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Wars Of The Tribulation Period
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The Bible says there are many wars still yet to play out until the end of the tribulation period. Some that will be listed could take place simultaneously or be separate wars altogether. Some may take place before the tribulation period begins and others during this horrible time period. The Bible says regarding this time, if God did not shortened the days, no flesh would survive (Matthew 24:22).
Psalm 83 War
It's hard to say when the Psalm 83 war will commence. I tend to believe
that the nations listed in Psalm 83 are just an extension of the battle of Gog
and Magog described in Ezekiel 38 & 39. According to this passage,
this war will include the following biblical nations: Edom, the Ishmaelites,
Moab, the Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria.
Bill Salus, author of the book, Isralestine, narrows these modern-day countries down to Hezbollah, Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Hamas and the Palestinians. I agree that these nations will be involved in this future war. However, many of these biblical lands listed in Psalm 83 can be interpreted to include virtually all of the nations that will be involved in the battle of Gog and Magog.
For this reason, I tend to believe that the Psalm 83 War will take place in connection with the battle of Gog and Magog (For further explanation see Article# 1114: Psalm 83 & Destruction of Damascus: Are they still to come?). There are those who believe this war could happen before or after the rapture takes place.
The prevailing view is that this war will take place prior to the battle of Gog and Magog.
The Destruction of Damascus
Many in the world of prophecy believe the Bible speaks of a day when
Damascus will be completely destroyed never to be inhabited again. Here is
the Scripture verse that points to this longstanding prophecy:
"The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap." Isaiah 17:1
Damascus, Syria is one of the oldest cities in the world. To date, this prophecy has never been fulfilled. When will this prophecy finally come to pass?
As stated previously, many believe Syria will play a major role in the Psalm 83 War. When this war commences, it is highly likely a Syrian controlled Hezbollah will begin their SCUD missile barrage on the cities of Israel. Israel has warned Syria, if Hezbollah attacks them, they will hold Syria responsible. I suspect, at the beginning of the Psalm 83 war, Hezbollah will begin launching their very powerful and accurate SCUD missiles on Israel's capital Tel Avia. Combined with all the other simultaneous attacks, Israel may see this as an existential threat and decide to launch a nuclear counterstrike against Damascus thus reducing it to rubble (For further explanation see Question# 1094: Burden of Damascus; Is this prophecy still to come?).
Battle of Gog and Magog
In the last days, it is predicted in Ezekiel 38 & 39, Russia and its Islamic
coalition will rise up and attack Israel. Many of these nations are enemies of
Israel today. Listed are Iran, Ethiopia, Libya, Sudan, and Turkey. It wouldn’t
surprise me if the nations listed in Psalm 83 were also involved.
It isn’t completely clear when this attack will occur. It is possible that it could take place before the tribulation period begins, during the gap of time between the rapture and the start of the tribulation or during the tribulation period. I lean toward the beginning of the tribulation.
This prophesied attack will be based on greed, control of the Middle East, and/or to challenge the authority of the Antichrist (if it takes place during the tribulation). The Islamic world will take part in this battle for the sole purpose of finally wiping Israel off the face of the map.
Russia and its allies will launch a twofold attack, by land and by air from the north. Sudan, Libya, and Ethiopia will come in from the south with its military arsenal while Turkey and Iran will cover the remaining theaters of operation. It is believed that this attack will be a complete surprise to Israel. But as the northern armies reach the mountains of Israel something supernatural will occur. As describe in Ezekiel 38:14-22, God will rise up and completely destroy the Invading Islamic and Russian forces. His method of destruction...He will rain fire and brimstone down from heaven. This will destroy every jetfighter in the air. At the same time, God will cause a great earthquake to occur that will be felt all over the world. This will destroy and dismantle all armored vehicles and cause major casualties on the ground. For those who survive the earthquake, He will then cause mass confusion amongst the armies and they will begin to kill each other. The Book of Ezekiel further states that those that are not killed in the previous three ways will be killed by plagues, wild animals, and plain old fear. Simply put, they’ll be scared to death. Eighty-three percent of the invading army will die in the mountains of Israel in the worst military defeat in history. It will take seven months to bury the dead (Ezekiel 39:12) and Israel will burn the weapons left behind for seven years (Ezekiel 39:9).
The Apocalypse
When the second seal is opened it reveals a red horse and rider (Revelation
6:3-4). This illustrates that peace will be removed from the earth and open
conflict will break out everywhere. This war will take place during the
tribulation period and likely toward the beginning.
Of course, we have seen war throughout history, and even today, it is a constant threat worldwide. However, in that day, this will be a war that will be unparallel to anything that has happened in the past. God will allow this to take place as part of His judgment upon the earth.
Although the Antichrist will come in peace, his plans will see resistance and worldwide war will break out. It isn’t known which nations will take part in this war, but they will be no match and will be soundly defeated. The Bible says that one-quarter of the world's population will be killed as a result of this war (Revelation 6:8). It is possible that the Psalm 83 war, the destruction of Damascus, and the Battle of Gog and Magog could take place as a part of this war. Given the death toll, I would have to believe that nuclear weapons will be used and Israel's enemies will take this opportunity to finally destroy them. However, both the kingdom of the Antichrist and Israel will survive.
Crushing victory after victory by the Antichrist will cause the nations of the world to fear and tremble. Many will be mesmerized by his accomplishments and the speed of his ascension. But the damage from the many wars will be staggering and many of the effects will be irreversible. Eventually, he will require the world to worship him and they will (Revelation 13:4).
