At my weekly Bible study, we had a discussion of a Prophesy that I am somewhat familiar with. I found it somewhat confusing, as there seemed to me to be a confusing of the prophecies for the "Gog/Magog" invasion of Israel, and the final battle of "Armageddon".
I have always maintained a bias for interpreting prophecy, given to Israel over 2000 years ago, through the eyes of modern society, though expressed by God to an ancient people who could not possibly understand the conditions of modern technology. Therefore, I believe, God merely describes the appearances of the effects of modern weapons in terms that are relevant to ancient peoples, yet are clearly applicable to those technologies.
Thus, we have God describing, in Ezekiel: 38 that the beginning of the "Gog/Magog" invasion will seem as the invasion force comes against Israel, "...like a cloud". in verse 9, and again in verse 16. This could obviously, simply be a description of the vastness of the size of the invasion force. But, the readiness of the enemies of Israel, especially Syria, to rely upon chemical warfare to debilitate their enemies, makes me to feel that God is merely giving modern believers a hint, while also describing it in terms that the ancient believers could also understand. The fact that Russia (referred to as "Magog", in the prophecy), and Iran (referred to as "Persia"), are massing their forces today in Syria makes me suspect that some form of chemical weaponry will be used to start the invasion of Israel. And, the fact that so-called "International Law" has "outlawed" the use of chemical warfare, relieves Israel of the condemnation for retaliating in kind, with another form of "banned weaponry", which I suspect will be "Tactical Nuclear weapons", in the form of Neutron Nuclear bombs, and artillery. This may be the basis for what God describes as, "hail, and fire, and brimstone", which brings about a poisonous condition, referred to as a pestilence (perhaps the radiation effect that kills large numbers of enemy, while leaving much of the surrounding infrastructure, (buildings, vehicles, etc.) intact.)
I have previously written that apparently the Israelis have come to the same conclusion as I have, about the possible use of chemical warfare, as they have been reputedly distributing gas masks to their citizens for decades, for just such an emergency. Further corroboration of my belief may be found in Jesus' description of the Last Days, in Matthew: 24, when He cautions the people of this period to flee to the mountains, or, if they are in an upper story of a building to, "...not come down", which is consistent with a caution for chemical weapons, whose gas is heavier than air, and sinks to the lowest point available.
The reference to an earthquake may be an aspect of the after effects of a massive bombardment upon the invaders, in an area of Israel that has long been known to be fairly, geologically unstable. Perhaps God allows an earthquake to finish the job that Israel's weapons have started, and turning the invaders into an all-out panicked retreat, which is attempted to be stopped by some, which may be the basis for what God describes as, "every man's sword (or modern weapon) will be against his brother (or, comrade in arms)", as those who are retreating resist those who are tying to stop the retreat!
Thus, we have a plausible explanation of how a massive invasion force can be defeated, and nearly wiped out, to the point of 83 and 1/3rd %, as God prophesied nearly 2500 years ago. I don't think that the use of modern weapons technology detracts from the obvious miraculous protection by God of His "chosen people". Perhaps He will cause most of the invasion force to be swallowed up in the earthquake, to make sure that the rest of the world realizes that He has brought this all to pass. But, either way, I think that His fingerprints should be recognizable all over this miracle!!!
Also, the seven-year period, afterwards, that is described as Israel burning the weapons of the enemy may coincide with the Antichrist's rise to power, in the European Commonwealth, during which a "peace treaty" seems to be negotiated with Israel, which may include their voluntary disarmament of all Nuclear weapons, including the very Neutron Nuclear weapons the were necessary in defeating the "Gog/Magog" invasion force. Perhaps this is how they set up the Armageddon invasion, for which Israel will appear to be largely defenseless,... except for the return of Jesus to finally destroy all the evil armies that go against His chosen people!!!
I admit that their is an awful lot of presumption in my interpreting of these "Last Days" prophecies, and I add the caveat that I do not claim to be a prophet, myself, therefore I recognize that I may be absolutely wrong in my interpretations! Still I think the discussion of the Prophecies is healthy, and the conclusions will all bring about the ultimate victory for Jesus, and His believers, one way, or another! Comments are welcome, within propriety, of course. All one must do is to "click" the "No Comments" notice at the bottom of this page. Please be aware that this is not a warning that comments will get you arrested by George Orwell's "Thought Police", whether Google wishes it, or not! The "No Comments" merely indicates to me that none have been recorded, yet.
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