Daniel's 70th Week: Timing Is Everything
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus… I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years…
- Daniel 9:1-2
It’s always puzzled me how Daniel was evidently unaware of the approaching fulfillment of Jeremiah’s seventy years until it was right at his doorstep. For reference, the first year of King Darius was 539 BC, the year Babylon fell to the Medo-Persian empire. This, of course, would lead to the decree by the soon-to-be king Cyrus that would allow the Jewish exiles to return home. The seventy years of captivity were coming to an end. So how is it that Daniel, a man of great understanding and prophetic insight, was just now putting the pieces together?1
Could it be Daniel had never heard of Jeremiah's seventy year prophecy? Perhaps in his old age, towards the end of the Babylonian exile, Daniel had stumbled upon this prophecy for the very first time. This is just one potential explanation as to why Daniel had seemingly just now understood the timing of the prophecy - and more importantly, his relation to it. But this option seems highly unlikely based on the overlapping chronology of both men’s lives. For example, Daniel would’ve grown up during the height of Jeremiah's ministry; and as a Judean noble, would’ve had intimate knowledge of Jeremiah's messages addressed to the king’s court (Daniel owned court side seats, if you will).2
Further, Jeremiah’s prophecy of the seventy year exile was delivered while Daniel was still in Jerusalem, shortly before his deportation. So did Daniel just not check the mail before he left? And what about Daniel’s rank in Babylon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar? Daniel was elevated to chief prefect over all the Magi, putting him courtside in the Babylonian throne room as well. Surely he would have witnessed first hand the couriers from Jerusalem delivering Jeremiah’s prophecies. And if all of this wasn't enough, what about the prophet Ezekiel, who, just like Jeremiah, was from a priestly lineage, and was also stationed in Babylon during Daniel’s tenure there - surely they would've communicated about the prophecy.3
So how is it that Daniel, right at the threshold of the seventieth year, was just now coming to understand something he’d surely had access to his entire career? The answer is actually quite revelatory, and it could even have implications for us - because timing, as they say, is everything.
“O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding… therefore consider the word and understand the vision.”
- Daniel 9:22-23
A Veiled Duality
The solution to this apparent timing enigma lies buried within the mystery of prophecy. But it also requires knowing a little bit about the historical context that framed Daniel’s vantage point. While it's true that Jeremiah declared Jerusalem would serve the king of Babylon for seventy years, he also stated the city would become a desolation (presumably during the same time Jerusalem was to be subjugated by Babylon). This terminology would not be lost on Daniel, nor any other individual familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures. This is because all of the Old Testament prophets had declared that a time was coming when Jerusalem would lie in ruins. And it would be out of the ashes of this desolation that a Davidic Ruler would emerge to save Israel and establish the Messianic Kingdom.
“This whole land shall become a ruin and a waste, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.”
- Jeremiah 25:11
But based on the wording of Jeremiah's seventy year prophecy, it would have been logical for Daniel to conclude that the seventy year countdown would begin only once Jerusalem was desolated. But here's the kicker: Jerusalem wasn't left desolate following the first deportation of exiles (of which Daniel was a part of). In fact, Jerusalem wasn't destroyed until much later, in 586 BC. And it's difficult to overstate the magnitude of this event. With the destruction of Jerusalem came the apparent end of the Davidic monarchy, putting all of God's promises in jeopardy. In other words, the desolation of Jerusalem and destruction of the Temple in 586 BC was a monumental - albeit traumatic - event in the course of Jewish history.
Therefore, it stands to reason that Daniel would have most likely been calculating the seventy years from this date, meaning he wouldn't have been expecting the exile to end during his lifetime. So imagine Daniel's surprise when, in 539 BC, just forty-seven years after the destruction of the Temple, he realized the exile was coming to an end. But how could this be? After all, Jeremiah’s prophecy stated Jerusalem would lie desolate for seventy years. The answer, is that there are actually two seventy year prophecies; One of them spanning from 605 BC - 535 BC, when the return of the exiles was complete, and the second spanning from 586 BC - 516 BC, when the Temple’s reconstruction was complete!4
If this double fulfillment seems like a novel idea, it shouldn't. Scripture is full of dual (and sometimes even triple) fulfillments. Take Hosea 11:1, or Isaiah 7:14 as some of the more well known examples. These types of double fulfillments, common to Hebrew prophecy, are designed to reveal and mask truth simultaneously across multiple generations. And it was this type of veiled duality that caused Daniel to be caught unaware, staring down the barrel of the seventieth year at a time when he least expected it. Nevertheless, it was fully foretold, with the truth hiding right there in plain sight. After all, God does nothing without first revealing His plans, however subtly, in advance. It’s just up to us to seek understanding.
“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.”
- Amos 3:7
A Time To Know The Time
While the account of Daniel gaining insight into Jeremiah’s seventy year prophecy is certainly intriguing, you might be wondering, “What does it have to do with us?” In response, I would suggest that the key takeaway is this: There will be a time to know the time. You see, there's a striking parallel between the seventieth year (of Jeremiah) and the seventieth week (of Daniel). Daniel 9, where the seventy weeks prophecy is found, is perfectly bookended by the 70’s, beginning with the seventy years of Jeremiah (vs 1-3), and concluding with the seventy weeks of Daniel (vs 24-27). And in both instances, Daniel goes from not knowing to knowing. And just as Daniel was looking ahead to the seventieth year, today, we find ourselves in a similar position; Only, we’re looking ahead to the seventieth week.
“And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who have insight shall understand.”
- Daniel 12:10
Important to this discussion of Daniel (and us) is the reality of preceding context. While the exact timing of the seventy years remained a mystery until shortly before it came to pass, one major clue would've likely caused Daniel to revisit Jeremiah’s prophecy. Cyrus. In 539 BC, it was none other than Cyrus (at the time a top general in the Persian army) who rode through the gates of Babylon, where Daniel resided, as the victorious conquerer. Knowing this military defeat, recorded in Daniel 5, spelled the end for Babylon, Daniel would have known a major change was around the corner. Not only did the Persians have a reputation for returning displaced peoples to their native homelands, there was another, somewhat more obvious, clue:
Cyrus was the prophesied liberator of Israel.
“I am the Lord… who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he shall fulfill all My purpose’; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’”
- Isaiah 44:24, 28
Over one hundred and fifty years prior, the Lord had spoken through the prophet Isaiah, declaring that a conquering warrior named Cyrus would be responsible for leading a military campaign across the region, resulting in the return of the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, including the Temple. In other words, Daniel witnessed events he knew were connected to the imminent fulfillment of prophecy. It's likely this realization is even what caused him to revisit Jeremiah’s writings, confirming that the time was indeed at hand. And it would be just the very next year that Cyrus would become the new king of the Persian empire, issuing his now infamous decree which allowed the Jewish captives to return home to rebuild their city, along with its Temple.5
“Now 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.”
