In Part 1 of this series, I addressed Phases 1 and 2 of the major events that will take place at the end of the age. I described these primarily from the standpoint of a final generation or remnant that goes through and is delivered out of the time of “Jacob’s trouble.” Once they are delivered, then “Jacob’s trouble” will come upon the whole house of Israel and the entire world in Phase 3. The following graphic shows these phases of end times events.
Phases 1 through 3 are especially important to understand so that the final seven year period (Phases 4 and 5) that includes the Day of the Lord will not catch believers entirely unaware (albeit we know that the Day of the Lord itself comes as a “thief in the night”). I may discuss Phases 4 and 5 in a separate passage. Meanwhile, for further reference on general Day of the Lord events, you may refer to my series of the same name on this site.
In the meantime, Phase 3 that I discuss in detail in this passage is a unique time period that exists between the first phases I covered in Part 1, which take place over the large part of a final “fig tree” generation, and the final seven years at the end of the age. One unique aspect of Phase 3 that I will address herein is that it may be relatively brief in duration overall (i.e. approximately 3 years) prior to the onset of the final seven year “tribulation period.” Having said that, there is much that will happen in this time that will be of incredible importance for individual souls worldwide.
Phase 3. “Jacob’s Trouble” (Part 2)
After ‘Jacob’ is delivered out of, or from, the time of “Jacob’s trouble,” then the same nature of trouble will come upon the whole house of Israel. This will likely be the “snare” that Jesus said will come upon the entire world. This “trouble,” like ‘Jacob’s personal trouble in Phase 2, will be that of ‘Egypt’ (i.e. practices or oaths that serve foreign gods that produce the effect of bondage and enslavement across entire societies). The general principle here is that those who are in bondage tend to attempt to take others into bondage. A matrix is established and a seemingly endless cycle is perpetuated.
To begin, Israel’s last days leaders, in particular, are blinded by the foreign gods that control them. Their corruption and transgressions are a significant contributing factor for why their Patriarch ‘Jacob’ faces his “trouble”- i.e. captivity, persecution, and suffering. God asks in one place, “Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?” (Jer. 2:14). This is also shown in the following verses:
For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem? (Mic. 1:5)
Who gave Jacob for a spoil, and Israel to the robbers? did not the Lord, he against whom we have sinned? for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his law. (Is. 42:24)
‘Israel’ will also be implicated for the persecution of their own Matriarch, the ‘Daughter of Zion.’ God says that his anger is related to her “hurt” (See Part 1). This is a hurt for which ‘Israel’s leaders will attempt to say “peace,” but there will not be peace because there will be no justice. I have described previously on this site how these leaders and shepherds will be revealed as not looking out for their flock.
The Lord promises recompense and vengeance for the “controversy of Zion.” The Lord himself will become a “stone of stumbling and rock of offense” for both disobedient houses of Israel, especially at the point that the final seven year “tribulation” commences. In the meantime, below, I describe the beginning of the Lord’s judgment on the house of Israel as it currently exists predominantly in the country of Israel and the U.S., according to statistics.
The Country of Israel
As the beginning of God’s punishment in the last days, the country of Israel and its leaders will face an internal scourge and personal confounding; this will be according to the Apostle Paul’s principle of tribulation “of the Jew first” (Rom. 2:9). It is one that we may already be witnessing in subtle form. This is due not only to their involvement in the persecution of ‘Jacob’ and his remnant but to their overall corruption involving oppression and much bloodshed in the land. Through Ezekiel we learn that the land will be found to be full of “bloody crimes” and “violence.” A couple of warnings for its leaders who will be “made a reproach to the heathen,” “mocked,” and “vexed” at just the beginning of God’s coming punishment are seen in the following verses:
Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. (Ez. 7:26)
Then shalt thou say unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the kings that sit upon David’s throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness. (Jer. 13:13)
Eventually, due to worsening conditions in the country, not to mention external threats, Israel’s leaders will attempt to make some kind of deal or alliance in the name of ‘peace’ as mentioned above. I have described before on this site and in my book, Biblical End Times, Volume 2, that this will appear to be peace with their neighbors on the surface. But it will likely also be related to settling various injustices and grievances that include the persecution of their own Judah-centric remnant in ‘Babylon,’ a nation to the north. In their efforts at keeping their transgressions hidden and the “wall of Zion” in tact, perpetrating parties of Israel will attempt to hide behind an agreement made with others shown as follows:
Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves… (Is. 28:15)
Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter. (Ez. 13:10)
More than once in prophetic scripture we are told that when Israel’s leaders say, ‘peace,’ there will be none. At the time they are caught and truth is revealed instead, Israel’s leaders will be ashamed of their “Egyptian alliance.” They will have been deceived and set up by those they answered to and considered allies; God’s Word tells us that their “ambassadors for peace will weep bitterly.” They will have been on the wrong side of the “wall.” These leaders will be apprehended at this time that the Day of the Lord is near.
