Genesis 2:14 The name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
Humanity began in the Garden of Eden and one of the four rivers mentioned was the Euphrates. Thousands of years later, the Euphrates River is still relevant. What once was a garden is now a desolate battlefield.
June 19, 2017: The backlash from the downing of Syrian SU 22 fighter jet has begun. Russia has literally drawn a line in the sand in the Middle East. The line is the Euphrates River.
“Any aircraft, including planes and drones belonging to the international coalition operating west of the Euphrates River, will be tracked by Russian anti-aircraft forces in the sky and on the ground and treated as targets.” Russian Defense Ministry
Russia has effectively declared a no fly zone from the Euphrates River west to the Mediterranean Sea.
Russia has also suspended communication with United States over the downing of their Russian made plane in Syria.
Russia disputes the United States attempted contact before shooting down the Syrian SU 22 fighter jet. The United States has indicated they attempted to contact the Russians but they did not answer the phone.
The location of the Syrian pilot is unknown. He is reported to have ejected over ISIS held territory.
The Syrian Army has told the United States there will be “dangerous repercussions” for their actions.
“As for what is happening ‘on the ground’ in Syria, we proceed from the assumption that it is necessary to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity in Syria. Therefore, any actions ‘on the ground,’ and there are many participants there, including those who carry out military operations, should be coordinated with Damascus.” Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister
Something is going to give.
“The era of dogfighting is largely over. After the totally lopsided kill-to-loss ratio attained by the US Air Force and US Navy during the First Gulf War (in 1991), it is a very rare thing for regimes under attack by the US and its allies to send fighters up in defense — since they know how it will end.” Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute.
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 forsaken places in the forest, or like branches which they abandoned before the sons of Israel; and the land will be a desolation.
We are watching this happen. There is fighting in every nook and cranny of Syria.
June 18, 2017: A United States F 18 Super Hornet has shot down a pro Assad Syrian SU 22. This marks the first time an American jet has shot down a Syrian government jet in the recent conflict. Tensions in the area have escalated.
The event took place near Tabqa, Syria near the Euphrates/Tabqa Dam on the Euphrates River. The Pentagon reports the Syrian SU 22 bombed US supported forces near Tabqa. The US has stated it acted in “collective self-defense of coalition partnered forces”.
Before the Syrian plane was shot down, the coalition “contacted its Russian counterparts by telephone via an established ‘de-confliction line’ to de-escalate the situation and stop the firing.” Pentagon statement.
“The coalition’s mission is to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The coalition does not seek to fight Syrian regime, Russian or pro-regime forces partnered with them, but will not hesitate to defend coalition or partner forces from any threat.” -Pentagon Spokesman
This area near Tabqa was recently held by ISIS. US backed Kurdish forces have removed ISIS from the area. Kurdish forces are primarily Sunni Muslims and backed by the United States.
To the west a few miles, Syrian government forces of the Assad regime have removed ISIS from their area. Syrian government forces are Shia Muslims and they are supported by the Russians.
As ISIS has been removed from the area in Syria, Kurdish Sunni forces and Assad’s Shia forces are clashing. The two Muslim forces are proxies for both the United States and Russia.
Clashes are emerging in areas across Syria due to the removal of ISIS. Struggle for power of the lands is occurring. Different groups of people want to rule the land where ISIS previously held control. Most of these fights are occurring across Shia and Sunni lines.
Jeremiah 46:10 That day is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, to avenge Himself on His foes. The sword shall devour and be sated and drink its fill of their blood. For the Lord GOD of hosts holds a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
The context of Jeremiah 46 is the pending judgment of Egypt at the hands of Babylon’s Nebuchadnezzar. Egypt and Babylon were the world powers of their day. History shows that Egypt received their judgment per the prophet at the hands of the Babylonians. The area discussed is near ancient Carchemish on the Euphrates River. This is the modern day area of the northern part of Lake Assad on the Euphrates in Syria.
Today in the 21st century, military conflict is taking place again on the Euphrates River. The same areas on the Euphrates River are the source of major conflict. As in the past, fighting started near the Syrian/Turkish border and moved south along the river. Operation Euphrates Wrath has moved east to the city of Raqqa, Syria.
June 6, 2017: The battle to remove ISIS from Raqqa, Syria has begun. The United States is supporting the Kurds and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
“We declare today the beginning of the great battle to liberate the city of Raqqa, the alleged capital of terrorism and terrorists. Morale is high and military readiness to implement the military plan is complete, in coordination with the US-led coalition,” Talal Sillo, spokesman for the SDF.
As the campaign into Raqqa begins, the terrorist group Hezbollah from Lebanon is threatening the United States. The US is being warned not to cross “red lines”.
For the second time in less than three weeks, the US has bombed Iranian supported forces in southern Syria.
“Despite previous warnings, pro-regime forces entered the agreed-upon de-confliction zone with a tank, artillery, anti-aircraft weapons, armed technical vehicles and more than 60 soldiers,” US coalition forces.
The US is also suspected of bombing a van near Deir el-Zour, Syria.
Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan is also warning the United States.