- 2nd Chronicles 36:22
The takeaway here is that, aside from the timing prophecy (which was somewhat veiled), there were preceding events, fully foretold, that indicated the time was approaching. And I believe it will be precisely the same prior to the advent of the seventieth week. This is because the prophetic Scriptures paint an extremely detailed picture of the geopolitical context of the Middle East prior to that time period. In fact, after a thorough review, it actually becomes difficult to deny that we’ll be able to realize when the time is upon us. Nevertheless, there are sure to be some who will reject this line of thought. After all, didn't Jesus say no one knows?
If only it were that simple.
“But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.”
- 1st Thessalonians 5:4
To Know, Or Not To Know?
It's been said that lies told often enough become truths. And in the case of the common - yet what I consider to be erroneous - interpretation of “No one knows the day or the hour,” I believe we're looking at a lie which has become “truth” in most people's eyes. In fact, it's unlikely the average church goer has ever even heard a different interpretation. Now, please hear me. I'm not suggesting that Jesus was wrong. After all, taken at face value, it certainly seems like Jesus is saying it's impossible to know anything about the timing of His return. But only by leaving out the surrounding verses - thereby distorting the context of the passage - could someone ever arrive at this interpretation.
And lies told often enough become truths.
“So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, at the very gates.”
- Matthew 24:33
A plain reading of Matthew 24 reflects that Jesus gave a straightforward answer to a simple question posed by His disciples: “When will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” In response, Jesus pointed them to the events of the seventieth week found in Daniel, relaying to them that when those events happen, those who see them will know the end is near. And after laying out the sequence of events occuring within this final seven year period, Jesus offers up a simple parable to drive His point home. In the same way seeing a fig tree blossom indicates that summer is near, He says, seeing these things indicate we've entered the seventieth week! So what are we to make of “No one knows the day or the hour?” We just have to read the next verse:
“For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
- Mathew 24:37
No one knows the day or the hour simply cannot be disconnected from this verse, or the parable it’s located within: The days of Noah. In this parable, Jesus compares the people who won't know the day or hour specifically to the people who died in the flood, saying they didn't know a flood was coming; until the day it started to rain. But as you're likely aware, Noah had, in fact, warned the people about the coming flood. So it's not that they didn't have the opportunity to know. They had the information, after all. It's that they didn't believe it. And so, they went on about their lives; eating, drinking, and marrying. And it will be just like that prior to Jesus’ return. In other words, it's not believers who won’t know when the end is approaching, but unbelievers. Not knowing here is a bad thing.6
“And they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.”
- Matthew 24:39
But, as evidenced by the last several generations of Church history, a lie told often enough becomes the truth. And in the case of no one knows the day or the hour, the common interpretation has become cemented as unquestionable truth in the minds of the majority of Christians. And, as is common to human nature, it's nearly impossible for people to question strongly held preconceived notions. Nonetheless, the fact remains that the subconscious decision by most Christians to disregard Bible prophecy is built around the misinterpretation of a single verse. But once you realize what the passage does mean, it should become evident that there isn't any Biblical support for not being able to know when the time is approaching. As it was in the days of Noah:
“Behold, I have told you in advance.”
- Matthew 24:25
Consider this. Scripture is filled with prophecies about the end times. Ask yourself this simple question: Why is this? If we're not meant to understand any of it, why are they there? Further, why are we exhorted time and time again to be aware of their contents? For what it's worth, Scripture is full of examples of God foretelling events to His people for the express purpose of them being able to respond appropriately. “I will surely return to you at this time next year,” the Lord told Abraham, so that he would believe in His miraculous provision of Isaac, despite Sarah’s old age. He would also go on to tell Abraham that before his descendants entered the promised land, they would first be enslaved in a foreign land for four hundred years, a number that the Israelites would have later tracked with.
“Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.”
- Genesis 15:13
And as we've already seen, God told all of Judea, through Jeremiah, that they would be taken captive to Babylon for exactly seventy years. This was so they could understand that what was happening was from the Lord, allowing ample time for them to repent and return to Him. And perhaps the most obvious example of foretelling - especially as it relates to the end times - is Noah's one hundred and twenty year countdown that he was given before God flooded the earth. However, what I believe to be the most eye opening example of foretelling is God giving the people of Israel the exact timing of His first advent! In other words, there's precedent for being able to know the timing of Jesus’ arrival! What's more, He even held the Israelites accountable for not knowing the time!
“So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks (483 years)…”
- Daniel 9:25
Calculating 483 years from Artaxerxes’ decree, which allowed the Jews to restore and rebuild Jerusalem in the 5th century BC, brings you precisely to the time of Jesus' public ministry and crucifixion.
“For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in… and they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
- Luke 19:43, 44
But why would Jesus chastise His people for not doing their math homework, so to speak? The answer, is that there's a link between knowing and believing. Believers live with an expectation of what God is going to do, and are ready to respond appropriately. As it is written, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. This is why Daniel tells us that, at the time of the end, those with insight will be able to lead many to righteousness, which is perhaps the primary reason for understanding end times prophecy; being able to act as a guide, helping others navigate through those perilous days. Just take a look at the following verses and see what Scripture plainly reveals about our ability - as well as responsibility - to know and understand the timing of prophetic events before they unfold.7
I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done… (Isaiah 46:9, 10)
For the Lord God does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
Therefore consider the word and understand the vision. (Daniel 9:23)
And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:10)
Behold, I have told you in advance. (Matthew 24:25)
So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, at the very gates. (Matthew 24:33)
Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28)
And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe (John 14:29)
But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. (1st Thessalonians 5:4)
What sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God… (2nd Peter 3:11-12)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)
To be blunt, if we weren't supposed to be able to discern the timing of prophetic events based on the understanding of foretold signs, then none of the above passages make any sense. If, however, we’re supposed to be able to discern their timing, then these passages are exactly what we would expect to find. Further, they should dramatically affect our outlook and approach to Biblical prophecy. So the question becomes, if we really believe that Scripture is God breathed - and if we’re seeking to be obedient to Jesus - why wouldn’t we not only live with an expectation of His return, but also be acutely aware of the signs we've been told precede His return? Because, as we know by now:
There will be a time to know the time.
“Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many…”
- Daniel 11:33
Part Two: Discerning The Times And The Seasons
The Restoration Of Modern Israel
As World War 1 began to wind down, the British government issued a public statement, now known as the Balfour Declaration, calling on Jewish people from around the globe to return to their ancient homeland and reestablish their national identity. The Allied victory had caused the Middle East, for the first time in over nine hundred years, to fall into the hands of European powers, with the region of Palestine being allotted specifically to the British Empire. But why the sudden outpouring of sympathy towards the Jewish people? After all, the Jews had been a people on the run for almost two millennia, treated as gypsies and vagabonds wherever they were found. So why were British rulers in agreement that now was the time to assist the reestablishment of a Jewish homeland?