Society and households
Meanwhile, the revealing of corruption and a continuing associated scourge will cause what becomes Israel’s leaderless society’s “riggings to hang loose.” As its wall begins to crack, institutions and households will fall apart from within. Israelis will be a people who scripture says become “beaten down.” It will exist as a society full of internal strife, “without gladness,” and “panic, not joy.” God’s Word refers to this time when people will not want to leave their homes. Due to the revealing of the severity of anti-Christ Chaldean infiltration-related iniquities, even at the household level, scripture says that people will not want to sit down to eat with their own family members, will no longer want their mate, and will be unconcerned with the burying of their own.
For Israel’s citizens, God will conduct a purging or “melting” process that will allow for those few who are willing to be purified or cleansed. He warns, “I will gather you, and I will blow upon you in the fire of my wrath” (Ez. 22:21). The Lord will also have a messenger who will be like a “refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap.” We are told that this messenger will sit as a “refiner and purifier of silver” (Mal. 3:2-3). In the process of this scourge that comes on internally, “morning by morning,” consistent with the time of “Jacob’s trouble” and continuing “birth pains,” there will also be continuing rumors of war, a siege on the land, along with famine and pestilence. Later, I describe an ultimate foreign invasion as one outcome of this phase of events just prior to the Day of the Lord.
‘Babylon’-U.S. including Israel’s ‘northern kingdom’ within
A general finding in last days bible prophecy is that events in the country of Israel and the U.S. will mirror each other. This will be the case at this continuing time of “Jacob’s trouble.” It will be for the same reasons. ‘Babylon’-U.S. and some of ‘Israel’s own within will be found complicit in the decimation of Israel’s vineyard and violence against ‘Jacob’s anointed “small flock” remnant. And in-line with global Babylon, it will be found to have the “blood of the saints” on its hands that scripture says it has “rejoiced” about.
‘Babylon’ will be discovered and revealed as a society full of lawlessness and various transgressions previously carried out behind-the-scenes. This is described in scripture as uncovering the “nakedness” of ‘Babylon’s Chaldean queen, or for ‘Israel’ within, as uncovering Gomer the harlot’s nakedness. Referring to the Lord’s coming judgment on ‘Babylon,’ the following Psalm verse reflects the hearts of those who have been persecuted:
O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us. (Ps. 137:8)
The same trap or scourge described earlier that includes spiritual judgment will come onto ‘Babylon’-U.S. and ‘Israel’s ‘northern kingdom’ within. In fact, I have previously surmised that this scourge will actually arrive at Israel’s “doorstep” from ‘Babylon,’ a land to the north. You will notice the following verses for ‘Babylon’ are similar to those above warning about the internal scourge that will come upon the country of Israel:
I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the Lord. The Lord hath opened his armoury, and hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord God of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans. (Jer. 50:24-25)
For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me. Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know. (Is. 47:10-11)
In ‘Babylon’-U.S.’s society described as having “wickedness that reaches to the heavens,” there will be internal strife and conflict at the time the “flood of Egypt” rises, also described metaphorically in scripture as a “multitude of waves.” Like the rumors and constant threats that will plague the country of Israel, about ‘Babylon’-U.S. we are told, “And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler” (Jer. 51:46).
Both Gentile and ‘Israel’s leaders within who have “been proud” and have “striven against” God will be found to be corrupt. God’s Word tells us that they will become “drunken,” “mad” and “turned backward.” Like kings in Daniel’s day, they will discover that their false gods, prognosticators and stargazers will no longer work for them. And just as the country of Israel’s leaders, they will become confused and confounded as God discovers the “foundations” of their secret system. The writing will be on the wall. To seek relief, and likely due to political pressure, leaders will attempt the same or a similar or peace agreement referred to above. They will errantly turn to those who are the source of their problems in the first place.
God refers to ‘Ephraim’ (proxy for Israel’s ‘northern kingdom’ in ‘Babylon’) in their attempts to run to ‘Egypt’ as a “silly dove without heart” and observes that they “feed on the wind” at the point when they form an agreement with the ‘Assyrian.’ But their corruption and attempts to run for cover will be revealed. The outcome of their insincere and deceptive efforts for ‘peace,’ described later, will be the same kind of invasion from without that the country of Israel will suffer.
