Dennis1209

Kay Paso Marilyn, 😊 Paul does not define the prize of the upward call of God. There are several thoughts on the meaning. Paul associates it with what he witnessed at the Grecian game races and a recognition reward. In my mind, that is works, something earned (crowns, assignments, less wood, hay, stubble), and not associated with the gift of Salvation, Rapture, or Resurrection. High calling ~ ① invitation to experience of special privilege and responsibility, call, calling, invitation. [1] [1] Arndt, William, et al. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed., University of Chicago Press, 2000, p. 549.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20) We are all born with a human spirit (body-soul-spirit) an innate sense of good vs. bad, right vs. wrong. I could cite many examples, and young children test it daily with their parents, teachers, and society. Romans 1:20 reveals that everyone is given a certain amount of truth and knowledge of the Creator God. I believe what we do with that knowledge and truth will be the basis of judgment for those who never heard of Jesus or the Gospel. And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (James 2:23) But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29) I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (Proverbs 8:17) And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Luke 11:9) Today, many Amazonian tribes deep in the jungle, Mongolian shepherd boys, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, etc., are no longer in the stone age. They have smartphones and internet access provided by their respective governments. That does not seem to make logical sense until we take the big picture into account. They are not disconnected and immune from global policies and events. That is just my perspective.

My mistake: I misinterpreted the thread's title and assumed it was a question for clarification. Exegesis is the critical interpretation (opinion) of a religious text, while hermeneutics is the method of my interpretation (opinion). Any subject discussed or scriptural evidence submitted is subject to opposing opinions and disagreement. The context of Daniel chapter nine is seventy weeks of years broken down and explained. I am a simpleton, so to be simple: And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27) He (man of sin, lawless one, Antichrist) and the verse above is where we derive a seven-year Tribulation. Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14 are the parallel passages (mid-tribulation). The seven-year Tribulation is also called “the Day of the Lord” in other prophetic passages that are too numerous to document. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21) The time of Jacob's trouble (3.5 years), mentioned in Jeremiah 30:7, refers to a period of great distress for Judah and Israel but with the promise of salvation. This time is believed to be the Tribulation, a period of unparalleled suffering before Christ's return. The purpose is to bring Israel back to the Lord and fulfill His promises. Trying to describe the final week without mentioning the preceding 69 weeks, the present gap between the 69th and 70th week (church age—age of Grace), and the time of Jacob’s trouble would not mean much. My view of Daniel’s 70th-week sides with the premillennialist literal view, another meaningless opinion. Amillennialists have certain common features in their interpretation of Daniel 9:24–27. These include (a) the beginning of the seventy weeks was in 536 b.c. in the time of Cyrus, not (as premillennialists say) in 445 b.c. under Artaxerxes. This has the effect of allowing the seventy-sevens to be imprecise in duration. (b) The seventieth week is the entire Church Age, not a future seven-year period of Tribulation. These characteristic interpretations of amillennialism stem from not consistently practicing literal interpretation.[1] [1] Ryrie, Charles Caldwell. Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth. Moody Press, 1999, p. 519.

As Vine mentioned, May 14, 1948, was a miraculous, unprecedented day never seen in history, as was the 1967 Six Days War prophetic. As Paul Harvey says, and now, the rest of the story. I would encourage reading the attached short article for additional prophetic insight: MIRACLE OF 1967: 50th Anniversary Of Israel's Victory In Six Day War And Reunification Of JERUSALEM – BIBLICALSIGNS.COM I believe God's end-time hourglass was turned over on May 14, 1948. The generation born then until now will see all these things come to pass (Matthew 24:32-35). Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. (Matthew 24:34) [emphasis added] A logical question to ask is, how long is a Biblical generation? It drastically changed over millennia. I do not know, but the latest human average longevity is in Palm 90:10, seventy to eighty years. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10) Everything Biblically appliable for the terminal generation has manifested in a short historical time. Reading 2 Timothy chapter three in today's context is mind-boggling compared to the first thirty years of my life, not to mention tens of millions of aborted babies, convenient child sacrifice, and to what alter. In 1978, I was offered a job in Iran, making four times the money doing the same thing here in the US. Iran was friends with Israel and helped Israel out in their 1973 War. Turkey was friends with Israel, and Israelis took vacations in Turkey. Everything has changed geopolitically, as the Bible foretells. We see the alignments, treaties, mutual defense pacts, and trade between the three significant belligerents of the Eze. 38 invasion of Israel. The reason for Damascus, Syria's destruction overnight, Elam's destruction, everything. Israel's October 7, 2023 declared war has significant prophetic implications and firsts. To name two, Israel has vowed to destroy terrorism, beginning with HAMAS (h. Violence). For the first time, Iran struck Israel from Iran's soil, a biggie. They now have no choice but to cut the head off the snake. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. (Jeremiah 49:35) [Launchers, delivery systems, missiles, rockets, and drones] No one can predict the timing or sequence of unfulfilled near-future events, but we do see the stage set and the reasons behind them from a human perspective. We also see this developing daily on the news: Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:2) An excellent opportunity of presenting historical facts, the present situation, the future, and presenting the Good News and our blessed hope.

Really?

