Focus on the Middle East.

[Marilyn C]

Here are some excerpts from my uncle`s book `Fires before the Dawn,` (1992) as a lead in to our question for discussion. It is history we know but good to be reminded, so we can get the background for the present & future events that are shaping. I will present it over four posts.

 

 

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WAR IN THE GULF

`Contemporary history has witnessed what has generally been regarded as the most brilliantly executed blitzkrieg since the annihilation of the Roman Army at Cannae, by Hannibal, in 216 B.C. Operation `Desert Storm,` particularly the final 100 hours of strategic feint and encirclement, bids fair to provide a classic pattern for military textbooks for future generations.  

General Norman Schwarzkoff, the man who personally devised and effectively conducted this decisive campaign, had prepared all his professional life for this role. This commander of the vast military might of the allied coalition, also possessed a startling prophetic mind. As long ago as 1983 Schwarzkoff foresaw the possibility that the U.S.A. might one day find itself at war in the Middle East. He designed contingency plans for such an event. His sister revealed that he always believed that the big eruption would come in the Middle East.  Five days before Saddam Hussein launched his invasion, Norman & his staff happened to be running an exercise predicated on the possibility that Iraq might over-run Kuwait.`

 

This battle-plan was audacious, systematic & proficient. The initial, but vital, pre-requisite was to render the Iraq command/control system & radar completely inoperative. Hussein would then be effectually `blinded,` as to allied operations. The modus operandi – massive & sustained air-attacks, precision bombing & powerful high-tech electronic obliteration.

 

This contingency plan was presented & adopted at a combined allied conference at Number 10 Downing Street. The final top-secret plan of operations was entrusted to a high-ranking airforce officer for safe keeping. His briefcase, containing these documents was stolen from his car, causing the whole operation to be in jeopardy. In the wrong hands that sensitive information could have resulted in unacceptably heavy casualties to the allied armies – even ignominious defeat. However, to the relief of all concerned, the documents & plans were returned intact with the note – “I am a thief, but, at least, I am loyal to my Country.”

 

 

General Schwarzkoff declared himself as the logical successor to Alexander the great, the last King of Babylon (4^th Century B.C.) He modelled his whole campaign on the famous achievements of this brilliant strategist. It is somewhat ironic that the battle plan of the last King of Babylon should so successfully defeat Saddam Hussein, the contemporary `Self-styled` King of Babylon.

 

 

Marilyn.

 

 

Edited January 6, 2016 by Marilyn C

[Marilyn C]

 

ACCENT ON OIL

Oil was what the Middle East crisis was all about. It has influenced every decision made and every action taken. Robert Tucker, a highly regarded Middle East expert at John Hopkins University, as far back as 1975 `Strongly advocated a permanent United States Presence in the Gulf. A force that would guarantee a steady flow of oil.` Every president since then has concurred.

The influence of Arab oil, & the wealth it generates will be a decisive factor shaping future strategy. It will eventually lead to a cartel whose policies will dominate all other world superpowers, consolidating their economic & political authority under one charismatic supremo.

 

 FOCUS ON THE MIDDLE EAST.

Operation "Desert Storm" has certainly restored the Middle East as the focal point of world attention. Without doubt it is an area of immense prophetical significance, particularly Iraq, which has been designated variously in history as Mesopotamia, Assyria and Babylon.

 

The American historian of Islam, Bernard Lewis, stated recently “The GuIf War is a signal that the end of the Cold war does not mean the beginning of Peace, but the beginning of a new form of war ... a war being waged by Moslem fundamentalist... against the West".

This re-alignment of ancient nations which have emerged from obscurity and become the focus of world attention has been accu­rately foretold by the prophets centuries ago. The entire scenario clearly provides an indisputable sign that we are living in the last days of this age. There will be a series of crises affecting the entire world. Super-powers will emerge and capitulate to ruthless dynamic leaders. World War 3 is I believe, already on the horizon. Its magnitude will only be transcended by the final great battle of unprecedented proportions - Armageddon.

