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.
September 2023
The Saudi Peace Deal – Iran and the Bomb
TGP Prophecy Letter – September 30, 2023
About a week ago, we shared a Prophecy Letter that discussed some recent, very positive, news reports on the Israel-Saudi normalization deal. The next few days then showed a very different view, for it was being reported that the issue of Palestinian statehood was central to any deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel. To this, we made the following comment:
“As I see it, they (the Palestinians) will either be included in the deal and see some benefit from it, or they’ll be left out of it altogether. Knowing the history of those people and their lack of desire for genuine peace, my view is that they’ll be side-lined if any version of “peace” is to be achieved. Their demands are likely to include a nation of Palestine (something that has never existed before), and while Israel desires peace with the Saudis and is apparently willing to make concessions, this is likely a step too far” (A Jam-Packed September!, TGP Prophecy Letter).
A few days later, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told news agencies the following:
Pompeo: Saudi-Israel peace deal 'impossible' if Palestinians get a state – World Israel News
Pompeo: Two-state solution blocks Saudi-Israel peace deal – The Jerusalem Post
And now, just yesterday (9-29), the following headlines appeared with what appears to be a verdict:
Palestinian statehood takes back seat in Israel-Saudi peace talks – The Jerusalem Post
Saudis will reach a peace deal with Israel, even without Palestine – The Jerusalem Post
It appears that the Saudis may have officially decided to leave out the Palestinians, and wisely so if it is truly peace that they desire. Untold numbers of treaties and pacts have started with strength and promise only to stumble and die when the issue of Palestinian statehood is confronted. This one thing is undoubtedly the greatest obstacle to achieving peace, and it currently appears as if the Saudis are learning this lesson.
The Jerusalem Post explains,
“Saudi Arabia is determined to secure a military pact requiring the United States to defend the kingdom in return for opening ties with Israel and will not hold up a deal even if Israel does not offer major concessions to Palestinians in their bid for statehood, three regional sources familiar with the talks said… ‘The normalization will be between Israel and Saudi Arabia. If the Palestinians oppose it the kingdom will continue in its path,’ said one of the regional sources. ‘Saudi Arabia supports a peace plan for the Palestinians, but this time it wanted something for Saudi Arabia, not just for the Palestinians.’”
If this is true, then it is entirely possible that a deal will be signed, but must be remembered that these are just reports. US officials has stressed that nothing is final yet (Israel National News). It’s possible that the Saudis could change gears again and decide to include the Palestinians in the issue. For instance, The Jewish Press just published an article bearing the heading, Biden Exacts Price of Saudi Peace from Netanyahu: Keep 2-State Solution Alive. It says,
“President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed at their meeting in New York last week that the “Palestinian” component in an agreement with Saudi Arabia would be based on the principle of maintaining the ability to reach a peace agreement between Israel and the “Palestinians” in the future.”
As of this writing, it would seem that if any deal is signed between Israel and Saudi Arabia, it would be on the principle that a two-state solution must remain a possibility. I believe this shows cunning on the part of the Saudis. I think they are reasoning goes something like this:
“We want peace with Israel as long as it can be beneficial to us, but we know that we must at least try to help our stubborn Palestinian brothers. The Palestinians want their own state, but if we make this a requirement of a deal with Israel, it would kill our chances of a deal. However, we may be able to get around this issue if we can agree to “keep trying” to solve the Palestinian issue (regardless of how sincerely we may/may not mean it). Perhaps this will allow us to sign a deal with Israel without giving the appearance that we are abandoning the Palestinians.”
As always, time will tell. The truth is, we can examine the current situation as closely as we like, but there’s always the possibility that tomorrow will bring a new development that negates every thought we just shared. That’s simply part of being a finite being. Yet we ought to always look to the infinite Mind and ask, “What does your Word tell us about this matter?”
With prophecy, we must remember that we are typically only given snapshots of future events. Information regarding what leads up the events of a certain prophecy are oftentimes undisclosed, and so while we may be able to know the certain end of a matter, we can only guess as to what events will lead to the fulfillment of the prophecy.
