This is an appended commentary on Part 8 of our End Time series. We posted the original a few weeks back but found it lacking. Thus…this updated and appended version. Enjoy!

NOTE: Ezekiel provides the prophetic name of the leader of this coalition of anti Israel and anti God nations—“Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal” (Ezekiel 38:2-3 NKJV). Gog is a real name. It is mentioned in scripture as a descendant of *Reuben in 1 Chronicles 5:4. The thought or idea Israel will need someone from one of the Israeli Tribes to believe and follow (possibly being Antichrist) at the time of the false 7-year peace treaty is not unreasonable. Considering how the UN has often aligned against actions of the modern nation of Israel, why would they trust a non-Israeli?

*Why Reuben? He was the first born of the 12 sons of Jacob. Supposedly leadership is to go to the first born. It never happened in scripture. NOW, if this is a correct assumption, the right of the first born will be given to him.

This man of sin called Antichrist will deny the God of his fathers – *Daniel 11:37. In Matthew 10:32 one must be acknowledged by Jesus to God the Father for salvation. To deny God the Father is what Daniel 11:37 states. The only places in scripture we find this statement “God of our fathers” has to do with Israelis. This may suggest that the Antichrist is [will be] of Israeli descent, perhaps a DNA of Reuben. It is doubtful Israel can or will ever be willing to surrender their hopes as a nation into the hands of a non-Israeli.

*NOTE: The Antichrist denies the GOD (singular) of his fathers, PLUS any other gods of this world. The Antichrist (beast) is a puppet of Satan (dragon).

The opposing view is that of the Muslim, believers in Allah. They are just as dedicated in their beliefs as is those of Judaism and Jewish descent. We will not discuss this in this commentary blog, but this opens the possibilities of a Jewish DNA to be the Antichrist in the north (Europe) and his opposing forces being the Muslims (Arabs) of the south, mixed in with the added issues of Jerusalem and Israelis. [Revelation 6:8 cf.] This will be covered in a later article but consider Revelation 6:8…If one adds the land mass of the Middle East (Muslim territories) and Africa, we get ¼ of the earth’s habitable lands. (cf. Revelations 6:8)

THOUGHT: If one thinks there are not those of Israeli descent who rule in governments today, consider Zelenskyy of Ukraine, a Jew in a major leadership role. The royalty of England claim DNA of the Tribe of Judah. Rulers of Ethiopia for over 200 generations claimed to descend from King Solomon and Queen of Sheba.

[cf. https://www.quora.com/Has-any-Jew-ever-been-the-president-or-prime-minister-of-a-country-other-than-Israel?share=1

JIV: Quick insight to the Hebrew word God. Judaism uses G-D to not speak or write the word God. ’ĕ·lō·hê or Elohim has the plural “im” in the spelling. This makes it plural. What Daniel 11:37 is saying is not that there are or will be multiple gods of his fathers. It means the plural of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit…the 3-in-one God we call the trinity. Some Bible translations use the plural gods with a little “g”. The correct use is with a capital “G” but meaning the trinity Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Satan’s contention has always been to deny Jesus as the Son of God.

Revelation 13:2 symbolically depicts Satan as “the dragon” and the Antichrist as “the beast” and says that Satan (the dragon) will give the Antichrist …his power, his throne on earth, and great authority…” That is until Satan becomes unsatisfied with the Antichrist.

“And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” – [Revelation 13:3-4]. NOW comes the Jacob’s Trouble mentioned in Jeremiah 30:7. There are contrary opinions as to when this supposed death of the beast occurs. This reference in Jeremiah needs to be read carefully. “as if it [beast] had been slain”; “his [beast] wound was healed”; “who is able to wage war with him?” Here is a rational consideration. A dead person is not healed but resurrected. There is no mention that there is already an ongoing war but the wording in this verse hints to WAR between and against someone or something. Follow the wording of the text. It appears to us at ahabiblemoment that the beast ‘appeared’ to be dead but was not. He then wages war against Israel and Jerusalem at the 3 ½ year intersection of the 7-years peace agreement with Israel.

