Archive for Isaiah 17

Where Is the World Headed??? Bernie Dahl

Posted in #PaulthePoke, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 28, 2021 by paulthepoke

In this topsy turvy world we live in today, where is our world headed? The best source to find that answer is the Bible, God’s communication to future generations of man.

Throughout the Old Testament there are more than 100 prophecies that foretold of a savior coming to earth to redeem man. Yet, all these prophecies were ignored by God’s own people.

However, Magi from Babylon, who had the history of Daniel teaching them, came looking for the Messiah. They were sure had been born.

In our lifetime, at least mine, we have seen the Children of Israel returned to their land in 1948 after 1,900+ years of exile. During most of that time, the Promised Land where their ancestors had lived for several thousand years had become a barren wasteland. But today, it is very productive in unbelievable ways.

photo: Wikimedia, Damascus

Are there prophecies told to us in the Bible that are yet unfulfilled? Yes. Let me give you a few.

Currently, the city of Damascus is the oldest continuously populated city having been in existence for more than 3,000 years. Yet Isaiah 17:2 tells us it will be destroyed and never again inhabited. Could this happen in our lifetime? Very possibly Yes. What is in the news almost weekly in the Middle East? Iran is shipping weapons to the Damascus airport to be further transported to it’s proxy countries bordering Israel. What is Israel doing? The munitions barely arrive before Israel destroys them. Think. When, not if, Iran develops an atomic bomb and brings it to Damascus to use against Israel. What is going to happen? Bingo! See, the makings of the fulfillment of this prophecy are clearly possible in our lifetime.

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Next, let me ask you what three Middle Eastern countries have troops in Syria on the border of Israel today? Russia, Iran and Turkey. You say yes. But, one is atheist; one is Sunni; and one is Shiite Muslim. So what do they have in common?

While once again what does our Bible, God’s word to mankind, tells us? In Ezekiel chapters 38 snd 39, we are told these three countries are going to come against Israel to take spoils and No nation will come to Israel’s aid.

Israel, besides it’s great agricultural products, has recently found abundant oil and natural gas reserves that are huge. Something that Russia dearly desire to have.

Until very recent times, you would say that of course America will come to Israel’s aid. However, it is very obvious that America’s current administration will never come to Israel’s aid.

So where does that put us? Once again, very clearly, this prophecy foretold by God to the prophets some 3,000 years ago has a very, very high potential of being fulfilled, not only in our lifetime, but virtually at any day now.

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Will these things happen before the “Church” is taken home to be with God in the pre-Tribulation Rapture? We. Don’t know. The Rapture could happen first or these prophecies could be fulfilled first. BUT, one thing is almost certain. These events are not years and years away. Clearly, they are most likely going to happen within the lifetime of the majority of the people alive today.

The question you must ask yourself, “What is my standing with God?”

At the final judgment day, will God welcome you to Heaven?

Or will He say, “Depart from Me, I never knew you?”

Predestined With Free Will: Nations and Their Foreign Policy

Posted in Jude, Prophecy with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 19, 2019 by paulthepoke

Psalm 115:2-3 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.

God claims He is the One who controls the destiny of nations and history. He is the ultimate authority.

Do politicians and countries choose their foreign policy? Sure they do. Countries make strategic decisions and direction. In today’s world, we are currently watching politicians discuss “peace and security in the Middle East”. Do you think world leaders are consulting God and His will in their potential actions? Do world leaders even consider God as they plot their course?

Will nations be held accountable for their decisions and how they relate to God’s chosen people? Yes they will. God will have a response.

Isaiah 17:12-13 Ah, the thunder of many peoples; they thunder like the thundering of the sea! Ah, the roar of nations; they roar like the roaring of mighty waters! The nations rumble on like the rumbling of many waters, But He will rebuke them and they will flee far away, and be chased like chaff in the mountains before the wind, or like whirling dust before a gale.

The attitude exhibited in Isaiah 17 is consistent with today’s world leaders. They talk tough and threaten each other with guaranteed destruction. Nations impose economic sanctions and create various trade deals with their partners. Their design is to protect their interests and inflict hardship on their adversaries. Israel’s enemies threaten to shove the Jews into the Mediterranean on a daily basis. Kingdoms against kingdoms are promising to blow the hell out of each other.

Despite all these human instruments of death and tragedy, God compares the nations and their bravado to chaff and dust. He is the wind. God is the gale. Chaff and dust have no control. These light weight particles are at the mercy of air currents. He is the wind who steers the nations. To quote the song from Kansas, “All we are is dust in the wind.”

