I think it very important that I change the order of the chapters I am posting from my book.  Since I believe one of the next prophecies to be fulfilled is the attack on Israel, I felt it important for you to read what has been developing in the Middle East to fulfill this prophecy.  There is going to be a major war the world will never forget and God gave us every detail concerning this war.  I will be leaving this post up for 2 weeks to give everyone a chance to read the entire chapter.  I suggest as you read this chapter you keep your eyes on the news regarding the Middle East. When you see this attack take place you will come to understand God is in control!

CHAPTER 10

Listed below are the nations who will attack Israel in Ezekiel chapter 38, and their modern day names.  Map shows nations attacking Israel.

Gog is the leader of the Russian invasion Israel.

Magog, Meshech, and Tubal is modern day Russia

Persia is Iran, and parts of northern Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Cush is Ethiopia and Sudan.

Put is Libya and will most likely include Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.

Gomer is Eastern Germany.

Beth Togarmah is Turkey and Armenia

Click on map to enlarge picture.

FULFILLMENT:

I promise you right from the start, if you read this entire chapter you will be blown away by the proof.  There will be no doubt in your mind another major war against Israel is just around the corner. There will be no doubt that you will know exactly what will happen before it actually takes place, and you will know how to prepare your family. 

There are hundreds of news reports giving warnings another Middle East war is coming against Israel.  I was going to conclude this chapter with the following report, but the comparison to current events and Ezekiel’s prophecy are so similar I decided to start this chapter off with the report.  Right from the beginning the report states, “Similarities between Ezekiel’s prophecies, today’s Mideast reality uncanny”. The first paragraph to the report says, “Current world events are beginning to increasingly resemble the 2,500 year old bible prophecy made by Ezekiel in chapters 38-39. Ezekiel foresaw the rise of Russia (or Turkey, depending on the interpretation) in a coalition with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries (Sudan, Ethiopia and Libya)” (Ynetnews 12-10-2006).  I suggest you read the entire report,  go to the Internet and click on to the site below:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3338175,00.html.

In the very near future all the nations mentioned in the prophecy above will join forces, and once more try to recapture the holy city of Jerusalem.  The invading armies will have one purpose in mind; destroy the state of Israel forever, and to take all the spoils that Israel has gotten since becoming a nation again in 1948.  The Word of God tells us, Russia will lead specific nations against Israel in the last days.  At the end of the day, when the battle is over, 5/6 of all the invading armies will be killed. Israel will not be destroyed because God will come to her rescue!  Believe me, when the attack happens every news agency in the world will be covering this short-lived war.  One important fact to remember is this, all the nations, which are prophesied to attack Israel are Muslim. Even though these invading armies don’t share the same ethnology, or the same geographic locations, they all have many things in common.  They are, as I said, of the Islamic faith; they have a zealous hatred for Israel, and many of these nations listed, are nations in need of food and supplies.  Ezekiel told us in 38:12, one of the reasons for the attack is to take Israel’s cattle and goods.

In the 38th chapter of Ezekiel we are told by God an attack would come against Israel in the last days.  This future attack will come at a time when Israel did not have any walls, gates, or bars.  In other words, the attack will come at a time when Israel will feel secure.  The prophet Ezekiel is given specific details on this coming attack.  In verse 8 of Ezekiel 38, God says an attack will occur in the “future years.”  This statement refers to end times or as Jesus said, at the time Israel is a young nation again.  It is important to remember the attack will come against Israel when all the other prophecies are also being fulfilled at the same time, which they are.

Sheba and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? Hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? To carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?” (Ezekiel 38:13).  As the attack begins, we see specific nations that are mentioned which only give their formal protest against the invading armies.  The nations who give their formal protect are not engaged in the battle.  Sheba and Dedan in verse 13 is modern day Saudi Arabia.  Great Britain is what is referred to in the Old Testament as Tarshish.  The nations who broke away from Great Britain are the United Stated, Canada, and Australia; these nations are considered the young lions of Tarshish or Great Britain in modern day terms.  Look up the coat of arms for Great Britain; it is the lion. 

Ezekiel Chapter 38:13 tells us that Great Britain who is the (lion), the United States, Canada, and Australia, who are the (young lions) are in the area of Saudi Arabia at the time the attack against Israel breaks out.  These nations will do nothing to help Israel, except to give their formal protest to the massive invasion.  Are these nations in the area right now?  Yes they are.  When the United States attacked Iraq in 2004 the nations who joined forces with America were, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia.  These nations are still in Iraq today, and they have military bases in Saudi Arabia.  When the attack against Israel begins there will be millions of men who come against Israel.  America and her allies will not be able to do anything to help Israel; all they will be able to do is give their protest.  Now that we know who will not help Israel when they are attacked, let us review what nations are listed that will attack Israel.

Old Testament names of the invading nations against Israel were different from what they are called today, however they are the same nations, which exist today.  Meshech and Tubal in verses 2 and 6 were the names of the 6th and 5th sons of Japheth, the son of Noah (Gen. 10:2).  These descendants made their way into what is now modern day Russia.  Gog, is the leader, or their “Chief Prince,” of Meshech and Tubal.  Gog, this “Chief Prince” will lead this army against Israel.  Who is Magog?  Leading Bible scholars say this is Russia and republics of the former Soviet Union. The Roman historian Josephus said the "Magogites" were the peoples whom the Greeks called "Scythians." Scythians were a fierce, blood-thirsty civilization that settled north of the Baltic Sea in what is now Russia and the European republics of the former USSR.  In Ezekiel 38:6,15 and 39:2, the prophet makes it clear the attack would come from the “north”. Directly north of Israel is Russia.  Here are the breakdowns of the rest of the names mentioned in Ezekiel 38, which will join Russia in the attack.  These nations are: `Persia,” which is mainly modern day Iran and parts of northern Iraq and Afghanistan. “Cush,” which is Ethiopia and Sudan. Bible history reveals Ethiopia of was located to the south of Egypt, extending through the junction of the White and Blue Nile including, and beyond, what is today Sudan. The Hebrew word for Ethiopia is Cush.  When you study the table of nations listed in Genesis chapter 10, you will learn Ham’s oldest son was named Cush.  We know Ham’s son Cush inhabited Ethiopia, and in our present day, this would encompass both modern day Ethiopia and Sudan.

“Put” was also a descendant of Ham; he was the third son of Ham, see (Genesis 10:6).  Libya is the translation of the original Hebrew word, Put.  We know the descendants of Put migrated to the land west of Egypt and became the source of the North African Arab nations, which are Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco.  “Put,” therefore is what we know as our modern day Libya, but can include Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco as well.  Who is “Gomer, and all his troops” as mentioned in Ezekiel 38:6?  Gomer was the oldest son of Japheth.  We know Gomer’s descendants migrated into what is today Eastern Germany.  Togarmah was the second son of Gomer; his descendants occupied eastern and northern Turkey, and they occupied southern Russia, which used to be comprised of many small nations such as Armenia. Present day Armenians still call themselves the house of Togarmah.  As you can see, there is an array of nations that will join Russia when attacking Israel, but it is not all the armies of the world, as with the battle of Armageddon. I will cover the differences between Ezekiel’s battle, and the battle at Armageddon at the end of this chapter.

Following is an explanation and proof of how the nations named in Ezekiel’s prophecy have over the years been forging a bond that will ultimately carry out the Lord’s prophecy.  The attack against Israel is one of the last prophecies to be fulfilled before the tribulation begins. The current events you are seeing in the news today are showing the world the prelude to the next attack against Israel.  The following time line will demonstrate to you the attitudes each country has had in regard to the nation Israel.  You will learn these same attitudes toward Israel’s right to exist as a nation are still intact today, but one major thing has changed, in 2006 there have been more cries to destroy the state of Israel then ever before.  This chapter’s time line begins in the late 1970s.  By the end of this chapter you will see we should expect this attack in the very near future. 

Libya:  Libya is known as Put in the Old Testament.  In Genesis chapter 10:6 we learn that Put was the third son of Ham.  We are also taught from Josephus an ancient historian that the descendants of Put migrated to the land west of Egypt, these people became what we call the North African Arab nations, which today consists of Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria.  When the attack takes place Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria will be included in this attack since they are all made up the descendants of Ham and Put. 

Let’s take a look at current events in Algeria.  It is interesting that the military or a single party controls most African governments. North African countries derive many laws from Islam, and Islam is Algeria’s official religion, which is predominantly Sunni.  News concerning Algeria in 2006 shows the possible reason why they will join in on the attack against Israel.  “Al Qaeda’s No. 2 leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, announced this week what he called "the blessed union" of his terrorist group and the Algeria-based Salafist Group for Call and Combat (known by its initials in French as GSPC).  The statement, made in a video posted on the Internet, confirms what U.S. News reported last December-that Osama bin Laden’s terror network has formally linked up with the feared Algerian terrorist group, which has a network of operatives in North Africa and parts of Europe” (U.S. News and World Report, posted Sept. 14, 2006).  It would stand to reason, since Algeria has allied itself with Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden, that Algeria wouldn’t hesitate in joining in on an attack against their common enemy Israel.  Who is supplying Algeria with weapons?  The Russians.  RIA Novosti news from Moscow reported Russia may receive some $6 billion on sales of weapons and military hardware in 2006” (July 12, 2006).  Rosoboronexport which is a Public Relations and Media Service has in the same RIA Novosti report pointed out that Russia is “strengthening cooperation with traditional African importers of Russian weapons” (ibid).  Guess whom Russia is selling their weapons to? The nations are “Algeria, Libya, Angola, Ethiopia and Uganda-as well as progress in cooperation with Morocco” (ibid).  By the time you finish this chapter you will learn that Algeria, Libya, Ethiopia, and Morocco are all nations that will invade Israel with Russia.  It is no wonder why Russia is arming these nations!

What about Morocco? Is there a connection, which would link these terrorists’ nations to join in on an attack against Israel?  The connection can be made in this December 26, 2005 U.S.News and World Report, where they wrote a piece entitled, “The Mutating Threat”. The following is only a section from their report.  “The most prominent successor is Abu Musab Zarqawi and his network of foreign suicide bombers in Iraq, but attacks like the Madrid train bombings in March 2004 are of growing concern. Those blasts, which killed 191 people, have been tied to the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group, a shadowy, loose-knit outfit even more mysterious than the GSPC.” “Intelligence officials fear that these North African groups could be the future, more anonymous face of the terrorist threat. The GSPC, which grew out of Algeria’s violent civil war in the 1990s, was once seen mostly as a local threat. But the group, which had developed an extensive European exile support network, now has much broader ambitions. "The concern is that they could link up with other extremists to launch attacks beyond Algeria, particularly on soft targets frequented by westerners," says one U.S. counter terrorism official.”  Both terrorist groups from Morocco and Algeria are united with Bin Laden.  News published on the Middle East Online had this to say in their report entitled “Algeria’s GSPC vows to pursue ‘holy war’”. "Osama bin Laden has told me to announce to Muslims that the GSPC (the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat) has joined Al-Qaeda," Zawahiri said, according to extracts of the video issued this week to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. "We pray to God that they will be a thorn in the side of the American and French crusaders and their allies," he said”.  Anyone following the Middle East, knows the allies Bin Laden’s group is talking about is Israel. Put two and two together.  Bin Laden’s goal is to wipe out Israel and the United States.  In the near future, when the attack against Israel takes place, I would look for these nations to join in on that attack. 

Tunisia is another nation in which their religion is Islam, predominantly Sunni. Up till now Tunisia hasn’t been responsible for any terrorist attacks, but there are many in Tunisia who are sympatric with Bin Laden, and his cause.  Destroying Israel and the Islamic faith will probably be the reasons why Tunisia will join their Islamic brothers in the coming Israeli attack, but there are more dots to connect here.  Another big development just took place in the Middle East, and it has to do with concerns over atomic energy, and atomic bombs.  On November 4, 2006 the Times Online came out with an article entitled, “Six Arab states join rush to go nuclear”.  Take a guess as to which Arab nations are included in this list? The report stated, “The countries involved were named by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Tunisia and the UAE have also shown interest.” “Mark Fitzpatrick, an expert on nuclear proliferation at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said that it was clear that the sudden drive for nuclear expertise was to provide the Arabs with a “security hedge”.  One of the reasons why these nations want to go nuclear is the fact that the only Middle East nation who has the nuclear bomb is Israel.  It doesn’t surprise me at all, that the very nations named to attack Israel, are the same nations that are now pressing for this nuclear edge.  When you read Ezekiel’s prophecy, you will discover the outcome of this battle, and it appears to be a nuclear blast.  Anyone who has followed the news these past months also are aware Iran has just gotten the nuclear bomb. Israel has already stated if the US can’t stop Iran from obtaining the bomb, that they would strike Iran themselves and stop them. The Times Online had this to say, “ISRAEL has drawn up secret plans for a combined air and ground attack on targets in Iran if diplomacy fails to halt the Iranian nuclear program”(March 13, 3005).  In another section of the March, 13 report it said, “The plans have been discussed with American officials who are said to have indicated provisionally that they would not stand in Israel’s way if all international efforts to halt Iranian nuclear projects failed. If Israel carries out their threat and hits Iran, I can see how their actions could unite the other nations listed to attack Israel, and it could start the Ezekiel war.