“Those who justify terrorist organizations for the sake of their regional policies by depicting them as militia, instead of taking a decisive stance, will soon realize they made a vital mistake,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has accused the United States of violating International Law with the military strikes.
In the past, King Josiah of Israel wanted to intervene in the conflict in 2 Chronicles 35:20-27. King Neco of Egypt warned Josiah not to intervene. Josiah did not listen and met his end. The location was a place called Megiddo…
2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless, Josiah did not turn away from him, but disguised himself in order to fight with him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but came to fight in the plain of Megiddo.
The next time a Jewish king intervenes in a war in Meggido, the result will be quite different.
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.
“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.
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…
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.
The Tabqa Dam is also known as the Euphrates Dam. It is an earthen dam 25 miles west of Raqqa, Syria. Raqqa is the proclaimed capital of ISIS. Lake Assad was created when the Euphrates Dam was constructed. The dam provides electricity and water resources to the region. -Wikipedia
March 26, 2017: There are conflicting reports about the status of the Tabqa or Euphrates Dam. ISIS is stating the dam is on the verge of collapse. Water is reportedly rising in Lake Assad due to dam malfunction. ISIS is stating the United States is bombing near the dam. Bombing raids have weakened the Euphrates Dam per ISIS. The United States is denying the claim. News sources have been unable to validate the ISIS claims.
People in Tabqa and Raqqa, Syria are heeding the warning. Thousands of people are fleeing the cities down river of the Tabqa Dam.
At this time, it is not clear who is in control of the Euphrates Dam.
This is clear. The Tabqa Military Base and Airport are under the control of Kurdish forces. This has occurred within the last day (March 26, 2017). The Tabqa Military Base is located 3-5 miles south of the Euphrates Dam. The Kurdish forces have been supported by the United States. The United States has provided air support and special forces.
Revelation 16:12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.
Scripture tells us towards the end of the great tribulation the Euphrates River will go dry. This is the last series of bowl judgments. It does not specifically say where on the Euphrates. It would stand to reason it would be south of this location.
Presumably the kings of the east would be China but that is speculation based on Revelation 9:16 The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.
Currently, there is only one country on earth that fits this army size…China.
The context of Revelation 9 and Revelation 16 have these two items in common, the Euphrates River and a massive army.
As for now, we are not in the tribulation. But the Euphrates River is in the world’s news and trending…
January 5, 2017: There seems to be growing concern and speculation regarding Turkey instituting Martial Law. Below is a tweet by Vocal Europe that has been removed in Turkey. Vocal Europe is a Brussels-based European Magazine.
Turkish government is reportedly to declare ‘Martial Law’ after ongoing ‘state of emergency’ according to @thevocaleurope.
This tweet has been removed in Turkey. But, it is available on Twitter outside of Turkey.
In an article released on January 5, 2017, The American Enterprise Institute is raising the question of Martial Law in Turkey.
Turkey’s government for its part is denying the claim of initiating Martial Law.
Currently the top trending item on Twitter in Turkey is “close Incirlik”.
Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalın made the following statement, “Turkey has the right to shut down Incirlik Air Base. We always have this right. But as I said, first the conditions should be evaluated. We have the right of disposition as part of Turkey’s sovereign right.”
Incirlik Air Base allegedly is home to 50-90 nuclear weapons belonging to the United States. It is unclear if the weapons remain in Turkey or if the nukes have been moved to Romania. The Incirlik air base is home to United States and NATO air forces.
Turkey is not happy with the amount of United States support in the fight against ISIS or Daesh (Turkey’s reference). They want more air support in Operation Euphrates Shield. Turkey continues to send military convoys into Al Rai, Syria to assist with Euphrates Shield.
“What purpose are you serving if you do not provide aerial support against DEASH in the most sensitive operation for us?” Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.
Turkey says they would not allow a terrorist group to form in the region.
President Erdogan wants Fetullah Gulen extradited from the United States. Gulen is thought to be the driving force of the attempted coup in the summer of 2016.
“The terrorist leader freely threatens Turkey, gives instructions, and sends messages from there. Unfortunately, we have not seen any support from the [Obama] administration about this. They tell us to give positive messages about anti-Americanism in Turkey, but I do not know what to say,” Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.
Turkey states they are having a “confidence crisis” with the United States.
The economic background of all of this is the tanking Turkish Lira. Today the Lira hit an all-time low against the US dollar (3.6082 a dollar). The strong US dollar is crushing the Turkish economy driving the price of basic staples higher for locals in Turkey. The people are suffering from inflation.
Scripture says Turkey is a player in the Ezekiel 38-39 scenario, the Gog and Magog war and invasion of Israel. There have been many twists and turns regarding Turkey since the summer of 2016.
For Scripture support indicating Meshech, Beth-Togarmah, Tubal, and Gomer being modern day Turkey, see the link below.
Zechariah 12:9 And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
Zechariah 12:3 It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.
December 28, 2016: As of the posting of this article, the 2,500 year old prophetic last sentence of Zechariah 12:3 (And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it) is a true statement. All the governments of the world, including the current government of the United States, are against Israel.
