Archive for Hamath

Trend Update: Syria in Conflict, September 2017

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Euphrates River, Ezekiel 38-39, Kurds/Medes, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 26, 2017 by paulthepoke

Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus. “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame…

Roughly 2,600 years ago the prophet Jeremiah wrote about the eventual destruction of Damascus in Jeremiah 49. See also Isaiah 17. In the northern part of Syria is Aleppo. Ancient Arpad is located approximately 10 miles north of modern day Aleppo. Moving south in Syria, the next location is ancient Hamath or modern day Hama. Hamath was the capital of the northern kingdom of ancient Syria.

September 26, 2017: Russia is pounding the area to the west of the two ancient cities in the Idlib province. The Idlib province is home to Sunni rebel forces of Al Nusra or Al Qaeda of Syria. Russia continues its support of the Assad’s Shia government in Syria. Russia is bombing throughout the province continually.

Russia has introduced its most advanced fighter jet (the MiG 29SMT) into the conflict. The MiG 29SMT is stationed near Latakia, Syria. For detail and specifics of the jet’s capabilities, see the link below.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/russia-just-deployed-upgraded-mig-200749544.html

 

Euphrates River

Deir Ezzor

Euphrates Bridge Russia

Photo: Southfront

The Assad Syrian government claims Russia has constructed pontoon bridges across the Euphrates River. This is allowing for the transport of heavy equipment east of the Euphrates. Local reports indicate two bridges have been built. Russian backed Syrian forces have pushed east to the point of United States backed Kurdish (Syrian Democratic Forces or SDF). This is occurring about 3-5 miles east of the Euphrates River.

Otherwise, the Euphrates River is operating as a point of division between the Shia forces of the Syrian government and the predominantly Sunni forces of the Kurds.

https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-russian-heavy-bombers-annihilate-terrorists-idlib-deir-ezzor/

Raqqa

Fighters from Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) walk together along a damaged street in Raqqa

Photo: Reuters, Raqqa

The battle for Raqqa continues. Devastation in the city is profound. Sources on the ground indicate the United States backed Kurds (SDF) now control 80-90% of the area. Roughly 700-1,000 ISIS fighters remain in the city. Military commanders estimate the liberation of Raqqa should take place within the next month. Kurds now control the grain silos for the city. Medicine, food, and water remain in short supply.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa/syrian-militias-aim-to-push-islamic-state-out-of-raqqa-within-a-month-idUSKCN1C01RZ?il=0

Kurdistan???

kurd flag

And this is a developing story. Kurds are voting for their independence. Early polling numbers show the Kurds are overwhelmingly in favor of their own country. Preliminary results indicate 93% in favor of the nation Kurdistan.

Neighbors around the Middle East are less then enthused. President Recep Erdogan of Turkey is threatening military action and to cut off food supplies to the future country. Erdogan has indicated he will cut oil and gas lines coming from the region. Turkey also looks to control the water of the Tigris River with the construction of the Ilisu Dam. And for good measure, military hardware and troops are headed to the Turkey/Iraqi border.

https://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/initial-results-show-93-voters-support-kurdistan-independence/

Iraq and Iran are not supportive of a national Kurdistan. The following is from Radio Free Europe.

September 25, 2017: “We are not ready to discuss or have a dialogue about the results of the referendum because it is unconstitutional,” Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi.

Hours after Kurdish polls closed, the Iraqi Defense Ministry announced “large-scale” joint military exercises with Turkey.

September 27, 2017: Tehran, Iran… The Iranian parliament announced it would hold a closed-door meeting on the referendum on the Kurdish issue.

https://www.rferl.org/a/iraq-turkey-iran-kurdistan-independence-referendum-reactions-treachery/28758048.html

 

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Trend Update: Israel Bombs Syrian Research Center, September 2017

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 7, 2017 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.

Hamath: The name means “fortress”. In the times of Jeremiah, Hamath was a city in valley of the Orontes River. Hamath was the capital of the northern kingdom of ancient Syria. Today, this is the city known as Hama, Syria.

Click on video link below for geography and additional analysis.

September 7, 2017: Hama, Syria is prophetically significant. Roughly 2,600 years ago the prophet Jeremiah wrote about Hamath, Syria. In the early morning hours, Israeli Defense Force jets bombed a chemical plant on the outskirts of the ancient city. The operation took place at approximately 2:30 in the morning. The location has been dubbed as a “scientific research center for chemical weapons”. Missile development is also believed to be conducted at this site. Multiple weapons convoys were also hit during operation. Two Syrian soldiers are reported as dead.

