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==[[Evangelical]] Futurism (Christian eschatology) and the Oracle of Damascus==

==[[Evangelical]] Futurism (Christian eschatology) and the Oracle of Damascus==

The “Oracle of [[Damascus]]” or “Burden of Damascus” is recorded in {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-14|NKJV}}, as well as in associated passages found in {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9:1-8|NKJV}} and {{bibleverse||Jeremiah|49:23-27|NKJV}}.  These Bible passages – and some say {{bibleverse||Amos|1:3-5|NKJV}} – are considered prophetic by most Evangelical Christians who embrace Futurism (Christian eschatology).  Furthermore, some Futurists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gracethrufaith.com/ikvot-hamashiach/confirming-the-sequence-of-end-times-events/ |title=Evangelical Futurists like Jack Kelley}} </ref> consider {{bibleverse||Psalm|83|NKJV}} as an allusion to [[Israel]]’s immediate neighbors conspiring to destroy Israel as a “Latter Day’s” phenomenon.  These Futurists claim that the Bible says modern-day [[Damascus]] will finally come to a quick, devastating and permanent end.  They see the opening of {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1|NKJV}} in no uncertain terms to mean the utter destruction by the world’s oldest, continually-inhabited city<ref>{{cite web |url=http://britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/150420/Damascus |title=Encyclopedia Britannica}} </ref>—an event heretofore which has never been fulfilled, therefore, it still must be considered a prophecy yet future:

The “Oracle of [[Damascus]]” or “Burden of Damascus” is recorded in {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-14|NKJV}}, as well as in associated passages found in {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9:1-8|NKJV}} and {{bibleverse||Jeremiah|49:23-27|NKJV}}.  These Bible passages – and some say {{bibleverse||Amos|1:3-5|NKJV}} – are considered prophetic by most Evangelical Christians who embrace Futurism (Christian eschatology).  Furthermore, some Futurists<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gracethrufaith.com/ikvot-hamashiach/confirming-the-sequence-of-end-times-events/ |title=Evangelical Futurists like Jack Kelley}}</ref> consider {{bibleverse||Psalm|83|NKJV}} as an allusion to [[Israel]]’s immediate neighbors conspiring to destroy Israel as a “Latter Day’s” phenomenon.  These Futurists claim that the Bible says modern-day [[Damascus]] will finally come to a quick, devastating and permanent end.  They see the opening of {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1|NKJV}} in no uncertain terms to mean the utter destruction by the world’s oldest, continually-inhabited city<ref>{{cite web |url=http://britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/150420/Damascus |title=Encyclopedia Britannica}}</ref>—an event heretofore which has never been fulfilled, therefore, it still must be considered a prophecy yet future:

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Nathan Jones<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lamblion.us/2008/08/prophetic-end-of-damascus.html |title=Nathan Jones of Lamb and Lion Ministries}} </ref> of the Lamb and Lion Ministries Blog – (the Evangelical Premillenial ministry of David Reagan) suggests that an Israeli “nuclear warhead” will spell the demise of Damascus.  Jones cites Israeli Prime Minister [[Ehud Olmert]] in his remarks as indicative of Israel’s ultimate quest for survival wherein Israel “would not hold back” if renewed attacks by [[Hezbollah]] were to inflict Israel once again (See:  2006 Lebanon War).

Nathan Jones<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lamblion.us/2008/08/prophetic-end-of-damascus.html |title=Nathan Jones of Lamb and Lion Ministries}}</ref> of the Lamb and Lion Ministries Blog – (the Evangelical Premillenial ministry of David Reagan) suggests that an Israeli “nuclear warhead” will spell the demise of Damascus.  Jones cites Israeli Prime Minister [[Ehud Olmert]] in his remarks as indicative of Israel’s ultimate quest for survival wherein Israel “would not hold back” if renewed attacks by [[Hezbollah]] were to inflict Israel once again (See:  2006 Lebanon War).

