Most everyone desires to know WHEN WILL THE END OF OUR AGE (as we know it) COME?
This post is taken in part from our site The Genesis Epic, from the study of Men of Renown, Part xxii. This article deals with Israel and THE END TIME. God did not leave man in a vacuum when man was created. Everything that mankind needs to know was written by the Spirit of God in the word of God. And everything that mankind doesn’t want to know is also written in the word of God. The following post is just a small introduction of what is about to explode upon mankind. To read the entire article CLICK HERE.
When Israel signs a seven-year peace treaty with a man that the world regards as a man of peace, a false peace maker, then at this point, the world (as we know it) has SEVEN YEARS until THE END of our age.
Why will Israel flee into the wilderness?
Matthew Chapter 24 has the prophetic history of Israel laid out for all to understand, and of course, it has to be in the 24th Chapter. What is described in this Chapter is not the long-awaited translation of the Church, because this gospel is about Israel’s King, and His kingdom. This is all about the tribulation period and how it will affect His people, Israel. Why will Israel flee? (Matthew 24:15) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (Matthew 24:15)
Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: (Matthew 24:16)
Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: (Matthew 24:17)
Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. (Matthew 24:18)
And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! (Matthew 24:19)
But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: (Matthew 24:20)
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21)
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:22)
The Spirit of God through the words of the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:15 deliberately carries us back to the age of Daniel. There have been many prophets and servants of God greatly loved by God, however, the phrase greatly beloved is recorded in only three verses and all in the book of Daniel, and all about Daniel. (Daniel 9:23; 10:11, 19) God allowed Daniel to see into the future of the nation of Israel, and the visions that God gave to Daniel were so massively mind-boggling that Daniel (after these visions) often became physically ill. (Most all want to venture into the book of the Revelation without any background of biblical history. Since many are naturally lazy people and prefer to learn by the osmosis system; to expect these same individuals who say that they would like to know what happens at the time of great tribulation to actually read thoughtfully is a lost cause. To know the book of the Revelation and the time of tribulation it is absolutely imperative to understand the book of Daniel.) The book Daniel is not considered by any as ‘light reading.’ I am trying to gently tread through this article by being very selective with verses.
And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. (Daniel 8:27)
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. (Daniel 10:1) In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. (Daniel 10:2) I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. (Daniel 10:3)
What Daniel wrote of his visions was not lightly taken by Daniel for he mourned for three weeks over what was about to happen to Israel in the far distant future. He could not eat, nor was he occupied with daily sustenance for he had seen God and heard the voice of the Ancient of days speak of the most tragic of times brought on by man’s complete rejection of the Godhead. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire. (Daniel 7:9) (Notice that this all is documented in the 7th Chapter. Now how did God the Spirit know that these words would later be set into a numbered system as a numbered legal document?)
Daniel was so overcome with grief that he mourned three full weeks for what would come to pass thousands and thousands of years yet in the future. (We can’t even mourn over the current demise of our country, never mind the tragedy of thousands of souls being dismissed as mere fodder and no longer of any use to their betters.) The book of Daniel intertwines time together with places, events and personalities of power over the merchandising of the land of promise (dividing the land for gain – Daniel 11:39). What Daniel saw, the people in Israel will see, and what they see will cause them to immediately flee. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (Matthew 24:15)
What is this abomination of desolation that causes . . . the woman to flee into the wilderness? Let’s look at the connection between Matthew 24 and 13, and Daniel Chapters 11 and 12.
When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (Matthew 24:15)
But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: (Mark 13:14)
The phrase the abomination of desolation is recorded only twice in the Bible, and the phrase the abomination that maketh desolate is also recorded only twice in the Bible. This double witness is seen from two points: the abomination that maketh desolate is the prophecy and the abomination of desolation is the fulfillment of the prophecy.
