Jerusalem: ‘City of peace’ is ‘full of violence’
Jerusalem (photo by Dr. Thiel)
Many in Jerusalem and elsewhere are agitated by US President Trump’s announcement about that city:
Jerusalem row: Clashes erupt over Trump move
December 8, 2017
Violence has flared between Israeli forces and Palestinians protesting at Donald Trump’s contentious recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Clashes erupted in the occupied West Bank and over the Israeli-Gaza border, and there were scuffles in Jerusalem.
More than 200 Palestinians were hurt, Palestinian medical sources said.
Tensions are high in the wake of Mr Trump’s announcement. His policy shift was hailed by Israel but condemned across the Arab and Islamic world.
Western allies of the US have also disavowed the move, which reversed decades of US neutrality on the status of Jerusalem. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42278644
Iraqi Militia Says Trump’s Recognition Of Jerusalem Is A “Legitimate Reason” To Attack Americans
December 8, 2017
Shia paramilitary group Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba has declared that the US’s violation of the holy land status quo is a “legitimate reason” to attack American troops in Iraq.
“Trump’s stupid decision… will be the big spark for removing this entity [Israel] from the body of the Islamic nation, and a legitimate reason to target American forces,” said Akram al-Kaabi, the Iraqi organization’s leader, as cited by Reuters.
Of course, militia leaders aren’t the only ones speaking out against Trump’s decision. Heads of state and other senior officials in the governments of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and – of course – the Palestinian territories have denounced the declaration. http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2017-12-07/iraqi-militia-says-trumps-recognition-jerusalem-legitimate-reason-attack-americans
December 8, 2017
JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinians clashed with Israeli troops across the West Bank and Gaza, and Muslim worshippers from Jordan to Indonesia poured into the streets after Friday prayers to protest President Donald Trump’s recognition of contested Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Protesters burned Israeli and U.S. flags or stomped on Trump posters in displays of anger.
In the West Bank, demonstrators torched heaps of tires, sending columns of thick black smoke rising over the cities of Ramallah and Bethlehem. Palestinian stone-throwers traded volleys in the streets with soldiers firing tear gas and rubber bullets. https://www.apnews.com/98963890bcd2473191bc7a779009893e/Clashes-erupt-across-West-Bank-over-US-Jerusalem-pivot
December 8, 2017
An estimated 3,000 Palestinian protesters held demonstrations and clashed with Israeli security forces at some 30 locations across the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Friday after midday prayers, in a show of anger over US President Donald Trump’s declared recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. https://www.timesofisrael.com/3000-palestinians-hold-violent-protests-across-west-bank-gaza-over-jerusalem/
The tension in Jerusalem is high. Many Palestinians feel betrayed. While terrorists will use any excuse to kill, the announcement by US President Trump may help the recruitment efforts of some terrorist organizations. Expect more terrorism (see also Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied?).
The Bible teaches the following:
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls,
Prosperity within your palaces.” (Psalm 122:6-7)
(More on prayer can be found in the free online booklet: Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?)
Jerusalem means “The City of Peace,” yet we are seeing violence.
The violence and protests bring the following to mind:
23 ‘Make a chain,
For the land is filled with crimes of blood,
And the city is full of violence.
24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the Gentiles,
And they will possess their houses;
I will cause the pomp of the strong to cease,
And their holy places shall be defiled. (Ezekiel 7:23-24)
Despite the meaning of the name, Jerusalem is often not peaceful.
Many Palestinians are depressed, distraught, and feel that they are without hope. Many have been led by people wanting them to hate.
The Bible warns about Jerusalem being a burden:
1 The burden of the word of the Lord against Israel. Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. 3 And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. (Zechariah 12:1-3)
Jerusalem is already considered burdensome by much of the international community.
The situation in Jerusalem will change, and not the way that US President Trump seems to think.
The Bible shows that a European power will get into Jerusalem. Notice some passages from the Book of Daniel:
26… And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate. (Daniel 9:26-27)
Since General Titus of the old Roman Empire destroyed the city of Jerusalem and the sanctuary in 70 A.D., Daniel 9:27 is talking about someone from the area of the old Roman Empire–a European. Daniel 9:27 is also talking about a type of deal confirmed by a prince–a rising European leader (see also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27).
