Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Richard H Priday on Psalms 83 - 1 year ago
    Psalm 83

    Psalm 83 is referred to by some as a prophetic war among 10 nations that may occur at the very start of the Tribulation. Careful analysis doesn't indicate any of the outer nations which are in the Ezekiel 38 war from Israel as a center. Technically; there is no mention of an offensive battle strategy either. We certainly can see the attitude of many of the nations who have attempted to wipe out Israel since its inception in 1948; specifically as verse 4 indicates removing them as a nation. This would also differentiate the economic incentives in Ezekiel 38 for the move which signifies a plunder; and also we note at that time Israel is said to have unwalled villages ( Ezekiel 38:11). Verse 12 is perhaps the clearest indication for these nations who have the Dome of the Rock as a focal point of contention to get ownership.

    The names that are listed are surrounding areas; of which I will not elaborate on here. It does seem that the end of the Psalm shows that the Lord will be known after the event as is the same concept with the Ezekiel 38 destruction. Overall; the whole thing may be different campaigns in the whole scope of world war that leads to Armageddon. We need to keep in mind that there will be certain things which Antichrist uses to galvanize nations; and initially he will form alliances that will start to fight each other; and in the end of course will turn to fight against Christ himself; as well as turning on themselves. This is all of course in God's hands and he will accomplish His purposes.

    The crafty counsel in verse 3 reminds us of Daniel 8:25 as to the policy of "craft" that the Antichrist uses; and indeed it is likely that these confederate of nations (v. 5) will be involved in that with both "dividing the land for gain" with economic incentives ( Daniel 11:39) as well as the involvement in the occult whith Antichrist practices ( Dan. 8:23) which could perhaps be one of the mystical forms of Islam or New Age religion.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 1 year ago
    ISRAEL MY ELECT.

    Isaiah 45:4.

    Part 1.

    Romans 2:25-29.

    Colossians 3:11-12

    and Galatians 3:27-39

    These scriptures can trip you up when we use them for doctrine when talking about NATIONAL ISRAEL.

    Some day God will open the eyes of Israel to show them that all their services was pointing them through the same door that the Gentiles goes through to get to the father. "CHRIST".

    There will be two folds that will come together under one shepherd. There's no advantage to either fold. That's what Colossians 3:11-12 and Galatians 3:27-39 is saying. Angels, People, The Church and Israel is called elect in the Bible.

    Israel and the Church has different origins and has a different path and destiny.

    ( Don't mistake that for having a different path for salvation.)

    They have a separate purpose. When Jesus speaks of Israel as his elect in Matthew 24. he speaks of Israel as a nation. National Israel.

    The Church isn't National Israel or "The new Israel. Is the Church Jacob also?

    They're both are Chosen or elected by God to do the will of God for different purposes.

    The bible makes references to both National Israel and the remnant.

    Paul makes that distinction in Romans when he says all Israel is not Israel and when he mentions Kinsman of the flesh. Paul hammers away at this in Romans chapters 9,10 and 11.

    Daniel 12:1 Speaks of National Israel.

    "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the ( CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE ): and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time (THY PEOPLE) shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

    "Daniels people is not the Church"

    See key verses Daniel 9:24-27 in

    Part 2.
  • David0920 - In Reply on Psalms 83 - 1 year ago
    Also, the Bible is not concerned with political nations of our day, with the possible exception of National Israel which did become a nation again in 1948 and is the "fig tree in leaf" of Matt 24. God uses various nations spoken of in the Bible as types and figures of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of Satan, the Churches and Congregations, and also True Believers, and those that are not true believers, depending on the context.

    Again, God is speaking in parables using specific words and phrases to teach some aspect of the Gospel. Exe 38 is an exceptionally difficult passage and we need to compare scripture with scripture, praying to God for understanding. Also recognizing that there are truths that God is only reveling in our day that have been in the Bible all along but have been sealed up until we approach the end. (read Daniel). We should not be using political activity of our day as a basis to interpret scripture.

    I do not profess to fully understand Eze 38. But I'm quite certain that it is not talking about any political nations of our day; it is likely addressing some aspect of God's salvation and judgement plan.
  • Ruby Lea Read - In Reply on Psalms 83 - 1 year ago
    David:

    Matthew 24, The fig tree in leaf: is speaking of the NEW ISRAEL, the born again, Christ is the TREE, we are the leaves, NOT national Israel.