The United Nations recently voted against the Israeli construction of neighborhoods and settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. The vote was 14-0. The following countries voted against Israel: New Zealand, Senegal, Britain, France, Russia, China, Japan, Ukraine, Angola, Egypt, Uruguay, Venezuela, Malaysia, and Spain.
The United States could have blocked the resolution by voting no. Instead, the United States Ambassador abstained in voting. This allowed for passage of the resolution. This is the first time since Israel became a nation in 1948 the United States did not support Israel.
In response Israel has recalled ambassadors to Senegal and New Zealand. Israel has also limited a working relationship with the other countries except Venezuela and Malaysia.
Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claim President Obama was behind the drafting of the UN resolution against Israel. Israel states Obama was the force behind “ganging up” on Israel at the UN.
A spokesman for Israel David Keyes made the following claim, “We have rather iron clad information from sources in both the Arab world and internationally that this was a deliberate push by the United States and in fact they helped create the resolution in the first place.”
Israel Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer further stated, “We will present this evidence to the new administration through the appropriate channels. If they want to share it with the American people, they are welcome to do it.”
John F. Kerry has been the Secretary of State since February 2013. Multiple attempts to secure peace in the Middle East have been a failure during his tenure. Now with roughly three weeks left in the Obama Presidency, Secretary Kerry has a vision for peace.
Secretary John Kerry believes “the two state Israel/Palestine peace solution is in jeopardy.”
Secretary Kerry stated the framework for peace lies in the Oslo Accords. The Oslo Accords were based on the Camp David Accords in 1978 under the Jimmy Carter Administration. The Oslo Accords were signed in 1993 and 1995 during the Bill Clinton Administration.
Kerry was highly critical and scolding of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. He stated the Israeli construction of settlements in “occupied territories” is a threat to peace. The Secretary denied United States involvement in the drafting of the recent UN resolution against Israel.
Secretary Kerry finished his remarks with a six principle plan and framework for Middle East Peace and a two state solution for Israel and a future Palestine.
“No American administration has done more for Israel’s security than Barack Obama’s,’’ John Kerry.
The nations of the world are desperate to force the issue with Israel and the Palestinians. The United Nations knows time is short before the swearing in of Donald Trump as President of the United States on January 20, 2017.
Five days before President Trump would take control…on January 15, 2017 France is scheduled to hold a Middle East peace conference in Paris. Representatives from seventy (70) countries are scheduled to attend.
If seventy nations rings a bell, see Genesis 10-11 and the original table of nations. This is the original UN emerging from the Tower of Babel, seventy countries.
“January 15 is the date that has been fixed and 70 countries are invited. We are not going to give up now.” – Jean-Marc Ayrault, French spokesman
Israel and Palestine representatives will meet separately after the meeting. Israel prefers direct negotiations with Palestine.
We cannot continue to let Israel be treated with such total disdain and disrespect. They used to have a great friend in the U.S., but…….not anymore. The beginning of the end was the horrible Iran deal, and now this (U.N.)! Stay strong Israel, January 20th is fast approaching!
Israel is becoming more and more isolated on the international stage.
Obadiah 1:15 For the day of the Lord draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head.
Ezra 1:1-2 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:
Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah…
November 10, 2016: The Jewish Sanhedrin is calling on Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to come together and rebuild the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin is encouraging the two leaders to act as modern-day Cyrus figures: non-Jewish kings who recognize the importance of Israel and the Temple.
“The leaders of Russia and America can lead the nations of the world to global peace through building the Temple, the source of peace,” Rabbi Weiss, the Sanhedrin Spokesman.
The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 is a public law of the United States. The law was passed by the 104th Congress on October 23, 1995. The law states the United States Embassy in Israel should be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The law states Jerusalem is to be an undivided city. Jerusalem is recognized as the capital of Israel. Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama have opposed the law because of national security concerns. This law was to be enacted by May 31, 1999.
November 10, 2016: President elect Trump had stated on the campaign trail he wished to enact this law.
David Friedman co-chair of Trump’s Israel Advisory Committee stated, “It was a campaign promise and there is every intention to keep it. We are going to see a very different relationship between America and Israel in a positive way.”
Jewish leaders like Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely are calling on Trump to move quickly with the relocation of the embassy.
Friedman further elaborated the following. “The level of friendship between the U.S. and Israel is going to grow like never before, and it will be better than ever, even the way it was under Republican administrations in the past.”
“The hostility will be gone between Israel and the U.S. We know how Obama treated the prime minister of Israel and how [Hillary] Clinton berated the prime minister… We will move forward with mutual respect and mutual love and a much better future for the U.S. and Israel.”
In 2012, Putin visited Jerusalem for a third official visit. On a late night visit to the Western Wall, Putin was respectfully silent, prayed, and read Psalms. In response to a greeting from an Israeli citizen, Putin discussed the importance of the Temple Mount and the Jewish Temple.
“That’s exactly the reason I came here, to pray for the Temple to be built again,” Vladimir Putin.
In his first year of his leadership, King Cyrus called on the Jewish people to go home and rebuild their Temple. The Sanhedrin is calling on President Trump in his first year and for Vladimir Putin to push for the rebuilding of the Temple.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