Iraq in particular will be involved. This was where history commenced; the location of the most ancient city in the world and where great empires had their day. Here was the site of the Tower of Babel, and the cradle of civilisation. The present Gulf crisis is only the preliminary performance in a phenomenal series of Biblical predictions for the Middle East.

 

Marilyn.

 

 

 

 

Edited January 6, 2016 by Marilyn C

[Marilyn C]

MESSIAH OR DESPOT.

 

The universal opinion of the Allied Nations considered Saddam Hussein as a megalomaniac, a sadistic despot who systematically despoiled Kuwait. However, one of the amazing repercussions engendered by Operation Desert Storm has been the resurgence of Pan-Islamic nationalism. To countries emerging from centuries of oppression, humiliation and foreign intervention Hussein had be­come a Champion, a Messianic Paladin. He released profound emotive sentiments and pride that will not disappear with the cessation of hostilities. "Oil is wealth and this wealth is for Islam" has become the catchcry.

Saddam - the name he prefered - actually means "One who confronts".  It is this con- frontation against "Imperialist" enemies which provided the catalyst to accelerate the destiny of the Middle East. It has inspired an intoxicating beacon of expectancy across national boundaries from Africa to Indonesia.

The coalition won the battle, but in the eyes of the Islamic World, Hussein won the war, he was not defeated. Already the strategists are emerging, arms are being replenished. Clovis Maksoud, the Arab League Ambassador to the United Nations stated recently,” The Arab World is never going to be the same, History will not be made just for us. It has to be made by us."

Saddam Hussein's vision and ambition has always been to be the power broker of the Middle East, to weld Arabic race identity with Moslem religious fervour and thus dominate and recreate the vast Islamic Empire of the 9th Century which lasted for 500 years. He lead the Baath Party, whose name means "Renaissance" - Renais­sance to this place of power and authority as a mighty third world power.

 

His intention and program was explicitly revealed in March 1990. It was to be implemented in a definitive 3-fold schedule: -

 

1. Corner the entire oil deposits of the Gulf area: to control and manipulate world prices.

 

(2)Destroy Israel by every means at his disposal. He knows that the most effective way to popularity, and to unite the Arab World behind any leader is to declare a "Jehad" or Holy war against Israel. In addition he has strong personal motivation.

 

(3) Duplicate the Glory, Power and extent of the empire of King Nebuchadnezzar who ruled in the 6th Century B.C. as King of Babylon and Assyria. Hussein so admired him as his hero that he had his own birth certificate altered to prove direct descent. His propaganda portrayed him as the modern King of Babylon. At enormous expense and effort he has rebuilt the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon to its former pattern and glory.

 

Edited January 6, 2016 by Marilyn C

[Marilyn C]

 

FORETELLING THE FUTURE.

 

Nebuchadnezzar was indeed the King over a mighty empire. The most important and wisest of his subjects was a man by the name of Daniel. The King appointed him as his chief minister and adviser, and made him chief ruler over the whole empire (Daniel 2:48).

Daniel, however, was also a prophet of God. He foretold accurately and graphically not only the future course of the Kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar; but the rise and fall of the various empires that would succeed him (Daniel 2:31-40).

 

This is now factual history. His amazing predictions have been precisely and minutely fulfilled. With similar prophetic accuracy Daniel concentrates on contempo­rary events. Along with Habakkuk (2), and the phenomenally parallel prophecy of Isaiah (10 & 11) he documents that the Middle East will again experience a resurgence of world power. They concur regarding a latter day Assyrian who at the “Appointed time” will harness the long suppressed frustrations of the Arabic ideals. He will unite the conflicting factions of Islam and dominate the entire world. 

The past endeavours of Saddam Hussein are merely an adumbration of what the Bible predicts will shortly come to pass.

The relentless Kurdish persecution was a further reflection of Hussein's fixation with his national history, and the lessons to be learned. It was not until the 7th Century when they became Sunni Moslems that they adopted the name of Kurds. Previously in the time of Nebuchadnezzar they were known as Medes.

Daniel (5:30) succinctly expresses the event that concerns Hussein the  self-styled "King of Babylon"

“That night the King of Babylon was slain; and Darius the Mede took the Kingdom."

