March 11, 2025: Isaiah 49:21-22 - Who Hath Begotten Me These?
“Then shalt thou say in thine heart, Who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been? Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.” - Isaiah 49:21-22
As previously discussed in my devotional messages for Isaiah 49, during the coming 7-year time of Jacob’s trouble, also known as the last week of the 70-weeks prophecy of Daniel in Daniel chapter 9, and which is also known as the “tribulation period,” with the last 3-1/2 years referred to as the “great tribulation,” Israel and the rest of the world will go through a period of hell on earth, the worst time in human history. As the Bible tells us, during this period, two-thirds of Israel will die, but God Himself will save a one-third remnant:
“And it shall come to pass, that in all the land saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try [test] them as gold is tried [tested]: they shall call on my name, and I will hear [answer] them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” (Zechariah 13:8-9)
It will be this one-third remnant that sees the abomination of desolation that was prophesied by Daniel the prophet and was referenced by Jesus when He told His apostles what would be the signs of the end of the age and of His second coming. It is when the final antichrist, with whom Israel will confirm a seven-year covenant or treaty because they will think that he is their friend and ally who wants to bring them “peace and safety,” shows his true colors and will show himself as “God” in the coming third Jewish temple (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). At that time, Israel will see that they have been duped and deceived, and they will run for their lives to the mountains, seeking protection. Let us read what Jesus said of this coming time:
“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whosoreadeth, let him understand:) then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck [who are nursing babies] in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s [chosen ones’] sake those days shall be shortened.” (Jesus Christ; Matthew 24:15-22)
Notice that Jesus not only referenced the prophecy of Daniel but He specifically was speaking to the people, i.e., the Jews, living in Judaea, which in our world today is spelled “Judea.” Jesus also told them to pray that this event does not occur on the sabbath day, providing further evidence that he was speaking specifically to the Jews who will be alive at this coming time. During this coming time of Jacob’s trouble, this will be the Jews that reject Jesus Christ as their Messiah, the only begotten Son of God. Modern day Judea, as well as Samaria, are in an area in which many Gentiles/non-Jews today refer to as the “West Bank.” It is this remnant of Jews that will flee to the mountains during the last half of the 7-year time of Jacob’s trouble and will be protected by God. I believe this is also mentioned in Revelation 12:6, 14-17.
As you may know, I believe that the Bible tells us that before the coming antichrist confirms the 7-year covenant with the many, Jesus Christ will call up His bride to Him in the clouds, where the bride is everyone, both dead and alive, who has put their faith and trust in Him to save them (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). Thus, the Jews that will remain after the rapture of the church will be those who had not turned to Him prior to the rapture, which represents the majority of the Jewish population. Those left on the earth after the rapture will also include all unbelieving Gentiles, representing the majority of the non-Jewish population. I must admit, however, that God’s word is very complex and I do not know with 100% certainty that my understanding of the rapture is accurate. I am doing my best, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, to understand God’s word.
Let us read what is written in Revelation 12 that also describes what Jesus spoke about when He said that after the Jews in Judea see the abomination of desolation, they will flee to the mountains. In the Scriptures below, the “woman” is Israel because it is from Israel that Jesus Christ, the man child, is the One who will rule all nations with a rod of iron. After Jesus died and resurrected three days later, He ascended to heaven, where He sits on the throne at the right hand of God. I encourage you to read Revelation 12:1-4 that speaks of Satan, the dragon, trying to kill Jesus after He was born, which did happen when King Herod Agrippa I, who was known as “Herod the Great” and the “King of the Jews,” killed all of the boys ages two and under when he sought to kill Jesus because he was threatened when he had heard the wise men proclaiming that the One called the King of the Jews had been born (Matthew 2). Interestingly, King Herod Agrippa I was an Idumean and Edomite. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, the twin brother of Jacob. The Bible tells us in Genesis 25:25 that Esau was red and hairy when he was born, and that is why they named him Esau. Though Esau was the firstborn son of Isaac, he sold his birthright to his younger twin brother, Jacob, for a pot of red stew. God later changed Jacob’s name to “Israel.” I write more about Edom later in this devotional, and I have also written something that I believe relates to all of this that is happening now in our world and that I believe is prophetic.
Let us read Revelation 12:5-6:
“And she [the woman, Israel] brought forth a man [male] child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore [sixty] days.” (Revelation 12:5-6)
The 7-year covenant that Israel will confirm with the antichrist as described in Daniel 9:27 is based on the Biblical Jewish year, which was 360 days. 360 days times 7 years is a total of 2,520 days. When the antichrist commits the abomination of desolation, it will be 3-1/2 years, or halfway, into the covenant, which is 1,260 days (2,520 / 2). Revelation 12 then speaks again of the woman, Israel, fleeing to the mountains:
“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and a half a time, from the face of the serpent [Satan]. And the serpent cast [spewed] out of his mouth water as a flood [a river of water] after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon [Satan] was wroth [enraged] with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:14-17)
It is Jesus Christ who protects those will flee from Judea to the mountains after the abomination of desolation happens. I do not know with certainty that will only be those in Judea who will flee to the mountains or will include other Jews in Israel.