    

    

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There will no longer be a situation of distant fighting, where major cities continue with life as usual. The war will reach the cities and homes of Israeli citizens and our enemy's objective will be to target the home front . . . we will be forced to bring an end to hostilities quickly, at the smallest possible cost, using our comparative advantage (which will be) massive capabilities and tools during the Second Lebanon War that it refrained from using, because it was fighting a terror organization, not a state. ("Olmert: No holding back against Hezbollah"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3584938,00.html |title=Olmert:  No holding back against Hezbollah}} </ref> by Roni Sofer, YNetNews, Aug. 19, 2008)

There will no longer be a situation of distant fighting, where major cities continue with life as usual. The war will reach the cities and homes of Israeli citizens and our enemy's objective will be to target the home front . . . we will be forced to bring an end to hostilities quickly, at the smallest possible cost, using our comparative advantage (which will be) massive capabilities and tools during the Second Lebanon War that it refrained from using, because it was fighting a terror organization, not a state. ("Olmert: No holding back against Hezbollah"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3584938,00.html |title=Olmert:  No holding back against Hezbollah}}</ref> by Roni Sofer, YNetNews, Aug. 19, 2008)

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As the Middle East heats up with Russian on the move and the current (April, 2009) Iranian President’s rhetoric against Israel, the players are all playing and positioning themselves for a possible prophetic scenario. The consequence of this will put Israel in a very precarious position; with their back against the wall, Israel may use their nukes and fulfill the ‘Damascus’ prophecy found in [[Isaiah]] and [[Jeremiah]]. (“The Prophetic End of Damascus"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lamblion.us/2008/08/prophetic-end-of-damascus.html |title=The Prophetic End of Damascus}} </ref> Lamb and Lion Ministries, August 19, 2008)

As the Middle East heats up with Russian on the move and the current (April, 2009) Iranian President’s rhetoric against Israel, the players are all playing and positioning themselves for a possible prophetic scenario. The consequence of this will put Israel in a very precarious position; with their back against the wall, Israel may use their nukes and fulfill the ‘Damascus’ prophecy found in [[Isaiah]] and [[Jeremiah]]. (“The Prophetic End of Damascus"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lamblion.us/2008/08/prophetic-end-of-damascus.html |title=The Prophetic End of Damascus}}</ref> Lamb and Lion Ministries, August 19, 2008)

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Two verses in Chapter 17 ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-2|NKJV}}) describe the future of [[Damascus]], a city much in the news today.  That has not yet been fulfilled. The infallible Word of God says that Damascus, a large and very old city, ultimately will be destroyed. We are not told how or when this will happen but it will happen, as the Word of God declares. (“Why Do the Nations Rage”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pbc.org/files/messages/3825/0580.html |title=Why Do the Nations Rage}} </ref> – Ray Stedman, the PBC Library)

Two verses in Chapter 17 ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-2|NKJV}}) describe the future of [[Damascus]], a city much in the news today.  That has not yet been fulfilled. The infallible Word of God says that Damascus, a large and very old city, ultimately will be destroyed. We are not told how or when this will happen but it will happen, as the Word of God declares. (“Why Do the Nations Rage”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pbc.org/files/messages/3825/0580.html |title=Why Do the Nations Rage}}</ref> – Ray Stedman, the PBC Library)

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Dave Dolan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yourisraelconnection.org/david_dolan.htm |title=Dave Dolan}} </ref> a [[Jerusalem]]-based author and journalist, in his text, “Israel in Crisis: What Lies Ahead?"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cfi-usa.org/mmedia.html |title=Christian Writers from Israel--CFI}} </ref> affirms the Futurist nature of the Oracle of Damascus (pp. 83-84).  Dolan’s editorial updates from the Middle East confirm his persistent suspicions that the “Burden of Damascus” is imminent:

Dave Dolan,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://yourisraelconnection.org/david_dolan.htm |title=Dave Dolan}}</ref> a [[Jerusalem]]-based author and journalist, in his text, “Israel in Crisis: What Lies Ahead?"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cfi-usa.org/mmedia.html |title=Christian Writers from Israel--CFI}}</ref> affirms the Futurist nature of the Oracle of Damascus (pp.&nbsp;83–84).  Dolan’s editorial updates from the Middle East confirm his persistent suspicions that the “Burden of Damascus” is imminent:

   

   

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Widespread media reports of possible imminent war with [[Syria]]—probably initiated by an attack upon Israel by its puppet [[Hezbollah]] militia force in [[Lebanon]], supported by Palestinian [[Hamas]] fighters in the [[Gaza Strip]], and possibly by [[Iran]] itself—have increased significantly in recent days here in Israel.  Military analysts say this indicates something is indeed occurring on the ground to raise the war alert, as confirmed by army sources.  (“War Jitters Rock Israel"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:fJneF5SXsIIJ:www.ddolan.com/updates.asp%3Fupdateid%3D131+Dave+Dolan+says+War+with+Syria&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us |title=War Jitters Rock Israel}} </ref>  DDolan.com  - Israel Update – Jerusalem, April 3, 2008)