 

Will history repeat itself?` (end of quote)

 

 

What are your thoughts regarding `Will history repeat itself?`

 

 

Marilyn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 6, 2016 by Marilyn C

[Sister]

1 hour ago, Marilyn C said:

 

FORETELLING THE FUTURE.

 

Nebuchadnezzar was indeed the King over a mighty empire. The most important and wisest of his subjects was a man by the name of Daniel. The King appointed him as his chief minister and adviser, and made him chief ruler over the whole empire (Daniel 2:48).

Daniel, however, was also a prophet of God. He foretold accurately and graphically not only the future course of the Kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar; but the rise and fall of the various empires that would succeed him (Daniel 2:31-40).

 

This is now factual history. His amazing predictions have been precisely and minutely fulfilled. With similar prophetic accuracy Daniel concentrates on contempo­rary events. Along with Habakkuk (2), and the phenomenally parallel prophecy of Isaiah (10 & 11) he documents that the Middle East will again experience a resurgence of world power. They concur regarding a latter day Assyrian who at the “Appointed time” will harness the long suppressed frustrations of the Arabic ideals. He will unite the conflicting factions of Islam and dominate the entire world. 

The past endeavours of Saddam Hussein are merely an adumbration of what the Bible predicts will shortly come to pass.

The relentless Kurdish persecution was a further reflection of Hussein's fixation with his national history, and the lessons to be learned. It was not until the 7th Century when they became Sunni Moslems that they adopted the name of Kurds. Previously in the time of Nebuchadnezzar they were known as Medes.

Daniel (5:30) succinctly expresses the event that concerns Hussein the  self-styled "King of Babylon"

“That night the King of Babylon was slain; and Darius the Mede took the Kingdom."

 

Will history repeat itself?` (end of quote)

 

 

What are your thoughts regarding `Will history repeat itself?`

 

 

Marilyn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Marilyn

Babylon in the past is gone, but spiritual Babylon today which is "this world" has a king that rules over his kingdom.  The true king of Babylon is none other than Satan. 

 

Revelation 18:2   And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

Revelation 18:3   For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Revelation 18:4   And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

 

Sadam Hussein is not the King of Babylon God is referring to, because the nations of the world did not serve him, but serve the spiritual king of Babylon, Satan.  See Jeremiah 25.

 

 Jeremiah 25:12   And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
 

[Marilyn C]

Hi Sister,

Yes we know that `the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one,` (1 John 5: 19), & we see the manifestation of that here on earth. So here are some facts & projections concerning the city of Babylon today.

1. The City of Babylon is in Iraq. In President Saddam Hussein`s time he referred to himself as the modern King of Babylon. He even had his birth certificate altered to prove direct descent. At enormous expense & effort he rebuilt the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon. This is continuing under the World Heritage`s over site. The UN & the USA have also made it a high priority.

2. The River Euphrates is being enlarged & deepened to allow ocean going vessels to eventually go right up to the city of Babylon. (Rev. 18: 17)

3. The 10 nations of the (inner) Middle East, (Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Oman & Yeman) are all in the throes of bringing forth their `messiah like` figure, to bring them together & rule over them.

4. ISIS is bringing together the three nations, Iraq, Syria, & eventually Jordan, to form a single area of ancient Assyria. God tells us that this Messiah figure is called the Assyrian & is the leader/king of Babylon.

Marilyn.

 

 

 

[Sister]

Hi Marilyn

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1. The City of Babylon is in Iraq. In President Saddam Hussein`s time he referred to himself as the modern King of Babylon. He even had his birth certificate altered to prove direct descent. At enormous expense & effort he rebuilt the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon. This is continuing under the World Heritage`s over site. The UN & the USA have also made it a high priority.

Yes, Babylon was situated where Iraq is today, however just because Saddam Hussein referred to himself as the King of Babylon, does not mean that he is the King of Babylon God is referring to.  Saddam Hussein is only a boy scout compared to Satan, the real King of Babylon.  The elites of this world are always providing an enemy for us that appears to be matching scripture, but look in the opposite direction, and Satan will use the King of the North (the West) to lead his final empire.

