This study describes the signs of the End Times, what has to be in place and the order of events both before and after Ya`akov’s Troubles (The Great Tribulation).
It does not discuss the events of Ya`akov’s Troubles.
Present Age – signs of the times p1;
relativism p2;
usurped p3 – artificial creation of life p3, 3-parent technology p3, man-made cells p4;
Timing of death – abortion p4, euthanasia p4;
Wars – global p6, internecine p6, terrorism and rumours p6;
Earthquakes and famine p7;
Weather catastrophes p7;
Diseases – agricultural p8, livestock p8, human epi- and pandemics p9, pithovirus p9;
Pestilence p9 – rats, insects;
Days of Noach (Noah p10);
21st. Century paradigm p13;
UFOs p13;
Yisra`el ingathering – Operations Flying Carpet and Shlomo (Solomon) p14, in unbelief and in belief p15;
One World Church – dangers of Ecumenicalism p16, Nicolaitans p16, modern day Izevel (Jezebel) p19;
Return of Messiah – in the Clouds p25; Snatching Away (Rapture) p25;
Timing of Messiah’s birth p26;
The Two Witnesses p29
Ferrari Concept of Biblical study: how to read and study scripture p29;
Abomination That Causes Desolation who or what is the cause p32;
Temple/Tabernacle/Sanctuary – how these are mistakenly interchanged p35; Temples – First, Second, Yesha`yahu’s (Isaiah’s) unsanctioned, Yechezk`el’s (Ezekiel’s) Third p35;
Preparation – what non-Believers do p37, what Believers must do p38
Ya`akov’s Troubles (Great Tribulation) begin p42- a brief chronology of the 7 years; when p43, why p45, who p47, where p47 but not what:
Return of Messiah to earth (Second Coming p47):
Daniy`els (Daniel’s) 45 days p51:
Millennial Kingdom p52:
Beginning of eternity p55:
References p56:
The End Times/Eschatology
Part III (Judgement)
Ya`akov’s Troubles Begin
“But you, Daniyel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Dan. 12:4). In his role as Chief Administrator, Dani`el was well accustomed to the king signing a decree that once sealed could not be changed (Dan. 6:8, 15). However, events could conspire to overturn this i.e. the king’s death or the nation being invaded. This is kal v`chomer (light to heavy) in that if an earthly king’s decree could not be changed, how much more so will the Heavenly King’s decree, once sealed, come to pass. The decrees were not to be opened by just anyone, but the person had to have a position of authority in order to speak as the king. “They sang a new song, saying, ‘You are worthy to take the book, And to open its seals: For you were killed, And bought us for יְהֹוָה with your blood, Out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,’” (Rev. 5:9). “For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, He gave me a command, what I should say, and what I should speak.” (John 12:49). Messiah Yehshuah has been given such authority.
The Tribulation or Trib. / Ya’akov’s (Jacob’s) Trouble is highly symbolised and a great deal of time, space and effort has been taken on this subject. Care should be taken in the study of the Book of Revelation. “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1.3). There are blessings to those who read it out aloud and to those who hear it. “If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may יְהֹוָה take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the set apart city, which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:19). However, there are also curses to those who add or take away from the Book.
This study will not go into the details of ‘what’ but will be limited to the following questions:
When?
Why?
Who?
Where?
When?
“He shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease; and on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate; and even to the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out on the desolate.” (Dan. 9:27). Dani`el’s 70th. week will be split in to two equal halves. For the first half of the final ‘week’, the Abomination has tricked the people, but this is not a direct
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insult to יְהֹוָה `Elohim. If Messiah returns at סֻכּוֹת Sukkot, 42 months later would take it up to Pesach [Passover] when the Abomination that causes desolation would occur with the Abomination stopping the sacrifices and desecrates the Kadosh Kadoshim. To have the maximum impact on the people, the desolation of the Kadosh Kadoshim would take place during the Feast of Pesach. 42 months later would bring it around to Sukkot again. Year 0 Messiah comes in the clouds – Year 31/2 Abomination desecrates – Year 7 Messiah returns to Mt. Olivet. (Refer to The Return of Messiah below).
“You shall make the fiftieth year set apart, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all the inhabitants of it: it shall be a jubilee to you; and you shall return every man to his possession, and you shall return every man to his family.” (Lev. 25:10). Jubilee #H3104 יוֹבֵל yovel is the celebration of the seventh שמיטה shmita (seven year land Shabbat or sabbatical) plus one year. It is a release from all debts and all land sold and bought in the previous forty nine years is to revert back to its original owners. This was to ensure that the land kept in the possession of the original tribe assigned by יְהֹוָה. It can only be proclaimed by the Sanhedrin. It is my belief that Messiah will return on the first day of Sukkot during the Yovel. The word yovel comes from a Hebrew root word #H2986 יָבַל yaval that has the meaning of to be carried away or to be lead forth from captivity in Babylon (BDB). When the Messiah returns in the clouds, He will lead forth His people from captivity.
