Prophecy Letters
"Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Matt. 13:16-17
The Prophecy Letter is a circular letter that we send out relating to the development of latter-day prophecy.
December 2023
Hamas Update – Israel & US Relations – The World Against Christ
TGP Prophecy Letter – December 24, 2023
Time is a precious thing, and none of us ever seem to have enough of it! It has been many weeks since we’ve had time to share comments on the exciting things coming to pass, but the opportunity has finally presented itself, and so we will use it for what we can!
Trouble of all sorts is gripping the earth, but the Hamas war still has the world’s focus. This conflict is nearing the three-month mark, so many are asking, Is an end in sight? Nope. In fact, it appears that the conflict will continue to grow and expand. But before we get into particulars, we wish to ask, has the conflict lost our attention? Are we still following what is going on, or has it become “old news”? The world has a tendency to make a big deal about a new conflict, but no matter how cataclysmic the event is, the passage of just a little time makes the subject boring and old. Such has been seen with the Ukraine war. We hardly hear it discussed anymore in the media, and this works to the benefit of the aggressor. With this “boredom” comes the softening of world criticism, and this therefore a license to continue warring. This has been seen with the Ukraine war, and it is just now beginning with the Hamas war.
In this letter, we wish to give a brief update on the Hamas war and where things appear to be headed in light of news reports and, more importantly, THE WORD OF GOD.
Hamas War Update
So far, Hamas has been the main entity to have heavily and fully engaged with Israel. Other surrounding nations have contributed to the war with some rocket barrages and other more minor forms of warfare, but none have fully entered the conflict. But the crisis is indeed a multi-front one. The Jerusalem Post explains,
“Three linked conflicts are currently under way in the Middle East. These are: Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, the lower intensity battle under way between Israel and Hezbollah in the north, and the Houthis’ maritime campaign in support of Hamas against international shipping in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden area” (The Middle East is under a three-linked conflict – The Jerusalem Post).
This is important for us to consider, for we must ask – Is the conflict dwindling or expanding? What we expect from prophecy is the full engagement of the rest of the surrounding Arab states based on passages like Psalm 83, Obadiah, Zechariah 12 &14, and many others. The nations of Lebanon, Syria, northern Iraq, Jordan, and the northern portion of Saudi Arabia are the subjects of these passages. These nations geographically comprise what is the land promised to Abraham, and they are thus intruding on the future borders of the Kingdom proper. When the Lord Jesus finally returns to establish the Kingdom of God centered in Jerusalem, these nations must be removed to make way for it. It is for this purpose that we long for this conflict – not because we love terrible, cruel war, but because it tells us that our salvation is near! Therefore, the fact that the present Hamas conflict continues to expand is comforting to us.
Because of this, it was with great excitement that many watched the Hamas war begin. While it seemed as if the other Arab nations would join in fairly quickly, they have yet to do so in the way described in prophecy. But that does not mean that this conflict is not the beginning of that prophesied war. Even though we are nearly three months into the war, it is far from over, and the world fears for what may be in store. The question we have is, Why have the other Arab nations not joined in yet?
As bystanders who must rely on what information we’re given in the media, we are limited on intel. Yet it appears me that Iran, as the main chess-player, is waiting for the opportune moment to order the Arab nations against Israel. The following headlines will shed some light on Iran’s role, their current position, and their aim with the war:
Iran's Khamenei calls on Muslim nations to block shipping to Israel – UPI
Iran warns of ‘explosion’ in Middle East if war in Gaza continues: report – FOX News
Iran's goal is to drag Israel into a larger conflict – The Jerusalem Post
I think the Arabs realize that they may only get one shot at wiping Israel off the map, so they must make it count. I believe their tactic may be to drag on the Hamas war to deplete Israeli defenses and wear them down, and then to have the other Arab nations join in at that time. While Israel will have been wearied from war, the other nations will have just begun and will enjoy the advantage of a fresh start. This is one possible scenario, but how it plays out will be seen in the time ahead.