Society and households
Meanwhile, as a result of the Chaldeans’ strategy and continuing powerful Star Wars-like storyline and narrative supported by endless propaganda, messaging and idolatrous practices deliberately cultivated, perpetuated and deeply engrained over the course of generations, nearly all of ‘Babylon’-U.S.’s society including Israel’s last days ‘northern kingdom’ within will have been deceived and distracted. Unfortunately, they will be alongside many peoples of the world who will have been indoctrinated into the ongoing deceptive occult narrative with universally recognized, coded, verbal and non-verbal communications designed against, and to distract from, the Lord and his faithful servants.
The comic book-style narrative and rules-based, occult-like game that has been played over time has had a reverse-social engineering effect. The revealing of this secretive anti-Christ, ‘Egyptian’ god-influenced system of bondage and captivity will cause those who thought they lived in relative freedom to realize otherwise as follows:
But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. (Is. 42:22)
Those in ‘Babylon’-U.S. will awaken to understand it is multitudes of their fellow citizens captured in blackmail, bribes, etc. who traded out to participate in following the orders of the upcoming global Babylon system. This will have been the same ‘matrix’ system that originally caused ‘Jacob’ and his remnant’s troubles in Phase 2 prior to this previously hidden system being rolled out more transparently. This kind of spy-surveillance network with backchannel reporting including accusations, slander, etc. will cause enormous distrust in its society (i.e. the time referred to by Jeremiah as “trust ye not in any brother” and “trust ye not in a friend”).
Just as we will see in the country of Israel, there will be continuing breakdown at the family and household level. Although households have been divided for a long time according to Jesus’ words, the last days will especially be a time when we see “daughter against mother,” “man against father,” and “no man shall spare his brother,” etc. Additional distrust of family members will be the result of becoming aware of the adversary’s infiltration and schemes of betrayal including but not limited to intentional intermingling among ‘Israel’ in marriage, facilitating adultery, planned divorce, etc. As a result of its corrupt society and associated behaviors, God promises to ‘Babylon’s symbolic queen-figure:
But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments. (Is. 47:9)
In a time of great separation and ever-widening distinction between good and wickedness at the household level, there will come a time like Israel is told in scripture when “none will want her mate.” Recall that Jesus pointed to the time of famine in Elijah’s day when there were many widows. In addition, I believe that the meaning of the verse related to “one being taken, the other left” (Matt. 24:40) will apply at the household level in a forced removal of many. The ones removed are taken to the place where the “eagles are gathered”; I believe this is an indication of an event that will happen in ‘Babylon,’ likely the U.S., as I have described in previous passages.
The whole earth
Continuing “sorrows” or “travails” here in Phase 3 along with associated events are indicated in this time of “Jacob’s trouble” before the Day of the Lord arrives. Beyond just the country of Israel and the U.S., these events such as wars, rumors of wars, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, etc. will affect the whole earth. This time, also associated with a critical mass of people in bondage to foreign gods, and individuals and institutions trapped in iniquities (i.e. “flood of Egypt”), will likely produce the “snare” that Jesus foretold will come on to the entire earth.
I have previously described the Pharaoh-‘Assyrian’ as the one who uses his minion-army and the “manner of Egypt” to “devour” and destroy ‘Jacob’s remnant and the house of Israel. But we are told that he will attempt to “destroy (and) cut off nations, not a few” (Is. 10:7). In this line of scripture he boasts that his hand finds the “riches of the people” and that as one gathers eggs, he gathers “all the earth.” According to Jeremiah, he also remarks, “I will go up, I will cover the whole earth; I will destroy the city and inhabitants thereof” (Jer. 46:8). The principle here is that the oppressed house of Israel’s enemy is everyone’s enemy; that is, an enemy of humanity.
The Pharaoh-‘Assyrian’s methods are unconventional warfare that include the “mystery of iniquity.” This will become more widely revealed and better understood by all in this phase. The type of fear-based psychological imprisonment and dark spiritual deception engaged in by this kingdom’s system that serves its rulers’ objective to solidify their control over the multitudes is also referred to in scripture as: the “hand that is stretched out upon all the nations” (Is. 14:26); the “face of the covering cast over all people” (Is. 25:7); and the “vail that is spread over all nations” (Is. 25:7). This “vail” of deception allows powerful, wicked rulers to quietly hold the multitudes in captivity and to watch and detect any dissenters. Citizens of the world will suddenly be awakened again as to Jesus’ stated mission, “to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Lk. 4:18-19).