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2. The River Euphrates is being enlarged & deepened to allow ocean going vessels to eventually go right up to the city of Babylon. (Rev. 18: 17)

That might be their plans, but God is going to dry up that river so that the kings of the East can cross over on land.

 Revelation 18:17   For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

If we look at the rest of the chapter, it's the whole trade world, not just Iraq.

 

 Revelation 18:9   And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

 Revelation 18:10   Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Babylon the Great, end time Babylon.  The system of this world that provides all the material.

 Revelation 18:11   And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

Christ on his return is going to destroy this whole system of Babylon which runs on greed, power and merchandise.  Men have gotten rich from trading, and the poor lust after their materials.  These are the main things that men worship in their hearts, materials,  and it's going to hurt them when they see it all being destroyed and taken away.  This affects the whole world, every nation.  Iraq will never rise again, she may have oil, but not all the worlds goods.  Everything that makes a dollar will be destroyed.  I hope you can see this, that it's not that one place that will be punished, but the whole world.

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3. The 10 nations of the (inner) Middle East, (Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Oman & Yeman) are all in the throes of bringing forth their `messiah like` figure, to bring them together & rule over them.

Every religion is waiting for their Messiah.  Those nations you mentioned above are the Kings of the East and their allies, or known as the Medes.  They all have that same spirit of the dragon, who provided them with Islam.  These nations will cross over the Euphrates and war with the 10 kings, so they are the enemy of the false prophets kingdom, and not the 10 kings themselves.

 Revelation 16:12   And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

They are coming into Israel now, no boats or trade going into Iraq via that river, because that river is dried up even before they cross over.

 

 Jeremiah 51:11   Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance of his temple.

God is now using the Kings of the East (the Medes/Muslems) to destroy all that's in their path.. They are not attacking their own land, but going into Israel.  Because of this war, the system of Babylon is coming to an end.

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4. ISIS is bringing together the three nations, Iraq, Syria, & eventually Jordan, to form a single area of ancient Assyria. God tells us that this Messiah figure is called the Assyrian & is the leader/king of Babylon.

The Assyrian, God is speaking of is Satan.

Isaiah 14:25   That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders.

This is speaking of Satan.  He is called the Assyrian because he started false religion in the days of Nineveh (Assyria)  The dragon gave the chaldeans (Islam) something to believe in.  Even though their religion is only 600 odd years old, their roots go deeper and started with worshiping the moon.

 Isaiah 23:13   Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them that dwell in the wilderness: they set up the towers thereof, they raised up the palaces thereof; and he brought it to ruin.

 Isaiah 31:8   Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited.
 

Satan will be put in prison.  That sword that will make him fall is that same sword coming out of Christ's mouth.  What do you think Sister?

 

 

 

[WilliamL]

I do not find Mesopotamian Babylon rising again in the End Times to its former glory. In fact, that land is to be destroyed by the Medes, which your uncle correctly states are now called the Kurds.

Is 13:1 The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw. ...6 Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. ... 10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine. ...17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them [Babylonians], which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. 18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. 19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

Babylonia is Shia, Assyria is Sunni, as are the Medes. Babylonia will not come under Sunni control, it will rather eventually be destroyed. Assyria is a  whole different matter.

The Babylon of Rev. 19 is Rome.

[Marilyn C]

Hi WilliamL,

Well we wont have long to wait & see - Babylon in Iraq or Rome. The next few years will tell. I also think that the `terrifying beast` of Dan. 7: 7 accurately describes which one.

Marilyn. 

 

 

[Marilyn C]

Hi Sister,

Thank you for your reply. Now I did not say that Saddam is the Biblical King of Babylon. Sorry if you go t that idea. It was just an interesting fact that he called himself that. Shows that there is a great desire in the hearts of people there to return to their former glory. And yes, I agree that God will dry up the river Euphrates, but just before the Kings of the east come over to Armageddon. That is later on. Also agree that God is going to destroy man`s system, it`s just that we understand differently where that system will be housed. I believe it will be in the rebuilt city of Babylon & you believe in Rome. We`ll just have to wait & see developments in the next few years, (I believe). We also believe differently regarding Satan & the Global leader. However we both agree that God will deal with them. Great.

Blessings, Marilyn.