Notice in the above Scriptures that Satan will send a flood as he tries to destroy the woman but the earth will protect her. Notice also that it says that Satan was enraged and that he “went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” I do not know if this is strictly speaking of the rest of the Jewish remnant that will live somewhere other than Judea and who won’t flee to the mountains but will turn to Jesus Christ and believe on Him as their Messiah or if this is speaking about everyone who will turn to Jesus Christ during the time of Jacob’s trouble, and Satan will make war with them. I lean toward it being just the other Jews who turn to Jesus Christ because Revelation 12:17 says Satan will “make war with the remnant of her seed,” where “seed” is her offspring.
I want to write about what the Bible says about Jesus when He will protect Israel in the wilderness. I have heard it said before that when the Jews in Judea will flee to the wilderness, that the “wilderness” is speaking of Petra in Jordan. However, I recently read the Scriptures in Isaiah 63 that speak of Jesus coming from Edom, and specifically from Bozrah. Edom means “red.” Bozrah was the capital city of Edom and not far from Petra. Bozrah means “to gather” or “to fortify.” (See: https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1224.htm) There is also reference to Bozrah in the book of Micah that speaks of this gathering of the remnant of Israel in Bozrah, where Bozrah is defined as “an enclosure, sheep fold.” (See: https://biblehub.com/hebrew/1223.htm) Let us read Micah 2:12-13 first:
“I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah [of the flock], as the flock in the midst of their fold [pasture]: they shall make a great noise by reason of the multitude of men. The breaker [one who breaks open] is come up before them: they have broken up [out], and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the [at] head of them.” (Micah 2:12-13)
Isaiah chapter 63 is a question-and-answer passage, where one is asking the questions, perhaps the prophet Isaiah on behalf of Israel, and Jesus Christ is providing the answers. Jesus tells the one asking questions that He has executed His righteous judgment on a wicked and rebellious world, and that also includes the people of Israel who rejected Him and were not protected by Him, the Good Shepherd, in Bozrah, the fortified sheepfold. Isaiah brings to remembrance the times that Jesus had protected Israel. Isaiah speaks of Jesus’ loving kindnesses and the goodness He has shown to the house of Israel. Let us read Isaiah 63:
“Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat [winepress]? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. I will mention the loving kindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed [grieved] his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him? That led them by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people to make thyself a glorious name. Look down from heaven, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and of thy glory: where is thy zeal and thy strength, the sounding of thy bowels [yearning of thy heart] and of thy mercies toward me? are they restrained? Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, are our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. O LORD, why hast thou made us to err [stray] from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance. The people of thy holiness have possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary. We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.” (Isaiah 63)
Notice in the above Scriptures that it says, “Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, are our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.” I understand this to mean that this remnant of Jews that is protected by Jesus and who has turned to Him - accepted Him as their Redeemer and Savior - and their fellow Jews do not acknowledge them because they, who represent the two-thirds remnant, will have not turned to Jesus in belief.
In Isaiah chapter 65, Jesus tells Isaiah that He is sought by a nation that didn’t ask for Him, where that nation represents all the Gentiles who have trusted in Him for their salvation. Jesus contrasts this with the nation of Israel, whom He describes as “a rebellious people” and describes the sins of those in Israel who have forsaken Him. Consequently, He won’t forgive them because they will choose to remain in sin and He will destroy them. However, Jesus tells us that He will save His elect, the remnant of Israel, whom He also calls His servants. There is a back-and-forth discussion, where Jesus describes the consequences of the disobedient and who forsook Him and contrasts that with the blessings of those who are His servants. Jesus will destroy the former and save the latter. Let us read some from Isaiah 65:
“I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name. I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts; a people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; which remain [sit] among the graves, and lodge in the monuments [tombs], which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable [unclean] things is in their vessels; which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose [cause my wrath to smoke], a fire that burneth all the day. Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom, your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom. Thus saith the LORD, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants’ sakes, that I may not destroy them all. And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me. But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop [a pagan deity], and that furnish the drink offering unto that number [Number or Destiny, a pagan deity]. There will I number you to [for] the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.” (Isaiah 65:1-12)
“And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name…” (Isaiah 65:15)
Returning to what is written previously above in Isaiah chapter 63, in the book of Revelation, there are parallel Scriptures regarding Jesus treading the winepress with no people helping Him. Revelation also tells us how the blood of the people - all who will remain steadfast in their rejection of His free gift of salvation, choosing to remain in their sins, and will side with the Wicked One - will be sprinkled upon His garments:
“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without [outside] the city [Babylon], and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” (Revelation 14:14-20)
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture [robe] dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine line, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite [strike] the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture [robe] and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:11-16)
It is Jesus who will judge not only Israel but also the entire world for its wickedness. Jesus will judge them because they will choose to remain in their sins rather than turning to Him and be washed clean of all sins by His precious and glorious blood. It is Jesus who will protect the remnant of Israel in Bozrah from the nations that seek to destroy it.