Satan himself will possess the body, mind, and soul of the beast. Once the supposed “wound to the head” is healed, he is now possessed by Satan. He then turns on Israel violating his 7-year contract of peace. He sets himself up in the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem and Jacob’s Trouble (Israel and Israelis alike) will flee to the mountains. Those who don’t will suffer the wrath of Satan. The first 3 ½ years of this 7-year peace treaty appears to be okay, but now Satan knows his time is very short. He needs to take drastic action and does.

Israel is unlikely to sign a peace agreement with anyone they believe will be a treaty of deceit. Satan has the attitude that some humans have even today. If he can’t have something, he, as do people, would rather destroy it than share it. Satan wishes to destroy as many people as possible in any way possible (such as abortion or wars). He will turn kingdoms (small groups of apposing views) and nations against each other. They will unite as one to go up against Israel.  Satan knows he cannot defeat God but to muster a huge army to try and destroy whatever apposes him, he accomplishes the “if I can’t have them then I will destroy them so God can’t have them either” syndrome. Wars accomplish this. It is probably that Satan, knowing he can’t win, wars against God just to send as many unbelievers to hell as possible…before they have a change of heart and mind accepting the deity of Jesus as Savior.

Those who align with Satan against God and his forces of Saints and angels are nothing more than proxy. Keep in mind that there are two future battles against the forces of heaven. One is upon the return of Jesus to set up his Millennial Kingdom, the one mentioned in the Lord’s Prayer, and the second upon the release of Satan at the end of his thousand-year bondage that is simultaneous to the Millennial Reign of Christ.

One might reasonably question the need and purpose of the second war between Satan and Jesus at the end of the thousand years? Hang onto this as many do not understand the motive and purpose of this war. During the Millennial Reign, people will still have free will. All are instructed to once a year attend the feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Both Micah 4:2 and Zechariah 14:16 state this. But there is a difference in these two verses one MUST grasp.

In Micah 4:2 people desire to go up to Jerusalem to worship and learn. A quote from the website gotquestions.org: Micah 4:2 contains an interesting prophecy that people from around the world will come to Jerusalem to learn about God. It reads, “Many nations shall come, and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.’” Based on this verse, many have wondered if everyone will need to go to Jerusalem to worship God in the last days. This verse demonstrates an eagerness to “go up.” It also reads many nations, not all nations. Some will not be so eager.

Though both passages reference the same event, in Zechariah 14:16 we gain additional insight. It reads in the New International Version: Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles. Who are these survivors? They are those who survive the Tribulation and enter the Millennial Reign. There will be people on earth other than Israelis. It reads, ”the survivors from all the nations.” We know it is after the great alliance and attack by Satan’s forces on Jerusalem because it also reads: “from all nations that have attacked Jerusalem.” These are those who will enter the Millennial Kingdom.

Note what is does NOT SAY. It does not say only Jews (Israelis) and believers will enter the Millennial Kingdom. It will be a mixed bag of people like what exists today. One would think that after this experience there would be no non-believers. Well, for the immediate moment that might be true. However, this does not mean all will be automatic followers of Christ. Add to these 1,000 years of time with many births during this time, plus the required obligation of families going up once a year to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, there will be a hardening of the hearts by great numbers of the populated earth at that time who rebel against this Jerusalem visit to worship and learn.

Examine Zechariah 14:17 & 18. Several things to which on must pay attention.

1. Families of the earth are commanded to go up to Jerusalem once a year
2. If they are not represented, their land will have no rain
3. Egypt is mentioned in verse 18 but the word mishpâchâh can mean “a tribe or people” (Strong’s H4940)
4. Plagues will come upon those who refuse to “go up” to Jerusalem at the Feast of Tabernacle
5. (KJV) We read that there are heathen on earth at this time.

Many people will become resentful of the requirement to “go up” to Jerusalem. From these multitudes Satan will recruit his forces for the final battle on earth. This is after he, Satan, is released for a short time following his thousand-year bondage.

There will no longer be multiple races to judge, just the Human Race.

Rev. Dr. Jstark
2020

One of the greatest book chapters of the Bible for end time studies and to increase recognition of events to happen is Matthew 24. Many think theologically may not be what Jesus is saying is the end in and of itself. Pay close attention to this series.