Society and households
I concluded each of the two sections about Israel above with a description of how “trouble” in this phase might affect Israel’s and ‘Babylon’-U.S.’s citizens at the household level. Related to this, I have mentioned several times to this point in this series about a “revealing” of truth for citizens of the world. This will cause clear distinction between those who desire what is righteous versus those who are committed to the adversary’s kingdom. In this time of stark awakening, pointing to the beginning of this adversary’s downfall, Jesus instructed:
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. (Matt. 10:26)
For many others worldwide who desire to remain righteous in the midst of wickedness that becomes prevalent and out in the open, Christ-believers in a last days lukewarm church (i.e. Laodicea) are instructed to be “tried as gold in the fire” so that they may be found wearing white garments. Part of this purging may include separation from family and relationships. Recall Jesus’ words about brother rising against brother, and one not sparing the other. Also informative for this time is Jesus’ response when he was questioned about his family; he referred to those that do the will of his Father in heaven as his family.
As in the ancient time of Daniel who was thrown in the lion’s den, or his friends thrown in the fiery furnace, in this last days phase leading into the final seven years referred to by many as the “tribulation period,” the Apostle Paul’s words of working out salvation with “fear and trembling” will apply. In a time of shaking such as this, Paul identified the true faithful as those which “cannot be shaken” who will remain. Elsewhere, Paul recommended “purging out the old leaven” to become as a new unleavened lump (1 Cor. 5:7). Notice the similarity between Paul’s and Peter’s (2nd and 3rd verses) encouragement for believers about this kind of trial and persecution:
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. (1 Cor. 3:13)
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Pet. 1:7)
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Pet. 4:12-13)
I will discuss the glory of the Lord’s arising later in this passage. Meanwhile, likely around the time that ‘Jacob’ emerges from his personal trouble, as a servant of Jesus Christ, he will become as a last days “light to the Gentiles” (Is. 49:6). We are told that he will bring “judgment” to them, thus showing an example of what God’s justice looks like for faithful servants versus the wickedness of the alternative kingdom and its order-takers. Gentiles worldwide will recognize that they have “inherited lies, vanity and things wherein there is no profit” (Jer. 16:19). While much of the house of Israel will be pursued and scattered during this time, many Gentiles will again hear and accept the message of salvation (Acts 28:28).
The Fullness of the Gentiles
‘Jacob’ will be one of several watchmen, similar to John the Baptist or John the Revelator, in announcing the one whose Kingdom is soon-to-come and whose shoes he is not worthy to fill. He may be one who contributes to the event of the Gospel “preached as a witness to all nations,” which Jesus says will happen before the “end” comes. (Eventually, at the end of this phase or early in Phase 4, Israel will also witness the Lord’s arising and hear ‘Jacob’s word that “lighted on Israel” at this time when he “opens the blind eyes” (Is. 42:7).
While the “fullness of Gentiles” will come in around the time that God’s vengeance begins (in the first part of the final seven years), this current stage (3) will be a critical test of their faith. It will be the time when most will be at risk of being deceived, “departing from the faith,” or surrendering to the shakedown and extortion tactics of the adversary that will climax in being personally marked at the midpoint of the final seven years. In the meantime, Jesus forewarned:
But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. (Matt. 10:17-18)
Those who submit to bondage and persecution of the adversary rather than pledging allegiance during this time will have to be patient and “fight the good fight” while the oppressing kingdom remains in control. Jesus encouraged believers to “watch” at this time and to, “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning” (Lk. 12:35). The Apostle James also suggested remaining patient and to “stablish your hearts.” In the process of keeping his own faith and “finishing the race,” the Apostle Paul encouraged as follows:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Tim. 4:8)
Otherwise, in the meantime, we are advised to be “counted worthy to stand before the Son of man” when he returns from the wedding or a “long journey” at the second or third watch. Christ-believers must trust those verses in God’s Word that we are “not appointed to wrath” and can be saved from it in the day of trouble. Those who are watching and ready can still be hidden or “escape all these things” related to the Lord’s judgment that will come especially in the final seven years (Phases 4 and 5). True, faithful believers can take solace that a significant part of this period will include the manifestation of God’s wrath upon the wicked who “know not” or “obey not” the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are assured, “…then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment” (2 Pet. 2:9).
Outcome – Phase 3
In keeping our eyes on the house of Israel to inform our understanding of end times events, an unfortunate reality before the Day of the Lord begins is that Israel’s vineyard will have been stripped and decimated. At a time the Lord warns that the Day of the Lord is “at hand,” the Prophet Joel laments as follows about the harvest that has “perished”: “the field is wasted”; “the seed is rotten under the clod”; “the flocks of sheep are made desolate”; “the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness”; the “flame hath burned all the trees of the field” etc. This will be the end result of likely many years of pruning of the vineyard, but certainly also due to extreme purging in this end times phase.