Let me get back to Libya specifically. From the very beginning of the Israeli peace talks Libya has been one of the nations who has kept denouncing any attempt at peace with Israel. Not only did the leader of Libya take shots at Israel but also he had harsh words for President Carter, who was supporting Israel.  Here are a few reports during this time frame, which mentioned Libya, and the rest of the nations listed in the prophecy.  The first report was entitled, “The Middle East—A Never Ending Problem” Please note, every nation mentioned in the prophecy was mentioned in this first report.  The report stated, “Enormous challenges confront Carter in the Middle East.  The Camp David agreements split the Arabs down the middle between nations willing to support an Egyptian-Israel accord and those determined to scuttle peace.  Iran’s turmoil is a threat to Persian Gulf stability.  The Soviet Union, with its eyes on strategic gain, is active on a front stretching from Libya to Ethiopia and Afghanistan”  (U.S. News & World Report Jan. 1, 1979, pp.37-39).  Nothing has changed since the 1979 report. Every one of the nations listed in the report still hate Israel today.  Muammar Muhammad al-Gadhafi, Libya’s leader has publicly expressed his hatred toward Israel.  In 1993, for example, a committee of 198 Muslims went to Israel under the pretense of an expression of peace.  A trusting Israel welcomed the Muslim pilgrimage.  The morning after the Muslims arrived the head of the Muslim delegation called a press conference.  The following is what he stated in a report called, “Libyan Enrages Israelis by Free-Jerusalem Call,”  “On this occasion we call on all Muslims in this world to participate in liberating Jerusalem, which ought to be the capital of a Palestinian state…Our presence in Jerusalem does not mean in any way a recognition of Israel.  For to us it is certainly not a state.”  Later that day Israel’s Tourism Minister said, “I am embarrassed that my government invites here people who want to destroy Israel” (Washington Post Service June 2, 1993, p. A-6).  Another (A.P.) article entitled “Gadhafi Calls for Removal of Israel” said, “As he celebrated two decades in power, Col. Muammar Gadhafi declared on Friday that Israel ‘must be removed’ and promised to pursue international revolutionary programs to rid the world of government and classes, parliaments and parties.”  President Assad of Syria attended the meeting with Gadhafi, and pledged to eliminate Israel’s occupation in the Holy Land.  Libya’s leader Gadhafi has been a radical ruler in Libya for years.  His view on the Israel problem has always been to go to war with Israel and defeat her.  Over the years Gadhafi has tried to unite other Arab states to march against Israel but couldn’t get enough support.  Gadhafi isn’t stupid.  He knows there is no way his country alone could defeat Israel in a war.  He has harbored hatred toward Israel for defeating him in past wars and he would like to win for once.  Presently he is sitting tight.  Gadhafi is waiting until these issues about Jerusalem again take center stage.  Gadhafi knows he won’t have any problem gathering support to retake the city of Jerusalem when the timing is right.

Moving on to news in October of 2000, violence flared up again between Israelis and Palestinians. As a result, Arab leaders at a 22 nation emergency summit united behind the Palestinian struggle accusing Israel of jeopardizing Middle East peace and attacking Palestinians.  The Knight Ridder News Service reported the Arabs "pledged $1 billion to preserve Muslim holy sites in East Jerusalem and help families of Palestinians killed or injured in recent clashes that have raised fears of a wider conflict. But they did not seek an economic boycott or outright war against Israel, as many Arab citizens have demanded, and called instead for a comprehensive peace plan that will stabilize the region. This prompted the hard-line Libyan delegation, intent on severing ties with Israel, to storm out after the first session of a two-day Arab League meeting, convened to address three weeks of clashes between Palestinians and Israelis" (Santa Barbara News-Press Oct. 22, 2000 front p.).  Gadhafi’s people stormed out of the October meeting because they, as well as the Iraqis, wanted to see a united Arab front, which would attack Israel.  As the report stated on p. A2, "Libyans, Iraqis wanted a jihad" (ibid).   A jihad is an all out holy war.  In 1986 President Reagan sent American warplanes to bomb the Libyan cities for shooting down a commercial airline, and since then Gadhafi has kept himself out of the public eye, however he is still waiting for the holy war against Israel.  Gadhafi has the same attitudes for Israel he had back in 1976 when the first peace talks began.  Gadhafi hates Israel just as much in 2006, and he is still waiting for his Arab brothers to join arms and attack Israel.  In February 2006 rioters set fire to an Italian consulate in Libya and 11 people were reported killed in protests over cartoons of their Prophet Mohammed.  Gadhafi has been trying for years to unite his Arab brothers to attack Israel.  The simple drawing of a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed had united most of the Islamic nations to the point they are calling for the destruction of Israel and the USA.  There is no doubt, when the time comes, Gadhafi will lead his nation into this attack on the Israeli people, and he won’t attack alone.  I am confident, when this attack begins the rest of the North African nations mentioned above will join rank as well.  I say this for two reasons.  My first reason is this; Arab blood is very strong in the Middle East.  When the Arab nations believe joining their forces can enable them to conquer the Holy city of Jerusalem, they will all have the same goal, to run over Israel and retake their city by invasion.  My second reason is ironclad.  Since every prophecy up till now has been fulfilled exactly as God told us, there is no reason not believe Him about this coming attack, especially when He gives us the very nations who will attack Israel in the last days, plus every detail about the battle.  God promised He would show us the things in the future, even before they took place, and this battle is one of those future events to come.

Syria:  Although Syria is not listed in the nations that will attack Israel.  I wanted to show you how this nation has felt about Israel, and what will happen to Syria before the attack against Israel takes place.  As I said, in chapter 9 a major obstacle halting peace in the Middle East revolves around the city of Jerusalem.  The Islamic nations continue to vow that they will recapture the city.  Every time Israel says anything about them owning Jerusalem it drives the Arabs nuts.  Here’s an example. “The Arabs responded angrily Thursday to Israel’s declaration making Jerusalem its capital.  The Islamic conference called for a holy war,” in which Syria would participate in an alliance with Libya, (Los Angeles Times Aug. 1, 1980).  Just about all the reports coming out of the Middle East mention a connection between Libya, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Russia. Every time you hear a nation saying they want to attack Israel, take notice. They will be the same nations God told us would come together and attack Israel.  An article entitled “PLO Pushes Jerusalem Issue to Forefront” illustrates the sensitivity and perplexity of the problem: “Nevertheless, at seemingly every public forum, whether under US-Russian auspices or non-governmental meetings, Palestinians keep hammering away that Jerusalem is their holy city and no question about it.”  Bluntly stated, Assad has no love for the Jews.  He is willing to do whatever is necessary to defeat them.  Jesus told us about these future times.  Important facts to remember about Syria are: (1) they are aligned with Libya, Iran, Russia, Turkey, and Iraq in friendship treaties, (2) they have pledged to liberate the city of Jerusalem, and (3) they agree with the general consensus of their right wing Arab brothers that Israel must not remain a nation, and force is the only way to deal with Israel.  Back in October 2000, 22 Arab nations meet in Cairo to figure out a course of action against Israel because of the renewed fighting with the Palestinians.  What you may not know is Syria’s position on the Israeli problem during 2000.  During the meeting it was reported the Syrian President Assad, urged the leaders to be realistic and look at options including war, and not compromise the interests of Arabs. "The blood was not sacrificed so we could come to stop the bloodshed,” said Assad. "It’s for Israel to pay a price"" (Santa Barbara News-Press Oct. 22, 2000 p. A2). 

Moving 3 years further, in 2003 it was a well-known fact there was no love loss between Prime Minister of Israel and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.  In the Washingtonpost.com April 15, 2003 Sharon called, “Syrian President Bashar al-Assad dangerous and prone to risky mistakes.” Sharon “has urged the United States to turn up the heat on Damascus”.  Syria also showed their friendly alliance with Iraq during the 2003 free Iraq war.  Fox news informed us, the “U.S. commanders said volunteers from Syria were among the foreigners helping Iraqis put up resistance against U.S. troops in Baghdad”  (Fox News April 15, 2003).   It was also confirmed; Syria had sent Russian made night vision gear to Iraqi troops during that war.  A current report about Syria’s president states, “Syria’s President trying to increase an armed conflict inside Iraq explains Washington’s visible hostility towards the Assad-Ba’ath Party regime. The members of the European Union view Assad as a leader with an almost obsessive desire to stand up to Israel and stay in power. On the other hand, within the Bush Administration, he is viewed as a far more dangerous figure” (American Chronicle Feb. 21, 2006).   On June 15, 2006 Gen. Mustafa, Iranians’ defense minister signed a new military security treaty with Syria.  This new military treaty will allow Iranian revolutionary Guards to be deployed on the Golan border and in Syria, which by the way is just North of Israel.  This becomes important due to the fact that the prophecy tells us the attack will come from the North.  Are the Syrians and Iranians serious about the build up of troops North of Israel?  Read what the DEBKAfile had to say about the new treaty.  “The breadth of Syrian-Iranian military relations can be measured by the military treaty’s financial scope of $800 m and the size of the delegation Damascus sent to Tehran-60 officers representing every branch of the Syrian armed forces, including intelligence and munitions industries”  (debka.com June 15, 2006).  By now you are asking why I am telling you all this about Syria if they aren’t mentioned in the Ezekiel attack?  Take note of the following prophecies, concerning a future war, and the destruction of the city of Damascus, which is the capital of Syria.  I just gave you proof that Syria has hated Israel, and for years has wanted to see Israel wiped out.  God has noticed Syria’s hatred, and soon he will deal with Syria.   In the book of Isaiah, God told Isaiah the city of Damascus would be completely destroyed; this is what the Lord stated. "The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap" (Isaiah 17:1). God also showed the prophet Jeremiah the same thing concerning the city of Damascus; it was recorded in (Jeremiah 49: 24-25). "Damascus is waxed feeble, and turneth herself to flee, and fear hath seized on her: anguish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in travail. How is the city of praise not left, the city of my joy!”  The city of Damascus is today the oldest continuously inhabited city recorded in the world.  The first time Damascus was ever mentioned can be found in the book of (Genesis chapter 14:15).   Let the record show that since Damascus was first recorded in the book of Genesis, this city of Damascus has never been destroyed, and laid to ruin as was prophesied by God, so the prophecies are still waiting to be fulfilled.  The key to knowing when this would happen is found in the warning made by Jesus, when He said, “when you see all these things know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33). The reason why Syria is not mentioned in the list of nations who attack Israel is because Damascus will be completely destroyed before the Ezekiel attack takes place.  I would look for this prophecy to take place soon. It will take place before the Ezekiel 38,39 prophecy.   The present war we just witnessed in July, of 2006 between Lebanon and Israel, was we believe the prelude to this coming Damascus destruction.

Every one of the heads of state in the nations named to attack Israel has been placed there for one reason. They are the type of men who will at the end of the day fulfill the prophecy in Ezekiel 38.  If God warned us the attack would come from the North, it only stands to reason that is why the nations named to attack Israel are now beginning to place their troops just North of Israel.

