The Great Tribulation CANNOT Begin in 2009
The above photos of Hiroshima and Nagasaki reflect what nuclear attacks, which will most likely near/at the start of the Great Tribulation, will be like
Can the Great Tribulation begin this year? Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2009?
No, it cannot.
I denounced many who claimed that it would begin in 2008 (see James Malm Challenges COGwriter which contains links to many such denouncements in the past year or so). And will again go on record and say that the Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2009.
The Bible shows that one is coming called “the King of the North“.
However, prior to being referred to as “the King of the North” he initially appears to be referred to as a “prince” in Daniel 9:26-27 (one is normally a “prince” before one becomes a “king”). As this deal has still not been made, this would suggest that contrary to claims of various false prophets (Ronald Weinland of CGPFK comes to mind) the great tribulation will not begin prior to 2012.
The Great Tribulation will also not start before there is an actual King of the South and an actual King of the North)–and while the “prince” will apparently help make a deal with Israel (probably somewhat including the United States and some Arab lands as part of the “many” in Daniel 9:27), Daniel 11:27 requires two kings, which suggests that the “prince” will gain more and more importance after the deal in Daniel 9:27 (for more information on the sequence of Daniel 11, please see the article the King of the North).
In the book of Daniel there is a prophecy related to the end times that states:
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.
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).
While there have been various understandings of the above passage in Daniel 9 (and many falsely believe it requires a third temple to be built, please see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?), notice what two commentators state (bolding/italics in source):
Shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself (or, and shall have nothing, ASV): and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. It is agreed by almost all evangelical interpreters that these two events, the cutting off of the Messiah (Anointed One) and the destruction of the sanctuary refer to the crucifixion of Christ and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. These two events were separated by a period of nearly forty years (29-70 A.D.). Yet, in the literary order of the passage, they are both after the sixty-ninth week and before the final “one week” mentioned in the next verse. Thus the very syntax, grammar, and word-meaning indicate a gap in the succession of the seventy weeks.
Other important reasons for supposing a gap here are: (1) Jesus placed the culminating week, with its “abomination” in the times of final Antichrist, just before His second advent (Matt 24:15). (2) Dan 7:25, which describes what appear to be the very same events as those of 9:27, the seventieth week, is certainly a prophecy of the times of final Antichrist. (3) The period of three and one-half times or years (the second half-week of v. 27) is often mentioned elsewhere in Scripture and always in an eschatological setting (Rev 11:2-3; 12:6,14). (4) The six things to be accomplished in the seventy weeks (see Dan 9:24 and comments) require the second advent of Christ, and the restoration and conversion of Israel.
These considerations show that the idea of a gap in the weeks at this point is a matter of exegesis. Considerations of theology are not primarily involved. It is not this author’s opinion that the Church is a mere provisional consideration thrust into this hiatus or gap. Both ‘dispensational’ and ‘covenantal’ theologians, doubtless, find more in this prophecy than is properly there. Let us stay by what the passage says. C. F. Keil (Comm., in loco) is correct in asserting that the prince is said to be coming (habba’), because he has already been introduced and discussed in the prophecy of chapter 7 as the final Antichrist. The Romans who destroyed Jerusalem (A.D. 70) were his people because they and he belong to the fourth stage (the Roman) of world empire (chs. 2; 7)…
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (make a firm covenant, ASV). The language higbir from gabar, “be strong”) does not signify confirmation of a covenant but causation of a firm covenant. And he shall cause to prevail is an excellent translation. The most natural antecedent for he, the subject of the clause, is the wicked “prince” of verse 26. This is the nearest noun in grammatical agreement, and it fits the sense. The many here, as elsewhere, is a reference to the Hebrew people, the subject of discussion throughout chapter 9 (cf. vv. 2,12,18,19, esp. 24, “thy people … thy holy city”). Evidently the covenant is to be made between Antichrist and Israel when the Jews are back in their homeland in the last days. The exact nature of the covenant is unknown.