The following by Clarence Larkin is well explained, as well as how I interpret Daniel. The scope: Daniel 9:24 490 years The 483 years: Daniel 9:25 The church age: Daniel 9:26 The last 7 years: Daniels 70th week - Time of Jacob’s trouble (3.5 years) As the events recorded in Rev. 6:1 to Rev. 19:21, are connected with the last, or “Seventieth Week,” of Daniel’s “SEVENTY WEEKS,” it is necessary that we stop here and explain what is meant by Daniel’s “Seventieth Week.” The Prophet Daniel had been 68 years (B.C. 538) in Babylon, and by a study of the Prophecy of Jeremiah (Jer. 25:11), he discovered that the “Seventy Years” Captivity of his people was nearing its end, and so he set his face unto the Lord, to seek by prayer and supplication (Dan. 9:3) to know the exact time of its ending, and while he was praying the Angel Gabriel appeared to enlighten him. (Dan. 9:20–23.) Daniel was concerned about the expiration of the “Seventy Years” of the Captivity, and the restoration of his people to Palestine, and the rebuilding of the City of Jerusalem and of the Temple. But the Angel Gabriel came to disclose to him something more important than that. While he doubtless informed Daniel that God would fulfill His promise as to the “Seventy Years” of the Captivity, which, as we know, He did, he also made known to Daniel that that would not end the troubles of Israel. That while the Jews were to return to Jerusalem at the end of the “Seventy Years” of Captivity, there was a longer period to elapse before the Kingdom would be restored to them, a period of “SEVENTY WEEKS.” “SEVENTY WEEKS are determined upon Thy People (Daniel’s people the Jews) and upon the Holy City (Jerusalem), to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the ‘MESSIAH THE PRINCE’ shall be SEVEN WEEKS, and THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS shall MESSIAH BE CUT OFF, but not for Himself: and the people (Roman) of the PRINCE THAT SHALL COME (Antichrist) shall destroy the City and the Sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he (Antichrist) shall confirm the Covenant with many for ONE WEEK (the last or Seventieth Week): and in the midst of THE WEEK he (Antichrist) shall cause the Sacrifice and the oblations to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations (the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Christ, Matt. 24:15) he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” Dan. 9:24–27. This Vision of the “SEVENTY WEEKS” is the most important revelation, in many ways, made in the Scriptures. We are here told that this Period of “SEVENTY WEEKS” was determined upon Daniel’s PEOPLE (the Jews), and upon the HOLY CITY (Jerusalem). This is very important. It discloses the fact that the “SEVENTY WEEKS” have nothing to do with the Gentiles, or the Church, but only with the JEWS and JERUSALEM. It also discloses another important fact that the “SEVENTY WEEKS” only cover the period when the Jews are DWELLING IN THEIR OWN LAND, and does not cover the present period of their Dispersion. We are told in verse 24 that these “SEVENTY WEEKS” were determined for a SIX-FOLD purpose. 1. TO FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION. It is the transgression of ISRAEL that is here referred to, and the finishing of it will be the turning away of UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB. Rom. 11:26–27. The transgression of Israel has not yet come to an end, and will not until they as a Nation shall be converted. 2.TO MAKE AN END OF SINS. The margin reads to “seal up” sins. The sins of ISRAEL. This may refer to the author of Israel’s sins—Satan, who shall at that time be “sealed up” in the Pit. Rev. 20:1–3. 3. TO MAKE RECONCILIATION FOR INIQUITY. This refers to ISRAEL’S iniquity in the rejection of their Messiah. While atonement was made for their sin on the Cross, its application to Israel as a Nation awaits the day when they shall look on Him whom they pierced (Zech. 12:10), and a fountain shall be opened to the “House of David,” and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanliness, Zech. 13:1, and a nation, the Jewish Nation, shall be “born again” in a day. Isa. 66:8. 4. TO BRING IN EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS. When the “Transgression of ISRAEL” has come to an end, and her sins are “sealed up,” then everlasting righteousness shall be brought in. The King will come, and the Kingdom be restored to Israel, and the Millennium will be here, and the “Knowledge of the Lord” shall cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea. Hab. 2:14. 5. TO SEAL UP THE VISION AND PROPHECY. When the “Transgression of ISRAEL” has ceased and they have uninterrupted communion with God, there will no longer be any need for “Vision” or “Prophet.” It is a noteworthy fact that “Vision” and “Prophecy” has been confined to the Jewish race. 6. TO ANOINT THE MOST HOLY. This probably refers to the anointing of the “Most Holy Place,” or the “Holy of Holies” of the MILLENNIAL TEMPLE, described by Ezekiel. Ezek. 41. There is great significance in this announcement; for, although the Tabernacle of Moses was anointed (Lev. 8:10), there is no mention of such a ceremony in the Consecration of either Solomon’s Temple, or the Temple of Zerubbabel, for those buildings were considered merely as continuations of the Mosaic Tabernacle. But when the King comes back and sits upon the Throne of His father David, there is to be a magnificent Temple erected, the like of which has never as yet been seen on this planet of ours. There will be no “Ark of the Covenant” with its “Mercy Seat,” in the “Most Holy Place” of the Millennial Temple (Jer. 3:16), but in its place will stand the ROYAL THRONE on which the “BRANCH,” the Messiah shall sit as a KING-PRIEST (Zech. 6:12–13), and whose anointing is here referred to. Now as the fulfilment of this “Six-Fold” purpose of the “SEVENTY WEEKS” synchronizes with the things that shall happen at the close of this Dispensation, and that are described in Rev. 6:1; 19:21, it is clear that the last, or “SEVENTIETH WEEK” of Daniel’s “Seventy Weeks,” covers the “TIME PERIOD” of Rev. 6:1; 19:21, and confirms the claim that that “Period” is Jewish and has nothing to do with the Church. To prove this it is only necessary to outline Daniel’s “Seventy Weeks.” The “Seventy Weeks” are divided into “THREE PERIODS” of 7 Weeks, and 62 Weeks, and 1 Week. They cover the time from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem, which was the 14th day of the month Nisan (March) B. C. 445, to the Second Stage (The Revelation) of the Second Coming of Christ. The “First Period,” 7 WEEKS, refers to the time required to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which was 49 years, thus giving us the “Key” to the meaning of the word “WEEK,” for if 7 WEEKS are equal to 49 YEARS, then 1 WEEK is equal to 7 YEARS. Now we are told that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (B. C. 445) unto the “MESSIAH THE PRINCE,” shall be 7 WEEKS, and THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS, or 69 WEEKS, or, if 1 WEEK is equal to 7 YEARS, 7 × 69 or 483 YEARS. Now Jesus, as “MESSIAH THE PRINCE,” rode in triumph into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, April 2, A. D. 30. The difference in time between B. C. 445 and A. D. 30 is 475 years, but, as we have seen, 69 WEEKS equal 483 years, a difference of 8 years. How are we to explain this difference? The 475 years between B. C. 445 and A. D. 30, are Julian or Astronomical years of 365¼ days each, but when we reduce them to Calendar years of 360 days each, the year used in the Scriptures, we find that we have exactly 483 years of 360 days each. This proves that there was no break between the “First” and “Second” Periods of the “Seventy Weeks,” and that the prophecy that there should be 69 WEEKS to the coming of “MESSIAH THE PRINCE” was literally fulfilled. Now as 69 WEEKS of Daniel’s “SEVENTY WEEKS” have already expired, and all that was prophesied to occur during those “SEVENTY WEEKS” has not yet been fulfilled, it stands to reason that the things unfulfilled are still future, and must be fulfilled in the remaining “ONE WEEK,” and that that “ONE WEEK” shall be “SEVEN YEARS” long, for it must be of the same length as the other “WEEKS.” This then gives us the length of time of the reign of the “PRINCE THAT SHALL COME” (Antichrist), who we are told in verse 27 (Dan. 9:27) shall make a Covenant with the Jews for “ONE WEEK” (7 years), the last or “SEVENTIETH WEEK,” and that in the “Middle” of the WEEK he shall break the Covenant and cause the “sacrifice and oblation” that the Jews will have restored, to cease, and then the “overspreading of abominations that maketh desolate,” shall continue until the end of the WEEK. As this is just what is foretold will occur during the reign of Antichrist (2. Thess. 2:3–4) we see that the “Period” between Rev. 6:1 and Rev. 19:21, that we are now about to study, is the “Third Period” of ONE WEEK, of Daniel’s “SEVENTY WEEKS” and that it is to last SEVEN YEARS. From this we see that while there was no “Time Space” between the “First” and “Second” Periods of the “Seventy Weeks,” there is a “Time Space” between the “Second” and “Third” Periods or the 69th and 70th Week, of already (A. D. 1919) 1889 years, or the present Church Age. This was hidden so the Church should not fail to watch. See the Chart, “Daniel’s Seventy Weeks.”1 1 Larkin, Clarence. The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture. Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1919. Print.