Depending upon a person’s opinion as to when all debts are to be cancelled, the Yovel may be when the Messiah returns in the clouds or at His steeping back onto earth. If the latter is the case, then the return in the clouds will be a shmittah year. Another possible root for יוֹבֵל *835e yobel is of the ram’s horn that is used to announce the yobel year. The more common word for the instrument is #H7782 שׁוֹפָר shophar *2449c shopar. These words yobel and shophar can be interchanged (cf Exod. 19:13, 16) but the ram’s horn was used as a signaling device and there is no biblical indication, if any, that different notes, styles, lengths etc. were used to announce the Yobel Year. However, from the shophar blast of the seventh Shemmitah Year onwards, there would have been a heightened awareness of the approaching Yobel Year.
“However on the tenth day of this seventh month is Yom Kippur: it shall be a set apart convocation to you, and you shall afflict yourselves; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the יְהֹוָה.” (Lev. 23:27). כִּפֻּר יוֹם #H3117+#H3725 Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is the day of personal and national repentance where all Yisra`el cry out to יְהֹוָה for forgiveness. “Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against you, and cast your law behind their back, and killed your prophets that testified against them to turn them again to you, and they committed awful blasphemies. Therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried to you, you heard from heaven; and according to your manifold mercies you gave them saviours who saved them out of the hand of their adversaries.” (Neh. 9:26, 27).
“Speak to the children of Yisra`el, and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of booths for seven days to the יְהֹוָה.”(Lev. 23:34). Sukkot (also known as The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths) is the feast celebrating יְהֹוָה coming to dwell with is people just after the Exodus. It is my belief the Messiah will return on the first day of this feast in response to Yisra`el’s cry of the previous Yom Kippur.
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My belief is in the following chronology:-
Year 0: Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets); Aseret Yimei T`Shuva (Ten Days of Repentance); Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement); Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), Snatching Away and signing of the 7 Year Covenant of Peace.
Year 31/2: Pesach (Passover); Abomination That Causes Desolation and Ya`akov’s Troubles begin.
Year 7: Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets); Aseret Yimei T`Shuva (Ten Days of Repentance); Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement); Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles); Yovel and Return of Messiah.
“If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years and in the seventh he shall go out free without paying anything.” (Exod. 21:2). Seven years after the Snatching Away, Messiah will return to earth to finally release those ‘slaves’ of the Troubles.
Why?
The word ‘tribulation’ comes from the Latin tribulare meaning to press (as in a wine or olive press) or oppress. From this comes the name of a threshing board or tribulum (www.wordnik.com ) that was a spiked board that was run over the grain to separate the ears from the stalk. “They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Yarden, and there they lamented with a very great and sore lamentation. He mourned for his father seven days.” (Gen. 50:10). All the family of Ya’akov (Jacob/ Yisra`el) leaves Egypt to bury their father. It is a time of great sorrow. As with all biblical references, the first entry has great importance, as is with this reference to threshing/tribulation.
“David’s heart struck him after that he had numbered the people. David said to the יְהֹוָה, I have sinned greatly in that which I have done: but now, יְהֹוָה, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.” (2 Sam. 24:10). Here, King David realises that he has sinned against יְהֹוָה and cries out to Him in repentance. Part of David’s repentance is that he accepts a plague upon his people. Another part is that David buys Aravnah’s threshing floor.
“He said, ‘Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, even Yitz`chak, and go into the land of Moriyah. Offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of.” (Gen. 22:2). Tradition has it that Aravnah’s threshing floor was on Mount Moriah, the exact area that Avraham was prepared to sacrifice Yitz`chak (Isaac). This place was to become the site of the first temple built by David’s son, Shlomo (Solomon). Therefore the place of repentance becomes centred on the Temple Mount. It was common practice for a threshing floor to be located on a hill top as this allows the wind to assist in the winnowing of the grain and chaff. #H7307 רוּחַ ruwach – b)3) wind, breathe of air g) Spirit of יְהֹוָה *2131 ruah wind or breath as in a movement of air, mind After the separation of the ears and stalks, the ears are thrown up so that the wind separates the grain and chaff. “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing floor. He will gather His wheat into the barn, but the chaff He will burn up with unquenchable fire.” (Matt. 3:12). Here the Master describes the separation of the righteous and the wicked as threshing a process aided by the Ruach HaKodesh.
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“Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.” (Judges 10:14 KJV). יְהֹוָה mocks the wicked in that He knows that other gods cannot help them. The wicked made their choice when they went after false gods. By inference, the righteous had also made their choice when they went after Messiah by whom only they can be saved. “יְהֹוָה, in trouble have they visited you; they poured out a prayer when your chastening was on them.” (Isa. 26:16). Whatever the cause, יְהֹוָה was chastising His people who in turn cried out to Him for help. “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matt. 25:46). The Ya`akov’s Troubles are not a form of punishment as punishment occurs only after Judgement.
