at the mountain of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem. 

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Trend Update: Burden of Damascus, August 2013

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Isaiah, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on August 26, 2013 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 17:1 The oracle concerning Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city and will become a fallen ruin.

Damascus is going to be wiped out. The Hebrew is interesting in the description. The grammar states it is going to be taken away and removed. One could state it will be a ruined ruin or a ruined heap!

This is the city of Damascus, Syria. This place has been a hot spot in the Middle East and in the news cycle. The country of Syria has been in Civil War since the spring of 2011. Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on the planet. The city’s had residents and inhabitants for over 5,000 years. There is some debate of what the meaning of the name is. In the Hebrew, according to Strong’s Concordance, it means “silent is the sackcloth weaver”. According to Wikipedia, the Damascus metropolitan area has approximately 5 million people.

Late August 2013: It has become obvious to the international community that President Assad of Syria has used chemical weapons on his people. Estimates range from 300-1,300 dead. The Syrian government has issued a warning to the United States not intervene with its military according to USA Today. The Syrian government is blaming the opposition rebels for the attack. Syria has agreed to UN inspections regarding chemical weapons.

Leaders from the United States, England, France, and Germany discussed their options over the weekend of August 24 and 25. Pressure is mounting on President Obama to act with a military response. President Obama’s red line has been crossed with the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

United States war ships have been moved into the eastern Mediterranean. British nuclear submarines and multiple war ships are reported to be in the area. Military intervention appears inevitable.

Russia put Washington on notice Sunday that it would oppose any unilateral military action in Syria. The Russian Foreign Ministry drew a parallel between reports of chemical-weapons use and Washington’s 2003 intervention in Iraq following what proved to be unfounded U.S. accusations that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s government had weapons of mass destruction (Wall Street Journal). Russia declares military intervention should not occur unless there is UN authorization. Unauthorized force would be a “blatant violation of international law”.

Iran is warning of “harsh consequences” to the United States if it acts with a military response. Iran has told the United States it is playing with fire (France24.com). Syria and Iran are warning Israel of stern consequences. Gas masks have been issued in Israel (Drudge Report).

Are these the events leading up to the Burden of Damascus? Is this prophecy about to be fulfilled? Time will tell.

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Trend Update: Burden of Damascus May 2013

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Isaiah, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , on May 11, 2013 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 17:1 The oracle concerning Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city and will become a fallen ruin.

This is quite a statement. Damascus is going to be wiped out. The Hebrew is interesting in the description. The grammar states it is going to be taken away and removed. One could state it will be a ruined ruin or a ruined heap!

This is the city of Damascus, Syria. This place has been a hot spot in the Middle East and in the news cycle. The country of Syria has been in Civil War since the spring of 2011. Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city on the planet. The city’s had residents and inhabitants for over 5,000 years. There is some debate of what the meaning of the name is. In the Hebrew, according to Strong’s Concordance, it means “silent is the sackcloth weaver”. According to Wikipedia, the Damascus metropolitan area has approximately 5 million people.

Early May 2013, Israel launched strikes into Syria targeting missiles intended for the terror group Hezbollah (meaning is “Party of God”).  The missiles reportedly came from Iran. Syria has pronounced these acts a “Declare of War”. Chemical weapons are being used and fought over in the Syrian Civil War.

Any time events begin to unfold in Damascus, it tends to peak one’s interest and curiosity in light of Isaiah 17:1. Are these the events that lead to the destruction of Damascus? I don’t know nor am I suggesting “this is it”.

The events unfolding are interesting and have potential prophetic implications in Damascus and with regard to Ezekiel 38 and 39 (Magog or Russian invasion of Israel from the north). Key characters in Bible prophecy are present (Russia, Iran, Syria, Israel). Russian President Putin is upset with Israel and expressed that further attacks on Damascus would not be tolerated. Russia is offering air defense systems to Syria. There are Russian troops in Syria (Debka.com). Russia has reportedly delivered supersonic cruise missiles to Syria (Haaretz.com). The Russians do not want President Assad in Syria overthrown.

The United States is committed to supplying arms to forces in opposition to Assad, the “Syrian rebels”. The rebels are effectively up against the Syrian Army who is backed by Hezbollah, who is backed by Iran, and Russia who backs all of the above (Debka.com).

Iranian and Hezbollah troops are reported to be increasing in Syria. Israeli forces are gathering along the Lebanese and Syrian border. Anti-missile batteries have been dispatched by Israel (Jerusalem Post). War drums are beating. Millions of lives are at risk.

As a friend has stated, there is a lot of passion in the Middle East over the name of God.

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