It should also be noted, although Israel will survive this devastating world war, the Antichrist will later declare war on the Jewish nation forcing many to flee. Most prophecy teachers believe they will seek refuge in the ancient city of Petra.
This brings up a very good question. Most Military experts project that Israel has a minimum of 80 nuclear weapons. Why wouldn't Israel use their nuclear arsenal against the invading armies of the Antichrist? Certainly, this would be considered an existential threat. My guess is that the Apocalypse will completely deplete Israel of all their nuclear weapons reducing their military to a conventional weapons level?
Subduing of Three Kings
The Bible says the Antichrist will rise to power out of a ten nation alliance
who will lend him their power for a short time period (Daniel 7:24; Revelation
17:12-17). Apparently, there will be a power struggle amongst the ten
nations and three will have to be brought under subjection. Most Bible
prophecy experts believe the Antichrist will rise up out of the European
Union. Today, there are three predominant nations that rule the EU...France,
Germany, and the UK. These three nations may represent the prophesied
kings that the Antichrist will subdue. I can’t image how many people
will die during this war but I’m sure the number will be staggering.
This war could take place during the Antichrist's rise to power, the
Apocalypse or after he declares himself to be God.
The War Against the Jews and Christians
Toward the latter half of the tribulation period, the Antichrist and the world
will wage war against the Jews and those who become Christians during this time
period. Prophecy expert Dr. David Reagan describes it as a vicious attack
by Satan and another Holocaust:
There is going to be another holocaust during the latter half of the Tribulation. When Satan is cast down to earth, he will possess the Antichrist (Revelation 13:2) and inspire him to annihilate all the Jews. This is the reason that Jesus referred to the last half of the Tribulation as "the great tribulation" (Matthew 24:21) — not because this half will be worse than the first half, but because the wrath of Satan will be focused on the Jews.
Zechariah 13:8 indicates that two-thirds of the Jewish people will be killed by the Antichrist during this time, and Revelation 12:17 says the Antichrist will also war against the "offspring" of Israel — namely, those "who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus." I believe this is a reference to all those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior during the Tribulation, both Jews and Gentiles (Lamb & Lion Ministries).
The Bible says that Satan's war against those who receive Jesus Christ during the tribulation will be very successful as evidenced by the great host of martyrs in heaven (Revelation 7:9-14).
The Destruction Of Mystery Babylon
During the tribulation period there will be a nation that will rule over the Antichrist
and his ten-nation kingdom (Revelation 17:1-18). This nation, known as Mystery
Babylon, will dictate what the Antichrist can and cannot do for the first part
of the tribulation period. They will be a formidable dynasty of this time. Not
only will they have great worldwide political power, they'll also be very
wealthy and religious in nature. Notice in the description (Revelation 17:1-18),
Mystery Babylon is pictured as a harlot riding a beast (Antichrist). The beast
is described as having ten horns (Revived Roman Empire) representing ten
nations, which are subject to the beast. In essence, Mystery Babylon has given
the beast and the ten nations their power, but remains very much in control.
This will change toward the middle of the tribulation period.
At around the middle of the tribulation period, after Satan is defeated and removed from heaven, he will enter the Antichrist. This will start the beginning of the end for Mystery Babylon. For Satan would not be ruled over by God, and will not tolerate being ruled over by man either. God, at this time, will use the Antichrist and his kingdom to exact judgment upon this wicked nation.
“And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” (Revelation 17:16, 17)
The Antichrist and his kingdom will turn on Mystery Babylon and launch an all out nuclear attack. The destruction from a Mystery Babylon counter attack is not mentioned, but I’m sure there will be casualties. Not only is Mystery Babylon defeated, the destruction is so dreadful that the land is no longer fit for use or to live on (Revelation 18:15-23).
The defeat is so swift and decisive it will leave the rest of the world terrified and shocked. For this was the greatest nation on the face of the earth and in one hour they were completely destroyed. Kings, dignitaries, and businessmen are all left wondering what will happen next as they scramble to recoup loses and position themselves for what may happen with this dramatic change of power.
Kings of East March
At the end of the tribulation period, the kings of the East will march toward
Israel with an army of 200 million strong. During their march, the Bible
says they will kill one-third of the remaining men on Earth (Revelation
9:15-21). Some believe, given their description, this army could be demon
possessed or an army of demons. Their march will lead them across the Euphrates River (Revelation 16:12) and conclude at the battle of Armageddon
(Revelation19:11-21).
Battle of Armageddon
At the end of the tribulation period, the Lord will gather the nations
of the world together for His final triumph. He will descend with all the
Saints of God at the Second Coming of Christ to finally put down all earthly
kingdoms. The human army will embody those who have pledged their allegiance to
the beast and have taken his mark. Both rich and poor, bond and free, great and
small will participate in this battle, however, it will be over before it starts.
The Bible says, with the sound of the Lord's voice, their bodies will rot where
they stand (Zechariah 14:12). In fact, it is described as a great
winepress in which Christ literally crushes His foes and their blood will flow
approximately four feet high and two hundred miles long. The slaughter will be
so great that God will call the birds of the air to come and gorge themselves on
the flesh of men (Revelation 19:11-19).
Are you ready to meet the Lord? If not, your time is running out!
Terry Malone
Calvary Prophecy Report
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