Interestingly enough, a reformation of sorts had taken place among the British Isles just a century prior, and at the center was the recapturing of the necessity of the future restoration of Israel for the fulfillment of Scripture. And it was this newfound understanding that softened British hearts, causing them to be sympathetic towards the Jewish plight. Coinciding with this was the First Zionist Congress - a meeting of Jewish thinkers intent on reestablishing a Jewish state in their ancient homeland. The collision of these two movements would result in what could very well be seen as a modern day Cyrus decree: The Balfour Declaration. But it wouldn't be until after the Second World War - along with the horrors of the Holocaust - that Israel would be rebirthed.
The significance of the reestablishment of Israel cannot be overstated. Not only is it proof of the validity of Scripture, as well as God's ongoing faithfulness, but it's also a major signpost regarding the end times. Consider, all of the prophetic material about the time of the end revolves around events that happen to the Jewish people while they're established in their homeland. But between 70 AD - 1948, when the Jewish people were scattered amongst the nations and Israel ceased to exist, these events simply could not have happened. In other words, the reemergence of Israel was a prerequisite for the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. So, after 1948, for the first time in over nineteen hundred years, the chances of end times events materializing were suddenly a possibility.
Further, the prophet Ezekiel reveals a major clue regarding the significance of Israel’s contemporary return. While a number of passages in the Bible point to an eschatological regathering of Israel following the return of Jesus, Ezekiel appears to describe a regathering that happens before His return; and it isn't the return from Babylon of which he's speaking either. The reason we can be sure of this is that this regathering occurs out of many nations, not just one. Further, it takes place in the latter years, a term used frequently throughout the Old Testament to describe the period of time immediately preceding the advent of the Messianic Age. But because this regathering happens prior to the final invasion of Jerusalem, it leaves only one option as to when it could be referring to.
1948.
“In the latter years you (Gog) will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the nations…”
- Ezekiel 38:8
There is simply no other regathering of national Israel that meets this criteria. Of the two other regatherings mentioned in Scripture, one of them could not have taken place in the latter years (Babylon), while the other takes place immediately following the return of Jesus. But, as previously noted, Ezekiel places this regathering before the Time of Jacob's Trouble (i.e. Great Tribulation). What this means is that end times events weren’t just made possible by Israel's contemporary return, they’re actually connected to it. And what we’ve been witnessing over the last seventy-six years is the final sequence of events that will eventually culminate with the end of the age. So, as the Cyrus decree acted as a major signpost for Daniel, the Balfour Declaration and return of national Israel to the world stage is our signpost.
And we need not be ignorant of its meaning.
“Behold, it is coming and it shall be done," declares the Lord God.
- Ezekiel 39:8
Prophetic Geography
While it’s true that the contemporary return of Israel is connected to end times events, it doesn't in and of itself indicate that the end times are imminent. While many people who witnessed Israel's return may have thought so, the fact is, there are several other prophetic prerequisites that weren’t in place in 1948. Ezekiel 38 & 39 simply provide a broad overview of the last phase of Israel’s so called “covenantal cycle,” which began with Israel's return in 1948, and will conclude with the Day of the Lord at the end of the seventieth week. However, there are numerous details provided in Scripture that help paint a picture of the dynamics in between these bookends, which is where we find ourselves today. These details come primarily from what I like to refer to as prophetic geography.8
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding nations. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah.”
- Zechariah 12:2
For example, while the reestablishment of Israel prior to the seventieth week is presumed in Scripture, so also is the Jewish control of Jerusalem. However, this wasn't a reality in 1948, as the Arabs maintained control of the city following the conclusion of Israel’s war for independence. And it wouldn’t be until 1967 that Israel would regain control of the holy city, following the events of the Six Day War. This was a huge prophetic prerequisite, as the primary sign events of the seventieth week revolve around the Temple Mount, located in Jerusalem. But until 1967, this wasn't even a possibility. However, since regaining control of the city, the controversy over Jerusalem has become the central issue of the Arab/Israeli conflict, and Zechariah predicts it will end in war.
“For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city.”
- Zechariah 14:2
The point here is that neither of these prophetic passages, as well as a host of others, would even be remotely possible without both the reestablishment of national Israel and a Jewish controlled Jerusalem, both of which are now in play. Furthermore, Scripture also mentions other nations by name that are involved in end times events. This gives us a tremendous amount of context regarding end times prophecy. All we have to do when we encounter an eschatological passage that uses an ancient place name for a region involved with end times events is to simply locate what nation that region geographically corresponds to today. As a prime example, Ezekiel 38, the passage previously referenced, highlights Persia, Cush, and Put as aggressors in the last days invasion of Jerusalem.
“I will bring you (Gog) out, and all your army… Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet… in the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many nations…”
- Ezekiel 38:4, 5, 8
These ancient regions correspond to present day Iran, Sudan, and Libya respectively. In other words, these nations are hostile towards Israel in the last days. While it may not be difficult to believe that Iran, Israel’s present day arch nemesis, will be involved in an apocalyptic assault on Jerusalem, the surprising truth is that, prior to 1979, Iran was actually an ally of Israel, being the second Muslim majority nation to recognize Israel after 1948. But, in February of 1979, the Pahlavi dynasty was overthrown by a rebel faction led by Ayatollah Khomeini, and the Western aligned monarchy was transformed into the theocratic Islamic Republic of Iran. Since then, the Islamic regime has become hellbent on the destruction of Israel, and is personally responsible for arming and funding numerous jihadist groups throughout the region.
Libya and Sudan, on the other hand, continue to be divided by social unrest and civil war. Over the past decade alone, Libya has fought two separate civil wars, while Sudan is currently in the midst of one. At the present time, no stable government exists in either nation. Furthermore, opposing sides in both conflicts are backed by radical Islamists, with each country embroiled in a battle between a moderate Arab government and a radical Islamic regime. Interestingly, Daniel, like Ezekiel, predicts that both nations will join forces with the antichrist in the last days. In other words, it appears that the radical Islamic side will eventually win out in both cases. But Daniel tells us why: A military incursion into North Africa led by the antichrist and his armies.
“He (the antichrist) shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites (Sudanese) shall follow in his train.”
- Daniel 11:42-43
It's this military incursion - which also results in the downfall of Egypt - that causes both Libya and Sudan to become part of the antichrist's coalition mentioned in Ezekiel. And because of cause and effect, we can safely assume this invasion occurs before - and likely in close proximity to - the antichrist's invasion of Jerusalem. However, the biggest takeaway from this passage is the position of Egypt relative to the antichrist: They're opposing forces. The implication here is that, in the last days - in relation to Israel - Egypt isn't an aggressor. If they were, then like Libya and Sudan, they’d be joining the antichrist's mission. But here, they're in opposition to it. This is a huge takeaway. Why? Because when the state of Israel re-emerged in 1948, Egypt was Israel's primary enemy.