Yet we must also conclude that the US and Russia have a say-so in this as well. The US is trying to direct Israeli policy on the issue, and so we can be sure that Russia is doing the same for Iran. It was recently revealed that Israel intended to carry out a pre-emptive strike on Hezbollah shortly after the Hamas war began, but Biden blocked the move (World Israel News). Perhaps it is Russia that is telling Iran to be patient and wait, for Russia must also be ready for any ensuing results. We must remember that America and Russia are always viewing their moves in relation to how they could translate to a third World War. You don’t start a fight unless you’re fairly positive that you’re going to win, and I believe these two world powers are constantly vying for this position. The point for our subject is, you and I have no idea what is being said behind closed doors.
Whatever is actually happening, Lebanon to the north has persistently harassed Israel, and Netanyahu has made his intentions clear:
Israel Warns IDF is Preparing to ‘Remove the Threat’ from Northern Border – The Jewish Press
In Lebanon, worries grow that Netanyahu won’t stop with Gaza – Yahoo! News
Israel Is Looking for a Permanent Change on Its Border With Lebanon – Newsweek
Israeli expert: With Hezbollah, full-scale war possible – The Jerusalem Post
Full War With Hezbollah Could Be Soon As Border Heats Up Overnight – Israel Unwired
This last article states that “Most experts agree that it is not an “if”, but rather a “when” in relation to an Israeli attack on Hezbollah.”
Netanyahu not only wants to remove Hezbollah because it’s a terrorist organization, but because his political position will almost certainly be challenged when the war ends. Many have blamed him for Israel’s unpreparedness for this Hamas war and have called for him to step down. If he hopes to retain popular opinion, he will need to show that the gains were greater than the losses. Taking out Hezbollah while also expanding Israel’s northern border could be one way of achieving this.
One of the main questions that have been raised against the relevance of Psalm 83 is the subject of Arab disunity. Many Arab states are historically religious enemies as the Shia and Sunni Muslims despise one another, but herein may lie another relevance of the Hamas war. This conflict has given them an “uncommon unity” against the enemy of Israel (NPR). It is no accident that this common enemy of Israel is prophesied to be the glue that forms and bonds that confederacy:
Psalms 83:3-4 – They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. (4) They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.
In light of this, we see the nation of Jordan (known Biblically as Edom, Ammon, and Moab) increasing their rhetoric against Israel:
Jordan's King: Israeli actions in Gaza risk 'catastrophic repercussions' – The Jerusalem Post
Of course, what exactly these repercussions are was not stated, but we can conclude that war is the intention.
There are many passages that bear upon these items which we wish we had time to expand upon, but to summarize these ill-strung thoughts, the Hamas war is slowly expanding and exciting the other Psalm 83 nations. I believe that once the opportunity seems “ripe”, Russia will give Iran the green light to order the full-out assault by Israel’s Arab neighbors. It is in that day that the Lord will save His people, and Israel will finally recognize their Messiah:
Zechariah 9:14-17 – And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south. (15) The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar. (16) And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land. (17) For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
The other item that we think is important to briefly comment upon is
The Precarious US-Israel Alliance
The United States has been Israel’s greatest ally in this recent conflict. Yet from the Word of Truth, we expect Israel to stand alone against her enemies as it will be the Lord and his saints that saves Israel (Zechariah 14:5). Yet in seeing that the US has helped Israel, some may wonder that we are perhaps still a ways off from Christ’s return. Not so! While no man knows the day of our Lord’s coming, we must recognize that the US is not the unconditional ally of Israel. Presently, the US is torn between self-interest and Biden’s personal position.
To illustrate the US-Israel relationship, a few headlines should do. Some headlines show strong support for Israel:
Biden Criticizes Israel but Confirms Aid is Not Conditional – United with Israel
Houthis launch more attacks in Red Sea as US warships head to region – POLITICO
Yet there are many points of disagreement between Israel and the US:
Deadline? Biden wants Israel to end ground war with Hamas by year's end – World Israel News
US says Hamas retaining power is still an option – World Israel News
Again, the thing to keep in mind is that the US is going to help Israel as long as it also helps the United States and her interests. The fact that Israel is the only democratic nation in the area makes her the only natural ally of America in the Middle East. To support Israel is therefore to support Western interests. It is for this reason that the US is almost forced to support Israel, even though they may not wish to.