Matthew 24 [NKJV]

A Bible student or casual reader must keep scripture in context and one is the fact that Matthew was originally written in Hebrew. Only later was it translated into Greek (Septuagint) by order of Ptolemy of Egypt, a former general in Alexander the Great’s army. This alone identifies the original market (people) to whom this book is written. Evidence of to whom this book is intended is found by understanding the Book of Matthew was/is addressed to the Israeli populations, Hebrew speakers. Matthew 1:1-17 begins the lineage of Jesus with Abraham. By comparison, Luke 3 begins the lineage of mankind with Adam through Jesus. Matthew was/is intended to convince the “Jews” that Jesus is in the line of King David AND the promised Messiah. This means that the primary target market of Matthew is not to Gentiles but Hebrew Israelis.

We begin with a sentence from Matthew 24:13… “Whoever reads, let him understand”.

We add as insight Hosea14:9… “Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them”. One cannot understand something s/he has not previously studied or at minimum, examined. One cannot know without pursuing information. This sums up Matthew 24:13. Without knowledge one cannot understand. We state this in this article to challenge those who claim to not understand the Bible, so s/he tries to excuse him or herself for not reading it. That is NOT a reason. It is an excuse to not take the time to seek knowledge. With knowledge eventually comes understanding.

Study note: Jesus answers them saying, “Where there is a [a carcass/food], there the vultures [eagles] will gather” [Matthew 24:28]. The lesson is in that day when the returned Lord is gathering his “elect” he will attract them as eagles [vultures] are attracted to food. “Where there is a carcass [food to feed upon during the time of our Lord’s presence], there the vultures/eagles will be gathered together.” This may seem like an odd example to be used in scripture. Perhaps even a bit contrary. The core of this passage: Matthew is pointing out that when there is food to be had, those who seek it will get it. The same is true of Bible study. There is food to be found, but who actually seeks it? Going to church by itself is not the spiritual answer. Jesus in making this comment in the Mount of Olives Discourse may be using Job 39:30 as his backdrop. We do not know as no additional clarity is offered in either Job, Matthew 26:28, or where it is used once again, Luke 17:37. Some commentators say the vulture/eagle is an example of Roman power. The point does not change. Are we attracted to the food the Bible has to offer?

The food of “present truth” now provided by our Lord, and the gathering of his saints to it, fits the description of Jesus’ prophecy. The present call is not out of one “grinding mill” into another “grinding mill” (differing denominations). Instead, it is a gathering together into and onto Christ himself.  The *gathering ones come together because they “hunger and thirst after righteousness” and truth and each is eating thereof. To the seventh and last Church of Laodicea our Lord gave this admonition, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

*Does one easily find in today’s church, regardless of denomination, a gathering together of believers seeking to satisfy their spiritual hunger and thirst or is it more of going to church for the purpose of going to see others and give the appearance of spirituality? Bring an unsaved friend so “we can worship together???” This is being unequally yoked.

In Matthew 24:41, the mill is a place where food is prepared. The spiritual “food” that Christendom (Catholicism as well as the many various Protestant Churches) had prepared for the flock was poor. Consequently, each “grinder” was obliged to prepare what is given him by his own denomination. Presenting truth gathers some of the grinders and leaves others—one is taken and another left. In Luke 17:37 Jesus’ disciples ask where these people would be taken. It is then that Jesus answers them essentially saying, “Go where the food is and find the seekers” (paraphrased to emphasize those who seek).

We do not wish to teach you what to think, but what to think about.

Rev. Dr. Jstark
2022

There are five On That Day sequential events to keep this study of End Time distinct:

1. The appointed 7-year time of tribulation for Israel i.e., Jerusalem.
   1. 3 ½ years of a false peace.
   1. 3 ½ years of trials for Israel sometimes identified as Jacob’s Troubles    
2. The time between the end of the 7-years, 3 1/5 of Jacob’s Trouble and Jesus setting up his Millennial Kingdom. He judges the nations between the end of the Tribulation and his Millennial Reign.
3. The 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom
4. Satan is released, his final run at overthrowing Jesus on earth begins for a short time.
5. Eternity: one of two places. Neither eternal destination is a grave.