Amos Yadlin is the former head of Israeli military intelligence and Executive Director of Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). In response to the attack in Syria, Yadlin tweeted the following.

amos yadlin

“The reported attack overnight is not routine. It is a military-scientific Syrian site in which they produce, among other things, precision missiles, some of which will be significant in the next military campaign.”

“…chemical weapons and explosives that have killed thousands of Syrian civilians. If it was an Israeli attack, it is finally an Israeli moral statement about the massacre in Syria.”

“Israel won’t allow for empowerment and production of strategic arms. Israel intends to enforce its red lines despite the fact that the great powers are ignoring them. The presence of Russian air defense does not prevent airstrikes attributed to Israel. Now it’s important to keep the escalation in check and to prepare for a Syrian-Iranian-Hezbollah response and even opposition from Russia.”

See this link for Amos Yadlin’s Twitter page. https://twitter.com/YadlinAmos

 

Which brings up an interesting question. What happened to the Russian S400 Missile System response?

In response, Syria has announced the following warning of “dangerous repercussions of this aggressive action to the security and stability of the region”.

The United States sanctions on this “research” facility and its employees have now been rendered useless.

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Initial-Israel-attacked-chemical-weapons-facility-in-Syria-Arab-media-claims-504455

 

The southern Sunni Muslims (Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia) are curiously quiet. Makes one wonder what is going on behind the scenes.

Keep in mind, Syria is supported by Iran who is supported by Russia. See Ezekiel 38.

The geo-political situation in the Middle East just got more interesting…

 

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Trend Update: Russia, Turkey, & Iran…Peace Makers in Syria, August 2017

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Persia/Elam/Iran, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 9, 2017 by paulthepoke

Ezekiel 38:1-2 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal…

Ezekiel 38:6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-Togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.

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

https://paulthepoke.com/category/ezekiel-38-39/

Ezekiel 38-39 says Russia allied with Turkey, Iran and others are going to invade Israel from the north. Look who is getting together to form an alliance for peace on Israel’s northern border in Syria.

Click on video for geography and analysis.

August 8-9, 2017: Turkey, Iran, and Russia are having peace talks about “safe zones” in Syria. The location of the discussion is Tehran, Iran. This is according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

According to Lavrov, there are three operating safe zones in Syria. They include: southern Syria, Eastern Ghouta, and north of Homs. The focus of the peace talks is the Idlib province.

The safe zones were allegedly brokered on May 4, 2017. Turkey, Iran and Russia signed the deal to establish safe zones in Syria. More discussion is scheduled for later in August 2017.

This per the Daily Sabah out of Turkey.

https://www.dailysabah.com/diplomacy/2017/08/07/turkey-iran-russia-to-hold-syria-talks-in-tehran-aug-8-9

 

August 9, 2017: A peace deal has been reached in Cairo, Egypt regarding a safe zone. The meeting was between the Russian Defense Ministry and Syrian opposition. The safe zone is the area between Hama (ancient Hamath of Jeremiah 49) and Homs. Again…Russia, Turkey, and Iran are the enforcers of the ceasefire.

This per Sputnik News out of Russia.

https://sputniknews.com/military/201708091056300824-syrian-opposition-deescalation-zone-deal/

 

August 8, 2017: Israel has held secret talks with the Russians and the United States. Meetings reportedly took place in Europe and Jordan. The Israeli concern is the increased presence of Iranian troops near the border in the Golan Heights. Increased Iranian presence is an Israeli concern all across Syria.

Here is the official statement from Israel.

“Senior Israeli officials said that the main dispute was that the Americans and the Russians see the cease-fire in southern Syria and the safe zones as a practical and tactical means of stabilizing the situation and enable a focus on wiping out the Islamic State and lowering the flames of the civil war. Israel, however, believes that the agreement should be considered from a long-term, strategic perspective and should focus on what the extent of Iranian influence will be in Syria after the civil war ends.

The Israelis told their interlocutors that the agreement should provide a solution not regarding Iranian presence in the 20 kilometers from the Israeli border, but for the rest of Syria as well. A senior Israeli official said the Israelis told the Russians and the Americans that they had to demand from the Iranians that the Revolutionary Guards, Hezbollah and the Shi’ite militias in Syria must leave the country.”

Southfront is a global intelligence agency.

https://southfront.org/israel-held-secret-talks-with-russia-us-in-attempt-to-reduce-growing-iranian-influence-in-syria/

More troops are going to be necessary to keep the peace. This is escalating faster than earlier plans revealed by the Russians.

IDP_2017_Final_with UN logo_WebIn case you didn’t know…The United Nations International Peace Day is scheduled for September 21, 2017. This also coincides with the start of God’s Appointed Fall Feasts. This year’s theme: Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.

http://internationaldayofpeace.org/

For those who have not made a decision on Jesus Christ. You might want to think about it. Did He really die for sin?