Referring to this “day of the watchmen,” a day when Israel’s “visitation” and “perplexity” comes, the Prophet Micah laments similarly as follows about lack of a harvest: “… there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit” (Mic. 7:1). Micah here is calling out oppression and transgressions in Israel’s society, which I have described previously includes its shepherds, priests, prophets, leaders, etc. who have collectively not stewarded the flock. The Prophet Joel warns about this, “Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen…” God warns, “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” (Jer. 23:1). God specifically calls out the “Men of Judah” through Isaiah:
For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry…Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. (Is. 5:7,13)
God chides these leaders in his Word about how they do not allow a remnant to come to “birth.” They eventually come to this realization, remarking, “We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth…” (Is. 26:18). When God asks rhetorically where the flock is, he warns leaders that his punishment is coming. He says further:
I will surely consume them, saith the Lord: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them. (Jer. 8:13)
Scripture is clear that ‘Israel’s vineyard in both the country of Israel and as ‘Ephraim’ within ‘Babylon’-U.S. will have been severely stripped. Then these countries will be at risk from outside enemies. Continuing “travails,” “birth pains,” and related signs at this time of “Jacob’s trouble” will continue to intensify. Various watchmen, including those “from a far country” (relative to the land of Israel), will warn of the fracturing and crumbling “wall” in these societies, thereby leading to subsequent attack.
The Country of Israel
A country of Israel that has its harvest stripped, corruption and oppression revealed, sees peace efforts fall apart, and has rejected God will be in a very lonely and vulnerable place. God will be hiding his face at this time that the “sun goes down” and the “day will be dark” on Israel’s prophets. Because of Israel’s breaking God’s ancient instructions about relying on Egypt, they are warned by him as follows:
Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. (Is. 30:12-13)
Again, the prophetic scenario given in scripture looks very similar for both Israel and ‘Babylon’-U.S. That is, after internal decay, then a surrounding or siege will happen, followed by foreign invasion. Jesus warned for Israel about this time, “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh” (Lk. 21:20). Through Jeremiah Israel is warned about the “sound of the trumpet” and the “alarm” of war. In this phase of continuing sorrows and travails, Isaiah’s vision shows, “a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.” Israel’s leaders here will respond, “anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail” (Jer. 6:24).
Through the Prophets, including Ezekiel, God warns about the “sword” that will come upon his people to “consume them.” God calls this his “sharpened,” “furbished” sword for slaughter. Scripture warns about this multinational coalition from the north that will administer punishment. At this time, people in the country of Israel will also suffer various deathly plagues. We are told that only one-third will escape, yet still followed by the sword and “led away captive among the nations.” Gentiles will trample down Jerusalem going into Phase 4.
‘Babylon’-U.S. including Israel’s ‘northern kingdom’ within
I mentioned earlier that it is likely the same failed peace agreement above that U.S. leaders, including its “treacherous dealer,” will be a part of. It will be a time that justice for the Lord’s remnant fails. Applying to this same time of continuing “travails” and watchmen warnings prior to the Day of the Lord, God says, “Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes” (Jer. 51:12). At this time, through the Prophet Isaiah’s prophecy of the “burden of the desert of the sea” in which God says, “set a watchman,” Isaiah as an end times persona in his vision of coming invasion on ‘Babylon’ reports, “pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it” (Is. 21:3).
‘Babylon’s leaders’ own “travailing” at this time will be a result of war that comes to its doorstep. We are told prophetically that the king of ‘Babylon’s hands, “waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail” (Jer. 50:43). We are also told:
Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty…And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. (Is. 13:6,8)
In ‘Babylon’-U.S.’s society that has rejected God and cannot be “healed,” he invites its enemies, “Come against her from the utmost border, open her storehouses: cast her up as heaps, and destroy her utterly: let nothing of her be left” (Jer. 50:26). Like those in the country of Israel, ‘Babylon’s citizens will have to “flee,” “come out of her,” and “deliver their souls.”
‘Ephraim’ as a proxy for Israel’s ‘northern kingdom’ within is instructed to “not stay long.” At this time, those who “escape the sword” are instructed to leave, remember the Lord, and “let Jerusalem come into your mind.” Those fleeing from this north country, “shall every man turn to his own people, and flee every one into his own land” (Is. 13:14). However, those of ‘Israel’ will not be able to return to the holy land because of events above. They will become “wanderers among the nations.” They will be “sifted.” God tells ‘Ephraim’ that he will become as a “worthless thing” among the Gentile nations.