It was Egypt who spearheaded the Arab invasion of Israel in 1948. It was Egypt who clashed with Israel during the Six Day War in 1967. And it was Egypt who attacked Israel on Yom Kippur in 1973. Yet neither Daniel or Ezekiel have Egypt participating in the end times assault on Israel. In fact, it's quite the opposite. They get clobbered by the antichrist. What this means then, is that during the last days, Israel and Egypt are either on the same side, or, at the very least, no longer enemies. So it should come as no surprise to learn that in 1979 - the same year as the Iranian Revolution - Egypt became the first Arab nation to sign a formal peace treaty with the Jewish state. Now, thirty years removed from the contemporary return of Israel, the prophetic pieces were beginning to shift rapidly into place.
Ezekiel 38 goes on to mention two other regional places names that are likely unfamiliar to most modern readers: Sheba and Dedan. In ancient times, these nomadic tribes inhabitated the northern and south central regions of the Arabian peninsula, meaning the bulk of the peninsula is in view here. So it's not insignificant that today, roughly eighty percent of this territory is controlled by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it’s most likely this oil rich Gulf monarchy that's being highlighted. But far from being a part of the antichrist's invasion of Israel, here, they're actually objecting to it. Not only do they seem to have no advance notice of the assault, they also appear to question its motive. Which means that, like Egypt, the Saudis won't be part of the antichrist's coalition.
“Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you (Gog) come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?’”
- Ezekiel 38:13
This is another huge takeaway, as the Saudis were once at odds with Israel. In 1948, for example, they sent a regiment of troops under Egyptian command to fight against the Jewish state. Further, as the unspoken representatives of the Islamic world, they’ve historically taken a harsh stance against Israel’s “occupation” of Palestinian land. However, following the rise of the Iranian regime in 1979, the Gulf monarchy has slowly begun to grow closer to Israel, and over the last several decades, the two nations have become secret allies. Recently, the Saudis have even worked alongside Israel to help create a regional “buffer” against the Iranian threat, quietly overseeing the landmark Abraham Accords in 2020, which saw Israel officially normalize relations with two more Arab nations.
To summarize the prophetic prerequisites we've covered so far, Scripture indicates that, in order for end times events to occur, the Jewish people must first return to their ancestral homeland (1948), as well as be in control of Jerusalem (1967). Further, Iran must be hostile towards Israel (1979), while both Egypt and Saudi Arabia must be friendly towards Israel (1979 - present). Finally, it's important to recognize that the contemporary return of Israel is an indicator that this present age is moving rapidly towards its appointed end. And what I hope to have highlighted is that, if someone is acquainted with the prophetic Scriptures, it's entirely possible to watch the prophetic dominoes fall, so to speak. And over the last seventy-six years, they've been steadily falling, decade after decade.
God does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
“Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.”
- Daniel 9:23
Geographical Foreshadowing
Another major piece of our prophetic geography puzzle can be found in Daniel 11, which is widely recognized as the longest continuous prophecy in all of Scripture. In short, it summarizes events that occurred between 334 BC - 164 BC, highlighting the rise and fall of Alexander the Great and the subsequent fallout after his death. The prophecy goes on to describe the ensuing generational battles between two key players that rose to prominence following the shattering of Alexander's empire: The Ptolemies and the Seleucids. For generations, both kingdoms were locked in a bitter rivalry, fighting over territory in a quest for regional dominance. But, for the most part, the territory that each kingdom firmly controlled is best represented by this map:
As you can see, the Seleucids operated out of the northern regions of the Middle East, in the territory corresponding to present day Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, while the Ptolemies were based further south, in the area corresponding to present day Egypt, Sudan, and Israel. The prophecy highlights a generational feud between the “king of the north” (the Seleucid ruler) and the “king of the south” (the Ptolemaic ruler). As each successive generation passes, the new leader of each dynasty picks up where the former king left off, continuing the war against the opposing empire. Thus, the generational feud between the kings of the north and the south continued for several centuries, until eventually, we arrive at an evil Seleucid ruler whom history remembers as Antiochus Epiphanes.9
“A despicable person will arise, on whom the majesty of kingship has not been conferred; but he will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue.”
- Daniel 11:21
Known by some as Antiochus the Mad, Antiochus reigned over the Seleucid Empire from 175 BC until his death in 164 BC. His reign was characterized by a near-defeat of the Ptolemies, as well as his extraordinarily cruel treatment of his Jewish subjects. On one occasion, he actually invaded Jerusalem, slaughtering countless Jews and sacrificing a pig to Zeus on the altar of the Jewish Temple. Daniel's prophecy even appears to allude to this event - the abomination of desolation. However, it's at this point where the prophecy blends into the career of the antichrist, citing events that happen during the final 3 1/2 year tribulation. And the man who’s said to orchestrate these events is the same king of the north introduced earlier - Antiochus Epiphanes! So how is this apparent discrepancy reconciled?10
“Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination of desolation.”
- Daniel 11:31
The answer, is that this is yet another example of the dual fulfillment nature of Hebrew prophecy. If this idea still sounds odd to you, it's helpful to remember that both Isaiah and Jeremiah incorporate the same near/far fulfillment in their prophecies regarding the end of the age. For example, Isaiah prefigured the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s invasion of Jerusalem as a harbinger to the Day of the Lord, while Jeremiah did the same, only he spotlighted Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian invasion. The prophets, however, were simply highlighting how the same context would frame the end of the age - in other words, it would be a mirror image! And Daniel, just like the prophets before him, was simply prophesying about the eschaton through the events of Antiochus’ career.11
“And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who have insight shall understand.”
- Daniel 12:10
Therefore, when Jesus told His disciples that the abomination was the premier sign of the end of the age, they would have no doubt understood the events surrounding the time of the end would mirror the events that occurred during the reign of Antiochus. Case in point: The antichrist will invade Jerusalem, just like Antiochus. He'll also slaughter Jews, outlaw the Levitical system, and desecrate the Jewish Temple - just like Antiochus. Further, Daniel even tells us that, just like Antiochus in his battle with the Ptolemies, the antichrist will invade Egypt - except the final man of sin won't fail to conquer the region. Said another way, all of the rulers who came before the antichrist - Sennacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, and Antiochus - prefigure him, themselves being a type or a shadow.