“For יְהֹוָה so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For יְהֹוָה did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.” (John 3:16, 17). יְהֹוָה spared nothing in order that every person should be saved. “For I do not desire, brothers, to have you ignorant of this mystery, so that you won’t be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Yisra`el, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and so all Yisra`el will be saved…” (Rom. 11:26, 27a).
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of יְהֹוָה our Saviour; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4, 3). From the very moment that Adam sinned, יְהֹוָה initiated His divine plan of salvation. The five Books of Moses (Gen. to Duet.); the Prophets (Joshua to Malachi); the Writings (Psa. to 2 Chrons.); the Good News Accounts (Matt. to John); Acts; the Epistles (Rom. To Jude) and even the Revelation are all salvation documents. Prophetic oracles, Messiah’s birth, ministry, death and resurrection and the lives of untold numbers of saints all testify to the salvation made available to all people. However, it is my belief that the Snatching Away will be the greatest single evangelical not salvation (soteriological) in history event whereby people turn back to יְהֹוָה.
Although the greatest soteriological event must be the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Messiah Yehshuah, the event led immediately to very few people being saved. It did of course prove to be the only event that can bring about salvation. Ya`akov’s Troubles were יְהֹוָה final events to reconcile mankind to Himself but the primary reason was punishment of those who accepted the way of the Adversary in spite of all that has been brought about.
“but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of יְהֹוָה is finished, as He declared to His servants, the prophets.” (Rev. 10:7). Once Messiah returns and steps upon Mount Olives, there will be no other opportunity by which mankind can be saved. “I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness He judges and makes war. He has on His garment and on His thigh a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND MASTER OF MASTERS.” (Rev.19:11, 16). In His mercy, יְהֹוָה returns to earth in the form of Messiah, but
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not as Mashiach ben Yosef (Suffering Servant) but as Mashiach ben David. This signifies the end of Ya`akov’s Troubles.
Who?
“But when in their distress they turned to the יְהֹוָה, the `Elohiym of Yisra`el, and sought Him, He was found of them.” (2 Chron. 15:4). In the passage (2 Chron. 15:1-19) all the peoples of the area are mentioned. Yahudah (Judah) and Binyamin (Benjamin) are the southern tribes created after the rift caused following Shlomo’s (Solomon’s) death. The centre of these two tribes was Yerushalayim (Jerusalem/Zion). This is then followed by Yisra`el representing the remaining ten northern tribes. All the inhabitants of the countries refer to all the surrounding Gentile countries. Imagine a stone being dropped into a pond. The greatest amplitude or force of wave is at the centre of the splash. As the ripples spread out, the amplitude decreases until there is virtually no wave at the extremes. It is my belief that the greatest force of the Troubles are for those inhabitants of Yerushalyim and immediate surrounding areas. These had the greatest part of the Master’s teaching and also the place of His execution. It was and forever will be the place of the spiritual leadership of Isra’el. Thus these people had the greatest revelation and should have behaved in a more righteous manner. However, this does not exclude the other areas and tribes, but the outpouring of יְהֹוָה `Elohim’s wrath is lessened for the Gentile nations.
Where?
“And the first angel went, and poured out his vial upon the earth…” (Rev.16:2a KJV). “And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea…” (Rev.16:3a KJV). “And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.” (Rev. 16:4 KJV). “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.” (Rev. 16:8 KJV). “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast…” (Rev. 16:10a KJV). “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates…” (Rev.16:12a KJV). יְהֹוָה’s wrath is poured out unto the entire world. However, the greatest outpouring will take place at the centre of all Creation, Yersushalayim (Jerusalem).
The Return of Messiah
“Immediately after the troubles of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. He will send out His angels with a great sound of a shofar, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” (Matt. 24:29-31). At the end of the Troubles, there will be two types of people who survived; the nations comprising of all non-Believers and Yisra`el comprising of all Believers, both Jewish and Gentile.
“It will happen in that day, that living waters will go out from Yerushalayim; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea; in summer and in winter will it be. It will happen that everyone who is left of all the nations that came
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against Yerushalayim will go up from year to year to worship the King, יְהֹוָה of Hosts, and to keep the feast of Sukkot.” (Zech. 14:8, 16). In the discussion above on the beginning of the Ya`akov’s Troubles, the cycle of events of Danyiel’s 70th. Week start and end at Sukkot. The prophet Z’kharyah (Zechariah) explains what happens “in that day” as “living waters” flow out of Jerusalem. “O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.” (Jer. 17:13 KJV). “Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Yehshuah stood and cried out, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.’ But He said this about the Ruach, which those believing in Him were to receive. For the Ruach HaKodesh was not yet given, because Yehshuah was not yet glorified.” (John 7:37-39). Yochanan recalls the last Sukkot the Master celebrated. Here the Master quotes from Yirmeyahu and likens Himself to the “fountain of living waters” out of which flows the Ruach HaKodesh. When true peace is finally ushered in with the Millennial Kingdom, all the nations will come up to Yerushalayim to celebrate “that day”.
