Assur Enters the Picture, Israel Drills for "Massive Air Strike", The US and Israel, and more!

We recently reported that Russia is now allowing Iran to bring in weapons through the air, but we failed to mention another significant development that occurred about the same time. With DEBKAfile’s usual conciseness, they reported on January 29, "Iran is building a new Euphrates bridge from Syria". This carries multiple significant implications in regard to the prophecy of Psalm 83 that are well worth our consideration. The short article reads:

“Iran’s Revolutionary Guards construction section has begun building a new bridge spanning the Euphrates from the east Syrian town of al-Hawiqa in the Deir Ez-Zor border region. The bridge will make possible the rapid transfer from Iraq of reinforcements, rockets and ammo to the pro-Iranian Iraqi militia forces based in Syria. By using the bridge, their movements will also go around the Russian military forces manning East Syrian crossroads.”

Not only is this yet another way for Iran to cram more weapons into the region, but it also brings into view an entity mentioned in Psalm 83 that we do not often hear about. The new bridge will allow reinforcements, rockets, and ammo to come from where? IRAQ. This development makes it clear that Iraq will not only be involved in the next full-scale war, but they will play an important role in supplying, aiding, and reinforcing the Proximal Arab states. Psalm 83 prophesies this specific thing! Please take careful note of this. After listing the other nations involved, the Psalm says,

Psalm 83:8 – “Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.” 

Assur was the capitol of the old Assyrian Empire, now located precisely in IRAQ. We learn from Scripture, therefore, that Assur (Iraq) will not only join the other Arab forces in the war, but will specifically “help” the children of Lot. Who are the children of Lot? We learn from Genesis 19:

Genesis 19:36-38 – “Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.”

To no surprise, both Moab and Ammon are mentioned in Psalm 83 in verses 6 and 7. With incredible accuracy, these correlate to upper and mid Jordan. Knowing the current possessors of these ancient lands, we have therefore expected Iraq to become involved and to play an important role in helping the Arab confederacy. Now, at this present time, it appears we might be seeing the fulfillment of this prophecy! What a wonder to behold that hand of the Lord at work!

While you and I wait to see the development of these things,

Israel is Drilling for a “Massive Air Strike” on Iran

Multiple sources reported on this, but once again DEBKAfile has the most straightforward story, and so we quote them:

"Israel drills “massive air strike” on Iranian nuclear sites. First US presence" - “The Israeli air force practiced a “massive attack” on Iran’s nuclear facilities two weeks ago, attended for the first time by US observers. Tens of aircraft drilled long-range strikes and midair refueling tactics while also countering simulated Iranian air defense missiles” (Feb. 2, 2022).

As many know, we believe an Israeli strike on Iran is increasingly becoming Israel’s only option left to deal with Iran. Not only are they drilling for an Iranian attack, but they are also practicing for a counter-strike from Iran – an inevitable outcome unless Israel can completely neutralize them in one swift move. We doubt this is possible as Iran is aware of Israel’s intentions and is certainly preparing.

Personally, we expect a counterstrike and for Israel to incur damage. Consider that in order for Israel to come away unscathed, they have to not only neutralize Iran, but also all of the military bases Iran has established in Syria and other nearby areas. This is, however, assuming that the other Proximal Arab states do not also join in (which we believe they will). Consider

Isaiah 17:1-7 - “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are forsaken: they shall be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid. The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria: they shall be as the glory of the children of Israel, saith the LORD of hosts. And in that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean. And it shall be as when the harvestman gathereth the corn, and reapeth the ears with his arm; and it shall be as he that gathereth ears in the valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel. At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel.”

Damascus is still present, so we conclude this to be a largely unfulfilled prophecy, particularly noting the last phrase where Israel will “look to their Maker.” Our present thoughts are that Israel will strike Iran AND her bases and weapons-holdings in Syria, many of which Iran has placed in and around Damascus. We can hardly remember a time when it was not seen in the news, “Israel strikes near Damascus.” This is why. Knowing the security concerns in Damascus, Israel may strike there at the same time that they strike Iran or soon after. Damascus, therefore, will be “taken away from being a city,” BUT Syria is not the only one to incur damage.

“The fortress also shall cease from Ephraim…The glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean” (vss. 3-4). What fortress, and what is Ephraim. The allotment of Ephraim correlates to Northern Israel today, and it is there that Israel possesses its greatest strategic and defensive location: the Golan Heights. Many have pestered Israel over the years to give this “back” to the Syrians, but Israel knows that they are far too valuable as the Golan Heights literally overlook the land of Israel from up high.

THIS strategic position in Northern Israel will, we believe, be lost in beginning stages of the battle. Israel will be weakened, hurt, and demoralized, but not destroyed. It is at this precise time that we believe the prophecy of Psalm 83 might begin, as the Proximal Arabs mentioned therein will obey the Iranian call to destroy Israel, seize the opportunity of a weakened Israel, and unite with one accord, “let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance” (Psalm 83:4). Yet we know their aims will be turned upon their own heads.