However, the primary point I wish to emphasize here is the prophetic geography. In this regard, the biggest takeaway from Daniel’s prophecy is that, at the end of the age, the region of the Seleucid Empire will be in contention with the region of the Ptolemaic Empire. In other words, in the last days, the region corresponding to present day Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey will be postured in opposition to Egypt, Libya, Sudan and Israel. This explains why the antichrist, the final king of the north, will invade Egypt, causing Libya and Sudan to join his coalition. Further, if we were to overlay the regions of the Seleucid and Ptolemaic Empires onto a map of the present day Middle East, it would look like this:
The implications are incredible: The geographic orientation of the Middle East at the time of the end aligns with the geographic orientation of the Middle East today. This is not an exaggeration, nor is it sensationalism. It's simply an understanding of the Biblical prerequisites of end times prophecy combined with an understanding of present day Mid East geopolitics. Further, these geopolitical realties weren't in place in 1948. But, with the rise of Iran’s radical regime, the region has been dramatically reshaped over the last several decades. In fact, just last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted this reality during a speech at the UN General Assembly, presenting two maps reflecting the current alignment of nations in the Middle East.
Incorporating covenantal language from the Old Testament, Netanyahu proceeded to describe Israel and it's Western aligned allies - Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain - as a regional blessing, while describing Iran and its jihadist vassal states - Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon - as a regional curse. Of note is that Israel’s allies are located within the region of the historic Ptolemaic Empire (with the addition of Saudi Arabia, whom Ezekiel also highlights as an Israeli ally at the time of the end), while Israel’s enemies fit neatly within the region of the historic Seleucid Empire. In other words, due to Iran’s malign influence in the region over the last several decades, the precise alignment of nations that was prophesied to exist at the time of the end is the exact alignment that exists now.
Coincidence?
“And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.”
- John 14:29
Part Three: The Signs Before The Sign
The Controversy Of Zion
At this point, you're probably wondering, “What happens next?” This question could also be phrased another way: What are the sign events that immediately precede the seventieth week? To answer this question, we need to take a look at what Scripture says happens during the seventieth week. In the past, I've written a great deal about these signs, and while I won't rehash all of them here, suffice it to say, they all revolve around the reinstatement of the Levitical sacrifices by a reinstalled Levitical priesthood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In other words, the primary sign event that signals we’ve entered the final seven years of this present age has everything to do with Jewish access to the Temple Mount. But, as you're probably aware, there's a violent controversy surrounding this piece of real estate.12
However, the controversy over this site only very recently came into existence. Prior to the mass influx of Jews who returned to the holy land following the Balfour Declaration, the Temple Mount, known by Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, sat in ruin and disrepair. This thirty-six acre site, which includes the Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock, is considered to be the third holiest site in Islam. Yet, it wasn't until the return of large waves of Jewish settlers that the site became a point of contention. In the 1920’s, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Mohammed Amin al-Husseini, incited riots amongst the Arab population, claiming the site was “under attack” by the incoming Jews, and, as a result, he began an extensive restoration of the site, collecting funds for the project from multiple Arab nations.
Tensions over the site only continued to escalate with the return of national Israel in 1948, but they reached a fever pitch when, during the Six Day War of 1967, the Jewish state militarily retook control of Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount. However, in order to reduce tensions in the aftermath of the war, Israel decided to cede jurisdiction of the holy site to the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, a religious entity responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the site. And it was at this point the so called status quo was implemented. Going forward, the site would be recognized as a uniquely Muslim entity, with no Jewish prayer or worship of any kind allowed. Jewish visitors would still be allowed to ascend the Mount, but only during preset hours and accompanied by a police escort.
Restrictions notwithstanding, in 1987, a devoted group of Jews longing to see a rebuilt Temple established the Temple Institute, an organization whose express goal is to one day rebuild the Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount. Over the past several decades, the organization has devoted itself to the preparation of numerous items needed for the daily Temple services, including priestly garments, vessels, altars - and most importantly - blueprints. The organization has even trained numerous priests - all of Aaronic descent - so that, should the Temple actually be rebuilt, they'll have a Levitical priesthood ready to carry out these daily services. In recent years, the organization has even conducted practice sacrifices off-site in preparation for the time when they hope to be able to conduct them on the actual Mount itself.13
Given the fact that the powers and principalities have a vested interest in preventing the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy - after all, darkness and gloom await them at the end of the age - it's no wonder there's so much contention over this otherwise insignificant piece of real estate. So it should come as no surprise that Jerusalem, along with the Temple Mount, is the center of the Arab-Israeli conflict. In 2002, the Arab position was officially formalized with the release of the Arab Peace Initiative. Endorsed by the entirety of the Arab League, the initiative affirms their demand for an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem - the location of the Temple Mount - as its capital. This two state solution has since become the benchmark for any attempt to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict.14
“Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.”
- Revelation 11:1-2
In light of this, Revelation 11 offers an intriguing bit of information regarding the Temple that will stand during the seventieth week. This Temple, we’re told, will be built without an outer court. Historically, the outer court, also known as the court of the Gentiles, took up the majority of the space on the Temple Mount. And because this space will be given to the Gentiles (non Jews), what we're looking at in this passage is a Temple Mount that's been divided.
The open area (white spaces) surrounding the Temple corresponds to the outer court.
Incidentally, the large, open space directly south of the Temple in the picture above is where the Dome of the Rock currently stands. And the spot where the Temple is standing in the picture above is currently vacant. Furthermore, the vacant space that's available on the Temple Mount is adjacent to the Eastern Gate, and Biblical requirements state the Temple must be built in line with this gate. Therefore, if a geopolitical resolution were reached that allowed for the rebuilding of the Temple, not only would there be space for it, but it would also meet all of the Biblical requirements regarding its position relative to the Eastern Gate and be a direct fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
The takeaway from all of this is that, prior to the advent of the seventieth week, the conversation regarding a two state solution will be front and center. This becomes evident once we realize that the issue of jurisdiction over the Temple Mount cannot be separated from the two state conversation. Furthermore, because the reinstatement of the sacrificial system on the Temple Mount - which requires Jewish access to the Temple Mount - is the sign that the seventieth week has begun, we’re left with only one logical takeaway: The implementation of a two state solution - of some sort - is a huge sign before the sign that the end of the age is upon us.
Once again - God does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
“Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
- Luke 21:28
The Covenant With The Many
While it's true the implementation of a two state solution is the sign that immediately precedes the seventieth week, and while it's also true the resumption of the sacrificial system is the sign that immediately follows the advent of the seventieth week, is there a way to know the official starting point of the seventieth week? Daniel tells us there is: The confirmation of a covenant by the antichrist. Commonly referred to as the Daniel 9:27 covenant with the many, this agreement that the antichrist confirms - or strengthens - is the sign that signals the final seven years have officially begun. And while we can be sure this agreement will either include, or come adjacent to, a two state solution, is there anything else that we can glean from the prophets regarding the context of this covenant?