“In that day [of יְהֹוָה] I will raise up the tent of David who is fallen, and close up its breaches, and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old;” (Amos 9:11). Tent is #H5521 סֻכָּה cukkah *1492d sukka (plural cukkowth/sukkot). “יְהֹוָה will create over the whole habitation of Mount Tziyon, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. There will be a pavilion (cukkah) for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain. (Isa. 4:5, 6). The word ‘canopy’ #H2646 חֻפָּה chuppah *710b huppa canopy or covering over a nuptial bed. It is my belief that on the Day of יְהֹוָה’s Wrath, He will protect His people by Flame and Smoke as He did in the Wilderness. This will form the covering for the celebration of the union of Messiah and His Bride. The ‘tent of David’ could well be a cleansed Yerushalayim or the mishkan and its immediate surroundings.
“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they [also] which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.” (Rev.1:7 KJV). “and to give relief to you that are afflicted with us, when the יְהֹוָה the Yehshuah is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire,” (2 Thess. 1:7). “This Yehshuah, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw Him going into the sky.” (Acts 1:11). When Messiah Yehshuah was resurrected it was with His new, physical body. It (the Body) was not immediately recognisable as the Master until He made Himself known (Luke 24:16, John 20:17). The Body was physical (talks {Luke 24:17, John 20:15}, walks {Luke 24:16}, eats {Luke 24:41:42}, can be touched {John 20:27}) but was capable of moving through locked doors (John 20:26). This new Body came into existence between the Master’s death and His appearance in the upper room. Hence I believe that it came about at His resurrection. “For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, we will also be part of His resurrection;” (Rom. 6:5). When all of humanity is resurrected, all will have a new, physical body as the Messiah.
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“…I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Yehshuah, and for the word of יְהֹוָה…They lived, and reigned with Messiah for the thousand years. …This is the first resurrection.”(Rev. 20:4, 5b). The Troubles’ martyrs will be raised up first. The martyrs receive their ‘new style’ body between the end of the Troubles and the start of the Millennial Kingdom. This can only be at the return of Messiah. There are now three types of people; the nations and Isra’el with both groups having the ‘old style’ of bodies and the martyrs with Messiah having the ‘new style’ of physical bodies.
“for as the lightning, when it flashes out of the one part under the sky, shines to the other part under the sky; so will the Son of Man be in His day.” (Luke 17:24). Imagine the scene; throughout the world there descends a blackness irrespective of the time of day where there is no light at all; there is a unnatural silence; there is a great call of the shofar (trumpet blast); a light like sheet lightning seen throughout the world. Such is the return of Messiah.
“I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness He judges and makes war… He is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. His name is called ‘The Word of יְהֹוָה.’” (Rev. 19:11, 13). A Rider appears on a white horse and His name was the Word of יְהֹוָה; logos theos (#G3056 λόγος logos – 3) Messiah Yehshuah {Jesus Chris}) + #G2316 θεός theos – 2b) Messiah (Christ). “The armies which are in heaven followed Him on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen.” (Rev. 19:14). “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will render to everyone according to his deeds.” (Matt. 16:27). “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the set apart angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.” (Matt. 25:31). The Messiah returns to earth followed by the hosts of heaven. This does not refer to Believers as the hosts always refer to angelic beings.
“Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he does not walk naked, and they see his shame. He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo.” (Rev. 16:15, 16). This is the first of two gatherings. This one is where Believers are brought together by יְהֹוָה. Armageddon is the transliteration of the Hebrew Har-Magedon which means Hill or City of Megiddo. It is my belief that this gathering is to gather those persecuted through the Troubles to witness יְהֹוָה’s wrath and the vindication of His people.
“It happened after this, that the children of Mo`av, and the children of `Ammon, and with them some of the Me`unim, came against Yehoshafat to battle… When Yahudah came to the watch-tower of the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the ground, and there were none who escaped.” (2 Chron. 20:1-24). After יְהֹוָה brought back His people from exile, the surrounding nations came against King Yehoshafat (Jehoshaphat). When the king cried out to יְהֹוָה, יְהֹוָה `Elohiym heard him and delivered the people from their enemies. The valley in which this massacre took place was just outside of Yerushalayim (#H3092 יְהוֹשָׁפָט Yehoshofat – יְהֹוָה has judged). Indeed יְהֹוָה had judged the nations. This valley, Emek Yehoshofat, was not a geographical name but
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named after יְהֹוָה’s decision and help. This could well be Nahal Qidron (Kidron or Cedron Valley) that separates the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. “I will gather all nations, And will bring them down into the valley of Yehoshafat; And I will execute judgment on them there for my people, And for my heritage, Yisra`el, whom they have scattered among the nations.” (Joel 3:2).
“The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion: He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.” (Prov. 20:2). The nations cannot escape the judgement of their own actions. When talking about the end times, the Master taught that there would be a gathering of the nations and Believers. “Then the King will tell those on His right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matt. 25:34). “Then He will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and its angels.” (Matt. 25:41). There is a distinct separation between Believers and Non-believers made by יְהֹוָה. Most biblical commentators refer to the Battle of Armageddon. However, it is my belief that, as in Yehoshofat’s day, it will be a massacre of the wicked witnessed by the righteous and His angels.