(Note at this time at the end of this phase leading into Phase 4 that the nation of ‘Babylon’ will be destroyed in a single day or “one day.” This has possible additional meaning of a “first” or “initial” day. Meanwhile, global ‘Babylon’ is still in play, to arise more transparently in Phases 4 and 5).
Phase 3- A Three-Year Time Period?
In Part 1, I addressed the possibility, based on patterns in scripture, that ‘Jacob’s anointed remnant’s initial deliverance at the end of Stage 2, at least loosely corresponding to the Son of man’s hiding, may be for a period of ‘3’ (i.e. years). This time would coincide with at least part of this current purging and refining phase (3) for the rest of the citizens of the world. I believe there are indicators for approximately this same timeframe applying in this phase.
In Part 1 (Phase 2), I also discussed the precedent for, and possibility of, ‘Jacob’s remnant re-mobilizing after their initial deliverance lasting for approximately three years. This could coincide with the necessity of the larger house of Israel’s escape or exodus from both the country of Israel as well as ‘Babylon’ as I described above. Thus, it is possible that all of ‘Israel’ may mobilize at once at or near the beginning of the final seven year “tribulation period.”
Captivity and bondage
In looking further into a possible timeframe of ‘3’ for this current phase (3), it is logical to first examine prophecy, precedent and examples in scripture for captivity and bondage. As perhaps the earliest prophetic indicator, Abraham was on a journey according to God’s instructions to sacrifice Isaac. It was Abraham about whom we are told: “Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.” (Gen. 22:4). Of course, the Lord provided a sacrifice in Isaac’s place. At this time Abraham received the covenant promise for the land of Israel. God said in prophetic terms that, first, Israel would be taken captive by its enemies for three years before they would be defeated.
As a result of their trials suffered in this current phase, a remnant of the house of Israel will slowly awaken to their Messiah, Jesus Christ, as already having provided atoning sacrifice for their release. In the meantime, Abraham’s ancient vision of the land “afar off” here is similar to this period in the last days when God tells an ‘Israel’ that has been under captivity, a siege and purging process causing them to exit foreign lands, “let Jerusalem come into your mind.” In Hebrews, Chapter 11, the Apostle Paul discusses those heroes of the faith who had seen promises “afar off” and who:
desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city (Heb. 11:16)
As further precedent or foreshadowing for events in this current last days phase, in God’s Word, a period of siege and captivity for ‘3’ (years) was seen for a couple of Israel’s ancient corrupt kings (both Judah and northern kingdom) at the hands of their enemies prior to invasion and destruction of their kingdoms. While Israel’s current day rulers are likely already controlled, an even tighter bondage during a last days siege is very likely due to their aforementioned allegiances.
I have also described before on this site the end times personas of the Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel and signs of their respective captive states during a time of Israel’s remnant’s “birthings.” In Isaiah’s persona’s case, in particular, I surmised that events during his captivity that signal calamities including Israel’s leaders being apprehended, their lands plundered, threat of war, etc. may occur over the courseof approximately three years
In another example of captivity, like the anointed remnant described in Part 1 of this series, Joseph in his ancient day was imprisoned by Pharaoh under false pretenses. After he earned his way out of his captive state and showed value in serving in Pharaoh’s kingdom, Joseph’s brothers visited Egypt in a time of need due to famine. While he was not recognized by them, Joseph put his brothers whom he accused as spies in captivity for a period of three days until the others returned with his brother.
In Joseph’s day, we have another indicator here of this time period that might be symbolic for the Gentiles in this phase. I described they will likely in large part be the first benefactors in deliverance as a continuation of Jesus’ time when they believed his mission for salvation and freedom for the captives. A symbolic precedent for ‘3’ here could be the imprisoned chief butler in Joseph’s day for whom Joseph interpreted his dream and declared that he would be restored after this time (i.e. three years). Otherwise, as possibly representative of the separation, dividing and judgment I discussed earlier that will occur in societies worldwide, the dream of their fellow prisoner, the chief baker, symbolized his coming demise at the hands of Pharaoh according to Joseph.
Judgments
As an ancient indicator for judgment during Phase 3 that might come to the world gods of ‘Egypt’ and Israel as described earlier, we might consider the time of God’s punishment on ancient Pharaoh. Punishment came in waves as he continued to disobey with regard to captive Israel. Between the ninth and final judgment on (firstborns of) his kingdom, God sent three days of thick darkness to come upon the land. Similarly, for ‘Babylon,’ just as judgment on ancient Egypt was signaled, more than once in prophetic scripture ‘Moab’ is given as a picture of a last days land as it will be condemned and destroyed as a “three year old hireling.”