Who thought we would see this day in our lifetime except for a few visionaries? Think of the life-altering implications for good and evil and prophetic scripture for the terminal generation, a second revolution. The Industrial Revolution gave us fossil fuel to mechanize machinery to feed the world, and where would we be without electricity? It is said, “AI is the world’s new electricity.” Governments and their militaries always get the first use of any new technology for war. I understand AI has been used and adapted for battlefield use to replace Generals. The public only gets a glimpse of what DARPA programs have developed. Case in point: Google Sophie the Robot on YouTube, and following its development and progression is astonishing. AI reminds me of GIGO (garbage in – garbage out) and: Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Genesis 3:1) AI is now in every aspect of our life. Even my Bible software program (LOGOS 10) has introduced AI in its platform. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4) Unlike previous generations, we now see the ways and means of instantly controlling all buying, selling, and surveillance. The apostle Paul addressed the philosophers on Mars Hill (Areopagus) in Athens on worshiping knowledge (idolatry). Years ago, I checked, and there was a church(s) of Artificial Intelligence. I would suspect it is growing in leaps and bounds. This is an interesting analogy for AI: And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25)

Exactly!

As a Vietnam conflict participant, I could write a book about my experiences and geopolitical opinions. Think about this: since WW II, with all the military conflicts we have engaged in, being the global police force, compare our expenditures and cost of lives, limbs, and American blood to what was gained. We have never won anything, and at best, an ongoing stalemate such as with N. Korea and the Persian Gulf. Americans have lost their will for anything protracted. We are no longer the United States of America and cannot be more divided. Since WW II, as a nation, our morals and values have gone down the proverbial toilet bowl, abandoning and shaking our national fist at God. We have only three legal documents: the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. All three have been and are being usurped as antiquated. The US Constitution spells out the use and authorization of military force. Congress solely has the responsibility and power to declare war; when has that happened lately? I predict America under current liberal leadership will fail and abandon Israel, just like everyone else. Perhaps when we turn tail and flee Israel, we will leave a parting gift like we did with Afganastan? And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 12:9) With the implied Israeli sanctions and a two-state solution, if God does not judge our nation sooner, we may be part of the above prophecy.

God’s word is fascinating, written at such a level that only the Creator of the universe could have inspired it. The Gospel is written so simply that a child can understand it. It is so deep, the deeper we dig the more there is to discover. I suspect we are only scratching the surface of what can be learned this side of being tutored by the Lord Himself. Many generally read past numbers, names, and genealogies as insignificant. I have a long list of numbers and their general association or application as you mention (posted at the end). Hebrew and Greek names are also fascinating. Often, their names give a mini thumbnail about their occupation, character, traits, where they are from, etc. I have often wondered how the parents had that future insight when they were named. Speaking of names, is it a coincidence the first ten generations are meaningful when written out in an understandable sentence? [credit: Dr. Chuck Missler] FIRST TEN GENERATIONS Adam (Man) Seth (Appointed) Enosh (Mortal) Kenan (Sorrow) Mahalalel - Mahalaleel (the blessed God) Jared (shall come down) Enoch (teaching) Methuselah (His death shall bring) Lamech (the despairing) Noah (rest or comfort) “Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow, (but) the Blessed God shall come down teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest” Our Bible is not a science book, but all the details given long before it was understood are amazing. BIBLICAL NUMBERS ONE: Unity TWO: Union; Division; and Witnessing THREE: Resurrection; Divine Completeness; Perfection FOUR: Creation; World FIVE: Grace; God’s goodness SIX: Weakness of man; Number of Man; Evils of Satan; Manifestation of Sin SEVEN: Completeness; Spiritual; Perfection EIGHT: New birth; New Creation or new beginning NINE: Fruit of the Spirit; Divine completeness from the Lord TEN: Testimony; Law and Responsibility ELEVEN: Judgment or Disorder TWELVE: Governmental perfection THIRTEEN: Depravity and Rebellion FOURTEEN: Deliverance or Salvation FIFTEEN: Rest SIXTEEN: Love SEVENTEEN: Victory EIGHTEEN: Bondage NINETEEN: Faith TWENTY: Redemption TWENTY-ONE: Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin TWENTY-TWO: Light TWENTY-THREE: Death TWENTY-FOUR: The Priesthood TWENTY-FIVE: The forgiveness of sin TWENTY-SIX: The Gospel of Christ TWENTY-SEVEN: Preaching of the Gospel TWENTY-EIGHT: Eternal life TWENTY-NINE: Departure THIRTY: The Blood of Christ; dedications; mourning THIRTY-ONE: Offspring THIRTY-TWO: Covenant THIRTY-THREE: Promise THIRTY-FOUR: Naming of a son THIRTY-FIVE: Hope THIRTY-SIX: Enemy THIRTY-SEVEN: The Word of God THIRTY-EIGHT: Slavery THIRTY-NINE: Disease FORTY: Trials; Probation; Testing's FORTY-TWO: Israel’s oppression; Lord’s advent FORTY-FIVE: Preservation FIFTY: The Holy Spirit SIXTY: Pride SIXTY-SIX: Idol worship SEVENTY: Universality; Israel and her Restoration ONE HUNDRED: God’s election of Grace; Children of Promise ONE HUNDRED-NINETEEN: The Resurrection Day; Lord’s Day ONE HUNDRED-TWENTY: Divine period of probation ONE HUNDRED-FORTY FOUR: The Spirit guided life ONE HUNDRED-FIFTY THREE: Fruit bearing TWO HUNDRED: Insufficiency SIX HUNDRED: Warfare SIX HUNDRED-SIXTY SIX: The number of the Beast; Antichrist EIGHT HUNDRED-EIGHTY EIGHT: The first Resurrection Saints THOUSAND: Divine completeness and Glory of God

Sadly I agree., but, onward Christian soldier.