“Behold, the day of יְהֹוָה comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a desolation, and to destroy the sinners of it out of it.” (Isa. 13:9). “The great day of יְהֹוָה is near…That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress…a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of the shofar…and their blood will be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.” (Zeph. 1:14-17). “As the days of Noach were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man… and they did not know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matt. 24:37, 39). In the account of Noach (Noah/Noe) the unrighteous were all swept away as punishment for their sins. Noach’s Ark is a type of Messiah and all those who did not make use of the safety promised by Noach were killed. Likewise, all those who did not ‘make use’ of the safety promised by יְהֹוָה through His Messiah, will also be wiped out. “…and from the wrath of the Lamb for the great day of His wrath has come; and who is able to stand?” (Rev. 6:16b, 17). This day of wrath is the day when Messiah returns and it is my belief that all the enemies of יְהֹוָה’s people will be annihilated in one twenty four hour day.
“Behold, the days come, says יְהֹוָה, that I will punish all those who are circumcised in their uncircumcision: Mitzrayim (Egypt), and Yahudah, and Edom, and the children of `Ammon, and Mo`av, and all that have the corners of their hair cut off, who dwell in the wilderness; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Yisra`el are uncircumcised in heart.” (Jer. 9:25, 26). “since there is one Messiah who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.” (Rom. 3:30). All non-Believers perish because ultimately they all rebelled against יְהֹוָה and ignored His warnings throughout all the ages. It will not benefit non-believing Yisra`elites to try to claim salvation through Avraham. The corpses are left in situ but do not decay as a witness to the righteousness of יְהֹוָה.
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“He gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo… The seventh poured out his bowl… There were lightnings, sounds, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since there were men on the earth, so great an earthquake, so mighty… Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed יְהֹוָה because of the plague of the hail, for this plague is exceedingly severe.” (Rev. 16:16-21). This coincided with the opening the seventh seal and sounding of the seventh trumpet. “He who blasphemes the name of יְהֹוָה, he shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him: the foreigner as well as the native-born, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.” (Exod. 24:6). All the plagues, famines, wars, pestilence and trials through Ya`akov`s Troubles only caused non-Believers to curse the Name of יְהֹוָה. This continual blasphemy could not go unpunished by יְהֹוָה.
The Forty Five Days
“From the time that the continual burnt offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days.” (Dan. 12:11, 12). As Messiah Yehshuah returns 1290 days after the Sanctuary is violated there is a further 45 days during which the Bible remains silent. This will be a time when the earth will only be populated by Believers who have just witnessed the Messiah’s return and the destruction of all non-Believers, including family and friends.
“It shall happen, that from one new moon to another, and from one Shabbat to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, says יְהֹוָה. They shall go forth, and look on the dead bodies of the men who have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh.” (Isa. 66:23, 24). These are the very last words recorded of Yesha`yahu’s prophecy. They come at the very end of a passage referring to the End Times. All Believers will have to come to terms with the great loss of life.
Jewish tradition has all mourners rending an undergarment as a sign of grief. A period of ‘sitting שבעה shiva’ last for 7 days. However, this is interrupted by the Festival of Sukkot. On the Eighth Day of Celebration (after Sukkot – שמיני עצרת Sh’mini Atzeret) Messiah Yehshuah calls all His people in Yisra`el to a special and intimate festival (Lev. 23:36). At the end of the second week, it is the first day of a new month חֶשְׁוָן Cheshvan. The first day of any month is declared when the new moon is first visible. This is called ראש חודש Rosh Chodesh or the Head of the Month and is recognised as day of spiritual renewal (it is not a ‘new’ moon but is the same moon renewed) and a day of remembrance. It is also a day of reverence, worship and holiness (FFOZ).
The Jewish sages called this month מַרְחֶשְׁוָן Marcheshvan meaning Bitter Month as it is usually the only month without a high or set apart day. The 1st. Cheshvan is traditionally the day that the Flood commenced and the day of Rachel’s death and Binyamin birth. Binyamin was the only son of Ya`akov that was born in the Promised Land and has come to represent the completion of the State of Yisra`el. Both the Flood and Rachel’s death and Binyamin’s birth are a type describing the descent into darkness that created the potential for future life (www.aish.com ).
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30 days (שלושים shloshim) after the destruction of all non-Believers one complete lunar cycle is completed. This is the usual time when mourners repair their rent inner garments and come out of mourning. It is this time that I believe that all the dead are consumed by fire as in the case of the rebellions of Nabad and Abihu (Lev. 10:2) and Korak, Dathan and Abiram (Num. 16:30).