Regarding the topic of Saudi Arabia, I must restate my conviction that prophecy shows them as being an enemy of Israel in the latter-days wars. To examine some of the Scriptural evidence for this conclusion, please see this Prophecy Letter written late last month: The Bible and Israel's Peace Attempts. Because of this, I believe we must conclude that something - though we don’t know what - will occur that will cause the Saudis to join their Arab neighbors against Israel. But if that is the case, then why are they currently making gains toward peace?
Perhaps this is the key. We have mentioned this before, but it may be a critical piece of the puzzle and is therefore worth mentioning again. In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul writes of the events surrounding the return of Christ, and he notes one unique aspect that would characterize this time:
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 – But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. (2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
I’ve previously suggested that the Saudi-Israel peace deal might comprise some of this declaration of “peace and safety”, but that there must be more to it. The passage does not seem to refer to peace between Israel and a specific nation, but more of a widespread or general cry of peace. Recent events suggest that this may be correct.
Not only is Israel getting closer to peace with former-enemy Saudi Arabia, but it has also been reported that they are nearing peace with another former enemy: Turkey:
How Turkey-Israel reconciliation will reshape the Middle East – The Hill
Just like Saudi Arabia, prophecy tells us that Turkey will be an enemy nation of Israel that will be destroyed by the wrath of God (Ezekiel 38:6 - Togarmah). Turkey will accompany Gog has he descends toward Israel, and there the two Gentile nations will meet their fate. But isn’t it interesting that this nation is ALSO making gestures of peace with Israel? Wouldn’t we expect tensions between these nations to be increasing? If our understanding of Paul’s warning in 1 Thessalonians 5 is correct, the answer is, Not necessarily.
Yet there is more. On top of this, Israel just signed the largest defense deal in its history (World Israel News). And no, it is not with the US. It was with Germany! The article from World Israel News says, “Only 80 years since the end of the Second World War, yet Israel and Germany join hands today, in building a safer future, for both nations.”
And so, when we take a wide view of the world, we see many nations making gains toward peace with Israel. It causes us to wonder, Could this be what Paul was speaking of? It would make sense of the current situation, for why else would these nations be working toward peace with the nation that prophecy says they will later fight? It is something to consider and keep an eye on!
If this line of thinking is correct, we may then expect more peace deals to come. But as the Spirit saith through Paul, “when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them”. Again, we don’t know exactly what will cause this change from “peaceful nation” to “enemy nation”, but it is clear that any peace that is found will not be true peace, for the result will be sudden destruction! It will only be under the rulership of Jesus Christ that Israel will know true peace: “In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. (8) He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth” (Psalms 72:7-8).
I wish to discuss just one more topic for today, and that is
Iran and the Brewing Conflict with Israel
I still believe that Iran is the one nation who’s most likely to kick-off the latter-day wars. Here are some recent news items on their nuclear progress and Israel’s position on the matter:
Iran to UN: Netanyahu ‘threatened us with nukes’ – Israel365 News
Iran denies missile base blast as mystery explosion rocks western city – The Jerusalem Post
It is clear that Israel is willing to pre-emptively strike Iran, but the biggest obstacle is the lack of US support. The Biden Administration has been adamant in warning Netanyahu not to act against Iran on his own. Yet the past may shed light on the future. Just a few days ago, the Jews celebrated Yom Kippur – the day of atonement. In 1973, Israel’s Arab neighbors made a concerted effort to destroy Israel as they were observing Yom Kippur, for it was on this day that their defenses were at their lowest.
On the 50th anniversary of this war, Israel 365 just published a timely article with lessons from the past: 50 years ago, Israel was nearly destroyed. The article has heavy implications on how Israel might act against Iran regardless of US support, for the situation today with Iran is not so different than it was back them. Consider this excerpt from the article, and you’ll see many parallels to today:
“Before the Yom Kippur War, Israel had received multiple warnings that an attack was imminent. King Hussein of Jordan had personally flown in to warn Golda that war was coming.
“If we strike first we won’t get help from anybody,” Golda Meir had argued.
“Had Israel struck first, it might have been able to neutralize the enemy and not only save thousands of slain soldiers, but the millions that would have been killed had Israel lost.