The Great Commission was not a suggestion or a good idea but a command. The following is also a commandment: Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:13) The word WATCH carries the idea of being constantly ready and to be alert (BDAG). 23.72 γρηγορέωa: to remain awake because of the need to continue alert—‘to stay awake, to be watchful.’ εἰ ἤδει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης ποίᾳ φυλακῇ ὁ κλέπτης ἔρχεται, ἐγρηγόρησεν ἄν ‘if the man of the house knew the time when the thief would come, he would stay awake’ Mt 24:43. In some languages γρηγορέω in Mt 24:43 may be rendered as ‘his eyes would be open’ or ‘he would surely see what was happening.’[1] There will be no signs preceding the Lord’s imminent return. The Bible gives many signs and conditions leading up to the Tribulation period. Example: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) What day? What are we watching and seeing? As Vine mentioned, we have an excellent opportunity to interject the Gospel message every time we talk about geopolitics, how evil the world is turning, and Israel’s war. Showing them in the Bible, God is in control, knowing the beginning from the end, how Psa.83; Eze. 38-39; Jer. 49; Isa. 17, and much more are coming to fruition. How to escape these things coming upon the world and have peace and reconciliation with our Redeemer, the Gospel (Good News). [1] Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains, Electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., vol. 1, United Bible Societies, 1996, p. 259.

Another timely thread. I am not commenting to debate my pre-tribulation viewpoint. Likely, the next prophetic event could be the Resurrection and Rapture. If the Lord tarries, we could see the destruction of Elam and the ruinous heap of Damascus, Syria, overnight. We do not know how much we will witness before we are called home. October 7, 2023, very well may be the event that triggers the day of the Lord and end-time prophetic events. Prophetic scripture is jumping off the pages of the Bible, and for those paying attention, it is hard to miss. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) I am not going to parrot what I have previously written, other than to say: There are a bunch of firsts, two being Iran launching 300+ missiles, rockets, and drones from their own soil, Russia building up troops, and several observation towers on Israel's border with Syria. I will omit the hypocrisy of global leaders demanding Israel show measured responses and restraint. Ninety-nine percent of Iran's air attacks were stopped; I attribute that to divine intervention. It is no secret who is behind and funding Hamas, Hezbollah, Yemen Houthis, and the rest of the terrorists. Hostile nations and terrorists surround Israel's border. A fragile peace treaty between Jordan and Egypt could dissolve instantly. One hundred thousand plus are displaced and homeless from Israel's northern border, with 150,000+ rockets Hezbollah has pointing at them. Israel can no longer claim they are living in peace and security. I suspect Israel has no option but to cut the head off the snake, namely Elam, which was separate from Persia in ancient times. The bulk of Iran's nuclear weapons program and "bows" (launchers) are in ancient Elam, today's SW Iran. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. (Jeremiah 49:35)

I can pretty much vouch for that. I could take some educated guesses as to why. Every few months I will take it upon myself to deviate from our standard platform of Bible Studies for Life, Senior Adults, and teach prophecy. Sunday School attendance triples during those days, compared to the average. Since October 7. 2023 there has been a lot more interest in geopolitics and Biblical prophecy. Jer. 49, Isa. 17, Eze. 38 & 39, Psa. 83, etc. are now visible and manifesting. I am not disparaging the Baptists or any other denomination, but those who refrain from teaching the whole council of God, are doing a disservice. Our Bible is roughly one-third prophetic for a reason, so when it happens we know it was from God and for His glory, and not to keep the salt and light in the dark. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16)

My denomination has been mentioned a few times in this thread. Perhaps I can understand your view better by knowing which denomination that is. Is it Pentecostal? How we are raised and what denomination we adhere to affects our worldview and interpretations. I am a member of a Baptist church. I understand why there are so many denominations and sub-denominations, i.e., Anabaptists, General Baptists, Free Will Baptists, Southern Baptists, Reformed Baptists, etc. Exegetical teaching and core values are the main reasons for church splits, and the gossip mill closely follows them. I grew up in a non-denominational, Gospel-preaching, Bible-believing church. None of them are here where I retired, so I selected the Baptist denomination because it most closely represented my Biblical beliefs.