Time to be vigilant and pay attention…

1 Thessalonians 5:3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 

 

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Trend Update: Chemical Weapons in Syria; Battle for Euphrates Dam Intensifies, March 2017

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Euphrates River, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 30, 2017 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.

Hamath: The name means “fortress”. In the times of Jeremiah, Hamath was a city in valley of the Orontes River. Hamath was the capital of the northern kingdom of ancient Syria. Today, this is the city known as Hama, Syria.

Hama, Syria is prophetically significant. Roughly 2,600 years ago the prophet Jeremiah wrote about the eventual destruction of Damascus in Jeremiah 49. Before Damascus, trouble would start in northern Syria from Arpad. Arpad is essentially modern day Aleppo, Syria. The destruction would move south to Hamath or Hama, Syria. Finally, Damascus would see bloodshed and war before its destruction. In March 2017, all three of these cities in modern day Syria are hot spots of military conflict.

See Isaiah 17 as well for the Burden of Damascus.

March 30, 2017: The Anadolu Agency out of Turkey is reporting of chlorine gas used as a chemical weapon in Hama, Syria. The Assad regime of Syria is being accused of using chlorine on civilians. Approximately 100 civilians have been affected.

“Local residents are showing symptoms of chlorine gas exposure, including vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision and shortness of breath,” Mohamed Elwan, Hama doctor.

The Assad regime is suspected of using chlorine gas in Al-Qaboun district northeast of Damascus.

http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/syrian-regime-strikes-targets-in-hama-with-chlorine-gas/784284

“The bombardment had a substance that caused intense irritation, heavy foaming from the mouth, and constricting pupils. A chemical attack hit the same area on Saturday, killing an orthopedic doctor,” Abdallah Darwish, Health Authority Hama Province.

The Assad regime in Syria has continually denied the use of chemical weapons and chlorine gas.

“The army has not, will not, and does not need to use these weapons,” unnamed Syrian spokesman.

Military airstrikes in the region are increasing. Russian bombing runs are nonstop per witnesses on the ground.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-hama-idUSKBN1711O9

 

Escalation in violence is noted across the country including the Euphrates or Tabqa Dam. Fighting continues on the Tabqa Dam between ISIS and US backed Kurds. ISIS controls the southern part of the dam and the Kurds along with embedded US Marines holds the northern part of the dam.

Russia and ISIS are accusing the United States of trying to destroy the Euphrates Dam. The United States backed Kurds claim ISIS is bombing the dam. One thing is clear. The Tabqa Dam has taken some bombing. The control room of the dam has been destroyed. Maintenance work on the dam is required to repair failing flood gates.

“Because the dam has been out of service for three straight days, the technical equipment in the lower levels of the dam is under water. This rise in the level of the reservoir means that one of the spillways must be opened to drain the water so it doesn’t build up, which would pose a growing threat to the dam.” A nameless technician.

The United States says the dam has not been structurally damaged…

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/31694/19/

http://pulse.ng/world/in-syria-engineers-set-to-to-enter-is-held-parts-of-tabqa-dam-id6445175.html

The United Nations estimates one half of Syria’s 22 million people have been displaced. The UN estimates 5 million refugees have left the country. The situation is not getting better in Syria.

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Trend Update: Fighting in Damascus & Hama Continues/Struggle Over Euphrates River, March 2017

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Euphrates River, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 24, 2017 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.

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 Hama, Syria. It has a population of roughly 854,000 per 2009 census. It is the fourth largest city in Syria (Wikipedia).

March 24, 2017: Fighting between the Syrian Army of President Assad and the rebels continues. The majority of the hostilities are taking place north of the city of Hama. It appears the opposition rebels are gaining near Hama. The United Nations is holding peace talks in Geneva in an attempt to stop the clashes.

The Syrian rebels consist of the Free Syrian Army, the Fateh al-Sham front, the jihadists formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, al-Qaeda in Syria. These groups are constantly changing names and alliances. This group is primarily Sunni Muslims.

The Syrian Army is supported by Russian forces as well as Iran and Hezbollah out of Lebanon. This group is primarily Shia Muslims.

 

Euphrates River

March 24, 2017: Fighting for control of the Tabqa Dam on the Euphrates River is currently taking place. The Tabqa Dam is located approximately 20 miles west of Raqqa, Syria the defacto capital for ISIS. The United States, France, and the Kurds are claiming to have taken control of the Tabqa Dam away from ISIS. This is critical. ISIS has previously threatened to blow the dam and flood the Euphrates River valley. ISIS claims the offensive to take the Tabqa Dam is failing…

 

Jeremiah 49:27 “I will set fire to the wall of Damascus, and it will devour the fortified towers of Ben-hadad.” –The Lord.