There is another passage of Scripture regarding Jesus defending Israel in Bozrah, and that is from Isaiah 34:
“Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter. Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood. And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea [Edom], and upon the people of my curse, to judgment. The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat [overflowing] with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea [Edom]. And the unicorns [wild oxen] shall down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat [saturated] with fatness. For it is the day of the LORD’s vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy [cause] of Zion.” (Isaiah 34:1-8)
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them. And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line [with a measuring line]: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein.” (Isaiah 34:16-17)
In summary, it is Jesus who will come from Edom, with His garments dyed red from the blood of those He will slay at His second coming, in the day of vengeance, and the year of His redeemed. Now, I included all of that because of something I read recently that may relate to all of this. Before getting to that, let me say that modern day Israel, as a nation, is not looking for the second coming of Jesus Christ because they rejected Him at His first coming. Instead, they are looking for the coming of the one whom they believe is their “Messiah,” who in reality is a false Messiah, and the one whom the Bible teaches is the final antichrist in the book of Revelation.
The end times are all about Israel. We currently are living in a time period when God temporarily turned His attention off of Israel, because Israel rejected His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, and turned it to the Gentiles, to offer salvation to them. As the apostle John wrote, who also wrote the book of Revelation, Jesus offered salvation first to the Jews, and when they rejected Him, He turned His message of salvation to the Gentiles/non-Jews:
“He [Jesus] was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own [His own things or domain], and his own [His own people] received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power [the right] to become the sons [children] of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:10-13)
The apostle Paul also wrote about this:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek [Gentile]. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
I want to discuss Daniel’s 70-weeks’ prophecy further. Before doing so, let us learn what the Bible tells us about Daniel. Long ago, Daniel, a young man, likely in his teens, and his three friends were taken from where they lived in Judah into captivity in Babylon when King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem. Many years later when the Medo-Persian Empire conquered Babylon, Daniel was reading from the book of Jeremiah the prophet. Jeremiah had prophesied that the Jews from Judah who were taken into captivity in Babylon would be set free after seventy years. After Daniel read that prophecy, he prayed a beautiful prayer to God, acknowledging his sin and the sins of his fellow people from Judah and he asked God to forgive them. (Daniel 9:1-19). While Daniel was praying his prayer, he saw the angel Gabriel, whom Daniel referred to as a man and who was the same man who had given Daniel a prior vision (Daniel 8). Gabriel then gave Daniel the 70-weeks prophecy in Daniel 9:21-27. Let us read of Daniel’s 70-weeks prophecy from the book of Daniel:
“Seventy weeks [seventy sevens] are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, 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 [Holy of Holies].” (Daniel 9:24)
Let us pause here and consider what Daniel wrote. The seventy weeks are based on a “week” being a period of seven years. Thus, 70 weeks equals 70 x 7 years, which equals 490 years. At the end of this period of 70 weeks, which is focused on Daniel’s people, Israel, and the holy city, which is Jerusalem, Jesus Christ will return at His second coming to put an end to sin and reconcile iniquity. He will bring in everlasting righteousness. In addition, all vision and prophecy will be sealed up, for they won’t be needed anymore. Continuing in Daniel 9:
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [Jesus Christ] shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks [7 weeks + 62 weeks = 69 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 [suffer the death penalty], 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. ” (Daniel 9:25-26)
There is a good article from gotquestions.org that explains the 70-weeks prophecy. It explains how and when the above prophecy was fulfilled: (See: https://www.gotquestions.org/seventy-weeks.html)
“Gabriel said the prophetic clock would start at the time that a decree was issued to rebuild Jerusalem. From the date of that decree to the time of the Messiah would be 483 years. We know from history that the command to “restore and rebuild Jerusalem” was given by King Artaxerxes of Persia c. 444 B.C. (see Nehemiah 2:1-8).
”The first unit of 49 years (seven “sevens”) covers the time that it took to rebuild Jerusalem, “with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble” (Daniel 9:25). This rebuilding is chronicled in the book of Nehemiah.
”Converting the 360-day year used by the ancient Jews, 483 years becomes 476 years on our solar calendar. Adjusting for the switch from B.C. to A.D., 476 years after 444 B.C. places us at A.D. 33, which would coincide with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1–9). The prophecy in Daniel 9 specifies that, after the completion of the 483 years, “the Anointed One will be cut off” (verse 26). This was fulfilled when Jesus was crucified.
”Daniel 9:26 continues with a prediction that, after the Messiah is killed, “the people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.” This was fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The “ruler who will come” is a reference to the Antichrist, who, it seems, will have some connection with Rome, since it was the Romans who destroyed Jerusalem.”