“And he (the antichrist) will confirm the covenant with the many for one week…”
- Daniel 9:27
The answer, is yes. Perhaps the clearest blueprint for what the Daniel 9:27 covenant with the many will look like is Israel's historical pattern of forging security alliances with their neighbors in the face of a regional threat. For example, in the 8th century BC, when Judah was in danger of being overtaken by Syria, the regional juggernaut who threatened the entire region, King Ahaz famously aligned his kingdom with Egypt and Assyria, two nations who were equally threatened by Syria’s advances. However, this alliance would be shortlived, as Assyria would renege on their pact and go on to become one of Judah’s most formidable foes, even invading Jerusalem in the days of Hezekiah.15
“Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; they multiply falsehood and violence; they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried to Egypt.”
- Hosea 12:1
King Hezekiah, however, apparently didn't learn from his father's mistakes. And in the face of this Assyrian threat, he would mirror his father's actions, forging alliances with the surrounding nations who were mutually affected by Assyria’s advances in the region. And one of these nations, to Hezekiah’s detriment, was Babylon. The nation that would go on to conquer Jerusalem, taking Hezekiah's descendants - including Daniel - into captivity was being welcomed into the king’s court as a friend and ally. Of course, as we all know, this alliance would also turn sour, as Babylon would eventually renege on the deal, just as Assyria had done before. And once again, Israel's trust in their neighbors and their collective military might would ultimately be their demise.16
Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord.”
- Isaiah 39:5-6
What's interesting about these ill-fated alliances though, is that all of the Hebrew prophets project this exact same dynamic onto an end times context. Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, prophets whom Daniel was extremely familiar with, all explicitly prefigure the time of the end through the lens of Israel's misplaced trust in a regional security alliance. This is likely a callback to God's warning not to make any covenants with the surrounding peoples, lest they become a trap, or a snare. Yet historically, Israel has always gotten caught in this snare, forging alliances with surrounding nations whenever a regional threat arises. And every time, it ends the exact same way; with an invasion of Jerusalem led by one of the parties to the security alliance. Just. like. the. antichrist.17
“And from the time that an alliance is made with him (the antichrist ) he shall act deceitfully, and he shall become strong with a small force of people.”
- Daniel 11:23
Not only did Daniel already have a framework in place to understand the covenant with the many, he was also plainly told that Israel’s relationship with the antichrist would be in the form of an alliance. But how exactly are we supposed to understand what’s meant by the antichrist confirming (gabar) this alliance? The Hebrew word gabar typically carries the connotation of making something strong or firm. In other words, it's the antichrist's participation in said regional security alliance that will cause Israel to perceive themselves as untouchable. Additionally, it’s entirely possible this security alliance is already in place, or at least close to being in place, when the antichrist arrives on the scene. Which means the existence of a nefarious Middle Eastern power who threatens the entire region is yet another sign before the sign!
Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter.”
- Isaiah 28:15
And it should come as no surprise that Iran, with its stable of proxies, fits this description perfectly. Since 1979, the Iranian regime has brought nothing but terror and instability to the entire region. Further, their state constitution actually lists Ja’fari Shia Islam - a radical subsect of Islam - as their national religion. This apocalyptic death cult states that its sole purpose is to inaugurate the day of judgement by destroying Israel and unifying the globe under an Islamic banner, executing anyone who refuses to convert. In other words, Iran exists to bring about the Biblical end times. And over the years, this radical goal has put them at odds with their more moderate, Western aligned Muslim neighbors such as Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain.18
“The last hour would not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them…”
- Islamic hadith promoted by Iran
So it's no coincidence that the rise of the Iranian regime, a prophetic sign in itself, is directly connected to the geopolitical realignment of the Middle East - another prophetic sign! Further, the Iranian threat has already caused Israel and their Gulf neighbors to form an unspoken - but not so subtle - regional security alliance. Following the success of the 2020 Abraham Accords, Israel has openly conducted several joint military drills with their Arab neighbors, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain. Furthermore, these countries have already come to Israel's defense twice, shooting down Iranian missiles in April and October of this year alone. At his speech in front of a joint session of Congress earlier this year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu touted the success of these joint defensive efforts, openly calling for the formation of this security alliance:
“All countries that are in peace with Israel and all those countries who will make peace with Israel should be invited to join this alliance. We saw a glimpse of that potential alliance on April 14th. Led by the United States, more than half a dozen nations worked alongside Israel to help neutralize hundreds of missiles and drones launched by Iran against us. The new alliance I envision would be a natural extension of the groundbreaking Abraham Accords. Those Accords saw peace forged between Israel and four Arab countries, and they were supported by Republican and Democrats alike.
I have a name for this new alliance.
I think we should call it: The Abraham Alliance.”
- Benjamin Netanyahu, July 25th 2024
Speaking on behalf of the Arab world, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi recently stated they (the Arab world) would be willing to guarantee Israel’s security if they would simply end their “occupation” and recognize an independent Palestinian state, tying together the aforementioned security alliance with a two state solution. Yet, recognizing a Palestinian state has always been a non-starter for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who realizes it would likely just become another terror state on Israel’s border. However, he’s never ruled out a Palestinian state altogether. He's simply made clear that what he rejects is the unilateral implementation of it. In other words, the issue of a Palestinian state is something that, in his mind, is up for negotiation.19
That said, the Arab stance on a Palestinian state continues to remain unchanged. Their demand continues to be an independent state along the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as it's capital. But could a compromise potentially be reached? Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Palestinian Authority foreign minister Nasser al-Kidwa think so. Acting as unofficial spokespersons for their respective sides, the two have collectively drafted a framework that, if implemented, could resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. And while their framework is very reminiscent of the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, there's one major change to the plan: A division of Jerusalem and shared access to the Temple Mount.20
Let the reader understand.
“But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.”
- 1st Thessalonians 5:4
War And Peace
Given the fact that all of these prophetic threads seem to be intertwining, it's worth noting one other sign before the sign that's especially relevant: War. The prophet Ezekiel indicates that, prior to the antichrist's invasion of Jerusalem, Israel will be enjoying a time of unprecedented peace. Of course, this is partly because of the formation (and strengthening) of a regional security alliance coupled with an apparent resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict by the implementation of some sort of two state solution. But, historically, peace of this magnitude is almost always preceded by war. And in this case, it's no different. Ezekiel explicitly tells us that Israel's time of perceived peace occurs after Israel has recovered from war.
“In the latter years you will go against the land that is enjoying peace after recovering from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them.”
- Ezekiel 38:8
The takeaway is profound. Prior to the advent of the seventieth week, Israel will find themselves in the midst of war. And, as you're probably already aware, that's exactly where they find themselves today; at war. In fact, the ongoing war has become the longest in Israel’s national history, and the most consequential since their war for independence. Understanding the magnitude of the war and it's ramifications for Israel’s future, Prime Minister Netanyahu has sought to rename the conflict Resurrection War. And although the conflict began with an invasion by Hamas, an Iranian proxy, the war has expanded on seven fronts as Israel finds themselves fighting Iran's entire stable of proxies across the Middle East. Furthermore, they've also engaged in direct conflict with Iran.