Good morning, Starise, Have you had your morning coffee yet? 😊 There are some good Biblical discussions in this thread. If we lived to be 900 years old, we would continue learning and discussing God’s word daily. God’s word is forever; I suspect we will be studying His word for all of eternity: And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. (John 21:25) I currently have a digital library of 1,750 Biblical books, encyclopedias, commentaries, dictionaries, lexicons, secular historians, and translations with a mouse click. Of course, I could not read them all in multiple lifetimes. I only mention this because it is not a drop of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool with what is now at our fingertips, not to mention the number of exegetical views reading the same Bible. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4) As I have mentioned in other threads, I believe this verse has a dual application in addition to the apparent interpretation. Daniel was inspired to convey a scriptural understanding of the prophetic word. No one would understand the meanings until the terminal generation. When these prophetic events at the time of the end start to unfold and align (the world seemingly falling apart), many will begin to flip the pages of the Bible (run to and fro), trying to find the answers as to why and what to expect. I think this has started, and the prophetic implications and escalations of the current October 7, 2023, Israeli-declared war are beginning to turn many to the Bible once again. Many people in Muslim Iran are receiving Bibles and hearing the Word via the Internet, radio, and Bible tracts, and it is reported that many are converting to Christianity. They are excited about the prophecies and promises about Persia (running to and fro in prophetic scripture) and look forward to them. Many in Iran are now having dreams and visions: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (Acts 2:17) To simplify what I was thinking about prophecy, I see prophecy as two types, thus sayeth the Lord and predicting the future in advance. Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7) In the above verse, I contemplated if there are any modern-day prophets today, and if so, how we know who they are. They would need to be 100% accurate, 100% of the time. I have concluded we have the complete canon, there will be no further prophetic revelations, thus, the prophets, ended with John the Baptist, the gift of tongues, etc., ended with the last apostle John. The gift of tongues was granted to share the Gospel message in the listener’s tongue. IMO. The above does not preclude the Holy Spirit from giving individual revelation and understanding. God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (Hebrews 1:1) [emphasis mine] 1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. We are like-minded in interpreting the above verses, save verse ten. Not that any of my views are correct, but I believe this is implying our translation to perfect, glorified bodies. Then we will know in full; everything that was revealed in part will be revealed. All mysteries will be revealed, and we will understand in full. Could this be part of removing our tears, complete understanding, and agreement with a perfect God? I believe some of the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians chapter 12 were for the apostolic age only as a sign to verify the Gospel being preached (the Jews always required a sign). Today, we have been given individual gifts, fruits, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the ability to operate collectively as one church in the Lord. Pastors, deacons, teachers, workers, cheerful giving offerings and tithes, trustees, secretaries, treasurer, prayer warriors, etcetera. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (Romans 12:6) ② the gift of interpreting divine will or purpose, gift of prophesying (Iren. 1, 13, 4 [Harv. I 120, 4]), of Rahab 1 Cl 12:8. • Of Christians Ro 12:6; 1 Cor 12:10; 13:2, 8 v.l.; 14:22.[1] gifts: The Greek word (charismata) refers to God-given abilities that should be used to build up other members in the church. Although they are “irrevocable” and, thus do not change (11:29), they are to be pursued and developed (1 Pet. 4:10). prophecy: This word is used here in a general sense for all types of gifts that involve speaking God’s word. For example, in 1 Cor. 14:3 “exhortation” appears as a prophesying gift. In its narrower sense, prophecy means the revealing of God’s will in a particular situation (Acts 13:1–3).[2] [1] Arndt, William, et al. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed., University of Chicago Press, 2000, p. 889. [2] Radmacher, Earl D., et al. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. T. Nelson Publishers, 1999, p. 1448. Raising the dead, healing issues of blood, leprosy, and palsy ceased from men of God in the first century A.D. The prosperity preachers, faith healers, and many like Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, and Kenneth Copeland are fakes with a deceiving spirit. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. (2 Corinthians 12:2) Not to draw attention to himself, we know Paul was speaking of himself when he was stoned and left for dead. Paul must have been prohibited from revealing what he heard and saw in Heaven. Paul was privileged to reveal and explain several mysteries hidden in the OT. I suspect 1 Cor. 13:8-10 might be associated with 2 Cor. 12:2. Today, we can boldly go before the throne of God through our mediator, Jesus Christ our Lord, in intercessory prayer, healing, strength, and our needs. Our Lord always answers our prayers, either yes and immediately (as was in my case with alcoholism), no, because it is not in His will, He has better plans, or wait for His perfect timing. Many times, we may never know it was answered this side of Heaven. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

I have read some interesting stories about Nimrod and cloning. Another interesting aspect, only two people are mentioned in our Bible as "the son of perdition."

And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. (Daniel 2:43) [emphasis mine] As far as the feet and toes are concerned, Daniel 2:43 is extraordinary: who are the “they” mingling with the seed of men? I realize the traditional view and a connection with the two legs of iron, representing Rome. This “seed” is also reminiscent of the first prophecy in the Bible: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15) 10240 זְרַע (zerǎʿ): n.[masc.]; ≡ DBLHebr 2445, 2446 Str 2234; TWOT 2715—LN 10.29 descendant, offspring, progeny, formally, זְרַע אֲנָשָׁא (zerǎʿ ʾǎnā·šā(ʾ)), the seed of a person (Da 2:43+)[1] The immediate verses following talk about Christ’s return and His kingdom. That is a supernatural event, and I suspect Daniel 2:42-43 also involves the evil supernatural realm, possibly associated with Genesis 6:1-4. This may be connected with the policy mentioned in verse 43, they will mix with one another in marriage; the last two words are literally ‘by the seed of men’ (bizraʿ ʾănāšāʾ), an unusual expression, reminiscent of the prohibition to mix seed in the field (Lev. 19:19). Men devise schemes, but they are unsuccessful.[2] Russia and China have been tinkering with genetics and DNA to create “super soldiers.” Not to be left behind and vulnerable, the US announced their own program to enhance our military. Do not be fooled, it is not solely technology gadgets, but biometric DNA enhancements. The Future US Military 'Super Soldier' May Be Closer Than We Think | Military.com Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. (Matthew 12:31) Taking the mark of the Beast is an unforgivable sin; why can this sin not be forgiven, and those who take it are condemned to hell? Who did Christ die on the cross for, humanity. A question was intentionally posed to a top geneticist: “How much can our DNA be changed before we cease to be fully human?” Her response was < 1%. I deem it plausible whatever the M.O.B. turns out to be, it may contain biometric enhancements that alter DNA. None of this is a conspiracy theory anymore. Of course, I do not rule out divisions of cultures, social and geopolitical divisions, and nations that do not mix under an authoritarian regime, as described below. The Roman Empire was characterized by division (it was a divided kingdom) and deterioration (it was partly strong and partly brittle). Though Rome succeeded in conquering the territories that came under its influence, it never could unite the peoples to form a united empire. In that sense the people were a mixture and were not united.[3] With your thoughts and comments, who do you think the “They” are that are mixing with the “seed of men?” (Dan. 2:43) Here is another thought. The whole Tribulation is supernatural and will defy imagination. I am in good company with these speculations about the possibility of the “they.” What about E.T. (spirits of darkness) showing up, claiming they were the ones who seeded life in the universe after the Rapture? Does that seem preposterous? Evolutionary science is now proposing that theory. Humanity has been conditioned for decades for the expectation and arrival of super beings to solve the world’s ills, and one is coming. The Vatican, astronomers, S.E.T.I., CERN, and many more are searching for extraterrestrial life and other dimensions. Is it a coincidence at this moment in history, global governments are now admitting UAPs are real, posing a threat to national security and aviation? After decades of denying and coverups, why soft disclosure now, and all the changes to military S.O.P. policies and reporting requirements? The NOW congressional investigations, funding, and reporting. Below is the first of many reports: Prelimary-Assessment-UAP-20210625.pdf (dni.gov) In Matthew chapter 24 alone, Jesus warns four times for emphasis not to be deceived. This U.F.O. phenomenon reeks of a coming great deception, as does the 1917 Fatima deceptions. [1] Swanson, James. Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Aramaic (Old Testament), Electronic ed., Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997. [2] Baldwin, Joyce G. Daniel: An Introduction and Commentary. InterVarsity Press, 1978, p. 104. [3] Pentecost, J. Dwight. “Daniel.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1, Victor Books, 1985, pp. 1335–36.