The evil and destructive events described in the remainder of this verse should be interpreted as summary information concerning the final “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jer 30:7 and context) set forth rather more fully in Dan 12:1 ff; 2 Thess 2:1 ff; Rev 13; 14; and other passages (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).
…the covenant of Daniel 9:27 is not the covenant of grace…this refers to the coming world ruler at the beginning of the last seven years…He will make a covenant with Israel for a seven-year period. As Daniel 9:27 indicates, in the middle of the seven years he will break the covenant, stop the sacrifices offered…and become their persecutor instead of their protector (Walvoord JF. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Victor Books/SP Publications, Wheaton (IL), 1990, p. 257).
And the portions cited above appear to be the case. A prophetic week is generally understood to refer to seven years. And half a week is 3 1/2 years. While the leader above is only referred to as a prince when he confirms the one week covenant, he probably will not be known as the “King” until shortly before he breaks the covenant at the mid-week point (most likely he will be considered simply one of several leaders negotiating a treaty when this deal in Daniel 9:27 occurs).
There are several reasons that this prince is referring to the leader of the developing European empire. But perhaps the main one is that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. And it is the prince coming from that people that verse 27 is referring to. Hence, this prophecy tells us that a leader will start to rise up about 3 1/2 years before the tribulation.
Furthermore, notice when the 1290 days (roughly 3 1/2 years) begins:
And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days (Daniel 12:11).
Thus, both Daniel 9:27 and 12:11 seem to be referring to a common event, and 12:11 shows that this begins a period of roughly 3 1/2 years.
Notice the sequence of events that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24, the only place in the Bible where the expression “great tribulation” is used explaining when it will begin:
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:15-21).
So Jesus shows that after you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel (Daniel 9:27;11:31;12:11) it is time to flee (for more details on where, please see the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra) and THEN THERE WILL BE GREAT TRIBULATION!
Since this agreement between the King of the North and Israel has apparently not yet occurred, the abomination involved with removal of the sacrifices (which have not even started yet) cannot happen for at least 3 1/2 years from now, and thus the great tribulation will not occur until after the faithful flee then, this means that (unless this agreement occurred secretly and prior to June 30, 2008, an idea that various news reports suggest is impossible), that the intense 3/12 year period of the great tribulation cannot occur before 2012!
If one adds 3 1/2 years to any current or future date, then a date of 2012 or later is the only period possible (and I believe it will probably be one to four years later than 2012). Thus, the Great Tribulation CANNOT occur in 2009 or prior to 2012!
Is There Talk of Such a Deal Now?
Perhaps that it should be noted that Israel now seems to be moving towards such an agreement, that it did not have it in early 2008:
Israel is increasingly “plugging into” EU institutions and, in turn, allowing European political and economic influence to play a greater part in its diplomatic and economic processes, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
The thinking within the Foreign Ministry is that it is time to reassess the Jewish state’s traditional line that Israel’s survival rests on two pillars only: a strong IDF and an unbreakable alliance with America. What is becoming evident is the increasing understanding of the importance the European Union plays in world events and in the Middle East particularly, officials say (Israel sees ties with EU as crucial Jerusalem Post – Feb 22, 2008; http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203605149734&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull).
Also notice what the Living Church of God teaches about this:
A New Chapter in German-Israeli Relations. German Chancellor Merkel participated in a historic meeting this week in Israel, with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert stating, “This is an extraordinary, in many ways a historic occasion in relations between Israel and Germany.” Acknowledging the legitimacy of the nation of Israel, and forecasting a bright future between the two nations, Merkel commented, “Sixty years after the creation of Israel we affirm again the special responsibility of Germany towards Israel… But there is not only the responsibility for the past but projects for a better future… I am grateful we can open a new chapter in relations between our two countries.” The two leaders discussed bilateral relations in the areas of economics, science, culture, education, and media. Merkel is also the first German Chancellor to address the Knesset (Deutsche Welle, March 17, 2008). Germany may be the key nation to break the United Nations gridlock over how to deal with Iran (Jerusalem Post, March 16, 2008). Daniel 9:27 talks about a “prince” confirming a covenant with many—a covenant that will lead to the establishing of sacrifices on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. A King of the North will defile the “sanctuary fortress” and remove the daily sacrifices, eventually magnifying himself above the gods (Daniel 11:29-37). This King of the North will emerge from a powerful political-religious union involving European nations. It is important to watch the continuing involvement of European nations and the Vatican in Israel (Winnail D., ed. World Ahead Weekly Update. Living Church of God. March 19, 2008).
