In recent news the world has watched the now former Syrian President, Bashar Hafez al-Assad, flee the country with his family as it was being taken over by rebels. What is interesting about this situation is that Syria plays a major role in Bible prophecy, concerning a wider war in the Middle East; one that involves a connection to Gog of Magog. Before looking at what’s going on in Syria, let’s first consider a city there that is pivotal in scripture and one that connects to a much wider conflict leading to end times.
The capital of Syria is thought to be the oldest continually inhabited city on earth; Damascus. The Old City district of Damascus has been functioning as a city for thousands of years, it has important historic value, especially where the bible is concerned. It has never ceased to be a city nor has it ever been a ruinous heap; but that could all change very soon. This city, with a population of around 2.5 million people, will play a significant role in world-changing events which in bible prophecy leads to massive changes in this world.
The book of Isaiah warns: Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. Many historians will argue that Damascus has been attacked already, and the scripture in Isaiah is more likely to describe the Siege of Damascus (The Defeat of the Second Crusade) during July 23rd to 28th in the year 1148. The city had been taken several times before this time, and ruled by a number of powerful leaders. But until now it remains and still functions as a city, not yet being made desolate.
Damascus has seen many world empires rise and fall, the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian and Medes empires came and went, yet Damascus has remained standing. But the situation in current times is very different when compared to past events. Why? As already mentioned, the prophecy in Isaiah 17:1 will lead to the war described in the book of Ezekiel, in chapters 38 and 39. This is a war that will involve many countries and draw those from outside the region into a massive battle, one that scholars believe to be World War 3. The interesting thing about Damascus is that when it becomes a ruinous heap and ceases to be a city, the war will spread to a much wider region, and is believed to involve Turkey, Iran, Russia, Ethiopia, and Libya.
Damascus is mentioned many times in the Bible. As far back as the book of Genesis the city is named in scripture, validating its historical roots and importance in bible prophecy. The war described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 will very likely include Israel and its allies, many more could get caught up in this conflict, with the possibility of using nuclear weapons. It could be that such a weapon is the cause of Damascus being reduced to rubble and ruins, becoming uninhabitable, ceasing to be a city.
Already Israel has entered many parts of Syria to take control of certain areas, they have Damascus in their sights and have bombed the city and many other areas of Syria. A report stated that the attacks and air raids on Syria by Israel have beaten former records of weapons being used against the country. It’s possible that Israel wants to open a corridor for air raids on nuclear facilities in Iran, clearance through Syria would certainly make that task much easier, especially if there is no air defense against their jet fighters.
As with all Bible prophecy, everything becomes much clearer closer to the time of events foretold. Beforehand it’s not always easy to work out exactly what some scriptures are telling the reader, but just as is happening now, many prophecies make far more sense when pieced together with other situations as they unfold. Right now the prophecy in Isaiah 17:1 is looking very likely to be the one that relates to what’s going on in the Middle East and wider regions, but don’t be afraid. The Bible says we’ll experience these wars and reports of wars during the last days of Satan ruling this world: Matthew 24:6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
The country of Syria is basically up for grabs right now. Israel want a large portion of the land, and the USA and other countries can see money in large piles sat there waiting to be taken. Any country that collapses the way Syria has is open for exploitation, this is what’s going on right now. When other countries get involved in taking part of something, allies want some of that too and will defend their friends. It’s going to be an interesting time to see the developments in the coming weeks, months, or even the next few years in Syria. But one thing is certain, Damascus is going to become a heap of ruins and cease to be a city. What follows will ignite the region, and suck in the rest of the world. God tells us that during the end times these things will happen, likened to birth pangs of a women who’s about to give birth. When she feels the pangs she knows the child is soon on the way, the pangs we’re experiencing right now in our world tell us that soon the end of this Satanic system is going to end. When it does you want to be on the side of God, and not someone who God and Jesus will reject: Matthew 7:22-23 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
The best way to release yourself from the stresses and worries of this world is to study the Bible, and apply the principles in your life. It’s not easy to do this, Satan wants you to worship him. We’re full of sin and imperfect humans with free will. The temporary enjoyments of this world are not worth taking for the loss of everlasting life. Any Christian who says they find it easy to serve God are missing something, easy it definitely is not. Fighting urges, resisting temptations, and constantly being pressed by our fleshly desires is a real daily struggle. God knows this and won’t tempt us beyond what we can bear: 1st Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. Giving up the desires of this world is like a smoker giving up cigarettes, or an alcoholic giving up drinking. It can be done, but it’s never easy, and there’s always the chance that they will return to their vice at the slightest opportunity. Pleasing God and doing his will is much harder than giving up any vice, but it’s worth the effort and the rewards are more valuable than we can imagine. When the war of Ezekiel takes place, and when the Great Tribulation begins, anyone without faith in God and a relationship where they can be saved is going to be the most frightening time ever. The next article will discuss the Great Tribulation, and what it involves and how, if you side with God, you can deal with a situation like no other in history.
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mark@truthministry.co.uk