    PROPHECY:

    Isaiah 6:13 But ye in it (the land) shall be a TENTH (the tithe to God, the FIRSTBORNE of the flock), and it (the Priest and Judges of the earth) SHALL RETURN, and shall be eaten; as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is IN THEM (Christ IN YOU), when they cast their leaves: so the HOLY SEED (the word of God, Christ IN YOU) shall be the substance thereof.

    Revelation 22:2 And in the midst of the street of it (new Jerusalem), and on either side of the river (of LIFE: Christ), was there the tree of LIFE (Christ), which bear twelve manner of fruit (new Israel), and yielded her fruit every month (continual rebirth into new Israel): and the LEAVES were for the HEALING OF THE NATIONS.

    Isaiah 59:21 And this is my covenant with them (the firstborne), saith the Lord, MY SPIRIT (the SEED) that is poured out on THEE (Christ, the firstborne SEED, of many SEED), and my words which I PUT in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of THY SEED, or out of the mouth of THY SEED'S SEED, from henceforth and evermore.

    The fruit of the TREE (CHRIST) is the children of Christ; and are HIS IMAGE, the NEW Israel.

    God Bless YOU!
  • David0920 - In Reply on Psalms 83 - 1 year ago
    The Elect are ALL those whom God chose from before the foundation of the world to save and for whose sins Christ has paid in full; not only those from National Israel.

    I do not understand how anyone can read the entire Bible and conclude that the Elect are only those of National Israel.
  • GiGi - In Reply on Psalms 83 - 1 year ago
    Agreed David,

    Col. 3:11-12

    "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bon nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

    Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mid, meekness, longsuffering;"

    This verse does make it plain who are the elect of God-those who are in Christ by faith, whether OT, NT, Jew or Gentle.
  • David0920 - In Reply on Psalms 83 - 1 year ago
    Ruby,

    If you do a word study in the Bible, regarding the fig tree, you will find that the fig tree is a figure of national Israel.

    In Matthew 24 the fig tree being in leaf is a reference to the nation of Israel, once again, becoming a sovereign nation among the nations of the world. But notice it is the fig tree in "leaf". Not the fig tree bearing "fruit". And since 1948 until the end of the church age, which I believe can be shown to be 1988, the nation of Israel is bearing no fruit. They do not recognize Christ as their Messiah. And never will.

    Matthew 24 is all about the Great tribulation. Which is the time in which I believe we are living. And during this time, neither not the nation of Israel, nor the churches are bringing the true gospel. In fact, God's judgment is upon both national Israel, and the churches.

    However, God is still saving his elect as the gospel goes forth from individual believers or ministries not associated with a church. And this will continue until Christ returns at the time of the resurrection and the rapture, and the beginning of the day of judgment.

    I understand that this is a difficult pill to swallow for those that are in the churches today. But God's commandment in these days is to flee the churches, because the abomination of desolation is standing in what was the holy place, that is the churches.
  • Ruby Lea Read - In Reply on Psalms 83 - 1 year ago
    Richard:

    All of Daniel; as will as all other books, is a Prophecy of CHRIST, none of Daniel or other books is a prophecy of a single anti-christ.

    Daniel 8:25 is speaking of Christ.

    Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom (man's kingdom), when the transgressors are come to full, a king (Christ) of fierce countenance, and UNDERSTANDING DARK SENTENCES, shall stand up.

    Psalms 778:2 I (Christ) will open my mouth in a parable: I (Christ) will utter DARK SAYINGS of old:

    Psalms 49:4 I (Christ) will incline my ear to a parable: I (Christ) will open my DARK SAYINGS upon the harp (a symbol of man).

    Proverbs 1:6 To UNDERSTAND a proverb, and the INTERPRETATION; the words of the wise (God's words); and their DARK SAYINGS.

    God Bless YOU!
  • David0920 - In Reply on Psalms 83 - 1 year ago
    We must remember that Christ spoke in parables and without a parable spoke He not. And Christ is the WORD of God. Much of the language in the Bible is parabolic language teaching some spiritual truth. That includes language describing actual historical events as well as future prophecies. I think that is the case here.



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