In this last days phase (3) that includes darkness and aforementioned worldwide events at this time of continuing “sorrows” and “travails,” the anointed “small flock” remnant in ‘Babylon’ described in Phase 2 may be given some kind of light in their camp as ancient Israel in Egypt, possibly as that described by Jesus as “light of the world” or a “a city on a hill (that) cannot be hid.” However, in the meantime, prophetic scripture in many cases (as indicated earlier) points to the larger house of Israel as remaining blinded and having “gone to Egypt” at this time. It also describes how they will experience the same darkness as others when the last days “snare” of judgment comes upon the world. (I will mention here that literal darkness and signs in the heavens are indicated in a couple cases in scripture as occurring even prior to the Day of the Lord). ‘Israel’ will also deal with spiritual darkness including blindness and a famine for hearing the words of the Lord. Recall that the Apostle Paul was made blind and famished for a period of three days prior to beginning his ministry journey for Christ en route to Damascus.
Otherwise, since Phase 3 including God’s discipline involves an extreme purging and refining process, we can look for precedent as this time has been indicated for additional examples of judgment. First, King David was given a choice of three possible punishments for his census taken that were very similar to events that will come upon Israel and the world during this phase (i.e. pestilence, famine, sword). Each option was for a time period of ‘3.’ There was also a famine in the “days of David” for three years due to King Saul’s transgressions before him. As famine might be related to a lack of harvest, you might recall that God withheld rain for three months in the ancient northern kingdom in the days of the Prophet Amos. Elijah also prayed for no rain (for 3 ½ years) as judgment on this kingdom.
For those who do not find deliverance that I discuss below, then Phases 4 and 5 will comprise an additional seven years of worldwide famine that will come upon much of the world along with other judgments. The famine will be like the one in Joseph’s day, or similar to the one in Elisha forecasted for Israel’s northern kingdom, both of which were for seven years.
It is worth noting here that the “sword” of war as a judgment is common in scripture after a period of three years. Also, war for Israel commonly began at the beginning of the day (i.e. at sunrise). This would be consistent with an invasion coming after the watches of the night, internal decay and any initial deliverances that occur in this current phase (3). War will be another means of judgment occurring throughout the final seven years of the end of the age.
The Lord’s arising
At this time of darkness when the Lord has hidden his face and calamities come (beginning around the time of the end of Phase 2), I have described previously that, according to a strong theme in scripture, the people of ‘Israel’ will begin to seek him but find no answer. As precedent for this, recall that the ancient northern kingdom’s priests sought for the Prophet Elijah for three days after he ascended. Then, Elijah’s successor, Elisha, hid from this kingdom’s sons of the prophets for three days prior to his mission to return and “heal” the land.
Speaking of “healing,” while undergoing hardships and oppression in this phase, Israel will realize the Lord’s severe judgment at work when many of its corrupt leaders, prophets and fellow citizens who dealt “treacherously” are exposed in the process of a clear separation of good and wickedness. In an answer to Israel’s oppressed sheep’s prayers and the “sighing of the needy” very similar to ancient times when they cried out, there are indications in scripture of the Lord’s appearance in some form here at the end of Phase 3 (or beginning of Phase 4). This would be approximately three years after the Son of man’s first appearance in some form and subsequent hiding described in Phase 2. This time may be similar to the prophecy given through Isaiah when, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Is. 9:2). More directly, we are told through Isaiah that around the time that last days peace fails and leaders are caught:
The Lord is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness…Now will I rise, saith the Lord; now will I be exalted; now will I lift up myself. (Is. 33:5,10)
In a kind of “healing” for some believers who are found watching and ready in this phase when the Son of man returns, possibly after a period of ‘3’ (by watches), the Lord will arise in a recognizable way. As precedent for this, in ancient days of Israel, God instructed Moses to prepare and have the people sanctified for his coming down on Sinai to speak in their sight. He instructed for them to be ready “against the third day.” Also, of course, Jesus in his day was resurrected and reappeared on the third day after, in some sense, being “hidden.”
Deliverance
Perhaps it is fitting that, after the lukewarm seventh church of Laodicea in the book Revelation that Jesus counsels to be purged like “gold tried in the fire,” it is the rider on the white horse who comes conquering and to conquer at the opening of the first seal, likely beginning the final seven years. There are varying interpretations as to the identity of this rider. My own belief is that he could represent a benevolent figure on behalf of God’s kingdom. Recall that it is Jesus the Lamb opening the seals from heaven. (Jesus, about whom all scripture speaks, will return at the end of the age after his enemies are made his footstool (Ps. 110:1) and at the “times of restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21).