Turkey: Togarmah was the second son of Gomer; his descendants occupied eastern and northern Turkey, and they occupied Southern Russia, which used to be comprised of many small nations such as Armenia.  Present day Armenians still call themselves the house of Togarmah.  Keep in mind; Armenia is a former republic of the Soviet Union (Russia) and will come against Israel with Russia and Russia’s allies listed in Ezekiel 38.  How does Turkey fit in on this coming attack?  Turkey has a big dependency on gas from Russia and Iran.  An example of one such treaty Turkey signed, was a gas pact with Iran in 1996.  The gas pact was a snub at the United States since the U.S. had placed sanctions on Iran.  The report in The Star newspaper explains how the gas pact snubbed the U.S.  "The agreement is in defiance of U.S. legislation which punishes companies investing in the oil or gas industries of Libya and Iran"  (The Star Aug. 12, 1996 p. A10).   According to the report, the Prime Minister of Turkey was "Greeted with full honors of state when he arrived in Tehran on Saturday, and further irked the U.S. with announcements that he would also seek to improve relations with Syria and Iraq" (Ibid). In 2004, “When Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan visited Tehran in late June, he was informed in no uncertain terms by spiritual ruler Ali Khamenei and president Mohammed Khatami that if he wants good relations with the Iranian regime with concomitant economic benefits, such as cheap oil and gas, he must end Turkey’s military ties with Israel. Erdogan agreed to bar Turkish air space to Israeli warplanes stationed in Turkey or incoming from Israel for use as a corridor for striking Iranian nuclear and military installations. The Turkish prime minister did not inform either Jerusalem or Washington of this step away from Turkish-Israel military understandings, although it effectively robbed both the US and Israel of Israel’s key strategic deterrent card against Iran and Syria” (DEBKAfile August 22, 2004).

In November of 2007 Turkey and Iran became even closer friends.  According to a report out of Ankara, “Turkey will sign further energy accords with neighboring Iran, including natural gas deals, Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said on Tuesday, defying U.S. pressure on its allies to avoid such ties with Tehran.  Guler was speaking after Ankara and Tehran signed a $1.5 billion accord for the upgrading of existing power transmission lines and construction of a fresh line between the two nations” (Reuters Nov. 20, 2007).  All these new friendship deals will some into play when these nations join together to attack Israel.

In 2005 PINR news gave us a peak at the influence Russia is having with their allies, even allies who have disagreements with each other. In their report entitled, “Turkish-Russian Relations: Implications for Eurasia’s Geopolitics” PINR reports, “One other important area of contention is Turkish-Armenian relations, which are held hostage to historical enmities and Turkey’s pro-Azerbaijan policies in the Caucasus. Currently, Russia is the main ally of Armenia, and possible Russian mediation between Turkey and Armenia on a number of issues can be expected. Following recent positive developments on this front, there may be Russian- Turkish joint attempts to solve the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Conclusion By looking at the current developments, it can be concluded that Turkish-Russian relations will improve in the political, economic and security realms:” (Feb. 9, 2005).  Is there any wonder why Russia, Turkey, and the Armenians are all becoming close friends?  It only stands to reason that if God warned all three nations would attack Israel in the last days that this friendship between these nations would become closer. 

Turkey, as you can see, is friends with Russia, Iran, and Iraq, which all happened to be named in the coming attack on Israel.  Also, in Turkey, as of January 2007, more than 99 percent of the population is Muslim, mostly Sunni.  Here is another fact.  When President Bush gave the orders to attack Iraq in 2003, Turkey was supposed to be our ally.  When it came time for our troops to make an assault from the North through Turkey the Turkish Government told Bush our troops would not get permission to land.  As a result our ships had to leave port and take another route.  During the Iraqi war of 2003, the U.S. also learned Syria, Iran, and Russia were sending arms to Saddom.  As a matter of fact, President Putin was one of world leaders who sided with Saddom and kept telling Bush not to attack Iraq.  The (AP) stated, “Russia is putting American troops at risk by selling antitank guided missiles, jamming devices and night-vision goggles to Iraq, the administration said Monday as President Bush called Vladimir Putin to express U.S. complaints (AP Lompoc Record March 25, 2003).  Since 2004 the relationship between Russia and Turkey has strengthened.  Columnist Ibrahim Kalin provides us with some important information.  Kalin reports, “The number of Muslims in Russia is almost the size of the total number of Muslims living in Europe. That the majority of these Muslims are also of Turkish decent makes Russia of particular importance for Turkey. Furthermore, trade relations between Turkey and Russia have gone through the roof in recent years” (Todays Zaman Feb.28, 2007).  The Al-Jazeerah news February 14, 2007 reinforced Kalin’s report, by reporting the following: “Historical enemies Russia and Turkey have made up and have booming economic exchanges.  “In 2004, trade between Turkey and Russia was worth some $11 billion. By the end of August 2005, this figure reached almost $10 billion, and it is expected by both Moscow and Ankara to increase to $25 billion by 2007 (EurActiv Jan. 12, 2005). The RIA Novosti Russian News & Information agency reported,  “Moscow Trade between Russia and Turkey has more than tripled in five years, to reach $15.2 billion in 2005, Russia’s trade chamber said Thursday. Russia is the second largest importer to Turkey (9.3%), and ranks eighth as an export destination for Turkish goods (2.9%).  Russian investments in Turkey stood at $200 billion in 2005” (June 29, 2006).  Once again the handwriting is on the wall.  These nations have become stronger allies, and once the attack on Israel begins, they will fight along side each other just as God warned they would.

Germany: “Owing to work migration of the 1960s and several waves of political refugees since the 1970s, Islam became a visible religion in Germany.  As of 2004, there are 2.6 million Muslims (3.2% of the population). After the Protestant and Roman Catholic confessions, Muslims are now the third largest religious group in the country. The large majority of Muslims in Germany is of Turkish origin (over 90%), followed by smaller groups the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Arab countries, Iran and Afghanistan. Most Muslims live in Berlin and the big cities of former West Germany” (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 2006). Over the past few years Germany has had its share of troubles with the Muslim population. One such report comes from ABC News.  “Three weeks ago, the government staged the first "Islam conference" bringing together Muslim organizations and individuals with state and federal officials in an attempt to build bridges with Germany’s 3.2 million Muslims.  Now, he says, Germany is realizing that migrants are here to stay – and that it will have to address inconsistencies that, for example, do not allow Muslims the same rights as Christians when it comes to religious education in schools. The conference is cause for hope, he says. "Ultimately, we hope that Muslims in Germany will be given the same status as other religious groups in Germany." In Germany, says Mounir Azzaoui, suspicion generated by 9/11 has made matters worse. "Many Muslims do have problems finding work or a place to live," he says. "They do not feel like equal citizens any more and as a result find it difficult to identify with Germany” (ABC News Oct. 31, 2006).  These Turkish Muslims in Germany are among the poorest people in Germany.  Hitler rose to power promising the poor a better life and look what happened as a result, World War II broke out.  Now Osama Bin Laden is promising Muslims the same thing, only he is advocating the destruction of Israel. 

Getting back to Turkey, other strains between the United States and Turkey occurred in September of 1998.  Turkey surprised the U.S. when they announced they were renewing relations with Iraq. Turkey increased the rift between the U.S. and themselves in 2003, when they announced its refusal to allow the U.S. to use their military bases for any new attacks against Iraq.  Back in July 1998, Turkey openly scorned the U.N. sanctions against Iraq when Turkey legalized the sale of Iraqi fuel to their country.  Turkey began to smuggle Iraqi fuel out of its southeastern neighbor by using Turkish truck drivers.  Turkey has been friendly in the international community.  She is a member of NATO, has a trade accord with the European Union, and has been trying to become a full member of the E.U.  Turkey, over the last few years, has even had a military alliance with Israel, but that alliance as of late is falling apart.  Information provided by AIN-AL-TAQEEN stated, "The strategic military alliance between Turkey and Israel is becoming stronger by the day, although the Turkish leaders know only too well that Israel, especially under the rule of Netanyahu, is the biggest enemy of Muslims and Arabs." (Jan. 28, 1998).  Even though Turkey wants to appear to the world as a western nation, they will always be an Islamic nation.  When the attack comes against Israel, Turkey will turn on Israel and join their Islamic brothers in the attempt to wipe out the Jewish state.  How do I know this for sure?  First of all, everything God told us would happen is in fact happening.  Second, look at how the nation Turkey reacted to the cartoon of their Prophet Mohammed in February, of 2006.  In February protests against the cartoons had been tapering off in many Arab countries, while escalating in Pakistan, Germany, and Turkey.  In 2007 we currently see political parties that support opposition to Israel, we see the establishment of a Turkish Islamic Republic, and the worldwide rule of Islam. God has been giving signs how the Islamic nations are coming together. 

Another reason why Germany may be forced to attack Israel is the oil pact Germany and Russia signed in 2005.. The India Daily provides us with interesting details. “In the mean time, Russia and Germany are moving forward in cooperation. Germany needs Russian Oil and Gas. Neither NATO nor EU can provide the energy needs of Germany. Siemens AG, a German diversified industry giant, and Russian gas giant Gazprom signed an agreement March 16 on strategic partnership. The document details joint development of several projects, such as construction of a North European gas pipeline to link Russia and Germany through the seabed of the Baltic Sea, exploration and exploitation of the South Russian gas field, development of gas transportation systems in Europe and projects in the electric energy field” (March 17, 2005).  By now is should be pretty clear to you how everyone of these nations list to attack Israel are being forged together.

Iran and Iraq:  You can watch the news on any given week in 2006 and you will see how much these two nations despise Israel.  First, let me give you some facts about these two nations.  On July 17, 1995, Iran and Iraq, which by the way was ancient Persia of the Old Testament, formed a new friendship pact.  “In a stunning geopolitical development, two ancient enemies have agreed to patch up their differences in the face of greater danger from the Israel-America axis” (The Spot Light, July 17, 1995, p.1).  It is common knowledge the president of Iraq wouldn’t hesitate to invade the Holy Land.  The former President Saddam Hussein knew his forces alone were no match for Israel.  However, during the Desert Storm war, Hussein tried to entice Israel to attack his nation, when he launched scud missiles on Israel.  Saddam was hoping they would retaliate.  At the request of the United States, Israel kept out of the conflict.  If Israel had made a move against Hussein, Israel’s aggression may have united the other Arabs, and caused the attack God warned us about.  In April of 2003, Saddam disappeared from power, but in the future this Iraqi state under new leadership will join forces to attack Israel just as God warned.  How about Iran?

Does Iran really want to take Israel out once and for all?  This Associated Press article summed it up best: “An Iranian leader has called on other Moslem nations to help build an army of 50, 60, or 70 million to march on Israel held Jerusalem” (The Los Angeles Times Nov. 17, 1979, p.1).  At the time this report was written Iran was engaged in war with Iraq.  Iran planned to conquer Iraq; once this was accomplished Iran would unite with Syria and invade Israel.  For six years Iran and Iraq fought as bitter enemies.  In the 80’s these two nations were bent on destroying each other. Now however, they have a new friendship pact agreeing to unite their individual armed forces.  In Ezekiel’s prophecy it says there will be so many people invading Israel it will look like a cloud covering the land.  If 50, 60, or 70 million people were to attack Israel it would look just like Ezekiel had described it.  The vision by Iran’s Government headed by Ayatollah Ali Khamanel was the same as it was back in 1979. They hated Israel then and they still hate them today.  Once again in 1997, “Iran called a three-day summit of the 55-member Organization of the Islamic Conference.  At the opening day of the summit Ayatollah Ali Khamanel condemned the United States and urged Muslims to unite against Israel (Santa Barbara News-Press Dec. 10, 1997 p. A-8).  Iran may have a new leader in 2006, but the message for Israel is still the same, Iran wants to destroy Israel.  The handwriting is on the wall. This attack will come. 

Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenehi had called for the destruction of the nation Israel. On the front page of the October 27, 2000, issue of the Iran Times Khamenehi showed his real disgust for Israel.  "Khamenehi says the only cure for the current trouble in the Middle East is to "destroy the root" of Zionism but he has carefully avoided saying the Islamic Republic would take any action to aid the destruction."  It is true Khamenehi has avoided military action against Israel up this point, however as Khamenehi addressed 110,000 Basiji fighters they chanted back at Khamenehi saying, "Ready, Leader, we are ready".  To clarify where the Basiji’s are ready to go, I cite another section on page 4, which says,  "These 110,000 Basijis are ready to go-if necessary, directly from here to Palestine."  When Khamenehi said, "There is only one remedy; there is only one cure…. This is to destroy the root and cause of the crisis. What is the root? It is the Zionist regime, a regime imposed on the region"  (ibid p.4).  In other words Khamenehi was saying, attack and destroy the Zionist (Israel).  Iran has been yearning to destroy Israel for years.  Since the Israeli and Palestinian peace talks have broken off Iran has found the excuse for the attack.  With each passing year all these nations have continued to forge strong alliances.  In 2005 we see new signs of these friendships.  For example Iran and Syria just made another pact.  Details of this pact are given to us in the Guardian on Feb. 17, 2005. "Iran and Syria heightened tension across the Middle East and directly confronted the Bush administration yesterday by declaring they had formed a mutual self-defence pact to confront the "threats" now facing them. The move, which took the Foreign Office by surprise, was announced after a meeting in Tehran between the Iranian vice-president, Mohammed Reza Aref, and the Syrian prime minister, Naji al-Otari. "At this sensitive point, the two countries require a united front due to numerous challenges," said Mr. Otari."

