Edom and Ishmael, Gog and Magog in Prophecy.
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Contents:
1. Foreword.
2. History Repeats Itself.
3. An Example of Cyclical Evolution. The Wars of Germany and France in Modern Times.
4. Biblical Scenarios.
Stage 1. MBJ all the Way!
5. Biblical Scenarios.
Stage 2. MBD fine with me!
6. Biblical Scenarios.
Stage 3. Gog and Magog.
7. Who are the forces of Gog and Magog?
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1. Foreword.
End-Time Prophecies seem to describe the Israelites (Judah and the Ten Tribes), as basically together.
Two major conflicts are involved:
(1. The Family Squabble.
Israelites versus their kinfolk and neighbors from Edom, Ishmael (Arabs), Philistines, etc.
(2. The International Contretemps. Gog and Magog and all its host verse the Ten Tribes and Judah united together.
Prophecies concerning these conflicts may be applicable to some degree on several occasions.
Nevertheless they are primary intended for their final end-time application.
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2. History Repeats Itself.
We can sometimes understand what is liable to happen in the future from a study of the past.
It could happen any day now OR it might take quite a while.
In studies of Eschatology (expectations of the end of the present age, human history, or the world itself) we might come across the concept of cyclical repetition. I like to compare it to the production of a play and the rehearsals leading up to it. The Play has a script. The End Production is already visualized. Meanwhile rehearsals go on. The players have been chosen. Some of the roles can only go to certain individuals. Other tasks may interchange among players who share certain aptitudes.
Rehearsals continue. If something exceptional takes place the Final Production may be brought forward or deferred for a while.
We thus have the Classical full-fledged End Times option versus an Intermediate Possibility.
The closer we get to the final date the more similar do the rehearsals become to the Projected Final Product.
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3. An Exampole of Cyclical Evolution. The Wars of Germany and France in Modern Times.
An example of evolving configurations in which many of the main points remain the same while some details change is to be found in the conflict between Germany (Edom) and basically Israelite entities such as Britain and France.
The Austro-Prussian War.
In 1866 Prussia at the head of the North German Confederation defeated Austria and absorbed several German Provinces. Prussia had been allied with the Kingdom of Italy.
In 1870 the Franco-Prussian War was a conflict between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation led by the Kingdom of Prussia.
More German States were added to the North German Confederation headed by Prussia. Britain was neutral but sympathetic to France.
Prussia won, annexed the previously French Province of Alsace-Lorraine and exacted an enormous indemnity from France.
In 1914 came the First World War (28 July 1914 - 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War.
1. At the beginning Italy was on the German side but later joined the Allies.
2. The Austro-Hungarian Empire fought on the German side.
3. Russia was on the Allied side but towards the end pulled out of the fighting.
4. Britain and France were the main allies participating.
5. The USA entered the fray at a late day in 1917 but its participation was decisive.
6. Australian troop were important in Europe, Turkey (Gallipoli), and the Middle East.
7. Japan was on the Allies side whereas China was neutral but inclined to Germany.
8. The war in the Middle East against the Ottoman Turkish Empire led by Germans and with German contingents led to the liberation of Palestine and other areas.
9. Jews were loyal to the countries they were born in. German Jews were even more on the German side than German Gentiles. Nevertheless, it appears that contingency plane to exterminate the Jews of Germany already existed.
10. Germany surrendered when its civilian population was starving in the streets even though its soldiers at the front were being fed.
11. Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France. Germany was required to pay a large indemnity but not as big as what the French had paid at the end of the Franco-Prussian war.
In 1939 we had World War -2, i.e. the Second World War (1 September 1939 2 September 1945).
1. At the beginning the Italians were on the German side but later tried to join the Allies.
2. Austria became part of Germany and Hungary fought on the German side.
3. Russia was at first pro-German but after being attacked switched to the side of the Allies.
4. Britain and France were the main allies at the beginning but France was conquered.
5. The USA entered the fray at a late day in 1941 but its participation was decisive.
6. Australian and New Zealand troops were important both in the Middle East and the Far East.
7. Japan was on the German side whereas China sided with the Allies.
8. The war in the Middle East against the Germans and Italians endangered the Jews of Palestine and other areas.
9. Plans to exterminate the Jews of Germany and everywhere else under German control were put into effect.
10. Germany surrendered when its civilian population was starving in the streets and its soldiers no longer wished to fight.
11. Germany was dismembered, had to pay reparation, etc, but eventually recovered to take a leading role in European affairs working for the unification of Europe.
The Germans had envisioned a United Europe headed by Germany.