“But Israel would not act without the approval of the Nixon administration. Golda assured Secretary of State Henry Kissinger that Israel would not strike first, and Kissinger assured the Russians that the Israelis wouldn’t strike first, and the Russians assured the Egyptians and the Syrians, who were preparing to strike first, that they had nothing to worry about…
“Ever since Israel was nearly destroyed in the Yom Kippur War because Golda and Dayan had put all their trust in Kissinger, proposals to take out Iran’s nuclear program have repeatedly come up against the objections of Washington, D.C. Similarly, any effort to seriously deal with Hamas fizzles out in the same way. Fifty years later, Israel still can’t allow itself to strike first.
“And yet, just as in the Yom Kippur War, the hour may come when Israeli leaders have to decide whether to strike first without getting permission from D.C. or face the destruction of their nation.”
It may well be that Israel finally decides to strike Iran first. The primary reason is this: in 1973, the Arab armies came against Israel with conventional weapons, and the Jews were able to eventually fight them off. But if Iran strikes first, it will not be with tanks and machine guns, but with a nuclear warhead. It would mean the end of Israel.
Yet we know that Israel will not be destroyed because of what we are told in the Bible. The hope of Israel is the hope of man (Acts 28:20). My conclusion is therefore that Israel will likely strike Iran pre-emptively, thus robbing them of US support and leaving Israel on their own, and this will commence the Psalm 83 war. This is just a suggested sequence of events that I have found to line up with what is written in the Word, but it would be foolish to be dogmatic.
One thing, however, is certain: the Lord is working feverishly amongst the nations according to His plan, and it will be realized with perfection. For us, our main duty is not to try and discern every minute detail of unfulfilled prophecy, but to be moved inwardly by these signs and motivated to higher service to our Lord, for all of these signs tell us bluntly: he is coming.
In the One Hope of Israel,
Tanner Hawkins
A Jam-Packed September!
TGP Prophecy Letter – September 23, 2023
It has been many weeks since our last Prophecy Letter, and much has happened! In a feeble effort to cover at least a portion of these events, this letter will be a little longer than usual. We will discuss recent natural disasters, the US-Iran deal, the Israel-Saudi deal, and Israel's position when Gog is foretold to descend.
Natural Disasters
Around 2,000 years ago, Christ told his disciples that the last days would be characterized by an increase in natural disasters.
Matthew 24:7 – For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
This is part of the Olivet prophecy, and while the meaning and time period of some of its aspects are debated, I think all agree that the days leading up the termination of Gentile rule of the earth would see a drastic uptick in natural disasters. In light of this, here a few recent ones that occurred in the past weeks:
Libya floods wipe out quarter of city, thousands dead – Reuters
Massive earthquake kills over 2,000 in Morocco, thousands more injured – World Israel News
After Morocco, Israel could be next to suffer massive earthquake - Israel News – The Jerusalem Post
What interests us most with earthquakes in particular is that the Bible shows them to be a mechanism of altering the geography of Israel to prepare it as the capitol of the Kingdom of God. There are numerous earthquakes described in post-advent times, and the first (in my belief) is recorded in
Zechariah 14:4-5 – And his (Christ’s) feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. (5) And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
I believe that a careful consideration of Zechariah 12 through the end of the book shows this to be the moment Christ appears in Israel to rescue them from the Arab “heathen round about” (Zechariah 14:14). Having defeated some of the Arab armies while making his advance from Sinai to Jerusalem (Isaiah 63:1-4), it is at this point that the Jews will physically see him again for the first time in 2,000 years.
If this chronology is correct, I wish to stress the import for you and I. It is undoubtedly Christ’s feet that set upon Mount Olivet, but note who is with him: “the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.” I see this a clear support for Christ having already gathered and judged his servants before saving Israel. If that is the case, then there is an important point to consider: the only way you and I will be able to witness the earthquake that reshapes the geography of Israel is if we have been accepted at the judgement seat, for those who are found unworthy are sentenced to “the second death” (Revelation 21:8). It is yet another reason for us to strive for the high mark of Christ!
The Latest on the Iran Deal
Now this is important! Iran is the largest sponsor of many of the Arab nations listed in Psalm 83, and their grip on the region is growing more and more firm:
WATCH: Iran beefs up air force with new fleet of Russian fighter jets – World Israel News
Defense Minister reveals: Iran building airport for terrorist use in southern Syria – Israel National News
What’s most alarming is a recent deal between the US and Iran. In exchange for a prisoner swap, the Biden Administration appears to have agreed to release $6 billion for Iran to use however they please.