Nuclear weapons and 21st century instruments of warfare are no match for God and His plan for history. Humans love thumping their chests and showing off their explosive toys. Which country can bring about the most destruction? These are ultimately no match. God will preserve Israel.

Isaiah 54:15-17 If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from Me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from Me, declares the LORD.

In Psalm 79, we see this mindset in the world today. People question whether or not there is a god let alone the God of the Bible. A time is coming when the world will question Israel whether or not their God is real. But, God will respond.

Psalm 79:10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes!

Damascus International Airport Targeted, January 2019

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , on January 11, 2019 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 49:27 And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad.

January 11, 2019: Damascus International Airport has been the target of incoming missiles. Syria is claiming Israel has fired multiple missiles on the airport. Syria claims to have shot down the majority of incoming missiles. However, Syria reports “material damage” has been done to a warehouse.

Israel is quiet…

This is a developing story…

See the link below for geography and analysis.

click on video link for additional geography and analysis.

Israel Strikes Targets Near Damascus Airport, December 2018

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Persia/Elam/Iran, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , on December 27, 2018 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 49:27 And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad.

December 27, 2018: Israel recently destroyed Iranian targets west of Damascus. Satellite images from ImageSat International have been posted.

The attack appears to have occurred from near or over Lebanese air space.

See video link below for additional local geography and analysis.

It would appear an Iranian warehouse at the Syrian Army’s 4th Division is no more. The base was west of Damascus. Allegedly, rockets were stored at the former base.

Satellite images indicated the Damascus International Airport was not hit and did not sustain damage.

Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov stated the Syrian air defense forces shot down 14 of the 16 Israel guided bombs.

Russia stated they were “very concerned” and called the actions “provocative”.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/photos-said-to-show-iranian-warehouse-flattened-by-israeli-strike-in-syria/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-46682666

Trend Update: Russia’s S300 Missiles to Syria??? April 2018

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , on April 25, 2018 by paulthepoke

Ezekiel 38:4 And 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 clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords.

The context of the verse God is talking to Gog of Magog. Gog is the leader of what many scholars and historians believe to be modern day Russia. See the link below for detailed analysis.

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

Click on the video link below for additional analysis.

The focus of the verse is the size of the army arrayed by Gog.

…and all your army…The Hebrew word for “all” is kol. Simply put, it means the whole or all of the army.

It is stated a second time, all of them clothed in full armor…Again it is the term kol in the Hebrew. This group is well dressed and has provision to fight. Their gear is “splendid” or miklol. This word could be translated as perfection or gorgeous. The army looks impressive.

A third time, the army is described as a great host. They are rab in the Hebrew which can be stated as much, many, or great.

And finally a fourth time, all of themYes, it is the word kol. This is emphasized four times. This is a massive army that is well armed and prepared to attack and defend. Definitions provided by Strong’s Concordance.

Syria S300 Sputnik

photo: Sputnik International

April 24, 2018: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of Russia has challenged reports Moscow will deliver to Syria the S-300 missile defense system “soon”.

“We know what President Vladimir Putin said. He has discussed such matters with an official of our Defense Ministry from the standpoint of preventing a situation where Syria might turn out insufficiently prepared for aggressive attacks, like the one that occurred on April 14. It remains to be seen what decisions will be made by the Russian leadership and Syrian officials.” – Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Russia claims they have not made a decision on delivery to Syria…yet.

If Russia were to send the S-300 missile system to Syria, the defense system would be FREE to President Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian Government. Hypothetically, the missiles would be to defend Damascus and Syrian air bases. The Russians are thinking out loud if anyone is listening.

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 49:27 And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad.

 

Russia has outfitted Syria with old Soviet equipment.

Russian Main Operational Directorate Sergei Rudskoy said, “In the past year and a half Russia has fully restored Syria’s air-defense system and continues to further upgrade it.”

The Russians also had these comments for Israel.

“Experts believe that the reaction of the Israeli military to such a move will be predictably negative and do not exclude attacks on their locations. If Israel decides to carry out rocket strikes on the deployment locations of the S-300, the consequences will be catastrophic for all sides.” -Russian Defense Spokesman

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Russia-to-move-defenses-to-Syria-soon-warns-Israel-against-attack-552503

 

Gog’s army continues the build…

Damascus has a date with destiny…

 

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Trend Update: Israel Hammers Syrian Air Base, April 2018

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 9, 2018 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.

Isaiah 17:9 In that day their strong cities will be like the deserted places of the wooded heights and the hilltops, which they deserted because of the children of Israel, and there will be desolation.

See video link below for geography and additional analysis.

April 9, 2018: Russia is upset with Israel over a missile strike in the heart of Syria. Previously, Russia has been silent with previous Israeli intervention in Syria. Reports out of Syria indicate 14 were killed in the strike including Iranians.