And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. (Daniel 11:31)
And from the time [that] the daily [sacrifice] shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, [there shall be] a thousand two hundred and ninety days. (Daniel 12:11)
Chapter 11 of Daniel is written by the Holy Spirit of God in detail summary form describing the events from Greek, Roman and Egyptian political and military maneuvers with the land of Israel as the prize. Why Israel as the military and political prize? It is situated between East and West, besides trade routes converging at this point, it was also a corridor that allowed northern and southern powers to quickly advance against each other. This Chapter is the greatest summary of political intrigue and betrayal spanning hundreds of years from Alexander the Great to his death and the distribution of his kingdom into four districts, from Cleopatra and Caesar and the schism of Roman authority to the dissolving of Egyptian power, and onward describing in exact detail the many conflicts that flowed over this small piece of territory that was caught between the greatest forces ever to exist in the history of mankind. I am attempting to squeeze hundreds of years of historical conflict as recorded in Daniel 11 and at the same time place us in our current age, and then as also recorded in Daniel 11 to reveal the future. When Daniel wrote this Chapter with his pen of tears, it was ALL prophecy. But now in 2022, it is mostly historical, yet there is still much yet to happen and thus it is also prophetic. (I suggest this: in order to see the history within Chapter 11 of the book of Daniel, read Greek history, Roman history, Egyptian history, and Ottoman history, and English history . . . I jest of course . . . but, better yet, read the Bible!) So, since reading history is out, let us tackle the prophetic part of Daniel 11 and 12.
What awaits Israel that will cause her to flee?
As you are aware that at this moment on the foundation of Solomon’s Temple there is a Muslim shrine built in 691 A.D. called The Dome of the Rock in the heart of Jerusalem also known as Mount Moriah. For 1,331 years (based on 2022) this insult to every Jew has been a visible thorn to them. But biblical prophecy moves over this thorn and discloses that there will yet be another Temple built with a sanctuary, and an offering. I don’t know the ‘hows’ or the ‘wherebys,’ or the ‘whens,’ but I know that this will be . . . because of what Scripture tells us. Let’s follow this thought . . . . remember that we are viewing this as both historical and prophetical at the same time.
• And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: (the ‘he‘ here is the man of sin, the last earthly man to rule over the world, the last Nimrod. He will deceptively act as one with Israel, and institutes a covenant with them, an alliance and a treaty to honor and protect national Israel, and their newly constructed temple and sanctuary for a period of seven years. The word ‘week‘ represents the number seven, in seven days is one week.) and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, (however, he breaks this covenant after 3 ½ years, and stops all activities and worship) and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate (the antichrist, the 6 – 6 – 6, then shows himself as the abomination of desolation, and spreads his evil when he declares himself to be god). (Daniel 9:27) The New Testament confirms this through 2nd Thessalonians Chapter 2, verse 4, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
There is one point that I would like to emphasis: in order to cease the sacrifice and the oblation means that it had to begin; thus, there is temple yet to be built where Solomon’s temple once stood. Think of what would have to transpire that the Eastern nations would allow this to happen. How will Israel build another temple without having to defend her decision? This unique piece of territory is like no other piece of ground in all of history. Politically, socially, and religiously it has always been much more than mere real estate. This is a particular land like no other where two extremely different religions and people claim as their inheritance, the place of their nativity, and out of the same earthly progenitor, Abraham. How can this not be a reason for conflict? And how will Israel form a priesthood within the guidelines of the Law of Moses? Just things to consider! And besides all that, there is also this; the hatred of the entire world places the blame on Israel for all of their self-inflicted problems. Chapter 12, verse 3 from the book of Zechariah sets this all up in one phrase that Jerusalem is a burdensome stone for all people. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. Israel flees because the military force of the entire world is coming against her, led by the person who had just 3 ½ years previously covenanted with her to guarantee her peace for a period of seven years: a seven-year treaty guaranteed by the false man of peace. And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. (Revelation 13:11)
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. (Daniel 8:23) And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. (Daniel 8:24) And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (Daniel 8:25)
The revealing of the antichrist, the enemy of Christ and Israel is what causes Israel to flee. Israel races to escape the forces that have been gathered to annihilate her by the very one who formed a treaty with her to protect her. The world united with Satan and the antichrist (the personification of Satan), and the false prophet (the religious guiding influence) who draws the people of the nations to accept the manifested image of Satan in his embodiment in the antichrist as god is also the fulfillment of 6 – 6 – 6. (The three prongs of satanic force: Satan (the head of all evil), the antichrist (the embodiment representing and acting in the power of Satan), and the false prophet (the religious spiritual evil influencer). This is Satan’s attempt to counterfeit the Godhead bodily. Mankind supposedly and finally achieves his ultimate goal, he is god. And Satan also supposedly and finally achieves his ultimate earthly victory: ALL the peoples and ALL nations are now completely under his control; he is the master over the earth AND ALL WORSHIP HIM. What he failed to achieve in God’s realm in the heavens, he achieves over God’s earthly creation (for a short time). . . . . And the woman fled into the wilderness.