A report in the World Tribune, just prior to 2002, explains Iran carried their hatred for Israel over into 2002.  "One of Iran’s most influential ruling clerics called on the Muslim states to use a nuclear weapon against Israel, assuring them that while such an attack would annihilate Israel, it would cost them "damages only"  (World Tribune.com Dec. 18, 2001).  It is a frightening thought to think a nations leader is thinking of using a nuclear weapon, and really believes he can win.   The only real friend Israel has is the United States. When the U.S. heard what Iran said about using a nuke against Israel, the United. States jumped into the fray.  In 2003, “Secretary of State Colin Powell says Iran must stop its drive for weapons of mass destruction and Syria must end its support for terrorism” (ABC News.com March 31, 2003).   In that same report “Rumsfeld on Friday accused Syria of supplying military technology to Iraq“. “He also said the United States would hold Iran responsible for the entrance of Iran-sponsored forces into Iraq.” “Carrying the threat a step forward, Powell on Sunday demanded Iran “stop its support for terrorism against Israel” (ibid).   Does Iran really want to destroy Israel today as God warned they would?  The headlines on an FT.com report on October 26, 2005 read as follows: “Wipe Israel from map, says Iran’s president”.  “Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad, Iran’s fundamentalist president, on Wednesday declared that Israel should be “wiped off the map” and warned Arab countries against developing economic ties with Israel in response to its withdrawal from Gaza. His remarks, delivered at a conference in Tehran entitled “A World without Zionism”, led to diplomatic protests by the UK, France and Spain, while Shimon Peres, Israel’s deputy prime minister, said Iran should be expelled from the United Nations.”  If you follow the news it isn’t difficult to see how all the nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38 have become partners for the future attack on Israel. Always keep in mind these are the very nations God told us to watch in the end times.  There’s no doubt in the near future a leader like Mahmoud Ahmadi Nejad will try to destroy the nation Israel.  Iran has also been supporting the Islamic Jihad against Israel, and on August 23, 2005 the leader of the Jihad organization “boasted all Palestinian groups remain united in the goal of annihilating the Jewish state of Israel (WorldNetDaily). 

In 2006 Iran has stepped up the threat of an attack against Israel. Let me give you several examples of what I am talking about. The following are statements made by Iran’s President. "Like it or not, the Zionist regime is heading toward annihilation," Ahmadinejad said at the opening of a conference in support of the Palestinians. "The Zionist regime is a rotten, dried tree that will be eliminated by one storm." (Breitbart.com April 14, 2006)  “Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday renewed his criticism of Israel, calling it a "fake regime" that cannot continue to exist”  (Associated Press April 24, 2006).  From Jakarta, Indonesia – "Iran’s president on Thursday intensified his attacks against Israel calling it a "tyrannical regime that will one day be destroyed" (AP Yahoo News May, 11 2006).   Review history in Germany and you will see the Germans put badges on all the Jews to mark them.  Shortly after that happened the Germans started to take the Jews away to have them killed.  Hitler’s plan was to kill off all the Jews. Today "Human rights groups are raising alarms over a new law passed by the Iranian parliament that would require the country’s Jews and Christians to wear colored badges to identify them and other religious minorities as non-Muslims. "This is reminiscent of the Holocaust," said Rabbi Marvin Hier, the dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles. "Iran is moving closer and closer to the ideology of the Nazis" (canada.com (National Post) May 19, 2006).  I am telling you this attack is coming and you will witness the Word of God come to pass!  One very important key to the Ezekiel 38 prophecy is this; Russia would lead the attack on Israel.  Russia today is aligned with every one of the nations God listed in that Ezekiel 38 prophecy, and they are especially close with Iran. How close are the two nations?  The answer comes from the Asia Times. Take a close look at the last sentence of this report. “The barely reported highlight of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Tehran for the Caspian Sea summit last week was a key face-to-face meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A high-level diplomatic source in Tehran tells Asia Times Online that essentially Putin and the Supreme Leader have agreed on a plan to nullify the George W Bush administration’s relentless drive towards launching a preemptive attack, perhaps a tactical nuclear strike, against Iran.  An American attack on Iran will be viewed by Moscow as an attack on Russia”(Asia Times Oct. 26, 2007).  Now, are you going to tell me God didn’t warn us about this alliance?   

Russia:   God told us the leader of Russia in the last days would come up with an evil plan to destroy Israel. This is what God said. “On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme.  You will say, ‘I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars” (Ezekiel 38:10-11).   So, what are the signs this nation is set to attack Israel?  There are so many signs I couldn’t put all the reports in this book, but let me show you a few to bring my point home. Russia is a major supplier of weapons to Syria and just about every nation on Gods’ list to attack Israel including Iran.  A few years ago, before the fall of communism, Donna O’Higgins wrote a news report on Russia and Iran, which was reported by UPI.  The title of the story was, “Iran Turns to Moscow for Economic Security.”  Iran needed help from Russia due to the fact that the rest of the world was cutting them off economically.  Iran was cut off because they were holding 50 American hostages taken from the Iranian embassy.  A headline in the April 9, 1993 edition of the Iran Times read, “Russia signs New Security, Trade Agreement.”  Since the signing of that agreement the two countries have signed other agreements strengthening their friendship.  As of December 2007 Russia’s trade agreements with Iran are still very much intact.  The following  (A.P.) article gives some details about part of their defense pact.  “Russia Reportedly Adds Reactors to Deal.”  Not only is Russia supplying Iran with weapons, the country is now giving them nuclear technology.  According to the AP an Iranian official says that Russia will get spent fuel.  Russia signed an $800 million deal with Iran to build a nuclear power plant.   “The U.S. government, contending Iran harbors secret intentions to produce nuclear weapons, has pressured Russia to scrap its $800 million deal, signed in January” (Santa Barbara News-Press May 5, 1995 p. A-10). 

Russians believe the Jews are the cause for all their problems and they want what Israel has.  Here is a good example of what I am taking about.  Just the headlines prove the point.  “Usual suspects blame the Jews for Russia’s ills”  (Santa Barbara News-Press April 4, 1994).  Russians believe the Jews have robbed them of their wealth and are trying to run the world. “The French Revolution, the Russian Revolution—all the revolutions in history were plots by the yids to take over the world…Look at the proof:  all of Russia’s gold is lying in the Rothschild banks in Switzerland” (ibid).  Now you should have a better idea why the Russians want to move in on Israel.  Russia’s hatred for the Jewish nation is deep and hasn‘t changed over the years.  So deep as to arm Israel’s enemies with weapons to try and destroy her.  The New York Times provided details on money spent in arms deals.  “Iran has committed more than $7 billion to acquire fighter jets, missiles, tanks, and nuclear technology from China, North Korea and Russia” (April 4, 1994, p.1). Russia is also selling submarines to Iran.

In 2005 Iran had stepped up their efforts in acquiring weapons of mass destruction, and Russia hasn’t backed off in providing Iran with the materials to produce these weapons.  When the rest of the world leaders are calling for action against Iran because of their nuclear plans, both Russia and China are not.  One report in January said the “US and EU officials intend to urge Russia and China to support the diplomatic action against Iran when the U.N. Security Council hold a meeting in London on Monday. Iran’s decision to resume its nuclear activities has raised serious concerns with the West, which fears the regime intends to build an atomic bomb.  Iran insists it only wants to produce electricity” (Newsfromrussia.com Jan. 16, 2006).  Since January 2006 Iran has stated repeatedly they want to destroy Israel and anyone who is helping them.  I believe since God told us Russia would unite with Iran, don’t look for Russia to oppose Iran any time soon.   As a matter of fact Reuters on May 2, 2006 reported "Iran threatened on Tuesday to attack Israel in response to any "evil" act by the United States and said it had enriched uranium to a level close to the maximum compatible with civilian use in power stations."  On May 2, 2006 Russia again told the USA they had opposition to any sanctions against Iran concerning Iran’s enriched uranium plans.

On June 16, 2006 the Aljazeera news issued a report where the headline read, “Iran, Syria sign defense pact”. The report stated, “Close allies Iran and Syria signed an agreement to expand military cooperation against what they called the “common threats” posed by Israel and the United States, AFP reported”.  “Our cooperation is based on a strategic pact and unity against common threats. We can have a common front against Israel’s threats," Turkmani told reporters on Thursday (Aljazeera.com June 6, 2006).  In the updated intelligence report on July 24, 2006 Hal Lindsey reported his personal intelligence sources had revealed, “Russia, Iran and Syria have entered a defense pact that is in the process of altering the balance of power in the entire Middle East. Russia’s part in the pact has been kept relatively secret for a long time. But the facts reveal a long steady Russian commitment to the Iranian nuclear program and arms supply to Syria”. This 3-way defense pact is one of the reasons why Russia has taken sides with Iran and Syria during the July war between Israel and the Hezbella which have been based in Lebanon. The partnership between Russia, Iran and Syria appears to be all part of God’s plan. 

God told us the Russian army and their allies would go down to take the spoils from Israel such as the “cattle and goods that dwell in the midst of the land”.  Many believed Russia would join forces with their Arab allies and attack Israel because the Russian nation was sitting on an economic titanic.  However, Russia has come a long way since it defaulted on $40 billion of sovereign debt in 1998, burying its image of a handout-hungry giant and positioning itself as an energy superpower within the Group of Eight nations”(AP July 11,2006). Since 1998 Russia has become the major economic player and is now wielding its newfound oil power. Reporting on Russia’s new wealth the AP wrote that, “The oil windfall has meant that, since the August 1998 financial collapse, Russia’s hard currency reserves have soared from a feeble $12.5 billion to $247.1 billion – and given its economy a stronger claim to belonging in the elite group of nations whose leaders will meet in St. Petersburg this week”(Ibid).  What does this all mean?   When Russia attacks Israel it appears it won’t be because they are an economic wreck. Russia really doesn’t need the spoils in Israel.  As of 2007 Russia is one of the richest nations on this planet, so they must attack Israel for another reason.  What is more likely at this point is this, Russia will have to honor all the military pacts they signed with Iran, Iraq, Syria, the PLO, Turkey and so on.  Keep in mind, in Ezekiel’s prophecy we are told Russia would be dragged into the attack against Israel, which means they really don’t want to go.  It is clear Russia has put themselves in a position of no return.  When their Arab friends want to attack Israel, Russia will be forced into the war as well, and even end up leading the attack.  I believe when this war begins against Israel, Russia will be so proud of their wealth and oil power that Russia will be proud to lead the invasion.

It is common knowledge that Russia is still a close friend to Iran, and will in fact keep supplying Iran with whatever military needs they have.  A good example of what I am talking about is found in the World Tribune.com back in Dec. 18, 2001.  The report stated, "U.S. officials acknowledge that Iran is more advanced than Iraq in both missile development and weapons of mass destruction.  They said that Iran, with Russian help, has succeeded in advancing its nuclear project and they could arrive at weapons capability as early as 2005."  Russia has and still is arming every one of the nations listed in the coming attack against Israel. Here is a good case and point.  FoxNews.com of March 23, 2003 confirmed “Russian arms dealers have equipped Iraq with supplies and electronic jamming equipment that could throw U.S. planes and bombs off course.” And of course the news in 2006 is much the same.  “Russia opposes the spread of nuclear weapons, but it’s building Iran its first nuclear-power plant and this year plans to deliver 29 short-range, Tor M-1 anti-aircraft missiles to the Iranian government, all over U.S. objections. The Kremlin sees no harm in its delicate and, some say, dangerous position of cooperating with Iran on civilian nuclear energy and supplying it with defensive weapons” (Mercury News April, 26, 2006).  It is a scary fact to know the most influential ruling cleric in Iran has already said he wants to use the nuclear bomb against Israel.  What is more upsetting is the fact Iran is working toward that goal.  God told us Russia and Iran would be partners in the attack against Israel, and that is why these nations are helping one another today.  Russia has been very aggressive in making new and stronger alliances for years.  The most recent alliance is with Iran and Venezuela.  In June of 2007 “Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Moscow Thursday and in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, Friday as part of his three-nation tour of Russia, Belarus, and Iran that began on Wednesday. Meetings in Moscow and Minsk have the intention of strengthening economic and military cooperation with Venezuela as well as the construction of strategic political alliances” (Venezuelanalysis.com June 30, 2007).  Please take note, Venezuela is not one of the nations who will attack Israel.  I wanted to make it clear here that Russia and Iran are becoming very close allies. 