NOTE: Ezekiel provides the prophetic name of the leader of this coalition of nations—“Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal” (Ezekiel 38:2-3 NKJV). Gog is a real name as is used of a descendant of Reuben in 1 Chronicles 5:4. This fits well with the idea Israel will need someone from one of the Israeli Tribes to believe and follow (Antichrist) at the time of the false 7-year peace treaty.

Reuben is the first born of Jacob. Technically the first-born is the traditional leader after the father dies. Reuben tried multiple times for that position amongst his other brothers but it seems that responsibility fell on Judah or Ephraim. The scenario that a person from the DNA of Reuben may be acceptable to Israel as a trusted leader is not far fetched. Reuben did prevent the death of Joseph by his brothers when he propose selling Joseph to traveling traders (Genesis 37:21).

This man called Antichrist will deny the God of his fathers – *Daniel 11:37. In Matthew 10:32 one must be acknowledged by Jesus to God the Father. To deny God the Father is what Daniel 11:37 states. The only places in scripture we find this statement “God of our fathers” has to do with Israelis. This may suggest that the Antichrist is [will be] of Israeli descent. It is doubtful Israel can or will ever be willing to surrender their hopes as a nation into the hands of a non-Israeli (Jew).

*NOTE: The Antichrist denies the GOD (singular) of his fathers PLUS any other gods of this world. The Antichrist is a  puppet of Satan.

The opposing view is that of the Muslim, a believer in Allah. They are just as stringent in beliefs as is those of Judaism and Jewish descent. We will not discuss this in this commentary blog, but this opens the possibilities of a Jewish DNA as Antichrist in the north (Europe) and his opposing forces being the Muslims (Arabs) of the south, mixed in with the added issues of Jerusalem and Israelis. This will be covered in a later article.

JIV: Quick insight to the Hebrew word God. Judaism uses G-D so as to not speak the word God. ’ĕ·lō·hê or Elohim has the plural “im” in the spelling. This makes it plural. What Daniel 11:37 is saying is not that there are or will be multiple gods of his fathers. It means the plural of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit…the 3-in-one God we call the trinity. Some Bible translations use the plural gods with a little “g”. The correct use is with a capital “G” but meaning the trinity Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Satan’s contention has always been with the fact of Jesus also being the son of God.

Revelation 13:2 symbolically depicts Satan as “the dragon” and the Antichrist as “the beast” and says that Satan (the dragon) will give the Antichrist …his power, his throne, and great authority…” That is until Satan becomes unsatisfied with the Antichrist.

“And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; and they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” – [Revelation 13:3-4]. NOW comes the Jacob’s Trouble mentioned in Jeremiah 30:7. There are contrary opinions as to when this supposed death of the beast occurs. This reference in Jeremiah needs to be read carefully. “as if it [beast] had been slain”; “his [beast] wound was healed”; “who is able to wage war with him?” Here is a rational consideration. A dead person is not healed but resurrected. There is no mention or suggestion that there is already an ongoing war. Follow the wording of the text. It appears to us at ahabiblemoment that the beast ‘appeared’ to be dead but was not. He then wages war against Israel and Jerusalem at the 3 ½ junction of the 7-years agreement with Israel.

We also suggest this is the time that Satan himself possess the body, mind, and soul of the beast. He then turns on Israel violating his 7-year contract of peace. He sets himself up in the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem and Jacob’s Trouble (Israel and Israelis alike) will need to flee to the mountains. The first 3 ½ peace treaty appeared to be okay, but now Satan knows his time is very short. He needs to take drastic action and does.

Another bit of reasoning is that Israel is unlikely to sign a peace agreement with anyone they believe a treaty of deceit. Satan has the attitude that some humans have even today. If he can’t have something, he, as do people, would rather destroy it than share it. Satan wishes to destroy as many people as possible in any way (such as abortion or wars) possible. He knows he cannot defeat God but to muster a huge army to try and destroy whatever apposes him, he accomplishes the “if I can’t have them then I will destroy them so God can’t have them either” syndrome. Wars accomplish this. It is probably that Satan, knowing he can’t win, wars against God just to send as many unbelievers to hell as possible…before they have a change of heart and mind accepting the deity of Jesus as Savior.

Rev. Dr. Jstark
2022