But this does not mean that their support is truly unconditional. There are dozens of things occurring at this moment that are driving a wedge between Israel and the US. Prominently on this list is the “wokeness” of the American youth:
Young Americans: Jews are 'oppressors,' genocide calls not hate speech – The Jerusalem Post
Majority of Americans 18-24 think Israel should 'be ended and given to Hamas' – New York Post
The fact is, this sad group of people comprises the voting base for the Democratic party. As time marches on and the older, the more old-fashioned generations will be forced relinquish their political positions, and this anti-Israel generation will fill them. It is very easy to see how Israel could suddenly lose what support they presently enjoy from the US, and these sentiments are spreading like wildfire.
It can frustrating for us to watch things like this develop. It can be difficult to watch masses of young people side with the aggressor – a self-declared terrorist organization – and call for the end of Israel, yet you and I must remember that this is precisely what was prophesied! Let us end with the comforting, foundation-setting Word of truth on this matter:
A Brief Review of the World’s Response to Christ
When Christ returns, his first objective after having gathered and judged his household will be to go “forth for the salvation of thy people (Israel)” (Habakkuk 3:13). He and his saints will destroy the Arab nations which presently reside within the Abrahamic lot and establish God’s Kingdom there, reaping the spoils of that war (Zechariah 14:14). Once the dust settles and all nearby enemies are exterminated, I believe Christ will first turn his attention inwardly to the Jews and the land to cleanse it of all rebellious spirits, idols, and foreigners (Isaiah 4:3-4, Zechariah 13:2-3). Most helpful on this is Zechariah 12-13:6 which outlines an incredibly straight-forward chronology of what is to occur.
But once this is achieved, we’re told that he will turn his attention outwardly in order to conquer the rest of the earth. What’s beautiful is that his principles for conquering the earth were revealed long before his first advent! Deuteronomy 20:10-18 spells it out clearly. When approaching a foreign city, he will first “proclaim peace unto it” (Deuteronomy 20:10). The proceeding verses explain that nations who accept the greater-Joshua’s authority will be made tributaries to him, and they will serve him. Their lands will be absorbed into the growing empire of Christ. But, if a city or nation refuses his authority, they will be utterly destroyed.
This is precisely what we learn in other prophecies about Christ’s progress. Having saved and cleansed Israel, we’re told that “he shall speak peace unto the heathen” (Zechariah 9:10). This declaration of peace correlates to the mid-heaven proclamation of
Revelation 14:6 – And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
This is the critical juncture for the remaining nations of the world. They will have heard his Gospel and received his offer of peace if they lay down their arms and submit to him. Unfortunately, it appears that a large number of nations will refuse. The second Psalm details everything we need to know:
Psalms 2:1-12 – Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? (2) The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, (3) Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
The world at large will rebel against Christ when he proclaims his Gospel of peace to the nations. And having refused, they will have determined their own fate of destruction. Therefore, the Psalm continues,
(4) He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. (5) Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. (6) Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. (7) I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. (8) Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. (9) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (10) Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. (11) Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (12) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Is it not remarkable that we are seeing this spirit in the earth today? Just as the Scriptures foretold, the time following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire in 1917 would see the frog-like spirits go over all the earth to “to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:12-14). The world is being made drunk by the doctrine of humanism which is being proclaimed from the ruling powers of the earth. And it is this same self-righteous, prideful spirit that will cause them to refuse Christ’s Gospel instead of submitting to it.
It is for this reason that we find comfort in the world’s corruption. Again, it is not because we love corruption. We deplore it. The sinful acts of man make one sick to the core – yet these very conditions are the ones that were foretold to exist immediately before Christ returns! We see this communicated in the passage just referred to, for right after we’re told about the spirits which go forth to deceive the nations, we have the abrupt change in message: “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” (Revelation 16:15).
If you read chapter 16:12-16, you will see that this 15th verse almost appears as if it were thrown in randomly. Omit the 15th verse, and the passage reads smoothly and logically. But the interjection of this aspect of Christ’s return in this particular place tells us that Christ’s coming will be during the period we are now witnessing. We must not wait for all of the nations to be fully set against Christ for us to be gathered to him. It is while these frog-like spirits are working to gather nations that we are called, and that is the present-day.
This fact is just one of many which tell us that our Lord is at the door! The signs of his coming are so abundant that we have no excuse for spiritual slumber. If the signs we are now witnessing do not drive home the nearness of our Lord and excite us to higher service, then what will?
In the One Hope of Israel,
Tanner Hawkins