We’d like to draw your careful attention to a prophecy that seems to bear out this entire scenario:

Isaiah 10:16-17 - “Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day;”

Who is this Holy One? Allow two references to suffice:

Isaiah 41:14 – “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.”

Ezekiel 39:7 – “So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.”

The ties to other prophecies are almost endless, but as there are yet more news items to consider we will defer for now. Let it be known, dear Brethren, that the situation in the Middle East should be cause for us to look honestly and deeply within ourselves and ask, “Are we ready for our Master?” He approaches!

The US: For or Against Israel?

The US has told Israel that they should not expect any help with Iran, either direct or indirect, yet it appears that they are giving mixed signals. During Israel’s drilling against Iran, the US was present to witness the simulation. Are they for or against Israel? In regard to Iran, they seem to be hesitantly for, but for one reason only: Iran not only chants for the death of Israel, but also for the United States. Iran is far from a strike on the US, so the US has not been too worried in the past. BUT, as Iran improves their capabilities, their reach expands and therefore increases the risk for Iranian action against the US.

It is critical to understand that the United States knows that Iran is an existential threat to Israel. Israel is in far more immediate danger than the US, and all know it. With or without help, Israel must act against Iran. Knowing this, the United States can sit back and let Israel take care of the “dirty work” of neutralizing Iran while the US is free from any world-backlash. We believe the United States wants Israel to neutralize Iran, but they do not want to have any part in it. It is therefore merely out of self-concern that the US observes these things, but we stress what the Scriptures show in so many places: Israel must stand alone in order to call upon their Messiah. The United States will not be of any help in Israel’s greatest time of need.

The US, however, is taking steps against Israel at the same time. World Israel News reported on February 1, "US opposes settlements, will reopen Palestinian consulate, Blinken tells Abbas"

A Palestinian Consulate in Jerusalem may not seem like a large issue, but the message it sends to Israel and the world is bold. If you have time, HERE is an article that explains the meaning of it all. It is lengthy, but incredibly helpful in understanding current Israel-US talks and rhetoric. In essence, a Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem would mean that the US does not believe Jerusalem belongs to the Jews, but also to the Palestinians.

In yet another slap to Israel, the US is supporting the Palestinians instead of Israelis. This article appeared on Israel365: "US Sec of State Blinken calls PA leader Mahmoud Abbas, not Israel, to express support". As frustrating as these things might be, we expect them because of the word of prophecy!

Israel’s Incoming Laser Defense System

Israel sees all of the threats facing them and has developed a new kind of defense. The Jerusalem Post reported on February 1, "Laser defense system will be ready to intercept missiles in a year". As effective as it might be, it will not be ready for another year, and we have seen just how much can happen in a year! Regardless of its effectiveness, it will cease when THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS reigns and Israel dwells safely (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

Zechariah 2:4-5 - “And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.” As in the days of the Exodus, the children of Israel will know of a surety that THE LORD and THE LORD ALONE is their protector (see Exodus 14:15-20 for one example). Israel “shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made, either the groves, or the images” (Isaiah 17:8).

We have one last item, we promise!

Sheba and Dedan are Taking Their Places

Sheba and Dedan are mentioned in Ezekiel 38 with the Lions of Tarshish who question Gog’s intent in coming against Israel. The two names refer to regions which are believed to be in the Saudi Arabian peninsula. Their extent of their lands is debated, but Saudi Arabia itself might well be included. All countries on this peninsula are Arabs, and in times past they have allied with the other Israel-hating Arabs surrounding Israel.

Knowing, however, that the Proximal Arabs are destroyed before Gog comes down, we expect that Saudi Arabia will not be allied with these Proximal states. If they were, we would imagine that they would join forces and therefore meet the same fate. Yet the only picture we have of Sheba and Dedan is of them taking a neutral, but worried, stance when Gog comes down. They must therefore neither A) side with the Proximal Arabs nor B) side with Gog.

NOW, we see the Saudi’s distancing themselves from the Proximal Arab and Gogian allies. This short article entitled "Saudis No Longer Support Palestinian Cause" explains why: “the Saudis have lost their sympathy for the Palestinian cause because the Palestinians insult Saudi Arabia by supporting Iran and the Houthis.”

The Saudis are distancing themselves from the Proximal confederacy because they support Iran, part of the Gogian confederacy! It can be difficult to keep track of all of these things much can be intertwined, but we believe this is significant. In isolating themselves from both of these confederacies, Saudi Arabia appears to be taking their place as a neutral, inactive player.

Oh, how many pages could be written on the constant working of the Elohim! We apologize for the length, but simply see no way to express the relevance and importance of these developments in shorter terms. They are too important to pass by without comment. The angels are diligently working in the kingdoms of men, and so should we be diligent in our attention to our calling, for how great a calling it is! “The days are quickly flying, and Christ will come again.”