Comparing the two:
WW1:
1. At the beginning Italy was on the German side but later joined the Allies.
WW2
1. At the beginning Italy was on the German side but later tried to join the Allies.
WW1
WW1
2. The Austro-Hungarian Empire fought on the German side.
WW2
2. Austria became part of Germany and Hungary fought on the German side.
WW1
3. Russia was on the Allied side but towards the end pulled out of the fighting.
WW2
3. Russia was at first pro-German but after being attacked switched to the side of the Allies.
WW1
4. Britain and France were the main allies participating
WW2.
4. Britain and France were the main allies at the beginning but France was conquered.
WW1
5. The USA entered the fray at a late day in 1917 but its participation was decisive.
WW2
5. The USA entered the fray at a late day in 1941 but its participation was decisive.
WW1
6. Australian troop were important in Europe, Turkey (Gallipoli), and the Middle East.
WW2
6. Australian and New Zealand troops were important both in the Middle East and the Far East.
WW1
7. Japan was on the Allies side whereas China was neutral but inclined to Germany.
WW2
7. Japan was on the German side whereas China sided with the Allies.
WW1
8. The war in the Middle East against the Ottoman Turkish Empire led by Germans and with German contingents led to the liberation of Palestine and other areas.
WW2.
8. The war in the Middle East against the Germans and Italians endangered the Jews of Palestine and other areas. Turkey was neutral but pro-German.
WW1
9. Jews were loyal to the countries they were born in. German Jews were even more on the German side than German Gentiles. Nevertheless, it appears that contingency plans (or at least real intentions) to exterminate the Jews of Germany may have already existed.
WW2
9. Plans to exterminate the Jews of Germany and everywhere else under German control were put into effect.
WW1
10. Germany surrendered when its civilian population was starving in the streets even though its soldiers at the front were being fed.
WW2
10. Germany surrendered when its civilian population was starving in the streets and its soldiers no longer wished to fight.
WW1
11. Alsace-Lorraine was returned to France. Germany was required to pay a large indemnity but not as big as what the French had paid at the end of the Franco-Prussian war.
WW2
11. Germany was dismembered, had to pay reparations, etc, but eventually recovered to take a leading role in European affairs working for the unification of Europe.
The Germans had envisioned a United Europe headed by Germany. This began to eventuate.
So in this example, we see an ongoing conflict constantly evolving.
Some of the players change or reverse their roles.
Nevertheless, an underground current exists leading in most cases to similar results.
Occasionally roles are reversed.
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4. Biblical Scenarios.
Stage 1. MBJ all the Way!
We understand that:
At first there will be a struggle by Israel and Judah on the one side versus Edom and Ishmael and others on the other.
The Palestinians and Muslims will be with the adversaries alongside Edomites and others.
Germany and Japan may well be Edomite nations.
Judah is represented by the Jewish People.
The Lost Ten Tribes are mainly among West European Nations,
i.e. Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, South African Whites.
In some of these lands the Lost Ten Tribes (LTTs) may be in the minority (though historically important) whereas in others they dominate.
The forces of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) are part of the LTTs. They include the British and North Americans and their offshoots.
Initial defeats may be accompanied by much suffering, possible exile and captivity.
An attempt will be made at the extermination of Judah.
[This may or may not be equated with the Holocaust of European Jewry in WW2.]
Overcoming the Enemy and Resuscitation.
Messiah son of Joseph (MBJ) will help the Israelites to victory.
This may have already taken place in part.
It may be the stage we are now in, or it may not.
We see the wars of Israel against Edom and its allies as preceding the War of Gog and Magog.
Others view them as different names, or aspects, of the same events.
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5. Biblical Scenarios.
Stage 2. MBD fine with me!
Israel and Judah will unite, rebuilt the Temple, and divide the Promised Land between them.
The Promised Land will stretch from the Nile to the Euphrates and beyond.
Lands that the Israelites now dwell in will also become part of the Greater Land of Israel.
This includes all the regions bordering the northern sections of the Atlantic coastlines of Europe and North America.
Many of these areas will need reclamation and indeed will be reclaimed.
The Israelites will be blessed, healthy, and productive.
Messiah son of David (MBD) will dominant.
He will enable all those of Israelite Descent know to what Tribe they belong to.
Different Tribes will live indifferent areas.
Non-Israelites who live among them and identify with them will be accepted as part of them.
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6. Biblical Scenarios.
Stage 3. Gog and Magog.
Most of those non-Israelite Nations that remain will unite against Israel. They will launch a war, or several wars, against the Hebrew Peoples.
Gog and Magog will be defeated.
The Israelites will dwell in peace.
Human Nature will change.
The Almighty will rule over mankind of a 1,000 years. This is the Millennium.
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7. Who are the forces of Gog and Magog?
