Rabbi: Earthquake in Israel is Birthpang of Messiah; Jesus’ return 2026-2031?

Earthquake caused crack

Breaking Israel News reported the following:

Rabbi: Earthquake in Israel is Birthpang of Messiah

A minor earthquake in Israel on Wednesday went largely unnoticed, but a rabbi who is an expert in end-of-days clues hidden in numerology re-interpreted the data, noting they indicate a truly earthshaking change is about to be revealed: the birth of the Messiah.

An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter Scale gently shook the country. …

Rabbi Yekutiel Fish, an expert in Jewish mysticism who blogs in Hebrew under the title ‘Sod Chashmal,’ pointed to several details in yesterday’s quake that indicated it had end-of-days significance.

“The epicenter was almost 250 kilometers off the Israeli coast,” Rabbi Fish said to Breaking Israel News. The rabbi noted that as the Mediterranean tremors continue, they may move out to sea. “This distance hints at the 270 days of gestation before birth. The gematria (Hebrew numerology) of הריון (pregnancy) is 271, the completion of the 270 days of gestation and the beginning of the birth process. It was located off the coast of Hadera, which is Heder (the room) of ‘Yah’ (God). The sages refer to the womb as the ‘room of God.’ The quake measured 4.4 on the Richter scale which is equal to the gematria of ‘dam’ (blood), which is 44.”

Rabbi Fish explained the meaning behind these mystic connections.

“The blood begins when the pregnancy ends and the birth begins,” Rabbi Fish said. “The quake was in the ocean which symbolizes the womb.”

“The earthquake on Wednesday marked the end of the waiting period,” Rabbi Fish said. “It was the official day of the beginning of the birth of the Messiah.”

The rabbi noted that the word for mercy is ‘rachamim,’ derived from the word ‘rechem’ (womb).

“This is the final period in which people can do t’shuvah (repentance, literally ‘return,’”) Rabbi Fish said. After this, there will be no mercy because it is the end of the time in the womb, the time we live in rachamim.” 05/16/19 https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/129053/earthquake-israel-birthpang-messiah/

Rabbi Fish is wrong about God’s mercy. Notice one passage from the Hebrew scriptures:

34 … His mercy endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

More on mercy can be found in the free online books: Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation and Is God Calling You?

That being said, Jesus predicted earthquakes:

8 … And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be…troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Since Breaking Israel News used the expression “birthpang,” let’s look at another translation of Mark 13:8 which essentially uses that expression:

7 “For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will also be famines. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. (Mark 13:8)

Jesus listed earthquakes as one of the signs that precede the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:4-21; see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?) and told of His return (Matthew 24:30-31).

So, in a sense, Rabbi Fish is correct.

But since he does not accept Jesus was the Messiah, he has many misunderstandings.

Sadly, he is not the only one.

Having researched a lot of Jewish literature, there is proof within even non-biblical Jewish literature that point to Jesus being the Messiah.

For example, there is evidence in the Talmud that points to the year being 30 or 31 A.D. and Jesus’ execution.

If we look at the account in Matthew’s Gospel, we see some unusual events, including an earthquake, that took place when Jesus died:

⁵⁰ And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.

⁵¹ Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, ⁵² and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; ⁵³ and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

⁵⁴ So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:50-54)

It appears that the quake caused the ripping or tearing of the great curtain at the Temple entrance (“the veil of the temple”) in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45).

Geological evidence points to some type of earthquake that occurred in 31 A.D., +/- 5 years, in the region in which Jesus was executed (Williams JB, Schwab MJ, Brauer A. An early first-century earthquake in the Dead Sea, International Geology Review, 2011, DOI:10.1080).

The timing of the veil splitting in the Temple (Matthew 27:51; Luke 23:45) is also consistent with the fulfillment of Daniel 9. Christians believe that the torn veil represented the fact that we are now allowed direct contact with God the Father through prayer (Hebrews 10:19-22, John 16:23) as well as the elimination of the need for animal sacrifices now, since Jesus truly paid the penalty for our sins (Hebrews 10:1-14).