Ethiopia: In 1983 the population of Ethiopian Jews, the Fallacies, was estimated at 30,000 souls who had maintained their Jewish faith and religious love of Zion and the Holy Land.  Since the birth of the State of Israel these Jews have left Ethiopia and settled in Israel.  This was a fulfillment of the prophecy, which stated, “in that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of his people from…Cush” (Isaiah 11:11).  That prophecy has now been fulfilled but Ezekiel 38 tells us that Ethiopia will attack Israel along with Russia and the Arab nations.  Russia and Ethiopia have in the past, united to conquer their enemies.  For example in 1979 Ethiopia was at war with Somalia.  During the war, Soviet-backed Ethiopian and Cuban troops were posed to strike into Somalia.  The war caused great concerns for the U.S., as the Los Angeles Times reported on February 11, 1978: “The growing Soviet-Cuban military involvement in Ethiopia ‘affects the political atmosphere between the United States and those two countries.” (p.1).  1986 Ethiopia took the Marxist style of government and found out the hard way that the Soviet Union type of government does not work.  Although by 1986 Marxism was stalling Ethiopia didn’t give up on it.  “Ethiopia’s government continues to put up red hammer-and-sickle banners, and proletarian slogans around the country, moving resolutely down the Communist path” (Scott Kraft, “Wave of Defections Reveals Marxist Failure in Ethiopia,” Los Angeles Times Dec. 24, 1986 p.12).   Russia had also helped their Ethiopian friends during the war against Eritrea, which was in full swing in 1999, and is still a problem today.  July 18, 2000 the WorldNetDaily had learned from the Eritrea embassy in Moscow, that “Russian “mercenary” pilots are flying advanced fighter jets for Ethiopia in is conflict with Eritrea.” I have obtained a copy of the complaint, which the Eritrea embassy filed against Moscow. The following is a section from the embassy’s document: “The Eritrean government had through its Embassy in Moscow informed the Russian government that it has incontrovertible material evidence at hand of the direct participation of Russian senior military advisers, aircraft and helicopter pilots as well as anti-aircraft specialists and heavy artillery personnel in the large-scale offensive Ethiopia unleashed in February 1999 against Eritrea," said the statement. This document was filed against Moscow on May 26, 2000.  Russia is still a strong ally with Ethiopia today, and is still supplying their Ethiopian allies with arms.

Part of the reason for the Ethiopian Jews’ relocation to Israel was the terrible persecution they had suffered since World War II when Italy overcame them.  After the war, Ethiopia moved into communism.  “Junta sets up party that diplomats call out of Soviet mold.  The government owned Ethiopian Herald began laying the foundation last week for the continuation of military rule.  It branded as ‘enemies of the revolution’ those who insist that progress is possible only through a civilian worker’s party and those who believe that the example of the Russian Revolution must be followed precisely.” (David Lamb, “Ethiopia Steps Deeper into Communism,” (Santa Barbara News-Press p.1).  By March of 1986, Ethiopia was having major problems under the soviet banner.  “Ethiopia Resettlement: Tales of Horror,” is the way the Los Angeles Times described it.  “The Ethiopian government’s own estimate, about 600,000 famine victims have been moved to the south of the country” (March 10, p.1).  It was general knowledge that the Soviet Union was having major problems in feeding their own people, and with famine hitting hard in Ethiopia, the Soviet Union couldn’t help their African friends.  When you consider both Russia and Ethiopia today you find the two countries have strong ties and share many of the same problems such as feeding their people and political turmoil.  When the people of a nation are hungry there is bound to be political unrest.  Sooner or later a starving country will move to get food for their people, even if it means attacking another country that has food.  In this case, the nation Israel is the closest one with an abundance of food. Keep in mind, Ezekiel told us the armies would go down and try and steal Israel’s goods.   Ethiopian Jews fled their country and took up residence in Israel rather than accept a government molded out of Russia.  The Falashas knew that it would only be a matter of time before the new government would hunt them down and kill them.  Considering the fact that Ethiopia is still considered Communist, has friendly ties to all Islamic nations, and hates Israel, it should come as no surprise that they will assist in the assault on the Jewish nation.  In April of 2003 some of the remaining Ethiopian Jews living in Ethiopia fled to Israel.  Who knows, it just may be possible God removed His people to safety just prior to this coming attack against His nation Israel.

Sudan: Don’t forget, Bible history reveals Ethiopia of was located to the south of Egypt, and was comprised of Ethiopia and Sudan at the time.  In 2006 Ethiopia and Sudan are well known for their droughts and famines, and its long civil conflicts with bordering nations. Ethiopia is among Africa’s poorest states. Its people are almost two-thirds illiterate. The economy centers around agriculture, which in turn relies on rainfall, but drought and famine are frequent deterrents to food production. Today, famine strikes African countries the hardest, but with ongoing wars, and economic instability, famine continues to be a worldwide problem with millions of individuals suffering.  In 2006 government officials are telling us, Ethiopia and Sudan are in danger of starvation due to the combination of severe drought and military conflicts.  Right now in the Sub-Sahara African region 180 million people suffer from under-nourishment, and among these nations are Ethiopia and Sudan.  Sudan has constantly been in the news because of the Darfur problems, where millions are dying as a result brutal conflicts and starvation.  Why would Ethiopia and Sudan join Russia and the other nations when they attack Israel?  It could be what many call the “hunger factor”. Both Ethiopia and Sudan are starving.  If Russia tells these nations they can take the spoils from Israel to feed their people, it may be the reason why they join the Russian forces.  Some say, it will because these nations are Islamic, and they will want to stand together against Israel.  Many also point out that, al-Qaeda has strong holds in Sudan and, under the leadership of Bin Laden, Sudan will be encouraged to unite with all the Islamic brothers against Israel.. According to The BBC News April 23, 2006 “Bin Laden knows Sudan well. He spent the early 1990s based there before moving to Afghanistan. During that period US troops were engaged in a humanitarian mission in nearby Somalia”.  In a recent audiotape Bin Laden sent to America, Bin Laden mentions Sudan, and the Darfur problems.  It was pointed out in the April, 23 2006 BBC report that, “Clearly, Bin Laden is hoping that if Western troops do go into Sudan to deal with Darfur, al-Qaeda will be able to replicate its earlier feat and open up a new battlefront”.  June 30, 2006 the BBC published a report entitled, “New Bin Laden message is released”.  In that report it stated, “Bin Laden addresses US President George W Bush, warning him not to be "too happy" about Zarqawi’s death, "for the banner [of al-Qaeda in Iraq] hasn’t dropped but has passed from one lion of Islam to another lion". Bin Laden says al-Qaeda will go on with operations against the US and its allies. "We will continue, God willing, to fight you and your allies everywhere," he said, "in Iraq and Afghanistan and in Somalia and Sudan until we waste all your money and kill your men."  When Bin Laden is speaking about the US allies, he is referring to Israel.   It is very is easy to see how Bin Laden’s influence can drag the poor people of Ethiopia, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Iraq into a war against the Israeli state.  If the US troops continue to fight in Afghanistan and Iraq, Bin Laden will see his words come true.  America cannot afford to pay for this war, and the expense will be devastating to her.  As it stands now, the US debt is in the trillions.

Russia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Libya, and the rest of the Islamic states are the players now in position.  They have signed treaties with one another that declare their hatred of Israel blaming Israel for the Middle East problems.  Every country mentioned in Ezekiel’s prophecy has been stockpiling arms of destruction or have been trying to acquire them for years.  They are arming themselves for the future attack.  You may ask,  “What could provoke an attack on Israel?”   One reason could be all of the countries named in Ezekiel 38 are Muslim, and today most Muslim leaders want, and are calling for the destruction of Israel.  Most Muslim heads of state today make it a point, that the world knows they want to reclaim the holy City of Jerusalem for themselves.  This is the reason why there has been so much trouble in Israel as of late.  The PLO for one has stated repeatedly they want to rule from the holy City of Jerusalem.  Israel recently declared that Jerusalem would always belong to the Jews.  In an article called “Jerusalem at the Crossroads of Peace Talks,” Los Angeles Times staff writer Michael Parks wrote: “We are determined…that Jerusalem will remain united, under Israel sovereignty, and stay the capital of the Jewish people and the state of Israel forever.”  In time the Arabs will come to the point where they are finished waiting for the peace process to give Jerusalem back to them.  Indications are they are just about at that place.                                                    

The (Santa Barbara News-Press June 9, 1996) reported: “Arab Leaders Warn Israel on Peace Process…Any attempt by Israel to back off agreements already reached, or to delay implementing them, will place it in confrontation with the international community and will threaten to re-ignite the cycle of violence for which Israel will be held totally responsible” (p. A-12).  We now know the above statement to be true.  When the peace process broke down all hell broke out in Israel between the P.L.O. and Israel.  It has now gotten to the point where the leaders are having a hard time controlling their people.  A section from a Los Angeles Times report told us, "There were signs that those leaders will resist public opinion in Arab nations, where there have been pro-Palestinian demonstrations and call to break diplomatic ties or even go to war with Israel  (Oct. 21, 2000 front p.). 

The Islamic nations hoped to regain Jerusalem through the peace process, or by wearing them down with all their suicide bombers.  As soon as the nations are sure the peace process has failed they will attack.  The Bible informs the believer that God will “put hooks in your [Russia] jaws and bring you out with your whole army” and drag her into the invasion on the Jewish state with the rest of the Arab allies. (See Ezekiel 38:4).  Apparently Russia may have reservations about attacking but something will force the Russians into battle.  It may just be the treaties that Russia signed with all the Islamic nations mentioned in the prophecy. No one knows for sure why Russia will lead the attack.  All we can say for sure is they will come. 

God described this coming attack and what will happen.  “I will turn you around and drag you along.  I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2).  The attack will come from the north: “You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you…a great horde, a mighty army.  You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land” (Ezekiel 38:15-16).  Then in Ezekiel 39:6, God tells how he will defeat the attacking armies: “I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coast lands, and they will know that I am the Lord.”  Some scholars believe that this verse refers to nuclear war and the fire refers to a nuclear blast.  “For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them in order to cleanse the land.  All the people of the land will bury them, and the day I am glorified will be a glorious day for them, declares the Sovereign Lord.  Men will be regularly employed to cleanse the land.  Some will go throughout the land and, in addition to them, others will bury those that remain on the ground.  At the end of the seven months they will begin their search” (Ezekiel 39:12-14). 

The prophet Zechariah also sheds light on the Islamic invasion with Russia and the outcome: “This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths“ (Zechariah 14:12).  This description may describe a napalm bomb or even a nuclear attack.  Finally, Ezekiel 38:22 describes “torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur” on the enemies of the Jews.  Many who have studied these prophecies believe it is a modern day description of nuclear war.  Soon all of us will find out!  What God wants us to know is this, when the battle is over, Israel will still be standing.

The pieces of the puzzle for the next Middle East war have been coming together.  Back in January 1997, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally settled a deal with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and moved his Israeli troops out of the city of Hebron.  Two major points should be noted which took place after the troops were pulled out of Hebron.  First, Arafat reiterated his dream of creating a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, as supporters waved national flags and set off firecrackers.  “I call on all of you to come together to build this independent Palestinian state,” he declared as the crowd roared” (Santa Barbara News-Press Jan 20, 1997 p. A-2).   Second, Arafat on December 1997 made it public he would declare statehood by 1999.  Arafat was forcing tensions to rise. When it came time to call for that independent Palestinian state in 1999, President Clinton managed to talk Arafat into delaying it.  In another report, “Mohammed abu Rajab, 32, a civil engineer, said he and other Hebronites were very excited to see Arafat in person, not just on television…We are looking to him [to lead us] in Jerusalem.  Hebron is not the end of the story” (Los Angeles Times Jan. 20, 1997 p. A-13).  In November, 2000, when the peace process broke off Arafat once again pledged to call for an independent Palestinian state.  As you know as of July 2006 no PLO state has been formed yet.

As stated earlier, the Islamic brothers have only one purpose in mind: to retake the city of Jerusalem.  January 20, 1997 “The Israeli leader also reiterated his Likud Party’s long-held position that no part of Jerusalem will be ceded in negotiations and, that the Palestinian entity that results from negotiations must not have sovereign rights, including the right to raise armies” (ibid.).   As 1999 was ushered in, tensions in the Middle East began to increase as they do every year.  In January Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet, "We will not allow Arafat and the Palestinians to determine the borders of our state and the future of our capital"  (AP Santa Barbara News-Press Jan. 11, 1999 p. A5).   The Prime Minister also demanded that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat stop talking about any unilateral statehood declaration." (Ibid. Jan.11). The Prime Minister knew Arafat’s language concerning statehood could possibly set off another conflict between the Arabs and Israel.