Ezekiel (TCT) 38:
1 THEN THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO ME, SAYING:
2 "SON OF MAN, SET YOUR FACE TOWARD GOG, [TOWARD] THE LAND OF MAGOG, THE PRINCE, THE HEAD OF MESHECH AND TUBAL, AND PROPHESY CONCERNING HIM.
3 AND YOU SHALL SAY; SO SAID THE LORD GOD: BEHOLD, I AM AGAINST YOU, GOG, THE PRINCE, THE HEAD OF MESHECH AND TUBAL.
4 AND I SHALL UNBRIDLE YOU, AND I SHALL PUT HOOKS INTO YOUR JAWS AND BRING YOU FORTH AND ALL YOUR ARMY, HORSES AND RIDERS, ALL OF THEM CLOTHED IN FINERY,
A GREAT ASSEMBLY, WITH ENCOMPASSING SHIELD AND BUCKLER, ALL OF THEM GRASPING SWORDS.
5 PERSIA, CUSH, AND PUT ARE WITH THEM; ALL OF THEM WITH BUCKLER AND HELMET.
6 GOMER AND ALL ITS WINGS, THE HOUSE OF TOGARMAH, THE UTMOST PARTS OF THE NORTH AND ALL ITS WINGS, MANY PEOPLES WITH YOU.
Ezekiel (TCT) 38:
13 SHEBA AND DEDAN AND MERCHANTS OF TARSHISH AND ALL ITS MAGNATES WILL SAY TO YOU, "ARE YOU COMING TO TAKE SPOIL? HAVE YOU ASSEMBLED YOUR ASSEMBLY TO PLUNDER LOOT, TO CARRY OFF SILVER AND GOLD, TO TAKE LIVESTOCK AND POSSESSIONS, TO TAKE MUCH SPOIL?"
Ezekiel (TCT) 39:
1 AND YOU, SON OF MAN, PROPHESY ABOUT GOG, AND SAY; SO SAYS THE LORD GOD: LO! I AM AGAINST YOU, O GOG, PRINCE AND HEAD OF MESHECH AND TUBAL....
Ezekiel (TCT) 39:
22 AND THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL WILL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD THEIR GOD FROM THAT DAY ON.
23 AND THE NATIONS WILL KNOW THAT FOR THEIR INIQUITY THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL WAS EXILED, BECAUSE THEY BETRAYED ME, AND I HID MY FACE FROM THEM, AND I DELIVERED THEM INTO THE HANDS OF THEIR ADVERSARIES, AND THEY ALL FELL BY THE SWORD.
24 ACCORDING TO THEIR DEFILEMENT AND ACCORDING TO THEIR TRANSGRESSIONS I DID TO THEM, AND I HID MY FACE FROM THEM.
25 THEREFORE, SO SAID THE LORD GOD: NOW I SHALL RETURN TO THE CAPTIVITY OF JACOB, AND I SHALL HAVE COMPASSION ON THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL, AND I SHALL BE ZEALOUS FOR MY HOLY NAME.
26 AND THEY SHALL BEAR THEIR DISGRACE AND ALL THEIR TREACHERY THAT THEY COMMITTED AGAINST ME WHEN THEY DWELL ON THEIR LAND SECURELY WITH NO ONE FRIGHTENING THEM.
27 WHEN I RETURN THEM FROM THE PEOPLES AND GATHER THEM FROM THE LANDS OF THEIR ENEMIES, I SHALL BE SANCTIFIED THROUGH THEM BEFORE THE EYES OF MANY NATIONS.
28 AND THEY WILL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD THEIR GOD WHEN I EXILE THEM TO THE NATIONS, AND I SHALL GATHER THEM TO THEIR LAND, AND I SHALL NO LONGER LEAVE ANY OF THEM THERE.
29 AND I SHALL NO LONGER HIDE MY FACE FROM THEM, FOR I SHALL HAVE POURED OUT MY SPIRIT UPON THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL," SAYS THE LORD GOD.
The Forces of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38:3; 39:3, 4, 6, 11) identified:
Gog = Korea, Mongolia, China, probably Japan.
Rosh (translated as "Prince of", in Hebrew "Rosh") = Russia. The Russian themselves traditionally accepted this identification and were proud of it.There is a chapter dedication to this matter in "The Aryan myth: A history of racist and nationalist ideas in Europe, " by Leon Poliakov,1974.
Mesheck = Moscow.
Tubal = possibly Spain and Latin America.
Persia = Iran.
Cush = Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Burma, Indo-China, Black Africa.
Put = North Africa.
Gomer = non-Israelites Germanics and other Europeans.
Togarmah = Turkey, Turkic-speaking peoples, some European nations.