If the chronology above is correct then the 45 th. day after Messiah Yehshuah’s return will be the first day כסלו Kislev and will be celebrated as the start of a new life. The first day (first sliver of the moon’s crescent) is considered as a sign of re-birth. The month of Kislev is considered by some as the Month of Miracles (www.chabad.org ) and on the 25th. day there will be a global celebration as the Sanctuary is re-dedicated after the two months of cleansing. This is yet another מוֹעֵד moedim, one that has been celebrated as חנוכה Hanukkah since the re-dedication of the Second Temple in the 2nd. Century BCE (www.hebcal.com/chanukkah ). Kislev (as with all the month names) are derived from the Babylonian Calendar with the root having the possible meanings (www.hebrews4christians.com/Kislev):
Month of Dreams – this comes from the reading cycle Parashot Vayishlach, Vayeshev and Miketz (B`resheet/Genesis 32:4(3)-44:17) that includes nine dreams. It also introduces Yosef who was called the ‘master of dreams’ by his brothers and later on pharaoh called him Tzofnat Paneach (Decipherer of Secrets)
Month of Hope – #H3689 *1011a כֶּסֶל kecel meaning a hope that arises from completely trusting in someone or something.
There is a traditional view that the original Mishkan was completed in this month (www.thinkingtorah.com). As with Hanukkah, this would mean that the both dedications occur in Kislev. For all Believers who have come through Ya`akov’s Troubles, Messiah’s return and the destruction of all non-Believers, there will be the reward of entering into the Millennial Kingdom.
The Millennial Kingdom
“It shall happen in that day, that I will give to Gog a place for burial in Yisra`el, the valley of those who pass through on the east of the sea; and it shall stop those who pass through: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude; and they shall call it The Valley of Hamon-Gog. Seven months shall the house of Yisra`el be burying them, that they may cleanse the land.” (Eze. 39:11). Yechezk`el describes the immediate aftermath of the destruction of the nations that came up against Yisra`el. All trade routes in Yisra`el would be to the east of the Great Sea (Mediterranean) so it would indicate that the mention of a specific valley by this description would be redundant. Through Emek Yehoshofat (Valley of Yehoshofat/Kiddron Valley) runs a main trading route from north to south on the east side of Yerushalayim (www.bible-history.com/geography ).
It is my belief that as the destruction of the armies of the nations will place in Emek Yehoshofat then their burial would also be in this valley. “He (Hiram) made the cast metal ‘Sea’ circular, seventeen-and-a-half feet from rim to rim…” (1 Kgs. 7:23a CJB). When Shlomo had the
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Temple built, he had a massive bronze laver place in the Temple court. Due to its immense size, it was called a ‘sea’ #H3220 *871a יָם yam. This is the same word used by Yechezk`el and would have been a well-known part of the Temple furniture in the prophet’s day. The seven months required to cleanse the land would begin the day after the massacre and include the 45 days referred to by Dani`el. The 45 days would be taken to specifically cleanse the mishkan and its immediate surroundings, followed by a further 165 days burying the dead in the valley.
“I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b). The promise by the Master in this verse is that He came so that Believers can have a life over and exceeding anything that Non-believers can expect. This is the fulfilment of this promise.
“He seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and haSatan…and bound it for a thousand years, and cast it into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that it should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, it must be freed for a short time.” (Rev. 20:2, 3). The definite article ‘the’ before thousand years signifies a specific time haSatan is held captive. “The rest of the dead did not live until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” (Rev. 20:5). Verse 3 tells of the nations once more being alive. This will be those born just before or during the Troubles or during the Millennial Kingdom but have not accepted the Messiah as Saviour. These will have the ‘old style’, physical body. Due to sin being held captive (with haSatan) the corruptive effects of sin will not be present. V4 now tells of Yisra`el comprising of Believers alive at the end of the Troubles and the resurrected martyrs. By inference, those non-Believers killed during the Troubles (and all Believers and non-Believers who died throughout history) remain dead until after the thousand years when all humanity will be raised up at the end of the Millennial Kingdom.
“There shall be no more there an infant of days, nor an old man who has not filled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old… The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my set apart mountain, says יְהֹוָה.” (Isa. 65:20-25). In this passage, the prophet gives us a brief glimpse of the Millennial Kingdom. With haSatan bound for a time, there is no tension between sin and righteousness and mankind lives in a period of peace, prosperity and long life. This is the true definition of #H7965 שָׁלוֹם shalom. The lifespan of people will return to that of before the Flood. Everyday life continues for those alive at Messiah’s return. “They shall go in to no dead person to defile themselves…” (Eze. 44:25a). There will be death during this time. “…they, and their children, and their children’s children, forever: and David my servant shall be their prince for ever.” (Eze. 37:25b). This tells that the people where reproducing and dying; death has yet to be finally
defeated (www.matthewmcgee.org/millen ).