It has been reported, from a Christian source, that there was a sizeable stone lintel supporting the curtain which apparently tumbled to the floor below. The collapse of the lintel would have ripped the curtain in two and exposed the large doors sealing the Temple’s inner chamber. The episode resulted in the doors opening on their own accord, and likely exposing the Temple interior, the Holy of Holies chamber itself.

Moreover, it seems that the Chamber or Hall of the Hewn Stones (הגזית לשכת Lishkat ha-Gazit) built into the north wall of the Temple collapsed. The Sanhedrin met in this chamber when functioning as a court, but it suffered such structural damage that the Sanhedrin had to abandon it.

That Christian explanation is consistent with the following that is in the Talmud of the Jews:

The Gemara continues its question: And it is taught in a baraita: Forty years before the destruction of the Second Temple, the Sanhedrin was exiled from the Chamber of Hewn Stone and sat in the store near the Temple Mount. (Tractate Sanhedrin 41a, v.25)

Forty years before the Temple was destroyed, the Sanhedrin was exiled from the Chamber of Hewn Stones and sat in the stores on the Temple Mount. (Shabbat 15a, v. 9)

The Jewish Temple in Jerusalem was burned on August 30, 70 A.D. Whether 40 years is precise or approximate is not absolutely specified in the Talmud—but if we work back from 70 A.D. that supports either a 30 or 31 A.D. impalement of Jesus (it points to 31 A.D. if an inclusive “beginning with” counting method was used).

Now notice another quote from the Talmud:

The Sages taught: During the tenure of Shimon HaTzaddik, the lot for God always arose in the High Priest’s right hand; after his death, it occurred only occasionally; but during the forty years prior to the destruction of the Second Temple, the lot for God did not arise in the High Priest’s right hand at all. So too, the strip of crimson wool that was tied to the head of the goat that was sent to Azazel did not turn white, and the westernmost lamp of the candelabrum did not burn continually.

And the doors of the Sanctuary opened by themselves as a sign that they would soon be opened by enemies, until Rabban Yoḥanan ben Zakkai scolded them. He said to the Sanctuary: Sanctuary, Sanctuary, why do you frighten yourself with these signs? I know about you that you will ultimately be destroyed, and Zechariah, son of Ido, has already prophesied concerning you: “Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars” (Zechariah 11:1), Lebanon being an appellation for the Temple. (Yoma 39b, vs.5-6)

It would seem that this “change” should have served as a sign to the Jews that something was wrong with the Temple from the time Jesus was executed.

Jews reported that every year on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) from the time of Shimon HaTzaddik (c. 300 B.C.) until 30/31 A.D., that the high priest would tie a crimson ribbon around the neck of the Azazel/scape goat, and it was believed to have miraculously turned white after the sacrifice of the goat whose lot was to die. Presuming Jesus was killed in 31 A.D., this still could be for 40 years as God could have given the Sadducees a warning months before they sufficiently agreed to get Jesus murdered. Realize, also, that the veil of the Temple was torn in half upon Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51) and that must have been a disturbing occurrence to those at the Temple. So, with a 31 A.D. death, that would be a little over 39 years and 4 four months from then until the destruction of the Temple, which is forty-years inclusively counted.

Irrespective of possible ribbon color changes (such a ribbon is not mentioned in the Old Testament, though sins changing from scarlet to white is referred to in Isaiah 1:18, but this is not tied to a goat or the Day of Atonement), the reality is that since Jesus was executed, there were problems with the Temple, and the Temple was destroyed. And the timing is reflected in Jewish literature as well as biblical prophecies.

This and more is in our free online book, Proof Jesus is the Messiah. This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies which were fulfilled by Jesus, and has many quotes from Jewish sources that point to Jesus being the Messiah which the Jews would understand if they would simply believe certain of their writings and not accept those that improperly dismiss Jesus’ Messiahship.