Going into November 2000 the final stage for the showdown in the Middle East had taken shape again. President Clinton had Israel’s newly elected Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Arafat come to the U.S. for final peace talks at Camp David.  For two weeks both sides refused to cave in on the issue of who has the rights to the city of Jerusalem. At the present time the capital of Israel is Jerusalem. It has been their capital ever since the victory in the 1967 war.  For the first time in 2000 years the city of Jerusalem was back in the hands of the Jewish people, and they are not about to give it back.  The Jewish people believe that recapturing the city of Jerusalem had put them in the first stage of redemption. In any case, as a result of the fight over Jerusalem ownership, the Middle East peace talks collapsed over Jerusalem’s future.  After returning home from the peace talks, Arafat stated on Sept. 13, 2000 he is going to call for an independent Palestinian state.  Arafat also said he didn’t care if the peace talks resumed or not, he would still call for that independent state.  So, once again the issue over Jerusalem has put both Israeli and Arabs at odds with each other.  As soon as Arafat returned home he gave the following message to President Clinton.  "I want to remind Clinton and the whole world that, in fact, we should already have declared a Palestinian state, according to the Oslo [peace] accords, on May 4, 1999"  (Los Angeles Times July 30, 2000 p. A4).  I also found it very interesting Arafat, upon his return to the Middle East, visited his Arab allies and asked for support in declaring statehood. Arafat’s search for support also included Russia. "Arafat said he asked Putin to organize a meeting that would bring in countries that traditionally have been friendlier to Palestinian interests"  (Santa Barbara News-Press Aug. 12, 2000, P. A10).  The interesting fact about Arafat’s search for support is he visited the nations listed to attack Israel in Ezekiel’s prophecy.  Arafat died in 2005 so he never did see the destruction of Israel, and his replacement in 2006 has once again called for Israel’s annihilation.

Here are the facts to consider.  Since Arafat made his plea with his Arab friends, many of the Arab leaders have made some very bold statements concerning war with Israel. What these leaders are saying is exactly what God wrote us about.  The (UPI) reported one such statement in an article dated Dec. 21, 2000 from Baghdad.  The title of the report states "Iraq can destroy Israel, defense minister says," and it said, "Iraqi Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Sultan Hashem Ahmed said his country could destroy Israel and that it was ready to confront any aggression against the Arabs."  In that same article it stated, "The Palestinian cause will not be solved until the Jews leave Palestine and its (Arab) people return to their homeland."  And finally the report states, "Last month, some 1.6 million Iraqis reportedly responded to a call by President Saddam Hussein and Volunteered to fight alongside Palestinians against Israeli forces in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem."  On December 31, 2000 Saddam called for a previously unannounced ceremony in Baghdad, which he called "The Call of Jerusalem Day".  He ordered a military parade showing off his Iraqi tanks, warplanes, helicopters, bombers, and missiles.  According to The New York Times on line, "Saddam has criticized Arab leaders for failing to take action in the Israeli conflict."  He also stated, "Only a few Zionists are humiliating more than 200 million Arabs," he said in October.  What more does it take for Arab leaders to make a real move?"  We are told in that same New York Times peace, "Iraqi officials said more than 6.5 million people went to Saddam’s ruling Baath Party offices to volunteer to fight for the liberation of Palestine."  As you can see Saddam was definitely pushing for the Arabs to make this final attack against Israel.  In (Ezekiel 38:9-11) we read, "You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you. “Thus saith the Lord God:  “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in our mind, and you will make an evil plan: You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates."  Iraq alone now has 6.5 million people waiting in the wings to attack Israel.  When you start adding up the numbers of people from the other nations who will also aid Iraq in the attack you can see how the prophet Ezekiel likens it to a cloud covering the land.

In the beginning of the New Year 2001, Israel was forced to put their people on alert and this is why.  In The Sunday Times January 7, 2001 the headlines read, "Saddam put army on alert to fight Israel".  "The Iraqi headquarters and Saddam’s promise to support the Palestinian uprising-reaffirmed in yesterday’s speech-are being closely monitored by Israel.  It is expected that heavy Iraqi amour would join Syria in any regional war against Israel.  Ehud Barak, the Israeli prime minister, predicts that such a war will break out if the Palestinian question is not settled peacefully."  On December 30, 2000, The Associated Press ran a story saying, "Iran Threatens Retaliation on Israel" the report ran from Kuwait and stated, "If Israel were to attack Syria or Lebanon, Iran would retaliate in an "astounding and unexpected" way, Iran’s defense minister said in remarks published Saturday" (Newsweek.com Dec. 30, 2000). 

To make matters even worse for Israel, Russia and Iran still have military agreements, which were made in 2000.  "The two countries have made concrete decisions to expand and deepen all kinds of military, security and defense relations on the long term" (Newsday.com Dec. 29, 2000).  We know this is true due to the fact that Russia never stopped shipping arms to the Axis of Evil nations.  We also learned from the Dec. 29th, report, "Iran, which has declared itself self-sufficient in missiles production, has built and tested several missiles, including the Shahab-3, which has a range of 810 miles.  Washington denounced a July test of the Shahab-3, which it said could reach Israel or U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia."  We now know that because of this new military cooperation between Russia and Iran, if Iran got involved in a war with Israel, Russia would be forced by this new pact to attack Israel as well.

The Israeli leaders are well aware of a coming attack against them. In a report from Jerusalem we read, "For the first time in a decade, Israel has raised the prospect of a regional war with the Arab world with the key participation of Iraq.  Israeli sources said the most likely prospect is a Hizbullah attack on the northern Israeli border.  Israel would then react by retaliating against Syrian military installations in Lebanon.  This, in turn, would result in Iraqi and Iranian intervention" (World Tirbune.com Dec. 2, 2000).  Let me remind you in (Ezekiel 39:15), God told us we would see this attack against Israel come from the north.

January 26, 2001 the World Tribune.com reported, "The United States has sent a Patriot anti-missile defense battery to Israel amid heightened concerns of a Middle East war.  Pentagon sources said the heightened tension in the Middle East prompted a decision to place on alert U.S. forces in Germany and Italy.  They said Washington has been concerned about an Iraqi attack on Israel amid reports that several Iraqi divisions have moved close to the Syrian border."  We may not know the exact date of this coming attack against Israel, but we can definitely see by all the signs in the Middle East that it is near. 

Events in 2002 showed tensions in the Middle East were always on the minds of world leaders.  Each day we hear Israel and the PLO are killing one another, yet world leaders are still calling for peace talks to restart.   These world leaders understand that if Israel is attacked again by the Arab world Israel will have to respond with a major blow.  That major blow could be the next nuclear event to occur in the Middle East.  You must remember Israel is very well aware that Iran is working to use a nuclear bomb against them.  If you are going to watch any news concerning the Middle East focus your attention on the names of the nations God listed to attack Israel.  This war is not fare off and it will happen!  When President Bush made his State of the Union speech in January 2002, he made it clear whom the enemies of the U.S. were.  He pointed out Iran, and Iraq as two nations on his list.  I found it very interesting soon after the Presidents speech leaders from Iran and Iraq came together to call for a new chapter in Iran-Iraq relations.  The front page of the Iran Times Feb. 1, 2002 had this to say.  "Both Iran and Iraq seem to be moving in tandem as far as their concerns about U.S. military actions in Iraq are concerned.  In the days leading up to Sabri’s trip, the United States actually bombed Iraqi security installations on three separate occasions.  If the United States wasn’t named directly, Israel-known as "the Zionist regime” in both Iran and Iraq-was.  Khatami said to Sabri: "We must face together our common threats, notably those originating from the Zionist regime."  Israel in fact has long and loudly proclaimed both Iran and Iraq as its main enemies.  Israeli officials frequently accuse each country of being "a terrorist regime." 

President Bush has stated he will use any means including nuclear weapons, if the people of the United States were attacked.  In a report from Britain, nuclear weapons were again brought up.  "Britain would be ready to make a nuclear strike against states such as Iraq if they used weapons of mass destruction against British forces, Geoff Hoon, the Defense Secretary, told MPs yesterday" (News telegraph.co.uk March 21, 2002).  I found this next quote very interesting.  "Mr Hoon was briefing the Commons defense select committee on the threat posed by four countries Britain had identified as "states of concern": Iraq, Iran, Libya and North Korea" (Ibid). It interesting because as you know by now Iraq, Iran, and Libya are all mentioned in the prophecy, which warns us, they will attack Israel.

There are definite signs the Arab world is losing patience with the United States and Israel.  A section from the Gulf News stated it best.  "The people all over the Arab and Muslim countries have been watching helplessly the brutal oppression unleashed on unarmed Palestinians by the Israeli troops under the leadership of their terrorist Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with the blessings and support of the U.S. government."  " This one-sided U.S. policy has been extremely unpopular with the Muslim masses, and under this circumstance an attack on Iraq, without any justification, will add fuel to fire and will not serve the U.S. interests in the region at all," added Dr Ali" (Gulf News online edition March 23, 2002).  If the events in the Middle East continue as they have I believe the Arab people will say, ‘enough is enough’, and then make their attack on Israel.  I for one believe there is a purpose for everything that happens.  I can see one affect the attack on the USA September 11 has had.  It has caused all of the nations who are supposed to attack Israel to become much closer friends with one common idea.  The idea is Israel is the real aggressor and it must be destroyed.   

As of May 2003 the world watched the battle rage in Israel.  Arab states and Arabs around the world were protesting in the streets.  The unified call they were shouting was "Holy War Against Israel".  President Bush is now being forced by the Arab states to intervene in the war on behalf of the PLO.  This week four leaders of the Hamas, which is a section of the PLO, had a one on one interview with the press. During the 45-minute interview in Sheik Yassin’s compound this is what was said about Israel.  "The goals of Hamas are straight-forward.  As Sheik Yassin put it, "our equation does not focus on a cease-fire; our equation focuses on an end to the occupation."  By that he means an end to the Jewish occupation of historical Palestine.  Hamas wants Israeli withdrawal from all of the West Bank and Gaza, the dismantling of all Israeli settlements and full right of return for the four million Palestinians who live in other states.  After that, the Jews could remain, living "in an Islamic state with Islamic law," Dr. Zahar said. "From our ideological point of view, it is not allowed to recognize that Israel controls one square meter of historic Palestine."  Mr. Shenab insisted that he was not joking when he said, "There are a lot of open areas in the United States that could absorb the Jews"  (The New York Times April 4, 2002 p. 2A).

In 2002, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon "who has been under growing U.S. Pressure to withdraw troops from Palestinian cities, spoke after receiving word that 13 Israeli soldiers were killed in fighting in the West Bank refugee camp of Jenin."  "This is a battle for the survival of the Jewish people, for survival of the state of Israel, "Sharon Said"  (The Washington Post online April 9, 2002).  In 2002 Sharon knew that some day Israel would once again be faced with another major war. As time passes it certainly looks like all out war against Israel is at hand.

As one who is keeping his eyes focused on the Middle East, I found this next set of reports very interesting.  The front page of The Christian Science Monitor read, "Russia’s newest tie to Iraq".  "Amid uncertainty about US war plans toward Iraq, Russia is poised to sign a $40 billion economic cooperation deal with the regime of Saddam Hussein that could complicate the White House’s military strategy, while boosting Kremlin influence." "Moscow has made it clear that it does not support Washington’s policy of "regime change" for long time Russian ally Iraq.  The Kremlin also has recently deepened financial and political ties with two other nations which Mr. Bush has included with Iraq as part of an "axis of evil"- Iran and North Korea" (Aug. 20, 2002).   What I wanted to show you here is this, year after year Russia is supporting every one of the nations who are named in the attack against Israel.

While Russia, Iran, and Iraq were all becoming close allies; Israel had been getting ready for war.  August 20, 2002, ABC News.com had this to report.  "Israel says there is one sure thing amid the uncertainties over how the U.S.-Iraq showdown will play out: if attacked by Iraq, the Jewish state will respond." "Israel now has the Arrow, a sophisticated anti-missile system, and its own spy satellite, the Ofek.  Air force squadrons have intensified training, reportedly including delivery of a nuclear counter strike to an Iraqi "dirty bomb."  In 2006 Israel is once again keeping their eyes fixed on Iran. From Jerusalem Reuters reports "Israel is set to launch on Tuesday a highly accurate imaging satellite which will enhance its ability to spy on Iran, a report in the mass circulation daily, Yedioth Ahronoth said. Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said this week that the nuclear program being pursued by arch-foe Iran was the most serious threat faced by Jews since the Nazi Holocaust” (Reuters April 25, 2006).