“It brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tent.” (Eze. 41.1). In this extensive passage (Eze. 40:1 – 47:12) reference is made to a temple. The word ‘temple’ is #H1964 הֵיכַל hakal that is the part of the temple connecting the entrance to the Kadosh Kadoshim (blueletterbible/Gesenius’ Lexicon). *493 hekal is rendered as the dwelling place of an earthly king but also refers to the true Temple of יְהֹוָה in heaven. This entire passage is often referred to as The End Times Temple. Yechezk`el (Ezekiel) 40-44 describes in minute detail a new temple that is to
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be built. It could not refer to the original Shlomo (Solomon) Temple as the prophet is talking of a future event and not describing the original Temple. The only Temple to be re-built was after the return of the exiles and the restoration work carried out by Herod the Great shortly before the birth of the Master. However, there are detailed descriptions of this Second Temple and it was not according to the pattern of the vision יְהֹוָה gave to Yechezk`el. Therefore, THIS Temple must be re-built some time after the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E. THIS Temple will occupy the centre of a land that has boundaries according to the covenant יְהֹוָה made with Avraham (Gen. 15:18-21, 17:8). All this has not happened…..up to now.
“But the priest the Levites…and they shall stand before me to offer to me the fat and the blood, says יְהֹוָה `Elohiym:” (Eze. 44:15). The temple sacrifices are restored. “It will happen that everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Yerushalayim will go up from year to year to worship the King, יְהֹוָה of Hosts, and to keep the feast of Sukkot.” (Zech. 14:16). “Speak to the children of Yisra`el, and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of Sukkot for seven days to יְהֹוָה. You shall keep it a feast to יְהֹוָה seven days in the year: it is a statute forever throughout your generations; you shall keep it in the seventh month.” (Lev. 23:34, 41). “In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, you shall have the Pesach, a feast of seven days; matzah shall be eaten.” (Eze. 45:21). Not only will the sacrifices be restored but the Feasts, Shabbats (Sabbaths weekly for man and seven yearly for the land) and Yovels (Jubilee Years) will also be celebrated but without any symbolism required as Messiah will be there (www.ffoz.org ). “I saw no temple in it, for יְהֹוָה `Elohiym, Shaddai, and the Lamb, are its temple.” (Rev.21:22). In Yochanan’s (John’s) vision of the New Earth there is no temple. This is in contrast to the vision of Yechezk`el where the temple and all its services are restored. Therefore the Temple of Yechezk`el must pass away along with the Old Earth.
“His feet will stand in that day on the Mount of Olives…Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south.” (Zech.14:4). “It will happen in that day, that living waters will go out from Yerushalayim; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea; in summer and in winter will it be.” (Zech.14:8). The topography of Yisra`el changes with a new valley formed and a fountain of living waters flows half westwards to the Mediterranean Sea and half eastwards to the Dead Sea. This latter sea is finally capable of supporting fish. This fountain will never stop flowing, unlike present day rivers that are subject to natural rainfall conditions.
“There was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Dan. 7:14). The perfect form of government is set up: a theocracy headed by the King of Kings and Master of Masters. “…for יְהֹוָה of Hosts will reign on Mount Tziyon, and in Yerushalayim…” (Isa. 24:23). The Kingdom will be ruled from Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). “Yehshuah said to them, ‘Most assuredly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of His glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Yisra`el.’” (Matt. 19:28). “If we endure, we will also reign with Him…” (2 Tim. 2:12). As King, Messiah designates people to rule with him.
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What then will be the difference between the Millennial Kingdom and previous times?
Everyone entering (but not necessarily at the end of) the Millennial Kingdom will be a righteous person;
There will be an absolute abundance of blessings;
The Torah will have its position of honour;
Messiah will be there (www.ffoz.org ).
The End of History/Beginning of Eternity
“And after the thousand years, haSatan will be released from its prison, and it will come out to deceive the nations… to gather them together to the war…Fire came down out of heaven from יְהֹוָה, and devoured them.” (Rev. 20:7-9). After the thousand year incarceration, haSatan is released and the season of shalom comes to an end. The only reason that I can think of the release of haSatan is that those non-Believers alive during the Millennial Kingdom are all lead astray. Gog and Magog do not have any clear interpretation. Gog could well be a title of the chief prince of Magog variously identified with Rosh/ Meshech and Tubal or some other Scythian tribe. The best estimate is that Gog is a title of anyone opposing יְהֹוָה and this particular reference would be to some tribe in North Eastern Asia Minor. There is no textual support for Russia, China, Japan, USA or other modern power. What is known is that he/them will be destroyed with haSatan (www.biblicalstudies.com).
“The devil that deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev. 20:10). This is the final incarceration of haSatan. “I saw a great white throne, and Him who sat on it… I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and She`ol gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works.” (Rev. 20:11-13). The Great White Throne Judgement from where all mankind is sent to live with יְהֹוָה and peace or to everlasting torment (cf. Sin, Judgement and Punishment and Righteousness, Obedience and Rewards for a fuller study of eternity). Immediately prior to the Judgement the following people were alive: the nations comprising of those people that lived through the Millennial Kingdom but not being saved (‘old style’ bodies); Yisra`el comprising of the Troubles’ martyrs (‘new style’ bodies) and those accepting Messiah as Saviour during the Millennial Kingdom (‘old style’ bodies). At the Judgement all of humanity’s dead will be raised up with the ‘new style’ bodies and all those coming through the Millennial Kingdom with the ‘old style’ bodies will have them instantly changed into the ‘new style’, physical bodies. This would be similar to those Believers that were alive at the Snatching Away. It is with this ‘new style’ bodies that humanity will appear before the Judgement Throne and enter eternity to peace or torment.