NAMES & DESCRIPTIVE TITLES OF THE ANTICHRIST The seed of Satan: Genesis 3:15 (KJV) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Satan is a mimicker of everything the Lord does. Satan tried to prevent the Messiah from coming by contaminating the bloodline of Jesus via Genesis 6:1-4 and the murder of young children. He has had someone ready in every generation to step in, IE., Hitler. He will have a son (Antichrist), and the False Prophet will act as his holy spirit; most likely, in my opinion, a Catholic Pope. The Little Horn: Daniel 7:8 (KJV) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. Three nations, powers, or global zones don’t go along with his program; they are defeated and come under his control. A mouth speaking great things: No doubt when he speaks, he will deceive and mesmerize the masses with his eloquent speech as an orator. He will make Hitler look like a stuttering babbler. The King of Fierce Countenance: Daniel 8:23 (KJV) And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. Dark sentences: חִידָה (ḥî·ḏā(h)): n.fem.; ≡ Str 2420; TWOT 616a—1. LN 32.21 riddle, enigma, i.e., the asking of a hard question (as a game) to be solved or guessed, implying scorn or taunting toward the persons being asked (Jdg 14:12–19 passim; Hab 2:6+); 2. hidden things, intrigue, something secret and difficult or impossible to be known (Nu 12:8; Ps 78:2; Da 8:23+). By the power and indwelling of Satan as his son; the Antichrist will have superior intelligence and wisdom to solve problems of the globe. King of Bold Face Biblical Man, King — A later monarch over a kingdom split from the goat’s horn in Daniel’s vision who would understand riddles. Commonly believed to be Antiochus IV Epiphanes, skilled in riddles. This ability implies wisdom in the ancient Near East (see Dan 5:12). Antiochus displays worldly wisdom, making him skilled in intrigue. This designation emphasizes his duplicity (see vv. 25; 11:21, 23, 27, 32). Antiochus Epiphanes was a watered-down type and shadow of the coming Antichrist. The Prince That Shall Come: Daniel 9:26 (KJV) And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. שָׁמֵם (šā·mēm): v.; ≡ Str 8074; TWOT 2409—1. LN 20.31–20.60 (qal) be desolate, be devastated, destitute, laid waste, ravaged, ruined, deserted, i.e., be in a destroyed and ruined state, implying the object or area destroyed is now abandoned from all help, deserted, or in personal poverty. The Desolator: Daniel 9:27 (KJV) And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. שִׁקּוּץ שָׁמֵם (šiq·qûṣ šā·mēm)1 abomination that causes desolation, a horrible thing which defiles, i.e., an object or event causing the vacating of a holy site (Da 9:27; 11:31; 12:11+) One week is seven days, which represents seven years. The ‘midst of the week’ is precisely the midpoint of the tribulation or 1,260 days of 360-day Hebrew years in [3.5 years; mid-tribulation]. He previously made a covenant with Israel, allowing the Temple to be built and animal sacrifices to resume. As soon as he stands in the Holy of Holies in the Temple and declares himself to be god, in earnest, he will ransack Israel and start martyring the Jews by the hundreds of thousands. They will probably flee to the caves of Petra, Jordan. A remnant of one-third of the population will be protected by the Lord and saved. A Vile Person: Daniel 11:21 (KJV) And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. Vile Person: (bā·zā(h)): v.; ≡ despise, show contempt for, think lightly, i.e., pertaining to feeling of contempt for an object, because it is regarded to be bad, or of little value, often with behaviors toward the object (including speaking scorn and ridicule) which correspond to that contempt (Ge 25:34); (qal pass.) be despised (Ps 22:7); (nif) be despised, be contemptible (1Sa 15:9); (hif) cause to despise (Est 1:17. Flatteries: חֲלַקְלַק (ḥǎlǎq·lǎq): n.fem.; ≡ slipperiness, slickness, i.e., having the state or quality of viscosity, and so be treacherous to walk upon (Ps 35:6; Jer 23:12+); 2. LN 33.251–33.255 empty words, i.e., words that promise, but are not fulfilled, with a focus on the flattering quality of the promises (Da 11:21, 34+), note: some translate as “hypocrisy” and “intrigues” as more specific kinds of falsehoods. The Willful King: Daniel 11:36 (KJV) And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. The Abomination of Desolation: Matthew 24:15 (KJV) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) The Man of Sin: 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; That man of sin: We cannot know who this man of sin is before he is revealed. The Antichrist is revealed when he “confirms” a seven-year covenant with Israel and the many. This also is the ‘official’ start of the seven-year [2,520 days] tribulation. Falling away: Some expound that falling away is the Rapture of the Church, but I disagree. I believe it is a falling away from the true Gospel and, having itchy ears and believing a lie, falling away from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord. Son of Perdition: I find it interesting that only two people in the Bible are called “son of perdition”; the Antichrist and Judas Iscariot. Perdition: ἀπώλεια (apōleia), destruction, ruin (Mt 7:13); waste, needless squandering of a resource (Mt 26:8; Mk 14:4). 2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; The Lawless One; Wicked: 2 Thessalonians 2:8 (KJV) And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: The Antichrist: 1 John 2:18 (KJV) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 1 John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. ANTICHRIST (ἀντίχριστος, antichristos). A figure empowered by Satan who functions as an enemy of Jesus Christ and the Church. In the context of apocalyptic literature, this figure performs false miracles, deceives many to discourage people from worshiping the true God, and persecutes God’s people and His chosen people the Jews. He will deny that Jesus came to earth in the flesh and deny there is a supreme God and Son of God. ἀντίχριστος (antichristos), ου (ou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ Str 500; TDNT 9.493—LN 53.83 antichrist, one who opposes Christ, implying the usurping of Christ and his position 1Jn 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2Jn 7+ The Beast: Revelation 11:7 (KJV) And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 13:1 (KJV) And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. The Idol Shepherd: Zechariah 11:17 (KJV) Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened. Revelation 13:3 (KJV) And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. This sounds as if there’s an assassination attempt on the Antichrist or he is mortally wounded in a battle. The Lord only has the power to resurrect the dead. I suspect this is another deception of the king of destruction and deceit, another lie. The Wicked One: Matthew 13:38 (KJV) The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The Adversary: Psalm 74:10 (KJV) O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever? The Assyrian: Isaiah 10:5 (KJV) O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. Assyria, the rod of my anger Yahweh used Assyria to punish Israel. Victory in the ancient world was often attributed to the superiority of one’s god. Yahweh is thus presented as truly superior—He, not Assyria’s god, is behind their success. The foreign nations are simply tools in the hands of Yahweh. There’s a long history of Assyria oppressing and enslaving Israel. The Assyrians were Semites (Gen. 10:22), but in the process of time, non-Semite tribes mingled with the inhabitants. They were a military people, the “Romans of the East.” The Profane and Wicked Prince of Israel: Ezekiel 21:25 (KJV) And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, Son of the Morning: Isaiah 14:12 (KJV) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! False Christs: Matthew 24:24 (KJV) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. IDENTIFICATION John 5:43 (KJV) I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. He will come in his own name, and the world will accept him as their messiah; after rejecting the One True Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord. Before the antichrist is revealed, the world will be divided into ten governing units ruled by ten powerful leaders (or kings). The 1973 Treaty of Rome divided the globe into TEN economic global trading zones. It seems possible ten oligarchies may form, as we see forming today. The antichrist, not one of the ten, will arise in power and conquer three of the ten, and they will become only figureheads under him. The other seven kings will submit to him (Daniel 7:23-24; Rev. 17:12, 13, 17). He will come into power before the tribulation (2 Thess. 2:3). He will sign and confirm a seven-year covenant with Israel, which will start the tribulation (Dan. 9:7). The numerical value of his name is 666 (Rev.13:18). The Israelis will know him when he stands in the holy place of the tribulation temple and declare himself to be God (Mt.24:15). Daniel 11:37 (KJV) Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. There’s much speculation and opinion on “nor the desire of women.” It could mean a female worship goddess; he’s a Sodomite homosexual, he doesn’t recognize traditional marriage or is celibate, and has no interest in the opposite sex? I suspect, based on his name, character, traits, and evil like the world has never seen before, he’s a flaming deviant homosexual with not one moral. WORKS OF THE ANTICHRIST He will destroy, deceive, exalt himself, and oppose Christ (Dan. 8:23-25). He will establish a seven-year covenant with Israel, break it after three and a half years, and stop the sacrifices offered during the tribulation (Dan. 9:27). He will desecrate the sacredness of the Jewish temple by standing in the Holy Place (Mt. 24:15) and sitting in the temple, demanding to be worshiped as God (2 Th. 2:3-4). He will set up an image of himself in the Jewish temple, demanding that it be worshiped. Those who don’t are killed (Dan.11:31; Mt. 24:15; Rev.13:14-15). He will magnify himself above and speak against God, and he has no desire for women. (Dan. 11:36-39) He will invade Israel and gain control over many countries. (Dan. 11:40-45) He will obey Satan, demonstrating great power, signs, and wonders. (2 Thess. 2:9) He will be fatally wounded but will be healed. The world will follow him, and he will wage war (Rev. 13:3-4). He will be arrogant, blaspheme God, and overcome the saints (Rev. 13:5-6). He will have authority over the world for 42 months and be worshiped by the world. (Rev. 13:7-8). He will demand that everybody have his mark on them (Rev. 13:16-18). He will be an elaborate genius. In Dan. 7:20 we are told that he has "a mouth that spake very great things". As a wizard of words, he will surpass Demosthenes. Here also will the Devil imitate that One "who spake as never man spake." The people were "astonished" at Christ's doctrine (Matt. 7:28) and said, "Whence hath this man this wisdom?" (Matt. 13:54). So will it be with this daring counterfeiter: he will have a mouth speaking very great things. He will have a perfect command and flow of language. His oratory will not only gain attention but command respect. Rev. 13:2 declares that his mouth is "as the mouth of a lion," which is a symbolic expression telling of his voice's majesty and awe-producing effects. The voice of the lion excels that of any other beast. So the Antichrist will outrival orators, ancient and modern. THE ANTICHRIST’S DOOM He will be broken without human agency (Dan. 8:25). What is decreed upon him will be poured out on him (Dan. 9:27). He will come to his end, and no one will help him (Dan. 11:45). He will be slain by the breath of Christ at His second coming (2 Thess. 2:8). He and the False Prophet will be the first occupants of the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:19-20).