Iran releases 5 American prisoners for 'ransom' payment of $6 billion – World Israel News
Seems like a fair deal, right? Both sides swap prisoners, but one also receives $6 billion. Nonsense! And what do we think Iran is planning to do with these funds? The Iranian president has said that they will use the funds “wherever we need it” (NBC News). We know what that means: “to destroy Israel!”
What has caused the US to make these concessions? Perhaps this is a pat on the back for Iran’s willingness to comply with US and Israeli demands? Maybe Iran has finally began to decrease their Uranium stocks? None of the above. In fact, the opposite has happened. Iran has only become more extreme and defiant:
Netanyahu: Iran is violating all of its nuclear commitments – The Jerusalem Post
If Iran is only becoming more stubborn, then why is the US planning to reward their behavior? I personally have no clue. The Biden Administration must see some benefit or know some information that the rest of the world does not, but this is doubtful. In my view, either the US is trying to win Iran over by handing them a fat check or the US prisoners being held in Iran hold some incredibly valuable information. Whatever the reason is, one thing is certain: it continues the sad narrative of a US in decline, both at home and abroad.
But where does this leave Israel – the main target of Iranian aggression? It only leaves them more isolated. The recent deal with Iran is a slap in the face to Israel, and even if the US is willing to make more concessions to Iran, Israel’s stance is clear:
Israel will act against Iranian nuclear pursuit, uranium enrichment – The Jerusalem Post
For Israel, a nuclear Iran is a matter of existing or not, and so they cannot afford to let Iran proceed unhindered. But the US is trying to prevent this as well. Biden is pressuring Netanyahu to refrain from any unilateral action against Iran. America is creating a more dangerous Iran and telling Israel not to worry about it.
In my view, this aligns perfectly with prophecy. At the appearance of Jesus Christ, we are shown an Israel who stands alone against a horde of Arab enemies (Psalm 83, 108:13, Isaiah 17:4-7, 63:3). These prophecies also indicate that Israel is weakened in this conflict and must rely on the Lord himself for salvation. Furthermore, I believe a conflict with Iran might be the spark that ignites this conflict since A) Iran is currently Israel’s number one enemy, B) they support, arm, and often command many of the Psalm 83 nations, and C) it has been frequently reported that if Israel attacks Iran, Iran would call upon their Arab proxies to attack them. In my studied opinion, this lines up perfectly with what we know from the Word. But time will tell.
A Deal with Saudi Arabia?
But there is another factor to all of this. Peace with Saudi Arabia has been a prominent topic for the past few months. In seeing the changing power-balance in the Middle East and the decline of the US, Saudi Arabia is trying to determine which side they will join: Israel and America’s or Iran and Russia’s. Which side they choose is likely to be determined by which offers the greatest security and payout.
So far, the story has been a roller coaster. On one day, news headlines proclaim, “Normalization is only days/weeks away”, and they next day we read headlines like these:
Saudi Arabia condemns Israel after Jews 'storm' Temple Mount – The Jerusalem Post
Israel's peace talks with Saudi Arabia ongoing, US stresses – The Jerusalem Post
Abbas at UN: No peace in Middle East without a Palestinian state' – Israel National News
But in the last day or so, substantial reports have come out signaling that a deal might actually happen:
Netanyahu backs Saudi nuclear program - report – World Israel News
Saudi Leader Admits Peace with Israel is on its Way – United with Israel
Israel Working With U.S. Officials to Develop Saudi Uranium Enrichment Proposal, WSJ Says – Haaretz
It appears that the general terms of the agreement have been roughly settled, and part of that includes helping Saudi Arabia to become a nuclear power. One of the main reasons they seek this is to combat a nuclear Iran, for the Saudi Crown Prince has said, “If they get one, we have to get one” (The Hill).