In my series of posts on this site entitled, The Lord’s Spirit is with us, I showed through scripture how the Lord’s Spirit of truth (i.e. his Holy Spirit in person) will be among us or “in the midst” in these end times. He represents God’s own “arm.” He will “awaken” by means of a spiritual “birthing.” He will then “arise,” “rise up to the prey,” “go forth,” and fight (i.e. performing God’s “strange work” and as part of the “operation of God’s hands”) in an unconventional war versus the anti-Christ Chaldeans.
There are numerous indications, in addition to the Lord’s arising, of the Lord fighting and giving his servants fighting ability against the adversary at this time in order to liberate his people. This will be a battle to fulfill God’s ancient covenant promise to Abraham mentioned earlier in which he also promised prophetically, “thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies” (Gen. 22:17). As just a couple of indications, we are told through the Prophets Malachi and Isaiah, respectively:
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. (Mal. 4:2)
So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. (Is. 59:19)
In addition to conquering the enemy, the “healing” quality of the Sun of righteousness reminds in some ways of the Prophet Elisha briefly mentioned above. Also, “calves of the stall” and their “going forth” in the first verse above potentially implies another “birthing” by deliverance here. This is consistent with ongoing “travails” and “sorrows” of “Jacob’s trouble.” Also consistent, the rider on the white horse at the opening of the first seal carries a “bow,” a word which has a Greek meaning of “birthing.” This potentially signals another (partial) remnant harvest at the beginning of the seven year “tribulation period.” For this deliverance, we might have indication of this general principle in a period of approximately ‘3.’ Through the Prophet Hosea, when ‘Israel’ acknowledges that the Lord has “torn” and “smitten” then they remark:
After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. (Hos. 6:2)
Of course, this verse can have additional meaning with a day as a thousand years and it being 2,000 years since Jesus’ life on earth at this time. Anyway, this delivered harvest remnant will have escaped the oppression by the adversary and the Lord’s purging process in this phase (3). While I described earlier that the Lord will also provide faithful and righteous Gentile believers with a way to be hid in the Day of the Lord, the nature and extent to which the Lord is visible and deliverance is final at this time is unclear.
A final harvest, deliverance and return for Israel’s remnant with Gentiles alongside at the end of the age will generally coincide with the beginning of the Kingdom in which the Lord will be visible. Meanwhile, at the beginning of this highly tumultuous final seven year “tribulation period,” we have indicators and precedent pointing to a release at this time for a remnant. First, Passover as a signal for release and journeying is followed by seven days of the feast of unleavened bread- a time to remain as a new, “unleavened lump,” in this case prior to the Lord’s return. Next, the Prophet Ezekiel who carries an end times persona as the Son of man was with his exiled remnant in ancient Babylon’s wilderness for seven years. Finally, at the end of Moses’ personal journey and Israel at the doorstep of the promised land, Moses commanded the people, saying, “At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles” (Deut. 31:10). Some believe that the feast of tabernacles is the appointed time for the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom and the beginning of Jesus’ heavenly reign on a new earth.
Initial restoration
While the Kingdom is not arrived yet here at the end of Phase 3, there are some indications according to scripture of a kind of restoration or blessing that is possible after the purging process and in ‘Israel’s ongoing journey. A few relevant or symbolic examples are given in God’s Word. You may wish to consider the deeper meaning of each of these cases it applies at this time: Israel was fed and replenished again after traveling three days out of Egypt; after Joseph released his brothers from three days in prison, he gave them grain and money; and, a couple of Judah’s ancient kings had their kingdoms restored or replenished after a period of three years.
Related to ‘Israel’s stripped vineyard above, we observe examples of salvation of a remnant or re-growth such as in Hezekiah’s day when a Judah remnant was spared and “took root downward” after the Assyrian’s invasion. Through Isaiah, Hezekiah was told, “And this will be a sign to you, O Hezekiah: This year you will eat what grows on its own, and in the second year what springs from the same. But in the third year you will sow and reap; you will plant vineyards and eat their fruit” (Is. 37:30). As another sign of possible revival or regeneration, in the chief butler’s aforementioned dream interpreted by Joseph, he saw a vine with three branches as a sign for three years of captivity. But this branch budded and blossomed with ripe grapes.
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In conclusion, as I stated at the outset, for an end times phase that is likely relatively short in duration, there are many significant developments and events in this phase that will impact eternal souls. To be informed and prepared, it is important to recognize that events of Phases 1-3 covered in Parts 1 and 2 of this series occur prior to the final seven year “tribulation period.”
Grace & Peace,
Lion’s Lair (LL)
Lion's Lair 