But by far, the most intriguing aspect of this war is why it began. Named after the mosque on the Temple Mount, Al-Aqsa Flood was launched by Hamas in “defense” of Israel’s alleged encroachment of the holy site. In fact, in January of this year, a spokesperson for Hamas stated point blank their invasion was a response to the Temple Institute’s recent acquisition of five unblemished red heifers. For context, the ashes of an unblemished red heifer are necessary to purify the Levitical priesthood before they're able to perform their priestly duties on the Temple Mount. Not only is the arrival of the unblemished heifers a major signpost in and of itself, but Hamas’ response tells you all you need to know about the forces of darkness’ understanding of their limited time.21
“We look back 100 days to remember the educated, the complicit, and the incapacitated among the world powers governed by the law of the jungle, reminding them of an aggression that reached its peak against our path (Al-Quds) and Al-Aqsa, with the start of its actual temporal and spatial division, and the bringing of red cows as an application of a detestable religious myth designed for aggression against the feelings of an entire nation in the heart of its Arab identity, and the path of its prophet (the Night Journey) and Ascension to heaven.”
- Hamas spokesperson January 2024
What's interesting about this quote is that, aside from the red heifers, the Hamas spokesman also appears to allude to a division of the Temple Mount. For reference, Al-Quds is the word Muslims use to refer to Jerusalem, and Al-Aqsa refers to the Temple Mount itself. This is made even clearer by the reference to “the prophet” (Mohammad) and his night journey, which Muslims believe occurred on the Temple Mount. In other words, the radical Muslim world believes there's a plan in place to divide the Temple Mount and allow the Jews to reinstate their sacrificial system, or “detestable religious myth,” as he calls it. But here's the rub: At the time of the invasion, no such plan existed. This can only mean one thing: The powers of darkness are working through Israel’s enemies in a last ditch effort to thwart the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy.
War notwithstanding, the arrival of not just one, but five, unblemished red heifers in Israel is unprecedented. For reference, an unblemished red heifer hasn't been spotted in Israel in almost two thousand years. And aside from access to the Temple Mount itself, an unblemished red heifer is arguably the biggest prerequisite for being able to reinstate the Levitical priesthood. So the question is, is their arrival - right at this time - a coincidence? Furthermore, just last week, an Aaronic priest from the Temple Institute ascended the Temple Mount, giving the priestly blessing. It would seem that, just as in the days of Haggai and Zechariah, the Jews are being stirred up to rebuild the Temple and return to their ancient covenant, and against all logical odds. Why? Because the time has arrived.22
Throughout the past year, significant movement has been made on a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. But what started as a simple ceasefire-for-hostage exchange ultimately became interconnected with numerous overarching threads. For example, the Israeli-Saudi normalization deal the U.S. had been working to broker prior to Hamas’ invasion has become linked to a ceasefire. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is now demanding that Israel agree to a political pathway to a Palestinian state in order to secure full normalization between Israel and the Islamic world. In other words, all of the prophetic threads - a two state solution, a regional security alliance, and a ceasefire - have each become fused to what’s officially come to be known as the Grand Bargain.
Of course, Daniel knows it as something else.
“And he will confirm the covenant with the many for one week…”
- Daniel 9:27
Part Four: A Time To Know The Time
Things To Come
At this point, you're probably wondering, “What about the antichrist? Where does he fit into current events?” And the answer is, he hasn't emerged yet. However, it should come as no surprise to learn the prophetic Scriptures gives us the information we need in order to identify when the Daniel 9:27 covenant is officially confirmed - and it has everything to do with prophetic geography. And while there are many competing views about the identity of the antichrist - the pope, a former U.S. President, Elon Musk etc. - in actuality, the Scriptures are very specific about the region he comes from. Which means not only can we rule out the candidates who don't meet this geographic criteria, but more importantly, we can redirect our focus to the location that he does come from.
“Set your face toward Gog (the antichrist), of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.”
- Ezekiel 38:2-3
Recall if you will, that Ezekiel 38 gives us a roster of nations who participate in Gog’s invasion of Jerusalem at the midpoint of the seventieth week. Not only are we told the names of the nations who join Gog, we're also told the exact name of the region where Gog comes from! Magog. The significance of this cannot be overstated. Far from not being able to know anything about the origins of the antichrist, we’re actually told point blank the name of the region he’ll originate from! Ezekiel doesn't event stutter. Moreover, since we already know that the antichrist - and by default, his nation - will join a security alliance with Israel and a group of regional neighbors, all we have to do is identify where the region of Magog is today and then simply watch the events unfold in real time!
So where exactly is the land of Magog? Despite a relatively novel teaching that says the land of Magog corresponds to Russia, all of the oldest and most reputable Bible Atlases, as well as historical testimony, place the region of Magog in Asia Minor, better known today by its modern name: Turkey. In support of this point, Ezekiel tells us that Gog is also the chief prince (i.e. political leader) of Meshech and Tubal, two ancient regions that Biblical scholars and historians alike unanimously agree correspond to Asia Minor (i.e. Turkey). Based on this information alone, it would be illogical to suggest that Gog is the leader of any other nation than one that can be found in Asia Minor. In other words, if one believes the land of Magog is Russia, you’d also have to explain how a Russian leader is also the leader of Turkey!23
Furthermore, Daniel also points to Turkey as the location of Gog's home base. Remember Antiochus Epiphanes, the wicked Seleucid ruler who prefigures the antichrist? Well, it should come as no surprise to learn that the capital city of his empire - which is a foreshadow of the antichrist's empire - is Antioch, located in modern day Turkey. The implications are profound. As events in the Middle East progress, we should expect to see Turkey eventually enter - and strengthen - the emerging security alliance with Israel. However, current relations between the two countries are strained, to say the least, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has a long history of hostile rhetoric towards the Jewish state. In other words, an alliance between the two would be highly unlikely.
However, Daniel appears to suggest there will be a changing of the guard shortly before the advent of the seventieth week. Moreover, he reveals this regime change will be sudden and unexpected, with the mysterious newcomer presumably circumventing the traditional path to power by means of flattery and intrigue. In other words, immediately prior to the advent of the seventieth week, we should expect to see a sudden regime change in Turkey, and under very unusual circumstances. And following this changing of the guard, the mysterious newcomer will enter Turkey into a security alliance with Israel and a number of other Mid East nations. It's possible that he could even possess the magic formula for implementing a comprehensive and “enduring” two state solution.
“The next to come to power will be a despicable man who is not in line for royal succession. He will slip in when least expected and take over the kingdom by flattery and intrigue.”