Widespread media reports of possible imminent war with [[Syria]]—probably initiated by an attack upon Israel by its puppet [[Hezbollah]] militia force in [[Lebanon]], supported by Palestinian [[Hamas]] fighters in the [[Gaza Strip]], and possibly by [[Iran]] itself—have increased significantly in recent days here in Israel.  Military analysts say this indicates something is indeed occurring on the ground to raise the war alert, as confirmed by army sources.  (“War Jitters Rock Israel"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:fJneF5SXsIIJ:www.ddolan.com/updates.asp%3Fupdateid%3D131+Dave+Dolan+says+War+with+Syria&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us |title=War Jitters Rock Israel}}</ref>  DDolan.com  - Israel Update – Jerusalem, April 3, 2008)

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==The Distinction between the Oracle of Damascus and the Gog Magog War==  

==The Distinction between the Oracle of Damascus and the Gog Magog War==

Some within the Futurism (Christian eschatology) camp distinguish between the Oracle of Damascus and the Gog-Magog War of {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38-39|NKJV}}. Again, Dave Dolan makes this distinction between the Gog-Magog War and the Oracle of Damascus:

Some within the Futurism (Christian eschatology) camp distinguish between the Oracle of Damascus and the Gog-Magog War of {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38-39|NKJV}}. Again, Dave Dolan makes this distinction between the Gog-Magog War and the Oracle of Damascus:

    

    

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The dramatic Russian move will undoubtedly increase speculation among observant Christians and Jews that Ezekiel’s Gog and Magog invasion is drawing very near.  In light of author Joel Rosenberg’s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://joelrosenberg.com/about.asp |title=Joel Rosenberg}} </ref> popular novel about the theme, I get asked about this prophecy all the time now as I travel around the world, and especially if I see its fulfillment as possibly imminent.

The dramatic Russian move will undoubtedly increase speculation among observant Christians and Jews that Ezekiel’s Gog and Magog invasion is drawing very near.  In light of author Joel Rosenberg’s<ref>{{cite web |url=http://joelrosenberg.com/about.asp |title=Joel Rosenberg}}</ref> popular novel about the theme, I get asked about this prophecy all the time now as I travel around the world, and especially if I see its fulfillment as possibly imminent.

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Frankly I do NOT see Ezekiel’s penultimate prophesied event as taking place in the near-term future.  Instead, I suspect that the region could well witness an apparent massive clash between Syria and Israel, described in Isaiah chapter 17, unfolds in the not too distant future, to which Russia and other countries listed by [[Ezekiel]] would eventually react, but not immediately in the climactic way described by Ezekiel. (Dave Dolan, The Isaiah 17 War against Syria/Jordan Comes Before Gog and Magog in Ezek. 38, Global Resource Ministries International Israel Update, August 06, 2007, as found on Philip’s Zionist Blog<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-oKr4rtE_dLIPJ.64cW8g7t4-?cq=1 |title=Philip's Zionist Blog}} </ref>)

Frankly I do NOT see Ezekiel’s penultimate prophesied event as taking place in the near-term future.  Instead, I suspect that the region could well witness an apparent massive clash between Syria and Israel, described in Isaiah chapter 17, unfolds in the not too distant future, to which Russia and other countries listed by [[Ezekiel]] would eventually react, but not immediately in the climactic way described by Ezekiel. (Dave Dolan, The Isaiah 17 War against Syria/Jordan Comes Before Gog and Magog in Ezek. 38, Global Resource Ministries International Israel Update, August 06, 2007, as found on Philip’s Zionist Blog<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-oKr4rtE_dLIPJ.64cW8g7t4-?cq=1 |title=Philip's Zionist Blog}}</ref>)

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First, Damascus is one of the oldest continuously populated cities on earth. It has never been totally destroyed – yet.  Second, it is in a context of events that lead up to the catastrophes that precede the Lord Jesus’ [[Second Coming]]. Third, it is far enough away from that event that Jacob (Israel) is enduring terrible circumstances. Fourth, Syria and the tribal name of its forefathers are not mentioned in the Russian led Muslim Confederacy that launches [[Armageddon]] in the middle of the [[Tribulation]]. (“Uncovered:  Russian-Syrian-Iranian Axis"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hallindsey.com/ |title=Uncovered:  Russian-Syrian-Iranian Axis}} </ref> Hal Lindsey Oracle.com, Hal Lindsey, July 24, 2006)