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References
Barclay Rev. W.(1)(1960) The Revelation of John Vol.1, St. Andrew Press, Edinburgh.
Barclay Rev. W. (2)(1960) The Good News of John Vol.2, St. Andrew Press, Edinburgh.
Beck H.F. (1977) How To Respond To…The Cults, Concordia, St. Louis, Miss.
Brown B., Driver S.R. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon,
& Briggs C.A.(2005) Hendrickson, Peabody, Mass.
Blanchard J. (2009) Evolution; fact or Fiction? Evangelical Press, Darlington.
Cross F.L. (1966) The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Oxford University Press, London.
Fairbairn Rev. P. The Imperial Bible Dictionary Vol.I, Blackie & Sons
FFOZ Mikra’ey Kodesh, Marshfield, Mo, USA.
Harris R.L., Archer G.L., Thoelogical Wordbook of the Old Testament, Moody, Chicago, Waltke B.K. (1980) Il.
Herrmann S. (1979) A History of Israel in Old Testament Times.
Johnson K.(1) Th.D. (2010) Ancient Post-Flood History, Biblefacts Ministries, USA.
Johnson K. (2) Th.D. (2008) Ancient Book of Jasher, Biblefacts Ministries, USA.
Johnson K.(3) Th.D. (2012) Ancient Book of Enoch, Biblefacts Ministries, USA.
Josephus F. Jewish Antiquities, Clays, St. Ives, 2006
Lake J.G. (1995) John G. Lake: His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith, Kenneth Copeland Pubns, USA.
Larkin C. (1919) The Book of the Revelation, Third Edition, Larkin Pub., New Rochelle N.Y.
MacDonald S. (2016) The S.O.S. A Handmaid’s Guide to the Apocalypse, Xlibris, U.K.
Morris H.M. (2009) The Genesis Record, Baker, Grand Rapids, MI.
Skinner J. (1912) A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Genesis, T&T Clark, Edinburgh
Strong J. (1994) Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, World Bible Publishers Inc., Madison.
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Strong J. (1996) The New Strong’s Complete Dictionary of Bible Words, Thomas Nelson, Nashville.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/greeks/greekdemocracy_01.shtml
http://www.betemunah.org/birth.html
www.bible-history.com/geography/maps/maps_jerusalem.html
http://www.bible-history.com/faussets/N/Nimrod/
https://www.guttmacher.org/fact-sheet/induced-abortion-worldwide
http://www.hebcal.com/holidays/chanukah
http://www.hebcal.com/holidays/simchat-torah
http://www.hebcal.com/holidays/shmini-atzeret
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Rosh_Chodesh/Kislev/kislev.html
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Fall_Holidays/Rosh_Hashannah/rosh_hashannah.html
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/giant-rats-more-pictures-of-huge-rodents-emerge-9264451.html
http://www.itv.com/news/2013-12-17/top-five-busiest-hub-airports-in-the-world/
www.jcrelations.net/Resolution
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/4012-captivity
http://www.lightofmashiach.org/yomteruah.html
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https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25151-biggest-ever-virus-revived-from-stone-age-permafrost/
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/euthanasia
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/murder
https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Age_of_Enlightenment.html
https://www.rdmag.com/article/2016/03/scientists-create-revolutionary-synthetic-life-form
http://www.reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/sukkot
http://www.seti.org/?gclid=CMvVwvO9u8ACFWT4wgodulwAyg
http://www.simpletoremember.com/articles/a/talmud-history/
www.templemount.org/theories.html
www.telegraph.co.uk/News/UKNews/Defence
http://thinkingtorah.com/kislev-facts/
https://www.timemaps.com/civilizations/ancient-greeks/
http://www.triumphpro.com/shemini-atzeret-eighth-day.htm
http://www.uic.edu/classes/osci/osci590/3_3%20European%20Disease%20in%20the%20New%20World.htm
https://www.wordnik.com/words/tribulum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PNtxqeBIgw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YiyybTd12M
HNV The Hebrew Names Version is based off the World English Bible, an update of the American Standard Version of 1901. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.
King James Version (KJV) Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown. This Bible is printed and published by Cambridge University Press, the Queen’s royal printer, under royal letters patent. The text commonly available now is actually that of the 1769 revision, not that of 1611. The text used by BLB is the current 1769 edition.
Ecumenical References
http://www.elijah-interfaith.org/index.php?id=27
http://www.santegidio.org/en/ecumenismo/uer/
http://www.supremegrandchapter.org.uk/about-royal-arch-masonry/what-is-royal-arch-masonry
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First Generation Assembly 