We are living in the period of time between the 69th week and 70th week of Daniel’s 70-weeks’ prophecy, the last seven years of Daniel’s prophecy. We have been in that gap ever since Jesus Christ was crucified. The 70th week has not started yet, but Daniel 9:27 tells us when that 70th week will happen:
“And he shall confirm the covenant [or a treaty]with many for one week: and in the midst [middle] of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation [offering] to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and the determined shall be poured upon the desolate [Or desolator].” (Daniel 9:27)
The “he” who is spoken of above is referring to the prior paragraph in Daniel 9:26, and that is “the people of the prince that shall come.” We know that it was the Romans that destroyed Jerusalem and the second Jewish Temple in 70 AD. Daniel 9:26 tells us that the prince that is to come will come from the people that destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. Thus, the prince that is to come will in some way be associated with Rome. This is the one who is referred to in the Bible by various names, including the son of perdition, the lawless one, antichrist, the beast of the sea, and the beast. I also believe that “the Assyrian” referenced in Micah 5:5 is likely referring to this same one that will be the final antichrist.
Now, I say all of this because of something that I read recently, and it comes from Israel. Again, remember that the 70-weeks prophecy is all about Israel, to turn them from their sin and to turn them to Jesus. The Bible tells us that it is a one-third remnant of Israel who will turn to Him during the time of Jacob’s trouble. Now, let me discuss what I read that came out of Israel. Let me preface this by saying that I don’t know what percentage of Israelis support what this article says, but it is very interesting to say the least. The article is from November 11, 2024 from israel365news.com, just six days, hmm, interesting number, after the re-election of Donald Trump on November 5. The article cites Rabbi Yosef Berger’s thoughts based on the Jewish Midrash, which is part of the Mishnah, the Jewish oral law, on Donald Trump’s reelection in 2024, and how he believes the Midrash “hints” of Trump’s potential for building the third Jewish Temple: (See: https://israel365news.com/397766/midrash-hints-that-trump-will-return-glory-to-western-world-by-building-third-temple/)
“As the spiritual descendant of Rome, the nation that destroyed the Second Temple, Trump has the potential to do a tikkun, fixing the sin of Rome, and returning the glory to Western society.
““Trump’s election is a necessary element of the geula (redemption) and a sign that the moshiach (messiah) is imminent,” Rabbi Berger said. “That is why Donald Trump in Gematria (Hebrew numerology) equals 424, which is the same as Moshiach ben David (Messiah from the house of David),” Rabbi Berger pointed out. “This certainly does not mean he will be the Messiah, but it indicates that he will play a role in preparing the way for the arrival of the Messiah. He clearly has this inclination.”
“Rabbi Berger cited another midrash that hinted at Trump’s purpose.
“‘Trump is from Edom, Rabbi Berger said. Edom, literally ‘red,’ is the nation descended from Biblical Esav, the twin brother of Jacob, also known as Israel,” Rabbi Berger said. “Edom became Rome, which became Christianity, which became Western civilization,” Rabbi Berger said. “Trump is often ridiculed for his redness. Yaakov tricked Yitzchak and was blessed as the firstborn. Esav’s blessing was to serve Yaakov (Genesis 27:37). Edom, the Western world, can only be blessed through blessing Yisrael.
““Just like the Second Temple, the Third Temple will be built by non-Jews,” Rabbi Berger said. “This will only be fully revealed after Trump fulfills this role.””
I have written about this in a prior devotional, but I want to mention it again, and it’s another statement from the same article referenced above. First, let’s read what else it says about Donald Trump:
“Rabbi Berger cited the medieval commentator, Rashi, who stated (Daniel 12:12) that moshiach will be revealed, concealed, and then revealed again. This was also stated in Midrash Rabbah (Bamidbar 11:3):
““Rabbi Berachia in the name of Rabbi Levi said: Just like the first redeemer, Moshe, revealed himself to the Jews and then concealed himself, similarly the final redeemer will reveal himself and then conceal himself, and then return and reveal himself again”
““Like Cyrus, God put Donald Trump in power in order to build the Temple and pave the way for moshiach,” Rabbi Berger said. “Like Moses, Trump began as part of the common people, was revealed in his first success entering the White House, but was then hidden.”
““Like Moses, now that Trump has been revealed for the second time, he will fulfill his ultimate function,” Rabbi Berger said.”
I have a KJV Bible, and its Daniel 12:12 verse reads, “Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.” According to mayimachronim.com, it explains the belief that the “final redeemer” will be revealed, concealed, and revealed again. (See: https://www.mayimachronim.com/the-concealment-of-mashiach/)
There is something eerily similar to what was cited in the article above, and it is in the book of Revelation. In Revelation, it is referring to the beast of the sea, the final antichrist:
“And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition [destruction]: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder [marvel], whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are [have] fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space [time]. And the beast that was and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition [destruction].” (Revelation 17:7-11)
If I am understanding the Scriptures above correctly, they sound a lot like what the midrash states. The Jewish moshiach is one whom the Jews believe is their messiah. They also believe their redeemer will be a human being and not God. (See: https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4350289/jewish/15-Moshiach-Facts-Every-Jew-Should-Know.htm) Let’s compare the two:
Midrash: moshiach will be revealed, concealed, and then revealed again
Revelation 17: the beast that was, and is not, and yet is
We must remember that as of the old days, today’s Jews are not looking for Jesus Christ. As written in Isaiah 49, Jesus tells us that God hid Him “in the shadow of his hand” before He came to earth the first time:
“Listen, O isles [coastlands], unto me: and hearken, ye people, from far; the LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he he hid me; and said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” (Isaiah 49:1-3)
God hid Jesus all over the Old Testament Scriptures. However, anyone who reads and studies God’s word, and not a corrupted version of it, will begin to see that it is all about Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Scriptures prophesy His first and second comings, His millennial reign, and His eternal reign in a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem.