Here is a link to the free online book: Proof Jesus is the Messiah.

Related to the Jewish refusal to accept Jesus, the Continuing Church of God also put together this sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:

1:10:53

Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?

There are over 200 prophecies and other statements in the Hebrew scriptures that the New Testament shows that Jesus fulfilled. So, why aren’t all the religious Jews Christians? Are reasons given by various Jews, including the Jewish Encyclopedia valid? Is there any insight from the Dead Sea Scrolls? Does the Old Testament as well as Jewish writings not part of the Hebrew scriptures support the idea that Jesus was born, did miracles, suffered for sins, was executed, and resurrected in three days? Did Jesus come when the Messiah was supposed to come? Did things happen to the Temple, the Day of Atonement, and the Sanhedrin that should give Jews reasons to conclude Jesus was the prophesied Messiah? Dr. Thiel provides answers to this from the Bible as well as many ancient Jewish writings.

Here is a link to the sermon: Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?

There really is a lot of proof as to why Jews and non-Jews should accept Jesus as the Messiah (see also the free online book Proof Jesus is the Messiah).

As far as when Jesus can return, many early Christians believed in a 6,000/7,000 year plan. If the 6,000 years ends 2,000 years after Jesus began His ministry, His return would be 2026 or 2027.

Presuming ‘the last days’ began no later than Pentecost 30/31 A.D. (cf. Acts 2:1,17), Jesus’ return would be 2030 or 2031.

In Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, Jesus said to look for various signs, instead of being focused on date calculations. Thus, all who expected His return by now based upon calculations were in error.

But as many of the signs that Jesus pointed to are in progress, it is obvious that we are getting closer to His return. And because certain events have not happened, 2026 seems not possible.

For more information, check out the articles When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? and Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Proof Jesus is the Messiah This free book has over 200 Hebrew prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus. Plus, His arrival was consistent with specific prophecies and even Jewish interpretations of prophecy. Here are links to seven related sermons: Proof Jesus is the Messiah, Prophecies of Jesus’ birth, timing, and death, Jesus’ prophesied divinity, 200+ OT prophecies Jesus filled; Plus prophecies He made, Why Don’t Jews Accept Jesus?, Daniel 9, Jews, and Jesus, and Facts and Atheists’ Delusions About Jesus. Plus the links to two sermonettes: Luke’s census: Any historical evidence? and Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah, but … These videos cover nearly all of the book, plus have some information not in the book.
Earthquakes Today and Bible Prophecy This article goes over facts about earthquakes. It also explains what Jesus taught about earthquakes and how the Bible describes “the big one” (as well as when it is expected).
Is God Calling You? This booklet discusses topics including calling, election, and selection. If God is calling you, how will you respond? Here is a link to a related sermon: Could God be Calling You?
Christian Repentance Do you know what repentance is? Is it really necessary for salvation? A related sermon is also available titled: Real Christian Repentance.
Just What Do You Mean — Repentance? Do you know what repentance is? Have you truly repented? Repented of what? Herbert W. Armstrong wrote this as a booklet on this important subject.
When You Sin: Do You Really Repent? This is an article by Charles F. Hunting. A related sermon is Confess to God and truly repent.
Weather Blessings and Sorrows Are weather problems a warning? What should be done? Here is a related YouTube video Does God Use Weather?
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.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2027 or 20xx? There is also a video titled 6000 Years: When will God’s Kingdom Come? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2019, 2020, or 2021? 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 and newer video is: Might the Great Tribulation start in 2019?
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.
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something? Here is a version in the Spanish language Escrituras sobre Preparación física para los Cristianos. Here is a link to a related sermon: Physical preparedness for Christians.
Universal OFFER of Salvation, Apokatastasis: Can God save the lost in an age to come? Hundreds of scriptures reveal God’s plan of salvation Will all get a fair chance at salvation? This free book is packed with scriptures showing that God does intend to offer salvation to all who ever lived–the elect in this age, and the rest in the age to come.