The strike took place at the Tiyas air base. The T4 air base is near Palmyra. The event took place at 4 a.m.

tiyas T4

Wikimapia

Many think the missiles were a response to a Syrian poison gas attack held in east Damascus over the weekend. At least 40 people were killed.

“This is a very dangerous development. I hope at least that the US military and those of the countries participating in the coalition led by the United States understand that,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

 

On a curious note, some local sources are indicating Russian staff was tipped to the attack. See the tweet below from a journalist.

“Security sources tell me Russian advisors left Tayfour airbase last night, they were forewarned about the airstrikes.”

https://twitter.com/BrowneGareth/status/983246544462909441

 

Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad is blaming Israel.

The United States has maintained innocence. France says they did not do anything.

Israel has not commented on the incident. But the following statements were made.

“In Syria many forces, from various bodies and coalitions, are operating. Each one says what it says and denies what it denies. We have clear interests in Syria and we set red lines. We will not allow weapons to pass from Syria to Lebanon, and we will not allow the establishment of an Iranian base.” Construction Minister Yoav Galant, Israeli Security Cabinet. He is a former IDF Major General.

“There’s no need to run and tell your friends or to take responsibility. Whoever needs to understand will understand,” Former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-syria-blame-israel-for-deadly-strike-on-syrian-air-base/

 

Ezekiel 38:2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him…”

For details linking ancient Magog to modern day Russia, see the link below.

https://godinanutshell.com/2017/08/04/ezekiel-38-who-is-magog/

April 9, 2018: Russia has expressed concern over Israel’s tactics near the Gaza Strip. Russia calls the military application an “indiscriminate use of force against the civilian population.”

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Russia-says-Israeli-use-of-force-against-Palestinians-unacceptable-549258

Russia is now starting to bark about Israeli military intervention.

 

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Trend Update: East Damascus Escalates, February 2018

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , on February 20, 2018 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 49:27 And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad.

February 20, 2018: East Damascus/Ghouta…Hundreds of civilians have been killed with the “extreme escalation” in bombing. The United Nations has claimed the situation is “spiraling out of control”.

Click on video for geography and analysis.

A couple of days ago, social media users were reporting increased troop activity in eastern Damascus. It turns out those reports were accurate.

Hospitals and civil services have been targeted.

Eastern Ghouta is home to approximately 400,000 residents. The area is occupied by rebels opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Syrian rebel leader Nasr al-Hariri has called the hostilities “war crimes”.

Al-Assad government officials state they only target military sites.

“The warplanes are not leaving the sky at all…” Siraj Mahmoud, a civil defense spokesman in Ghouta

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/more-bombs-hit-syrias-ghouta-after-heaviest-death-toll-in-years-idUSKCN1G40N8

The wall in Damascus is standing as it has been for thousands of years…for now.

 

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Available in ebook and paperback at Amazon.com

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Trend Update: Turkey’s Operation Olive Branch, February 2018

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Ezekiel 38-39, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 11, 2018 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.

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).

Ezekiel 38:1-3 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, and prophesy against him and say, thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, 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.

For research linking Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Beth-Togarmah to modern day Turkey, click the link below.

https://godinanutshell.com/2017/08/08/ezekiel-38-who-are-meshech-tubal-gomer-beth-togarmah/

For geography and additional analysis, see the video link below. Photo: Getty Images

February 2018: President Recep Erdogan of Turkey has launched Operation Olive Branch. Turkey is looking to rid the region of terrorism. Turkey has crossed into northern Syria to do their bidding. The object of the operation is the Kurdish population. Turkey has indicated they prefer the Kurds east of the Euphrates River.

“One of our helicopters was downed just recently. These things will happen, we are in a war. (We) might lose a helicopter. (They) pay a heavy price.”

Erdogan is looking to expand further to the south in Syria. He is not finished in Afrin.

“We want our Syrian brothers and sisters to return to their land, and now we want to do the same in Idlib what we have done in Afrin.”

https://www.rt.com/news/418412-turkish-helicopter-downed-operation/

Turkish fighter jets are being seen all over the Afrin region.

Turkey has at least 3 observation posts west of Aleppo. Two other posts are located south of Aleppo towards Hamah.

Multiple posts on social media have indicated video of Turkish convoys in the Idlib region in and around Saraqib.

Turkey is moving south into Syria towards Israel.

 

Trend Update: Israel Smokes Iranian Drone, F-16 Shot Down, February 2018

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 10, 2018 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.