As Isaiah 49:1-3 above tells us, God hid Jesus before He came to earth the first time. As we have read in prior devotional messages, and will again later in this devotional, God told Jesus that He sent Him not only “to restore the preserved of Israel” but also to “give thee for a light to the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 49:6). As these Scriptures tell us, Jesus was hidden, then came to earth the first time as God’s suffering servant to offer salvation to the Jews, who rejected Him and then He offered salvation to the Gentiles. Jesus left the earth when He ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God, where He has been for nearly, 2000 years. At His second coming, Jesus will return to earth. However, this time, He will come as the Lion of the tribe of Judah to execute His righteous wrath on a wicked and evil world and to turn the surviving remnant of Jews to Him. No, the Jews in our world today are looking for a false messiah, and the Bible tells us this false messiah will be the beast/antichrist. He will be a human being who will likely appear to be a friend of Israel and will confirm the covenant with many, which promises them “peace and safety” in the midst of turmoil in the Middle East. Lest we think it’s okay to hate the Jews, we must also remember that the Bible tells us that God has blinded them in part until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in (Romans 11:25). If it weren’t for their rejection of Jesus Christ, He would not have turned His attention to the Gentiles to offer us, who are not Jewish, salvation of our sins as well, until such time He turns His attention back to the Jews.
Returning to the comments from the rabbis in the previously referenced article from Israel 365 news about God putting Donald Trump in power to build the third Temple, I do not know for a fact that Donald Trump supports the building of it. However, if his past and current actions toward Israel are any indication, I believe he does. It was recently reported that his Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth called in 2018 for the third Temple to be built at Al-Aqsa. (See: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/new-us-defence-secretary-called-building-third-temple-jerusalem)
It is very interesting and curious to me that the article I mentioned previously above is referring to Trump as “a spiritual descendant of Rome” and that Edom became Rome, “which became Christianity” and how Trump, can “fix the sin of Rome” by allowing Israel to build its third Temple. The article quotes Rabbi Berger as saying, “Edom, the Western world, can only be blessed through blessing Yisrael.” The Bible does tell us in Genesis 12:1-3:
“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 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 12:1-3)
Thus, it is true that any nation that blesses Israel will be blessed. However, while Donald Trump has done some good things for Israel, I believe he has also cursed Israel because of his desire to divide its land, both in his first and current administrations. In his first administration, his “deal of the century” that he proposed between Israel and Palestine which was rejected by the Palestinians, would have divided Israel. Now, just days into his second administration, he has stated that the United States will take over Gaza and “own it.” That is not blessing Israel, it is cursing it. I believe Israel is being willfully deceived by Donald Trump, the one who they see as the spiritual descendant of Edom who will allow them to build their third Temple. I also believe Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s current prime minister, is also cursing Israel if he were to allow this to happen, and it does seem that he is supporting Trump’s intentions about Gaza.
It’s interesting to me that the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ, their rejected Messiah, will come from Edom “with dyed garments from Bozrah” after Jesus Himself defends His own people who will finally turn to Him during the midpoint of the 7-year time of Jacob’s trouble. They will be the remnant of Jews who will be saved by Jesus Christ Himself during the time of Jacob’s trouble.
We must remember that when Jesus was here the first time and was preaching and teaching, His harshest words which He spoke were to the Jewish religious leaders at that time, who were the scribes and Pharisees:
“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after [according to] their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne [hard to bear], and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms [place of honour] at feasts, and the chief [best] seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master [Leader or Teacher], even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased [humbled]; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted [lifted up].” (Matthew 23:1-12)
Jesus was in the temple when He spoke these words, as per Matthew 24:1. He told the multitude and His disciples how the scribes and the Pharisees told the people to do certain things but they themselves did not do them. The scribes and the Pharisees enjoyed the best of things and put on displays to get the honor of the people. Jesus told them not to be called Rabbi and Father, but both the Jews and Catholics have disregarded Jesus’ words to them. Jesus told them that the One who is greatest among them “shall be your servant” and was speaking about Himself, whom God sent to the world first as His suffering servant. He warned them that whosoever exalts themselves will be humbled and that the humble will be exalted.