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (Revelation 12:6)
This darkest period of Israel’s existence will also be the darkest period of human existence. Freedom will become an empty meaningless word. Social chaos masquerades as peace, and betrayal is goodness in action. Life becomes so unbearable that man desires death. And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts. (Jeremiah 8:3) And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. (Revelation 9:6)
The Holy Spirit distinguishes this darkest period of time for mankind as a time of tribulation and a time of GREAT tribulation. This is a time period lasting seven (7) years: 3 ½ years of tribulation and 3 ½ years of GREAT tribulation. (Here is another thought that your mind needs to remember: the 3 ½ year period. Why 3 ½ years, and what happens in the first 3 ½ years and what happens in the last 3 ½ years? Can you name things or events in Scripture that has this exact time frame?) Another interesting thought, the word tribulation is mentioned three (3) times in the Old Testament and sixteen (16) times in the New Testament. The words great tribulation is only mentioned in the New Testament for a total of three times. This monstrous age can be considered the Age of Madness, when mankind will no longer be able to function with reason, understanding, justice and truth; competing to see how base and beastly they can become in words, thoughts and deeds.
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21) And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:22) The prophet Zechariah was also given words from the mouth of God by the Holy Spirit of God to express a future event that is beyond the range of emotional human comprehension.
Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. (Zechariah 14:1) For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2) This is where Revelation 12:6 sets the scene of people frantically attempting to escape. . . . And the woman fled into the wilderness. Then the story line picks up in verse 5. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. (Zechariah 14:5)
• where she hath a place prepared of God. Where does Israel flee? They flee to Azal. Azal is only mentioned once in the entire Bible, and its meaning confirms Revelation 12:5, because Azal means ‘reserved.’ God has a specific place that He has reserved, set aside, for future use. Through all the horrors that Israel has faced, and will yet face, GOD has it all under control. He has prepared a place for Israel to survive. For 3 ½ years God preserves Israel in the cleft of the rocks in the valley of the mountains. Later in our Feature film section, God, through the Holy Spirit, teaches us more of this time of Israel’s supernatural escape and preservation from the terrors of the whole world militarily searching for her. Leaving Israel safely in the preserving hands of God, we will now move on in our study and examine the last section of our study verse in Revelation 12:6. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (Revelation 12:6)
• that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. Who is ‘they?’ I will leave that question for you to think on it. Let us move on to God’s timetable. In Revelation 12:6, we have 1,260 days (3 ½ years or 42 months, remember that God loves detail) Israel is fed and preserved in the valley of the mountains. In Revelation 11:2, the Gentile powers take Jerusalem for forty and two (42) months (42m x 30d is 1,260 days).
In the first part of this seven-year period (3 ½ years) Israel will feel the power of God in judgment against her. During the last 3 ½ years she will be protected in the clefts of the Rock in the valley of the mountains by the power of God to preserve, while the world outside of her exiled existence will undergo catastrophe after catastrophe, destruction upon destruction upon people, land and ocean. As each of the seven seals are opened the world becomes inescapably engulfed with judgment upon judgment.
During the first part of this seven year period (3 ½ years) the world will feel the power of God in judgment, and during the last 3 ½ years (although the Church is no longer in the world because For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1st Thessalonians 5:9; the world church remains in the earth and will experience the WRATH of God in great tribulation because the world church is part of the world, and therefore, it must be rewarded with the same rewards of judgment against her) all of the children of disobedience will know the WRATH of God in the GREAT tribulation of the Almighty God. (Throughout Scripture we learn that there is tribulation, and then there is a great tribulation, and then there is the wrath of God, and the great wrath of God. But sometimes we overlook the wrath that began in the age of timelessness, and spilled over into the age of time, and this is the wrath of Lucifer/Satan, the beast and dragon of madness. And guess where we find the last mention of great wrath? Of course, in our current study Chapter of Revelation Chapter 12, verse 12. What a coincidence that it is 12.12. (Remember: Daniel Chapter 12, Zechariah Chapter 12, then the double 12 of Chapter 24 of Matthew, and now we have a double 12 in Revelation 12:12. All of these notable twelves have brought us to the last mention of great wrath because it the great wrath of the devil not only against God’s people Israel, but now Satan’s madness comes out in full vengeance against the inhibitors of the earth. He eats his own, his children of disobedience. When you play with the devil do you believe that you can escape from his great wrath? . . . . Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (Revelation 12:12) (This verse will again come up in our Feature section of our study later.)