About 3 1/2 years after a deal is confirmed, the prince that confirmed it will be considered as the final King of the North and take military steps associated with Jerusalem:
31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)
The “him” above is identified in the Bible as the final King of the North (Daniel 11:29,40) (see also the video Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?)–he is also called the ‘man of sin’ in 2 Thessalonians 2 (see also Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?).
Notice something that the old Worldwide Church of God taught would happen to Jerusalem:
“Daniel 11:40-41: “And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south] like a whirlwind … and he shall enter into the countries…. He shall enter also into the glorious land [Palestine], and many countries [Arab countries of the Middle East] shall be overthrown….”
The modern State of Israel will be conquered. Jerusalem will be besieged and taken. The prophet Zechariah also speaks of this capture of Jerusalem, revealing that eventually half the city will be taken into captivity by the European power (14:1-2).
In addition, Daniel’s prophecy specifically mentions that Egypt will be conquered by the German-led European forces. Isaiah shows that Syria, too, will become a “ruinous heap” (17:1-3).
The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the face of invasion. Some of its component countries will be directly occupied by European troops. However, as revealed in Daniel 11:41, Jordan (the present-day descendants of Moab and Ammon) and Turkey (Edom) will escape occupation. Other Arab countries may also avoid full occupation, possibly remaining in some sort of limited alliance with United Europe. “Libya” (or Put, the North African Arabs) along with ” Ethiopia” (or Cush, certain black African nations) shall be “at his [the king of the north’s] steps” — or “following him” as some translations render it.Great Tribulation
In the wake of the invasion and takeover of the State of Israel by the revived Roman Empire, the “beast” (European strong man) will make Jerusalem his headquarters (Daniel 11:45).(Stump K. Arab World in Prophecy. PlainTruth, December 1979)
While it is not possible for Daniel 11:31-45 to be fulfilled in the first term of the Donald Trump Administration (for details, watch Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?), his announcements will have ramifications that will help lead to their fulfillment.
Instead of being focused on hate and destruction, prayer and repentance are needed–people need to focus on love and doing good. And this applies worldwide, and not just to those in Jerusalem.
As far as Jerusalem goes, it is the temporary capital of the Jewish nation called Israel. Some have falsely claimed that it also must be the headquarters for God’s church in the church age.
No scripture supports that, prior to the millennium, Christians will be based in Jerusalem.
Notice some prophecies from Zechariah:
16 ‘Therefore thus says the Lord:
“I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy; My house shall be built in it,” says the Lord of hosts,
“And a surveyor’s line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.”‘
17 “Again proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts:
“My cities shall again spread out through prosperity; The Lord will again comfort Zion, And will again choose Jerusalem.”‘” (Zechariah 1:16-17)
10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. 12 And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!” (Zechariah 2:10-13)
Those prophecies show that the time will come when God will again choose Jerusalem—but they also show that NOW He has not!
But, while God will make Jerusalem His capital later, it is NOT during this time (see also Does the Church of God need to be headquartered in Jerusalem?).
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.
Does the Church of God need to be headquartered in Jerusalem? Some say so. But what does the Bible teach?
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Could the old Temple have been somewhere other than the “Temple Mount”? Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to a sermon titled The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work.
How Will Middle East Peace be Brought About? Can humans bring peace to the Middle East? Here is a link to a related video: Middle East Peace? When?
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach? This free booklet contains 28 biblically-based tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers. This is a pdf. A related two part sermon is available: What Does the Bible Teach About Prayer? and What does the Bible Teach About Prayer (& Healing)?
Are You Being Called by God? Norman Shoaf wrote various points to consider.
Is God Calling You? Alfred E Carrozzo wrote this.
What Did Christ Mean Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen? This article was by Raymond McNair.
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
The Times of the Gentiles Has there been more than one time of the Gentiles? Are we in it now or in the time of Anglo-America? What will the final time of the Gentiles be like? A related sermon is available and is titled: The Times of the Gentiles.
Differences Between Islam and the Continuing Church of God What are some of the main differences? Are there any similarities? A video of related interest is titled: Islam: Any Christian Concerns or Similarities?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
World War III: Steps in Progress Are there surprising actions going on now that are leading to WWIII? Might a nuclear attack be expected? Does the Bible promise protection to all or only some Christians? How can you be part of those that will be protected? A related video would be Is World War III About to Begin? Can You Escape?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2018, 2019, or 2020? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2018 o 2019? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon videos: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives and Can the Great Tribulation begin before 2020? A shorter video is: Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
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