Speculation abounds on who this little horn is, rising amid ten other horns (or kings). We are told much about his character and ambitions with 33 names and titles. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1 John 2:18) Antichrist is a spirit present beginning in the apostle John’s Day. Anti can mean against, but it is better said instead of, or in place of Christ. We certainly see the historical and present manifestations of antichrist. No one can know who he is until he is revealed; we can speculate until the cows come home. Clearly, the person who confirms (reinforces) a covenant with Israel for seven years is THE Antichrist, signaling the official start of Daniel’s 70th week. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27) I hold the traditional early church view on the person Antichrist, not a reformed exegesis. A brief sampling is as follows: By means of the events that will occur in the time of the Antichrist, it is shown that he, being an apostate and a robber, is anxious to be worshipped as God.… For he is endowed with all of the power of the devil. He will come—not as a righteous king, nor as a legitimate king in subjection to God—but as an unholy, unjust, and lawless one.… He will set aside idols to persuade men that he himself is God.… Daniel, foresaw the end of the last kingdom (of the ten last kings), among whom the kingdom of those men will be partitioned and upon whom the son of perdition will come. Irenaeus (c. 180, E/W), 1.553. Jeremiah does not merely point out the Antichrist’s sudden coming, but he even indicates the tribe from which he will come, when he says, “We will hear the voice of his swift horses from Dan” [Jer. 8:16]. Irenaeus (c. 180, E/W), 1.559.[1] Based on scripture and where I suspect we are in God’s prophetic time clock, I believe A/C is politically rising through the ranks at present. It is reasonable to think he may obtain the office of UN General Secretary or President of the European Union. He seems to have impressive military credentials and experience as a military commander. [1] Bercot, David W., editor. “Antichrist.” A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs: A Reference Guide to More than 700 Topics Discussed by the Early Church Fathers, Hendrickson Publishers, 1998, p. 23.