Isaiah 17:9 In that day their strong cities will be like the deserted places of the wooded heights and the hilltops, which they deserted because of the children of Israel, and there will be desolation.

Military operations and tensions are escalating quickly in the Golan Heights and Damascus, Syria.

Damascus is taking serious Israeli fire. Syria has responded by firing missiles into Israel. Defense sirens were blaring in the Golan Heights region as a result.

See video link below for geography and additional analysis.

Israel is claiming to have launched an offensive into Syria which includes 12 targets (3 Syrian SA5 and SA17 air defense batteries, 4 Iranian targets). The IDF is tweeting about the response. See the link below for tweets related to the incident.

Jonathan Conricus is the Spokesman & Head of Social Media of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

https://twitter.com/LTCJonathan

 

Israel has released video of shooting down an Iranian drone. The IDF claims the Iranian drone breeched Israeli airspace. Armored personnel operating the drone were destroyed as well. Israel reports the activity took place at 4:30 a.m. from an Apache attack helicopter. See the link below with video of the drone and personnel destruction.

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/WATCH-Israel-downs-Iranian-drone-destroys-its-operating-base-542213

Iran is denying the claim Israel shot down one of their drones. Iran states the notion is “ridiculous”.

F16 Debka

Photo: Debka

An Israeli F-16 has been shot down during the incident. The F-16 remains are located near a village in Harduf. The area has been secured for investigation.The pilots ejected from the fighter jet. One pilot is in serious but stable condition. The other pilot sustained mild injuries.

“Iran and Syria are playing with fire. The results of our strikes are not yet fully known to them (Iran), and they may be surprised when they discover what we targeted,” IDF Brigadier General Ronen Manelis.

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israeli-Air-Force-strikes-Iranian-targets-in-Syria-542191

 

Hezbollah has issued a statement indicating a “new strategic phase” in response to Israel. Hezbollah is believed to possess 130,000 to 150,000 short, medium, and long-range missiles. These include the M-600 missiles with a range of about 300 kilometers (180 miles) and a 450-500 kilogram warhead; plus the Syrian B302 missiles with a range of about 100 kilometers (60 miles) and a 175kg warhead.

“Today’s developments mean the old equations have categorically ended.”

 

Hamas has issued a declaration placing their military wing on high alert.

“The al-Qassam brigades announce high alert among members in order to defend against any Zionist aggression.”

http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Rockets-missiles-and-more-Predicting-the-third-Lebanon-war-542171

Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel was closed for about 15-20 minutes. Services have been restored to normal operation.

Russia is requesting all parties involved to show restraint.

http://www.jpost.com/

 

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https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Rapture+Bride+Redeemed

Also available online at Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Inktera

Trend Update: Israel Strikes SCUD Targets East of Damascus, January 2018

Posted in Burden of Damascus, Prophecy, Trend Update with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 9, 2018 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.

January 9, 2018: Syria is claiming Israel has fired missiles from fighter jets at targets northeast of Damascus. Surface to surface missiles were fired from the Golan Heights area. Targets appeared to be related to scud missiles near the town of al-Qutayfah, Syria.

The incidents took place at approximately 2:00-3:00 in the morning.

Syria says that Israel is “fully responsible” for the military action.

Damascus is upset with Israel “as Israel does not announce their raids against Syrian targets.”

“The Israeli aggression affirms again the support of the occupying entity to terrorist organizations in Syria and its desperate attempts to raise their morale after the painful blows they received in Harasta in eastern Ghouta in Damascus countryside and the sweeping victories the Syrian Arab Army is achieving in Idlib.” -Syrian Army Spokesman

Syria is claiming to have hit an Israeli jet and intercepted incoming missiles…allegedly.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has sent a letter to the United Nations (UN). Syria warned Israel had better stop the aggression. Excerpts from the letter indicated the following…

“Israel’s aggressive attitude will lead to a regional conflagration and further exacerbate the situation. This is in order to support terror and perpetuate the occupation of Arab lands. The repeated Israeli strikes on Syria will not succeed in protecting terror organizations of Israel’s that are used as its agents, with the heads being ISIS and the Al-Nusra Front.”

“The Syrian government will repeat its warning to Israel of the serious consequences of striking Syria and the continued support to armed terror movements, and it holds it responsible. The Security Council must condemn the Israeli strikes and take steps to stop its aggression.” President al-Assad letter to UN

 

The Israeli Defense Forces have not publicly commented. It should be noted that Israel has admitted to hitting over 100 Hezbollah convoys and military targets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated the Jewish state will strike when “we have information and operational feasibility.”

https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5068669,00.html

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Syrian-army-claims-Israel-struck-targets-near-Damascus-in-overnight-raids-533211

 

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