In Matthew 23:13-29, Jesus further called out the Jewish religious leaders for their hypocrisy, saying to them seven times, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” and one time, “Woe unto you, ye blind guides.” With each proclamation to them, He told them the reasons why he was calling them hypocrites and blind guides, and it was a long list. Jesus even said to them:
“Ye serpents, ye generation [brood or offspring] of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” (Jesus Christ; Matthew 23:33-39)
Again, the Jewish religious and political leaders in modern day Israel are not looking for Jesus, their true Messiah, but are looking for the coming of the false messiah. They are trusting and believing in mere man. They believe that Donald Trump is their friend and ally, when I believe he is the complete opposite.
Recently, an AI-generated video titled “Gaza 2025…What’s Next?” was released by two men from Israel who now live in the USA, and which Donald Trump posted on social media, including Truth Social. The Tribute India reported: (See: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/trump-shares-ai-video-of-gaza-transformation-showcasing-his-golden-statue-with-will-set-you-free-song/)
“The video representing 'Trump's Gaza', presents scenes of skyscrapers and children looking up to the sky as dollar bills rain down. Elon Musk appears eating hummus on the beach in Gaza, and a boy can be seen holding a golden balloon depicting Trump's face. The video also represents a larger-than-life statue of Donald Trump in gold, with people looking up to him.”
“In the video, a song can be heard in the backdrop, whose lyrics go, "Donald Trump will set you free, bringing the life for all to see, no more tunnels, no more fear, Trump's Gaza is finally here. Trump's Gaza is shining bright, golden future, a brand new life. Feast and dance; the deed is done. Trump Gaza number one."“
When it was first released, it was not clear if the video was created by someone in Donald Trump’s administration or by someone else, but the fact remains that Donald Trump shared it on his social media accounts, including his own Truth Social. Then on February 28, 2025, the two creators of the video came forward and said that it was created “as satire” and that they don’t want to be part of a “propaganda machine.” (See: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/trump-gaza-ai-video-propaganda-machine-rcna194097) Whatever this is, the video contains a golden statue of Donald Trump towering over Gaza, bringing to remembrance for many Christians who know their Bible, the golden statue built by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The king required everyone to worship the statue or they would be thrown into the fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:1-7) The imagery in the video is unmistakable in its comparison to the Babylonian golden statue in the book of Daniel. I have yet to see any Israeli articles making this comparison of the golden statue of Trump in the video to the golden statue of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. Neither The Times of Israel nor Israel 365 News mentioned the statue similarities in their articles about the video. In addition to the golden statue of Donald Trump towering over Gaza, the video also shows small golden statues of Trump for sale in a shop (See: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/trump-gaza-number-one-president-shares-ai-video-reimagining-strip-as-glitzy-beachfront-haven/, https://israel365news.com/400699/trump-shares-ai-vision-of-gaza-gop-supports-israeli-sovereignty-in-judea-and-samaria-and-idf-targets-hezbollah-in-lebanon/)
Why would Donald Trump want to share a video in which its song lyrics mimic what the Bible says about Jesus? Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by Him (John 14:6). It is Jesus who told us that only He, as the only begotten Son of God, can set us free from sin:
“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36)
It is Jesus who tells us we must be born again in order to have new life and to enter heaven when we die:
“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:1-7)
The Bible tells us clearly that when Jesus Christ gave up His life on the cross, saying, “It is finished,” having never sinned once and yet paid the price to redeem all sins for those who believe in Him as our Savior, it is He and He alone who gives us new life:
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar [sour wine], he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head and gave up the ghost [His spirit].” (John 19:30)
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
“Therefore as by the offense [one false step] of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s [Adam] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one {Jesus Christ] shall many be made righteous.” (Romans 5:18-19)
It is only by believing in Jesus Christ to forgive us of all our sins, setting us free from them, that we can enter the kingdom of heaven, which is described in the book of Revelation as having the light of Jesus to illuminate it. After Jesus returns at His second coming and reigns upon the earth for 1,000 years, He will destroy the current heavens and earth by fire and will create a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem. Jesus will dwell with all who believed in Him, forever. The holy city of the New Jerusalem will be filled with gold:
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write, for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Revelation 21:5-6)
“And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal …” (Revelation 21:10-11)
“And the building [construction] of the wall of it was jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.” (Revelation 21:18)
“…and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:21)
“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten [illuminate] it, and the Lamb [Jesus Christ] is the light thereof.”( Revelation 21:23)
If I were Donald Trump, I would have never shared the video on social media, for it is blasphemy to worship anything or anyone else but God. I believe Donald Trump knew exactly what he was doing when he shared the video, and that was to elevate himself to the level of God.