It might be beneficial to precisely define the meaning of “prophecy” as being used in this thread for better understanding, noun, adjective, or verb, along with gifts of the Spirit: A. Noun. propheteia (προφητεία, 4394) signifies “the speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God” (pro, “forth,” phemi, “to speak”: see prophet); in the NT it is used (a) of the gift, e.g., Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:10; 13:2; (b) either of the exercise of the gift or of that which is “prophesied,” e.g., Matt. 13:14; 1 Cor. 13:8; 14:6, 22 and 1 Thess. 5:20, “prophesying (s)”; 1 Tim. 1:18; 4:14; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; Rev. 1:3; 11:6; 19:10; 22:7, 10, 18, 19.¶ “Though much of OT prophecy was purely predictive, see Micah 5:2, e.g., and cf. John 11:51, prophecy is not necessarily, nor even primarily, fore-telling. It is the declaration of that which cannot be known by natural means, Matt. 26:68, it is the forth-telling of the will of God, whether with reference to the past, the present, or the future, see Gen. 20:7; Deut. 18:18; Rev. 10:11; 11:3.… “In such passages as 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 2:20, the ‘prophets’ are placed after the ‘Apostles,’ since not the prophets of Israel are intended, but the ‘gifts’ of the ascended Lord, Eph. 4:8, 11; cf. Acts 13:1; …; the purpose of their ministry was to edify, to comfort, and to encourage the believers, 1 Cor. 14:3, while its effect upon unbelievers was to show that the secrets of a man’s heart are known to God, to convict of sin, and to constrain to worship, vv. 24, 25. “With the completion of the canon of Scripture prophecy apparently passed away, 1 Cor. 13:8, 9. In his measure the teacher has taken the place of the prophet, cf. the significant change in 2 Pet. 2:1. The difference is that, whereas the message of the prophet was a direct revelation of the mind of God for the occasion, the message of the teacher is gathered from the completed revelation contained in the Scriptures.”* B. Adjective. prophetikos (προφητικός, 4397), “of or relating to prophecy,” or “proceeding from a prophet, prophetic,” is used of the OT Scriptures, Rom. 16:26, “of the prophets,” lit., “(by) prophetic (Scriptures)”; 2 Pet. 1:19, “the word of prophecy (made more sure),” i.e., confirmed by the person and work of Christ (kjv, “a more sure, etc.”), lit., “the prophetic word.”¶ C. Verb. propheteuo (προφητεύω, 4395), “to be a prophet, to prophesy,” is used (a) with the primary meaning of telling forth the divine counsels, e.g., Matt. 7:22; 26:68; 1 Cor. 11:4, 5; 13:9; 14:1, 3–5, 24, 31, 39; Rev. 11:3; (b) of foretelling the future, e.g., Matt. 15:7; John 11:51; 1 Pet. 1:10; Jude 14.[1] [1] Vine, W. E., et al. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, vol. 2, T. Nelson, 1996, pp. 492–93.

Underground oil is an interesting topic of which I am not well acquainted. It is indeed a hot issue today that keeps the world going around and destroying the earth per leftists, tree huggers, and Mother Earth worshippers, including the Pope. We all know scientific explanations, hypotheses, and theories come from Darwinian evolution. I seem to recall reading something a long time ago. Please correct me if this is inaccurate. Oil wells pumped dry decades ago have refilled themselves over time. I cannot recall the source or prove it, but I seem to recall oil wells in Texas and Oklahoma that were depleted decades ago replenishing themselves. We have all heard the saying, “Oil does not mix with water.” That design was intentionally created with all the freshwater aquifers and oil and its derivatives underground. As designed, the earth’s water is cyclic, meaning it stays within our atmosphere through its three stages (water, vapor, ice). It is recycled, and much of the water returns to the oceans by tributaries. If water is recycled, plants and animals produce carbon, the main ingredient of so-called fossil fuels. Is carbon recycled, sinking, squeezed out, and liquified by pressure? I feel qualified to speculate on the subject, as I do have initials after my name, Dennis, SR. 😊 LOL

Indeed, Biblical numerology is significant and representative, as is, “the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” Care to expound on your example of Isaiah 30:26?

I was briefly going to expand on what @Jayne said in my own words, mentioning that “the Day of the Lord” is multifaceted with examples. But it is so much easier to copy/paste something already answered I agree with: What is the day of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

What is the purpose of a BOW? What does it do or launch? [addressed below] Persia (Iran 1935-Muslim) and the Medes history relating to Israel is very interesting. Cyrus and Darius were very favorable to Israel, as was the last Shaw of Iran. In my biblical interpretation, I surmise Iran’s near future is bleak, but its national future is bright. Elam, one-sixth of modern-day SW Iran, will suffer a tremendous humanitarian crisis and flee for their lives. This area is where most of Iran’s nuclear facilities and storage are located (Bushehr area). If I were to gander a guess, the description sounds like nuclear fallout to me, and they will flee to every nation on earth. As we see for the first time, instead of Iran using their proxies to attack Israel, they directly sent missiles and drones themselves. If Israel is serious about “Never Again,” they will have to eventually deal with the head of the snake instead of the symptoms. Whether the Lord Himself sends an earthquake or the IDF attacks Elam, it will become desolate. Then, there is the Ezekiel 38-39 invasion, where Persia is a central player. Not only are 5/6 of Iran’s invading force going to be obliterated, but the Lord will also deal with their home country. I suspect these two events are going to crush Allah and Islam. According to all reputable reports I have seen, Iranian citizens are receiving visions and dreams, and many are turning to Christianity under the penalty of death. 35 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, The chief of their might. 36 And upon Elam will I bring the four winds From the four quarters of heaven, And will scatter them toward all those winds; And there shall be no nation Whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come. 37 For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, And before them that seek their life: And I will bring evil upon them, Even my fierce anger, saith the Lord; And I will send the sword after them, Till I have consumed them: 38 And I will set my throne in Elam, And will destroy from thence the king and the princes, Saith the Lord. 39 But it shall come to pass xin the latter days, That I will bring again the captivity of Elam, Saith the Lord. “And I will set my throne in Elam.” (Persia-Iran) We know Jesus’s throne will be in Jerusalem, so what does this mean? I take it Iran will become followers of Christ, a Christian nation, casting off Allah, the false god. What do you think? In light of October 7, 2023, and the escalations, could we say Jerusalem is becoming a cup of trembling? I do not think this declared war will be protracted (cease-fire), to allow Israel’s enemies time to rearm, supply, and strategize. With all these global public protests in support of the barbarians HAMAS, 95% of UN Resolutions against Israel, and so on, are we seeing the world rapidly turning against Israel? And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (Genesis 12:3) The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He did not rescind this promise.