July 2004 under the heading of Wars and Rumors of Wars the (WorldnetDaily.com July 18, 2004) reported "Israel has conducted military exercises for a pre-emptive strike against several of Iran’s nuclear power facilities and is ready to attack if Russia supplies Iran with Rods for enriching uranium, Israeli officials told reporters."  The source of the story which ran on the London Sunday Times said, "Israel will on no account permit Iranian reactors-especially the one being built in Bushehr with Russian help-to go critical."  The same news source was also "quoted as saying that any strike on Iran’s reactors would probably be carried out by long-range F-15I jets, flying over Turkey".  Since Russia has a pact with Iran, this assault against Iran’s nuclear power facilities could start a war.  If Israel flies over Turkey without the permission of the Turkish government, this act alone could have been enough for Turkey to unite themselves with Russia and the rest of the Arab nations and fulfill the attack against Israel.   In May 2005 the Middle East was still a hot zone.  The Arab news from Aljazeer.Net Aug. 15, 2004 tells why the Middle East is a hot zone.  "Iranian officials have made a point of highlighting the Islamic state’s military capabilities in recent weeks in response to some media reports that Israeli or US warplanes could launch air strikes to destroy Iranian nuclear facilities."  The Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has made it clear Iran is both Israel’s and the United States greatest threat.  Israel knows how dangerous Iran is especially now that Iran made it known they can hit any part of the Israeli territory.  Back in 1981 when Israel found out Iraq was working on a nuclear reactor, the Prime Minister sent in Israeli warplanes and destroyed the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq.  Ariel Sharon was now warning Iran his government will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons.  If Israel attacks Iran as they did Iraq it could set the stage for the Arab attack against Israel. 

To complicate matters even more in the latter part of 2004 PLO chief Yasser Arafat died.  The world was hoping a new PLO chief would bring in peace however, a article sent out by the Jerusalem Newswire points to more of the same.  On December 6, 2004 The “PLO chief Mahmoud Abbas Sunday reiterated his pledge to pursue Yasser Arafat’s goal of seizing control over eastern Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian Arab state.”  That same month the “Hamas terrorist organization rejected reports it was prepared to accept a ceasefire and recognize Israel’s right to exist within the Jewish state’s pre-1967 boarders” (Ibid).   On December 10, 2004 the Jerusalem Newswire again reports on statements made by the new PLO chief.  "PLO Chief Mahmoud Abbas has again insisted on the right to flood Israel with millions of Arabs labeled as "Palestinian" refugees, and by doing so demographically destroy the Jewish state."  In other words, nothing has changed in the Middle East.  Everyone was still fearful of another war in 2004. 

In August 2004 Iran also issued a announcement saying Iran carried out a successful test firing of an upgraded version of its Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missile.  This is bad news for everyone because; this announcement puts Israel in a corner.  President Bush has asked Israel not to strike however, only time will tell if Israel holds back.  That old military alliance between Russia and Iran also sent shock waves around the world in February 2005.  It was reported by MediaCorp News  "Iran, Russia sign landmark deal to fire up controversial nuclear plant" The report stated, “Iran and Russia signed a landmark nuclear fuel accord that paves the way for the firing up of the Islamic republic’s first atomic power station, a project the United States alleges is part of a cover for weapons development”(Feb. 27, 2005).   Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had already warned Iran they will attack if activity at the nuclear facility doesn’t stop.  Let us not forget in 1981 the leaders of Israel warned Iraq concerning their Osirak nuclear reactor.  When Iraq didn’t listen to the Israeli warning, Chief of Staff Rafael Eitan on June 1981 dispatched his Israeli pilots to bomb Iraq’s nuclear reactor.  The Washington Times in a article called “Israeli ’81 strike on nuke plant set precedent dated September 25, 2004 stated, “In ordering the lightning knockout, Israel served notice to its Middle Eastern foes that the Jewish state would act even pre-emptively to deprive them of a nuclear option.”  One of the main stories run on NewsMax.com March 11, 2005 had the heading “Israel Ready to Strike Iran’s Nuclear Facilities” NewsMax reported, “Too many Washington sources are telling us this, so it may be imminent.  Israel is set to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, fearing that the Islamic regime will use atomic weapons on the Jewish state.  Israel has long assumed the right of pre-emption–that is, the right to attack and even make war with Arab states that are developing nuclear weapons.  “They are ready to go,” a top former American diplomat with close ties to Israel tells a source close to NewsMax.”  Other news medias are reporting the same thing.  Independent Media TV reported   “The Israeli Air Force has completed military preparations for a pre-emptive strike at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility and will attack if Russia supplies Iran with rods for enriching uranium, Israeli officials said, according to a report in the London Sunday Times.”  Iran has already responded to Israel.  “Iran’s top nuclear negotiator warned Israel on Tuesday that his country would certainly retaliate if the Jewish state were to attack Iranian nuclear facilities (The Associated Press Nov. 5, 2004).   Reuter’s news from Jerusalem on Dec. 9, 2005 had this to say. "Israel called Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "very dangerous" on Friday after he expressed doubt that the Holocaust occurred and suggested the Jewish state be moved to Europe. "This was not a misstatement or a passing remark," Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom told Israel Radio. "It is a systematic way of thinking which is intended to bring about the annihilation of the state of Israel."  The attack on Israel is coming!

On August 20, 2005 a Hamas leader announced more attacks against Israel in order to bring Israel’s destruction.  Read what Mahmoud Zahar, Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip said concerning this so-called peace and safety plan.  “Now, after the victory in the Gaza Strip, we will transfer the struggle first to the West Bank and later to Jerusalem,”  “We will continue the struggle until we liberate all our lands. This is an important day for the Palestinians and proof that the armed struggle has born fruit.  Zachary went on to explain Hamas would not stop its attacks until all of Israel is destroyed.”  Three days later “In a news conference in Damascus, the leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad today boasted all Palestinian groups remain united in the goal of annihilating the Jewish state of Israel. (WorldNetDaily.com Aug. 23, 2005).  On August 29, 2005 the PLO’s promise to keep attacking Israel was delivered, when 42 people were injured after a PLO suicide bomber detonated a bomb in the city of Beersheba.  The Israel National News reported by Arts Shiva said, "Following Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and northern Samaria, Ahmed Quarrel, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister and senior PLO figure announced Sunday that the fight for Jerusalem has now begun" (Aug. 30, 2005). The PLO has really never wanted peace and safety with Israel and the continued attacks make that fact clear.  Israel acted in good faith when they gave the Gaza back to the Palestinians.  Israeli leaders believe trading land for peace would work however, Jesus said, when they call for peace and safety destruction will follow.  Currently the two parties, which run the PLO, have come to terms at least on one issue.  In an article with these head lines "Convergence Plan: Fatah and Hamas Agree on Destroying Israel", we are told "Abu Taiyer, spokesman for the Al Aksa Brigades, the military wing of Fatah, said at a press conference in Gaza that his group remains loyal to Fatah’s pre-Oslo charter which calls for “liberating all Palestinian land, and the elimination of the Zionist entity, economically, politically, militarily, and culturally"  (Israel Nationalnews.com June 19, 2006). Why do you think nations like Iran and Syria are backing the Fatah and Hamas leaders representing the PLO, and the Hezbolla?  Both Iran and Syria want Israel destroyed as well.  As of April 2007 there is a lot of talk about nations going to war in the Middle East.  For one thing, a “Senior Russian general warns Washington to think twice before attacking Iran”.  “The RIA-Novosty news service quotes Yury Baluyevsky, head of the armed forces general staff as saying Tuesday, April 3: Such an attack would have global implications. “Inflicting damage on Iran’s military and industrial potential might be realistic, but winning [the war] is unachievable – its reverberations would be heard across the world.” Baluyevsky said that the US should bear in mind negative experience in other countries of the region. “Our strategic partners,” he said, have already got bogged down in Afghanistan and Iraq.” He warned that if the US goes to war with Iran as well, the world may see America decline as “the world’s mightiest and most powerful state” (DEBKAfile April 3, 2007).  There is a chance the Russian general may be correct.  If America were to strike at Iran with Great Britain it could set the stage for Ezekiel 38 to be fulfilled.  Such an attack would provoke the rest of the Islamic nations to join their forces and go after Israel.  Read this news from the DEBKAfile and you will understand why. “In his briefing to the Israeli cabinet Sunday, April 1, Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin, AMAN chief, reported that Iran, Syria, Hizballah and Hamas expect the United States to attack Iran in the summer and they are preparing to retaliate by going to war with Israel” (April 2, 2007).  Only time will tell what happens but, what we do know is the attack against Israel is not far off.  Back in 2006 President Bush, and leaders from the European Union, were trying to calm tensions down between Israel and Iran, now Bush may just add the fuel to start an attack against Israel.

No one knows for sure what will bring the final attack on Israel.  It could be if Israel attacks Iran to take out the nuke plant, it may be enough to set Ezekiel’s prophecy in motion.  So, how does Israel feel about their future?  This news report from the Middle East says it best.  "Israel has relayed its concern to the United States of the rising prospect of a Middle East war in 2006. U.S. officials said Israel has determined that the expected U.S. withdrawal from Iraq in 2006 would raise tensions in the region that could lead to a Middle East war. The officials said the Israeli assessment asserted that Iran would either lead or play a major role in any future war against the Jewish state” (MENL April, 19, 2005).  Let us never forget, God told us Iran was named in the list of nations that are going to attack Israel.  Remember also Russia and Turkey were named on that list.  On April 19, 2005 a report also gave some up-to-date information on the alliance both these nations have. “Turkey has participated in a major Russian-led naval exercise as part of growing military cooperation between the two countries. Russian officials said Turkey joined a Russian exercise in the Black Sea as part of regional and bilateral military cooperation. The officials said Ankara has agreed to a series of exercises with Russia over the next two years” (Moscow [MENL] April, 19 2005).

A new threat of a major war in the Middle East has started again, and anytime fighting breaks out in that region the world begins to think about World War Three. A recent (AP) report stated, “Israel’s nightmare has become reality, with cease-fires collapsing on its southern and northern borders. But the seizure of three of its soldiers and the army’s fierce response is allowing Israel to pursue a wider strategic goal: neutralizing Hamas in Gaza and Hezbullah in Lebanon” (July 13, 2006).  July 17, 2006 the world kept a close watch on the fighting.  Israel had already attacked the PLO in Gaza; they started to engage troops in Northern Lebanon and had sent jets to bomb all three areas. By August 2006 Israel had sent 30,000 troops into Lebanon to get rid of any Hezbolla forces. It is important to note that Iran is backing the Hamas and Hezbolla, but it is more important to remember this is another major birth pang in which Jesus warned us about. The tension is turned up in the Middle East again, only this time the conflict is getting much worse, and there are reports the whole region may ignite in the near future.

Here is one important piece of information you need to see.  The Word of God compares the nation Israel to a fig tree.  This is what the bible says, “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree:  As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.  Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:32-33).  The bible also says, when the attack comes against Israel in the last days; it will come like a storm.  God warned the reader Iran would be part of a huge force that would attack Israel.  In the description of this attack God says, “You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land” (Ezekiel 38:9).  Now I want to compare a few statements recently made by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the leader of Iran. “President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran appeared to threaten Israel with a nuclear attack yesterday when he described it as a "rotten, dried tree" that would be annihilated by "one storm" (Telegraph.co.uk April 4, 2006).  I don’t think Ahmadinejad realizes that he may have prophesied what is going to happen to his own nation.  God calls His nation a fig tree; Ahmadinejad refers to Israel as a “rotten, dried tree”.  God said they would come against Israel as a storm, Ahmadinejad says, he will attack Israel like a “storm”.  Ahmadinejad has been working at a furious pace to obtain nuclear power.  He has made it clear he wants to use this nuclear power against Israel.  Telegraph.co.uk has a section that explains what I am talking about.  “In his most vitriolic and anti-semitic attack to date, Mr Ahmadinejad warned that Israel faced imminent destruction. While he did not refer explicitly to nuclear weapons, his reference to the "one storm" that would do away with Israel was seen as a code for nuclear Armageddon” (ibid). 