I want to talk about something else regarding President Trump, and that is a poem that he read during his 2016 and 2024 election campaigns. The poem was written by civil rights activist Oscar Brown Jr in 1963. It was also made into a song and was sung by Al Wilson in 1968. Trump read the poem at his election rallies, including as recently as March 2024, “despite a cease and desist letter.” The song is about a woman who takes in a half-frozen snake, takes care of it and nurtures it back to health, only to have the snake bite her with its poisonous venom. Trump recited the poem in order to indicate his stance on illegal immigration. (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Snake_(song)) You can read the full lyrics of the poem/song here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/the-snake-song-lyrics-trump-b2464914.html Here is part of the lyrics from the poem. You can watch a video of Trump reciting the poem here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/watch-donald-trump-and-the-snake/
“I saved you, I saved you, I saved you,” cried that woman.
“And you’ve bit me, heavens why?
You know your bite is poisonous and now I’m going to die.”
“Oh shut up, silly woman,” said the reptile with a grin.
“You knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in.”
I think there is something more sinister to Trump’s recitation of this poem/song, and it reminds me of the serpent (Satan) and Eve in the garden. Let’s read what the Bible says of the serpent, who deceived Eve into eating the fruit of the one tree God had commanded her husband, Adam, not to eat of. It is in these Scriptures where we read that God then put enmity, or mutual hatred, between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. Women have eggs and not seed; only men have seed. We know that this is speaking of Jesus Christ, who would be born from a woman, with the seed provided by the Most High (Luke 1:35) and that Satan would war against Jesus and would bruise His heel but Jesus will bruise His head:
“Now the serpent was more subtil [cunning] than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made.” (Genesis 3:1)
“And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled [deceived] me, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it [he] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:13-15)
With Donald Trump’s recitation of this poem/song many times at his campaign rallies, I think there is also a veiled hidden meaning, where the “woman” is Israel. I believe a clue to this is in the lyrics of the poem when it says the woman took the snake into her home and “She wrapped him up all cozy in a curvature of silk and then laid him by the fireside with some honey and some milk.” “Milk and honey” is widely known to describe the land that God promised to bring Israel to after He would have Moses lead His people out of Egypt:
“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows [pain]; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hives, and the Jebusites.” (Exodus 3:7-8)
On February 17, 2025, less than a month after the inauguration of Donald Trump’s second, non-consecutive term as president of the United States, an article was posted on Israel National News with the title, “Why did God save Trump?” Let’s read some of what the article says, in which the author of the article, Diane Bederman, explains why she believes God saved Donald Trump from an “assassination” attempt on July 13, 2024, and I put that in quotes because I believe it was all staged. In the article, she quotes Rabbi Pinchas Winston, “Trump is a catalyst, the spark that history needs to change direction. The world is volatile, and Trump is lighting a fire”: (See: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/404041)
“Why did God save Trump? We know He did because the bullet grazed Trump’s ear instead of killing him. It was so close one can only believe that Hand of God was directly involved.”
She further quotes Rabbi Winston:
“Trump is a warrior for the Jewish people and the state of Israel. No other non-Jew has stood up for Israel the way Donald Trump defends and protects her. He stands with Israel as she fights two wars; one on the ground against barbarians, and one in the air waves – the war of words, the propaganda war. While most of the world calls for the erasure of Israel by standing with Hamas and those who scream “Palestine will be free from the river to the sea,” Trump declares Israel from the river to the sea and the end of Gaza as we know it.
“Donald Trump is a true mensch and if God is looking for the one to do repentance for Esau, he could be the man.”
She also quotes Rabbi Yekutiel Fish:
“Everyone is focused on Gaza, but that is only one part of the end-of-days agenda, which has the Jews living in Israel’s prophesied borders. The Torah explicitly includes Gaza. What Trump is doing is cleaning out Gaza of all the haters of Israel. They cannot be in Israel after the Messiah comes. After the Messiah, the only people who can be in the Biblical borders of Israel are those who believe He is One and His name is One. This will include Gaza, half of Lebanon, and much of Jordan.”
“And we see that we are almost there. Syria fell. Lebanon is half gone. Gaza is ripped up. The stage is nearly set for Messiah. But how can the Palestinian Arabs be here when we go to greet the Messiah? The Messiah needs someone to take care of this, and in this case, it is Donald Trump. Trump is merely carrying out the final tasks needed before Messiah is revealed.””
I think it’s a fair assessment to say that many in Israel are embracing Donald Trump, perhaps even more so since the events of July 13, 2024. I believe that Israel is deceived and is setting itself up for devastation, just as the woman in the poem took in the snake that bit her with its poisonous venom. Israel is not trusting in Jesus Christ, who is God, but in human men, and particularly one man to protect her and save her from destruction from its enemies. If one truly cares about Israel, one would not seek to divide the land that God gave her.
I have written all of this because I truly believe we are so very close to the rapture of the church and the start of the 7-year time of Jacob’s trouble, which will commence when the one who will be the final antichrist will confirm the covenant with “the many,” which I believe includes Israel. I’m not sure if it includes other countries besides Israel since the Bible does not tell us, but time will tell.