The conflict in Damascus has stopped the supply of food to 300,000 residents per the United Nations.

“They are totally dependent on our supplies. Starvation will be just around the corner unless we get there in the coming weeks,” Jan Egeland, UN humanitarian adviser on Syria.

Currently the old wall of Damascus is still standing. Fighting and warfare are taking place in the Jobar neighborhood. Jobar borders old Damascus on the east where the wall is located.

2,600 years ago the Lord God told Jeremiah the wall of Damascus would come down by fire. Currently, the wall is still standing. The prophecy has not happened, not yet…

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/geneva-talks-resume-fighting-rages-hama-damascus-170324070102119.html

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Trend Update: ISIS Cuts Water to Aleppo & Damascus, December 2016

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Isaiah, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 31, 2016 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.”

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.

December 31, 2016: There is news out of Syria involving all three cities mentioned in the two prophetic verses; Damascus, Hamath (modern day Hamah), and Arpad (northern suburb of modern day Aleppo).

See video link for geographical detail.

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).

Multiple reports out of the region are indicating ISIS has cut water supplies to the cities. The United Nations estimates up to 15 million people across Syria have been affected.

The Euphrates River is the main water source for Aleppo, specifically the al-Khafsa stations.

Up to 4 million people in and around Damascus have been affected. Water springs north and west of Damascus have been poisoned with diesel by the rebels or Al-Nusra or Al-Qaeda in Syria (group supported by Obama Administration). The areas are Wadi Barada and Ain al-Fija springs. These springs provide 70% of the water for the city of Damascus. Water trucks are distributing water to Damascus. Fighting continues in and around these springs as of December 31, 2016.

Local news sources indicating these findings are Shia. Sources indicate Sunni Muslims are carrying out these crimes against humanity.

http://nsnbc.me/2016/12/30/isis-cuts-off-water-for-aleppo/

http://en.alalam.ir/news/1904894

Pray for this situation. Do your homework. This is a mess.

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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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Isaiah 10:5-11 Assyrian Arrogance, Part 1

Posted in Isaiah with tags , , , , , , , , , , on October 6, 2013 by paulthepoke

Isaiah 10:5-7 Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger and the staff in whose hands is My indignation I send it against a godless nation and commission it against the people of My fury to capture booty and to seize plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets. Yet it does not so intend, nor does it plan so in its heart, but rather it is its purpose to destroy and to cut off many nations.

Assyria is described as a “shebet”. That is the Hebrew word for rod, staff, branch, shaft (of spear, dart), club (of shepherd’s implement), or a scepter (mark of authority) per Strong’s Concordance. In today’s vernacular, a whoopin’ stick!

Assyria is the beating stick in God’s hand. He is in control of Assyria. God is going to use Assyria as a stick to punish His godless people. Their job is to pack them down like mud in the street.

Notice, it is the mental attitude that leads to its conquest for power and expansion. See the words “intend”, “plan…in its heart”, and “purpose”. These are mental words of thought. Assyria is calculating and devising from the inner part of their soul, mind, and conscience according to the language and Hebrew vocabulary.

The “stick” has other ideas. Israel is not enough. The “rod” wants more and history shows us how Assyria expanded. The Assyrians built an empire that stretched from Egypt on the southwest to Persia (modern day Iran) on the east and from the Persian Gulf on the southeast to Anatolia (modern day Turkey) on the north.

Isaiah 10:8-11 For it says, “Are not my princes all kings? Is not Calno like Carchemish, or Hamath like Arpad, or Samaria like Damascus? As my hand has reached to the kingdoms of the idols, whose graven images were greater than those of Jerusalem and Samaria, shall I not do to Jerusalem and her images just as I have done to Samaria and her idols?”

At this point, God reminds Assyrian leadership of his boastful and arrogant attitude. Calno, Carchemish, Hamath, Arpad, Samaria, and Damascus are city states that were conquered by the Assyrian Empire (NET Bible). Assyrian leadership is reminding God of their resume. They have handled these places in the past and they can handle Jerusalem.

“We have conquered powers greater than Israel and little Jerusalem,” Assyria. They are effectively telling God that He cannot stop Assyria. This is a shot at God’s sovereignty and power. Assyria has handled other countries and their “gods”. We can handle Jerusalem and their “god”. We, Assyria are in control. This is the mindset.

This also speaks to how Assyria saw Israel. They saw Israel as a nation who worshipped idols. They did not see Israel as a country who was worshipping God of the Bible.

Assyria did not ultimately realize they were going up against the Creator. God is in charge and Assyria is in the palm of God’s hand.

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