Here is another very import fact to remember.  The prophet Daniel said when the attack takes place against Israel no one comes to her aid, except through a formal protest. This is what Daniel was told to write by God.  Sheba and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? Hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? To carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?” (Ezekiel 38:13).  Earlier I explained whom these nations are that give their formal protest.  It is important you see them again considering what the next news report out of Jerusalem had to say.  As the attack begins, we see specific nations that are mentioned which only give their formal protest. The nations who give their formal protect and are not engaged in the battle are as follows.  Sheba and Dedan in verse 13 is modern day Saudi Arabia.  Great Britain is what is referred to in the Old Testament as Tarshish.  The nations who broke away from Great Britain are the United Stated, Canada, and Australia; these nations are considered the young lions of Tarshish or Great Britain in modern day terms.  In the latter part of 2006 and all the way through 2007 there have been rumors of war breaking out in the Middle East over Iran’s nuclear power plant. I pointed out how Iran wants to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.  Now Israel is saying they believe they may be going to war against Iran alone. “Israel is carefully watching the world’s reaction to Iran’s continued refusal to suspend uranium enrichment, with some high-level officials arguing it is now clear that when it comes to stopping Iran, Israel "may have to go it alone," The Jerusalem Post has learned.  One senior source said on Tuesday that Iran "flipped the world the bird" by not responding positively to the Western incentive plan to stop uranium enrichment. He expressed frustration that the Russians and Chinese were already saying that Iran’s offer of a "new formula” and willingness to enter “serious negotiations” was an opening to keep on talking. The Iranians know the world will do nothing," he said. "This is similar to the world’s attempts to appease Hitler in the 1930s – they are trying to feed the beast." He said there was a need to understand that "when push comes to shove," Israel would have to be prepared to "slow down" the Iranian nuclear threat by itself” (Jerusalem Post Aug. 24, 2006).  Jumping to December 4, 2007 President Bush said “that the international community should continue to pressure Iran on its nuclear programs, saying a new intelligence report finding that Tehran halted its development of a nuclear bomb provides an opportunity” (AP).  That report also informed us that supposedly Iran had stopped the nuclear program back in 2003, but Israel isn’t buying it.  In response to Bush’s press release “Israel on Tuesday charged that Iran is still seeking nuclear weapons despite a new US report claiming the contrary, and vowed to continue its diplomatic campaign against its arch-foe. "Iran is probably continuing its programme of fabricating a nuclear bomb," Defence Minister Ehud Barak told army radio, according to its website. Even if the Islamic republic halted its programme in 2003, as said in a new US intelligence assessment, Israel believed it has since been relaunched.” (Jerusalem AFP Dec. 4, 2007).  Israel has made it very clear to Iran and the world they are not backing off from stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear power or nuclear weapons.  Israel is prepared to take action against Iran alone if need be.  Some news agencies have suggested that when Israel bombed the Syria’s nuclear plant a few months ago that they were sending a message to Iran they were next. Here is an example of one such report. “A senior Israeli official, while declining to speak about the specific nature of the target, said the strike was intended to “re-establish the credibility of our deterrent power,” signaling that Israel meant to send a message to the Syrians that even the potential for a nuclear weapons program would not be permitted. But several American officials said the strike may also have been intended by Israel as a signal to Iran and its nuclear aspirations. Neither Iran nor any Arab government except for Syria has criticized the Israeli raid, suggesting that Israel is not the only country that would be disturbed by a nuclear Syria. North Korea did issue a protest” (Defencetech.org Oct. 15, 2007). 

If Israel in 2008 decides to take out the Iranian nuclear plant it could set the sage for the coming attack on Israel as prophesied in Ezekiel chapters 38-39.  At the present time American, British, and Australian troops are beginning to pull out of Iraq, even if they stayed in the region they couldn’t stop a massive invasion against Israel.  At this time in history America doesn’t have the manpower to help anyone, and they are already overwhelmed in Iraq.  Russia, being a major partner with Iran would respond to Israel’s bombing the nuclear plant, possibly by forming their alliance with the Arabs states and trying to destroy Israel.  Israel recognizes the fact that what ever happens; she will be on their own.  This is exactly what we read in Daniel’s writings.  When you watch current events and compare what the bible says will happen, it gets pretty scary. 

When you read the description of the battle found in Zechariah’s book you see how Israel’s enemies die, it appears this battle may end up with some kind of nuclear device being unleashed.  This is what the prophet Zechariah wrote.  “Now this will be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth.  It will come about in that day that a great panic from the LORD will fall on them; and they will seize one another’s hand, and the hand of one will be lifted against the hand of another” (Zech. 14:12-13). What we see in this description is what would happen if a nuclear weapon were to be used on humans.  God is trying to prepare as many as will listen to Him. This storm Ahmadinejad wants to bring to Israel is in fact coming!  I don’t believe what we are seeing and hearing in the news from Iran is by coincidence.  We are seeing the stepping-stones, which will fulfill the prophecy of this end time battle found in Ezekiel chapter 39-39! 

The bible makes it clear they will be seeking peace in Israel, and that is when the attack will come. Is it true we are still hearing the world call for peace and safety in the Middle East as God warned?  If you have been watching the news you would know the answer to this question is yes!  In August 2007 US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rise “has arrived in Israel for talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders after adding the Bush administration’s support to the Arab League plan for peace between the two protagonists” (The Australian Aug. 24, 2007). Read the full report by going to: http://article.wn.com/view/2007/08/01/Rice_in_Israel_to_push_for_peace/.  Fact is, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stated in July he hopes he could reach peace with Israel within a year. If you would like to read the full story, go to this Internet site: http://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2007-07-26-3462899240_x.htm.  What is the point?  Everything has come together to fulfill every word found in Ezekiel 38-39.  The nations listed to attack Israel are all allies with Russia, and the call for peace and safety is reported in the news almost on a daily bases. What about this?  Is it a fact in 2007  & 2008 the world is seeing more news about nuclear concerns in the Middle East?  Yes.  Israel knows they cannot afford to allow Iran to start up their nuclear plant.  However, Russia has made tensions worse by helping Iran.  Recent news from Moscow report that, “Russia has made its first shipment of nuclear fuel to an Iranian nuclear power plant at the center of the international tensions over Tehran’s atomic program, the Foreign Ministry said Monday”(Yahoo News (AP) Dec. 17, 2007).  This act has heightened concerns for Israel.  At the same time Russia sent nuclear fuel to Iran they put their new military power on display. Read what the Telegraph News had to say. “Russian warships are steaming towards the Atlantic Ocean last night at the beginning of a series of joint naval and aerial exercises designed to showcase Russia’s resurgent military prowess before the world.  Against a backdrop of growing international concern over Russia’s rapid re-armament and its government’s increasingly belligerent rhetoric, naval cruisers and air-force jets will test-fire missiles in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea over the next three months.” (Telegraph co.uk Dec. 12, 2007).  January 14, 2008 it was reported from Jerusalem that, “Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned Monday that all options are open when it comes to keeping Iran from obtaining atomic weapons, his clearest sign yet that Israeli could use force against a nation considered among its most serious threats” (Yahoo News).  The prophet Ezekiel warned us Russia would be the leader of the attack on Israel. You better believe it when I tell you Russia is getting into position to lead that attack.  Is it true we are running out of time before this attack is played out? Yes.  All current events suggest this to be the case.  Watch and be ready!

It was written, "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, peace and safety: then sudden destruction cometh upon them. as travail upon a women with child; and they shall not escape.  But you, brothers, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief" (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4).  Don’t be in the dark when this attack finally comes.  If you are, it was because of your unbelief in God’s Word and in God.  The times and seasons Paul spoke about are already upon us.  The prophecy given to us in Ezekiel was given to us with all the specific details.  Nothing was left out.  We know what nations are going to attack and where they come from.  We also know the outcome of the war!  Why did God give us so many details concerning the coming attack against Israel?  Simply to get us ready to meet our Savior.   If you don’t believe this attack will happen now, I am sure Jesus will speak to your heart when you see it take place.  In any case you will see the power of the Word of the Lord come to pass very soon.  My intention for this chapter is not to scare you, but rather to prepare you to see the future events come to pass just the way it has been given to us in the bible. 

It is important to understand the war described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, is not the same war that will come at the end of the tribulation, which is called the battle of Armageddon.  At the end of the battle of Armageddon is when Jesus returns to defeat the Antichrist and Satan, and establish his 1,000-year reign here on this earth. How do we know Ezekiel’s battle is different than the battle of Armageddon?  The war at the end of the tribulation, known as Armageddon, is a world war, with every nation against Israel.  This is what the prophet Zechariah tells us. “For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14:2).  In the book of Revelation, Jesus tells us the same thing regarding all the nations coming against Israel. This is what He stated. “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, [which] go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:14). “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon” (Rev. 16:16).  In the battle of Armageddon the armies come to Israel from all over the world, whereas in Ezekiel 38 and 39 we are told these armies come from the far north.  The armies, which attack Israel from the far north, are named specifically and they are tiny in number, compared to all the nations in the world, which at present number 192 nations.  A major point of difference is this.  After the battle of Ezekiel 38, we are told 5/6 of the invading armies would be killed. God will allow 1/6 to remain alive to return to their homes, and Israel will take 7 months to bury the dead from this battle.  This is not the case after the battle of Armageddon, read Revelation 19:17-18.  “And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 19:18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great”.  After this battle the birds eat up the dead, and no one is buried, plus scripture tells us (all) men will be eaten, no one is left alive after this war, and they are not buried.  It appears Ezekiel’s war in chapter 38 will take place around 7 years before the battle of Armageddon.  We are told in Ezekiel 39:9 that Israel will burn the weapons from that battle for 7 years.  As a matter of fact, we are told the following in Ezekiel 39:10.  “So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire; and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord God.”  This 7-year time period just happens to be the very
length of the tribulation period, and this is why many believe Ezekiel 38 will take place 7 years before the tribulation.  After Jesus defeats Satan at the battle of Armageddon, Satan is locked up for 1,000 years.  In Ezekiel 38 and 39 there is no mention of Satan at all, which tells us, Satan was not cast into chains after this battle yet, but this event still remains in the future, after Armageddon. 

The handwriting is on the wall, and it is telling us that war is coming. Every nation God listed to attack Israel in the last days has some type of pact, treaty, or friendship agreements which either includes arms, oil, and troops.  If you can’t see what is coming in the near future you are probably not ready to meet Jesus at the rapture.  Remember our Lord’s warning. Keep on the watch!

Here is a list of videos and news reports, which show the attack against Israel isn’t far off.

1.  Israel prepare for Iran’s nuclear attack: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2896126

2.  Bombs fall in Israel: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2200802

3.  News on Middle East: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2193356

4.  Hezobollah hates Israel: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2335882

5.  Palestinians will never recognize Israel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFuJL8PsDaM

6.  Palestinian Idea of Peace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu8GIaFrfl8

7.  Israel’s enemies want to kill her off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8qtsJxsQ1c

8.  Iran and Iraq become friends: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2831980

9.  Glen Beck’s TV show on Russia and Iran http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzxwI5YBqbs

10.Glen Beck, Iran hates Israel and U.S.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-MflwhSTOs

11 Glen Beck Russia join Iran to take over Middle East http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdWqd3IwK0E

12.Russia’s newest tie to Iraq. http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0820/p01s03-woeu.html

13. Israel will be attack when they call for peace and safety. Current news is seen below at link.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1181228572173

14. Iran telling the world they are going to wipe out Israel. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3328416,00.html

15. Sudan is in the list of nations who will attack Iran, below is news Sudan and Iran are teaming together.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/832229.html

16.Russian and Iran arms deals. http://www.guardian.co.uk/waronterror/story/0,,562416,00.html

17. Israel will left alone to attack Iran nuke plant, the hand writing is on the wall for the next war.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/123037

18. Return of Soviet influence the ultimate Middle East aim

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22977872-20261,00.html

19. Nations preparing for coming war. http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,2100367,00.html

20. Palestinians preparing to destroy Israel. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1186557455150&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

21. Quotes made by the leader of Iran. Signs war is coming see link below;

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1145961353170&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull

22. Tunisian is among list of nations who will attack Israel. Tunisia makes pacts with Tunisia.

http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-239/0707144619235024.htm

23.Israel, Islam and Armageddon: What is the Rapture of the church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EkSryWtMUE

24. UPDATE 2-Turkey says will sign more Iran energy deals: http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKL202827620071120

25. Russia – the new oil super power – America looks into tapping Alaska reserve to counter Russian oil power:  http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/1947.asp

26. Attack Iran and you attack Russia: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/IJ26Ak06.html