You may think that my thoughts on Donald Trump indicate that I have “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” However, that is not true. I voted for him twice, in the 2016 and 2020 elections. However, after the worldwide COVID deception that began in America and his support of the “vaccines” and most importantly, his support of his so-called “peace” deals that would divide the land of Israel, and especially with his recent statements about owning and taking over Gaza, my eyes have been opened to his true intentions, which I believe are not good. They aren’t good for Israel, they’re not good for America, and they’re not good for the world. I am done choosing between “the lesser of two evils.” Both sides are corrupt. My hope is not in any politician; my hope is in Jesus Christ alone. Sadly, I have seen so many people who are ignoring what he did in first administration and to me, they seem to be under some delusion, similar to what the Bible tells us in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 will happen after the man of sin, the son of perdition, the final antichrist, will be revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
Now, returning to today’s Scripture verses in Isaiah 49:21-22, at the end of the 7-year time of Jacob’s trouble, Jesus will return to earth with His armies in heaven. I believe the armies in heaven includes all the saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13), who is everyone who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation, both those who were raptured alive and those who had died in their faith. Jesus will save the remnant of Israel, and slay with the sword of His mouth all of the nations that will gather and fight against Him. After Jesus casts the antichrist and false prophet into the lake of fire and brings Israel back into her land that God gave her, He will also give her new children to replace the children she lost. These children will be the sons and daughters of the Gentiles, who will also have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and who will come to Israel to honor her. The remnant of Israel will ask Jesus,“Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?” Jesus will tell them that their sons and daughters are from the Gentiles. As God tells us many times in His word, including in Isaiah 49:6, He sent Jesus not only to save a remnant of Israel but also “as a light to the Gentiles” so that salvation can be offered to everyone, not just to Israel:
“And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:7)
Isaiah chapter 60 also includes a passage of Scripture very similar to Isaiah 49:21-22:
“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together [become radiant], and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged [swell with joy]; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces [wealth] of the Gentiles [nations] shall come unto thee.” (Isaiah 60:1-5)
“Surely the isles [coastlands] shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. And the sons of strangers [foreigners] shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.” (Isaiah 60:9-10)
Jesus Christ offers salvation to ALL who believe in Him and who call on Him to save them, and this extends to EVERYONE who will turn to Him during the 7-year time of Jacob’s trouble. Read the words of the Scriptures below, as God calls the people of Israel to Him. Notice that He tells them that nations that they don’t know will run to them because of Him:
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness [abundance]. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.” (Isaiah 55:1-5)
In the above Scriptures, God is also telling Israel about Jesus, who had not yet come in the flesh but would in the future. All of the Old Testament Scriptures testify of Jesus. When Jesus came to earth the first time to offer salvation first to the Jews, He referenced the Old Testament Scriptures, including the ones above:
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly [heart] shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh out of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?” (John 7:37-47)
At Jesus’ first coming, the Jews should have recognized Jesus as their Messiah, the Christ, the only begotten Son of God, but their hardness of heart prevented the majority of them from believing the truth, just as prophesied by Jeremiah:
“O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.” (Jeremiah 17:13)
Jesus Christ IS the witness and He IS the leader and commander to the people spoken of above in Isaiah 55:1-5, as also written in the books of Daniel and Revelation:
“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto 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.” (Daniel 9:25)
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten [born] of the dead, and the prince of [ruler over] the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds [the tribes] of the earth shall wail [mourn] because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:5-8)
In the Scriptures below, I believe Jesus was telling those who rejected Him and who sought to kill Him would be the same in heart as the ones who will accept the coming antichrist. Jesus words applied not only to that generation of Jews who were alive when Jesus was here at His first coming, but they also apply to those who are alive now:
“And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape [form]. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. Search [you search] the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And [but] ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 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.” (John 5:37-43)
I believe we are drawing very near to the start of the time of Jacob’s trouble. Israel is not seeking Jesus Christ, who comes in His Father’s name. Modern Israel, in our world today, still has not turned to Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, and continues to reject Him. I believe it very well may be this generation of Jews alive today who will receive the one who comes in his own name, the antichrist, to their peril and destruction. However, as God also tells us in His word, Jesus Christ will save a remnant of Israel, those who will believe on Him.
Returning to Isaiah 55, God is telling His people to seek Him while He may be found and turn to Him. He is telling them these things because He wants them to be saved. His words also ring true to the Gentiles. The apostle Paul reminded us in the book of Romans that no one who believes in Jesus, referred to as the “stumblingstone and “rock of offence,” will be put to shame. May we read and heed His words today, before it’s too late.
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” (Isaiah 55:6-13)
“But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore [Why}? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed [put to shame].” (Romans 9:31-33)
In closing, let us read and heed the apostle Paul’s words of warning to us:
“Now we beseech you, brethren, by [concerning] the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and by [concerning] our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand [had come]. 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; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth [is restraining] that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery [hidden truth] of iniquity [lawlessness] doth already work: only he who now letteth will let [restrains will do so] until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked [Lawless One] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit [breath] of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness [unrighteous deception] in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned [condemned] who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.. But we are bound [under obligation] to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17) 🙏🏻 ✝️