While things seem rosy now, there are still other issues to be worked out, the most difficult certainly being that of the Palestinians:
Should a Saudi-Israeli deal be made, the “Palestinians” will inevitably be affected. As I see it, they will either be included in the deal and see some benefit from it, or they’ll be left out of it altogether. Knowing the history of those people and their lack of desire for genuine peace, my view is that they’ll be side-lined if any version of “peace” is to be achieved. Their demands are likely to include a nation of Palestine (something that has never existed before), and while Israel desires peace with the Saudis and is apparently willing to make concessions, this is likely a step too far. The issue of a Palestinian nation creates untold problems for Israel which are too numerous to discuss here. But the US may try to use their influence to guide Netanyahu’s decisions. An article from Israel Today noted, “Biden will… pressure Netanyahu to make significant concessions to the Palestinian Authority, which would facilitate the establishment of a Palestinian state.”
In any regard, this morning saw some bold headlines on the Israel-Saudi deal. Not only does a deal appear to be close, but Israel’s Foreign Minister has stated that six or seven other Muslim nations are likely follow suit and make peace with Israel after the Saudis (The Jerusalem Post). In a recent speech at the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu showed a map of what he called “the New Middle East”, showing future alliances between Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, and Sudan (Israel National News). Could such an alliance form?
To conclude this section, we must simply say that there are many moving parts and diverse motives involved with this issue, and we can be certain that the public does not know all of those details. Perhaps a deal of some form will be achieved, but the result certainly cannot be known by carnal means. But we, Brethren, have spiritual means of examining the situation.
As I have stated before, my understanding of the Word is that Saudi Arabia comprises the modern-day Ishmaelites who are to be an enemy nation of Israel when Christ returns (Psalm 83:6). Exactly how this end will be achieved cannot be known at present, but as I currently see no other alternative interpretation of the passage, I must conclude that there will either be no deal at all, or if one is made, it will not last. This is particularly true of the other six or seven Muslims nation who are said to follow Saudi Arabia’s example. The Scriptures show those nations are direct enemies of Israel, and so they will be.
Yet the current prospects are cause to wonder: If a deal is made and these other Muslim nations begin to join in, could this be part of what Paul meant when he spoke of the latter days thus: “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)? Could this passage mean that it might look like peace has finally been achieved, but all is to end only in war and destruction? Once again, time will tell, but the Word of Truth is sure, and it is in that which we trust!
Israel Dwelling Safely?
In light of that future Arab-Israeli war, let’s consider another prominent latter-day prophecy in relation to our present day: Ezekiel 38. There are many important descriptors of Israel at the time when Gog comes against her, and perhaps that which is most stressed is that Israel dwells safely (Hebrew betach) at this time. This is mentioned multiple times in the text (vss. 8, 11, 14). They are dwelling so safely, in fact, that Israel is called “the land of unwalled villages… dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates.”
This aspect is so unique because it is the precise opposite of Israel’s position since the nation was reborn in 1948. Since the moment of the nation’s rebirth, they have faced the constant threat and danger of annihilation by their Arab neighbors. Today is no different. Consider just a few recent headlines that speak to the lack of safety for Israel:
Israel unveils IDF's new AI-powered 'Barak' super tank – The Jerusalem Post
Israelis should carry guns on Yom Kippur, police say - Defense News – The Jerusalem Post
Hamas Vows New ESCALATION Against Israel as Multi-Front War Looms – Watchman Newscast
How can Israel be called “them that are at rest” when the police encourage all Israelis to carry personal firearms? Why must Israel continue to upgrade their military and defensive capabilities? Why is there the constant threat of war on all of their borders? All of these things tell us that Israel has yet to achieve the safety described as a pre-requisite for Gog’s descent. So if not now, when will Israel dwell safely (betach)? The Scriptures answer thus:
Jeremiah 23:5-6 – Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. (6) In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Ezekiel 28:25-26 – Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. (26) And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.
There are other passages to this point, but it is significant to note that the only time the Bible shows Israel as dwelling with the “safety” (betach) described in Ezekiel 38 is A) after judgment has been executed on the heathen “round about them”, and B) after Christ has saved Israel from said enemies and reigns amongst them as “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS”.
There are many other facets of this issue to discuss, but five pages is enough for one Prophecy Letter! Let us try to absorb all of the many things going on as best as our feeble flesh will allow us, for the signs truly abound more and more with every passing week! And they are not pointless signs, but communicate a very clear message: that sweet day of consummation races upon us! May we use the remaining time for sober reflecting and heartfelt rejoicing, for “the Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5).
In the One Hope of Israel,
Tanner Hawkins