- Daniel 11:21
Finally, it's worth noting that Ezekiel appears to allude to another regional shakeup prior to the advent of the seventieth week, this one involving Iran. Recall that in Ezekiel 38, Persia (i.e. Iran) is a participant in Gog's last days invasion of Israel, not the leader. This is not insignificant. As Iran is currently the primary antagonist in the Middle East, Ezekiel’s passage implies that Iran will lose a significant amount of force posture prior to, or simultaneous with, the rise of a new regional power: Turkey. Furthermore, this is currently happening. Not only has Israel almost entirely incapacitated both Hamas and Hezbollah, two of Iran’s leading proxies, but they're expected to launch a devastating retaliatory strike against Iran any day now, with their stated end game being to dismantle and depose the radical Islamic regime.24
There are sure to be unexpected events that take place in the days, weeks, months - even years ahead. The Lord always has a way of keeping certain things hidden. Nevertheless, all of the signposts are pointing in the same direction: A rapidly approaching seventieth week. And while we can’t be 100% sure how everything will play out between now and the advent of that climatic week, it's hardly debatable that the current situation in the Middle East is ripe with end times context. And it’s beyond dispute that the past century has been witness to a steady march of prophetic signposts that have led us precisely to the point where we are today, seemingly at the threshold of the seventieth week. But is it just a coincidence that everything’s coming together right now, at this exact moment in time?
I think you know by now.
God does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
“Come, let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, That we may live before Him.”
- Hosea 6:2
Timing Is Everything
It's always puzzled me how Daniel was evidently unaware of the approaching fulfillment of Jeremiah’s seventy years until it was right at his doorstep; but then it struck me. It's the same for us. Think about it. Daniel had all of the information necessary in order to discern precisely when the seventieth year would begin. Yet it wasn't until he saw specific, foretold events (i.e Cyrus) that he was able to put it all together. In the same way, current events transpiring in the Middle East should alert us that the time is fast approaching. Further, if Hosea's prophecy really does point to a two thousand year inter-advent period, as some believe, then by any reckoning of the crucifixion date, the seventieth week should begin sometime within this present decade.25
And while we can’t be certain of this interpretation of Hosea's two day prophecy, current events should cause us to think twice before hastily dismissing it. After all, God does nothing without first revealing it to His prophets, and we just so happen to have access to their writings. Further, if God really has declared the end from the beginning, as Isaiah says, then we should stop to consider just what that might mean. Moreover, we need not forget Jesus' rebuke of His people for not knowing the timing of His first advent, even though it was clearly foretold in the prophets. It's as if you can hear the voices of the unbelieving Pharisees echoing throughout the centuries, “No one knows the day or the hour!” In truth, they didn't know, not because they couldn't, but because of their unbelief.
“For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in… and they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
- Luke 19:43, 44
You see, there's a correlation between believing, knowing, and responding appropriately. As a prime example, take the parable of the ten virgins. When the time was at hand, the five who weren't prepared had to scramble to find more oil for their lamps. This is analogous to hearts growing cold in the last days, our spiritual lamps running out of oil, as it were. But the reason it's relevant is because the Scriptures testify to an unprecedented falling away from the faith in the last days due to lawlessness, betrayal, and persecution. Nevertheless, as the chaff blows away, the wheat will rise. And those with insight will lead many to righteousness - because their belief will have led them to knowing the time, and knowing the time will allow them to respond appropriately at that time.26
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?”
- Matthew 24:45
There will be a time to know the time. But when that time comes, will your lamps be filled with oil? That was the issue with the five unprepared virgins. They didn't take seriously the warning to keep their lamps trimmed. And because they weren't prepared, the Bridegroom had already shut the door to the wedding feast by the time they got back with their oil. Frantically, they knocked and knocked, “Lord, lord, let us in!” they cried. But He would not. Now, I know what you're thinking - surely Jesus wouldn't prevent believers from entering the Kingdom just for not knowing the timing of His return! But if that's your takeaway, you've missed the point entirely. The unprepared virgins weren't believers. If they were, then they wouldn't have spent the years leading up to the return of the Bridegroom living in willful ignorance of the glaring signposts mounting all around them. Genuine belief always leads to knowing the time.
And timing, as they say, is everything.
Jeremiah 25:11; Daniel 9:1-2
Jeremiah 1:1-3; Daniel 1:1-6
Jeremiah 51:31; Ezekiel 1:1-2; Ezekiel 33:21
Ezra 6:15
Isaiah 44:24-28; Isaiah 45:1-6
For further reading on this subject, please see my more detailed account, with references:
https://substack.com/@practicalprophecy/note/p-47882963
Genesis 18:10; Revelation 19:10; Daniel 11:33; Daniel 12:3
For further reading on Israel's covenantal cycle, please see my more detailed account, with references:
https://substack.com/@practicalprophecy/note/p-52345114
Daniel 11:1-20
Daniel 11:21-45
Isaiah 10:5-34; Isaiah 14:3-27; Jeremiah 50 & 51
For further reading on the signs that occur during the seventieth week, as well as more information on the controversy over the Temple Mount, please see my more detailed accounts, with references:
https://substack.com/@practicalprophecy/note/p-49364373
https://substack.com/@practicalprophecy/note/p-52511308
https://templeinstitute.org/about-us/
https://israeled.org/resources/documents/2002-arab-peace-initiative/
Isaiah 7 & 8
Isaiah 39:1-8
Exodus 34:12
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Iran_1989
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/jordanian-fm-arab-world-willing-to-guarantee-israels-security-if-palestinian-state-established/
https://en.majalla.com/node/322135/documents-memoirs/al-majalla-publishes-olmert-kidwa-peace-proposal
https://www.jewishpress.com/news/israel/temple-mount-har-habayit/hamas-spokesman-abu-ubaydah-reveals-we-attacked-after-the-jews-imported-red-heifers/2024/01/26/
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-practise-red-heifer-ritual-al-aqsa
https://x.com/FAI_Wire/status/1845564643802309002?s=19
For further reading on the location of Magog, please see my more detailed account, with references:
https://substack.com/@practicalprophecy/note/p-50116292
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-stands-with-you-netanyahu-tells-iranian-people-says-iran-will-be-free-sooner-than-people-think/
This interpretation sees the two days as two thousand years, beginning from the 1st century crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, and concluding with the return of Christ to inaugurate the third day - the 1,000 year Millennial reign.
Hezekiah seemed to understand Hosea’s third day as the advent of the Messianic Kingdom and resurrection of the dead (Hosea 6:2; 2nd Kings 20:1-8). Revelation 20:4 indicates this third day is 1,000 years. Would not the two days of Hosea 6:2 perhaps be 2,000 years, beginning from Jesus’ ascension (Hosea 5:15)?
And while this is not a firm endorsement of this interpretation, it’s certainly intriguing that everything that's currently transpiring coincides with the timing of Hosea’s prophecy. Nevertheless, it will only be vindicated if the events conclude within the timeframe.
Matthew 24:10-12; 2nd Thessalonians 2:3; Matthew 25:1-13
Thanks for this. A job well done!
This was an excellent, very well written article. Thank you!