The press in Israel this week again hinted that it wants a peace/military deal involving the Europeans:
Haaretz, Israel – Oct 7, 2008
The idea of the Greater Land of Israel lives on only in the political faction to the right of Likud. The leaders of the national majority, like their voters, have also accepted the idea of parting from Shuafat, Abu Dis and the Golan Heights.
The stumbling block that prevents Israel’s departure from the territories is not the demarcation of the final border between us and our neighbors. The only obstacle seen as impassable today on the way to an agreement is the security issue after the territories are vacated. As long as this dilemma has no answer that is convincing to most Israelis, no government, weak or strong, will be able to implement an agreement with our neighbors, even if it dares to sign one…
There is little doubt that most Palestinian people, as well as the government in Ramallah, would accept such an army willingly, if not enthusiastically. The Gaza Strip is a different story, and some arm-twisting would be required, not on the people but certainly on Hamas.
Such a force cannot be established without Israel’s agreement. Israel would of course demand as part of that agreement, and would undoubtedly receive, close cooperation with the international force, first and foremost in matters of intelligence and counterterrorism. The foreign force should be here temporarily, its task will include helping to set up an effective Palestinian administration and Palestinian security forces who would eventually serve as a reliable counterterrorist force. All this will ultimately allow for the departure of the foreign army from the West Bank without Israel’s security being endangered.
The question is, who will take on this mission?…
At this moment the European Union appears to be the only option. The EU, under French and German leadership, could be persuaded to accept the responsibility (A foreign army at the gate Haaretz, Israel, October 7, 2008).
And it should be noted that the Vatican itself wants an agreement with Israel related to local Catholic matters in Israel:
ROME: The Vatican has warned Israeli officials that the Holy See will not sign an agreement that cannot be sustained locally…That’s according to Archbishop Antonio Franco, the Apostolic Nuncio in Israel (who is also the Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine, as well as Apostolic Nuncio in Cyprus) during a recent visit through Rome. Speaking to Terrasanta.net, the archbishop said he was “not making any forecasts” on the duration of the negotiations on tax and property of the Church in Israel, but stressed that both parties were working “with a great deal of good will” and there was progress because “the State of Israel is showing great understanding”. But he added it was essential the negotiators understand “it is a question of life or death”, because the “very survival of the Church of the Holy Land” is at stake (Nuncio Franco: “Church’s Survival in the Holy Land at Stake”. The Holy Land Review – February 26, 2008; http://www.theholylandreview.net/holyland/att_det.jsp?wi_number=889&wi_codseq=).
Thus, it may be that since Israel wants closer agreement with the Europeans and the Vatican (which supports increased European unity) wants a more comprehensive agreement with Israel than it has had in the past, that one will happen relatively soon.
But again, since this deal of Daniel 9:27 does not seem to have been made yet, it does not seem possible that the Great Tribulation can begin prior to 2012.
Furthermore, that although the Bible warns about the coming King of the North and this deal, Roman Catholic prophecies seem to look forward to this individual, who they tend to call “the Great Monarch” or “the prince of the north” (this is documented in the article Who is the King of the North?). But he does not have power yet.
Thus, contrary to the claims of various self-appointed ones, the Great Tribulation WILL NOT begin in 2009.
Several articles of possibly related interest may include:
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, or 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? There is a Mayan calendar prediction for change in 2012. 2012 changes were also centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans (the Hindus may have some predictions for the next decade as well). Do these Mayan/Hindu/Hopi prophecies have any value? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? What does the Bible teach?
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? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
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