First, Damascus is one of the oldest continuously populated cities on earth. It has never been totally destroyed – yet.  Second, it is in a context of events that lead up to the catastrophes that precede the Lord Jesus’ [[Second Coming]]. Third, it is far enough away from that event that Jacob (Israel) is enduring terrible circumstances. Fourth, Syria and the tribal name of its forefathers are not mentioned in the Russian led Muslim Confederacy that launches [[Armageddon]] in the middle of the [[Tribulation]]. (“Uncovered:  Russian-Syrian-Iranian Axis"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hallindsey.com/ |title=Uncovered:  Russian-Syrian-Iranian Axis}}</ref> Hal Lindsey Oracle.com, Hal Lindsey, July 24, 2006)

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==Three Prophetic Wars==

==Three Prophetic Wars==

In his '''''Prophetic Sequence''''':<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_intro.htm |title=Prophetic Sequence}} </ref> ''Trident Wars'';<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt1.htm |title=Trident Wars}} </ref>  ''Damascus Will Cease from being a City'';<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt2.htm |title=Damascus Will Cease from being a City}} </ref> and ''Israel’s War'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt4.htm |title=Israel's War}} </ref> blogger Doug Krieger of the Tribulation Network,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/ |title=the Tribulation Network}} </ref> distinguishes three prophetic wars<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/new_tribnet/ebooks/rise_or_fall/rise_or_fall_part_28.html |title=Three Prophetic Wars - Doug Krieger, the Tribulation Network}} </ref>  to occur in ever-widening circles around Israel.  The three are:  The Oracle of Damascus (which Krieger claims will occur prior to the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks at the end of days ({{bibleverse||Daniel|9:24-27|NKJV}}) and before the infamous “Treaty of Death and Hell” ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|28:15|NKJV}} and {{bibleverse||Isaiah|28:18|NKJV}}) or “Covenant with the Many”- i.e., the “majority of Israel” ({{bibleverse||Daniel|9:27|NKJV}}) which will be made by the [[Antichrist]] with Israel; the Gog Magog War of {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:1-23|NKJV}}; {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|39:1-16|NKJV}}; and {{bibleverse||Daniel|11:40-43|NKJV}} which will occur during the first 40 days of the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks; and, finally:  “The Campaign (See [[Armageddon]] Dwight Pentecost of Dallas Seminary and Dispensationalism) of Armageddon” which Krieger asserts will persist throughout the remainder the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks until the Second Coming of Christ at the conclusion of the 1290 days of desolations ({{bibleverse||Daniel|12:11|NKJV}}) – beginning in {{bibleverse||Daniel|11:44-45|NKJV}} and concluding in {{bibleverse||Daniel|12:12|NKJV}} with the climax occurring at the so-called “Battle of Armageddon” (Citing:  {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|39:17-20|NKJV}}; {{bibleverse||Joel|2:30-32|NKjV}}; {{bibleverse||Joel|3:1-17|NKJV}}; {{bibleverse||Revelation|16:12-16|NKJV}}; {{bibleverse||Revelation|19:11-21|NKJV}}).  (Please See:  [[Abomination of Desolation]])

In his '''''Prophetic Sequence''''':<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_intro.htm |title=Prophetic Sequence}}</ref> ''Trident Wars'';<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt1.htm |title=Trident Wars}}</ref>  ''Damascus Will Cease from being a City'';<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt2.htm |title=Damascus Will Cease from being a City}}</ref> and ''Israel’s War'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/prophetic_sequence_pt4.htm |title=Israel's War}}</ref> blogger Doug Krieger of the Tribulation Network,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/ |title=the Tribulation Network}}</ref> distinguishes three prophetic wars<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/new_tribnet/ebooks/rise_or_fall/rise_or_fall_part_28.html |title=Three Prophetic Wars - Doug Krieger, the Tribulation Network}}</ref>  to occur in ever-widening circles around Israel.  The three are:  The Oracle of Damascus (which Krieger claims will occur prior to the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks at the end of days ({{bibleverse||Daniel|9:24-27|NKJV}}) and before the infamous “Treaty of Death and Hell” ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|28:15|NKJV}} and {{bibleverse||Isaiah|28:18|NKJV}}) or “Covenant with the Many”- i.e., the “majority of Israel” ({{bibleverse||Daniel|9:27|NKJV}}) which will be made by the [[Antichrist]] with Israel; the Gog Magog War of {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:1-23|NKJV}}; {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|39:1-16|NKJV}}; and {{bibleverse||Daniel|11:40-43|NKJV}} which will occur during the first 40 days of the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks; and, finally:  “The Campaign (See [[Armageddon]] Dwight Pentecost of Dallas Seminary and Dispensationalism) of Armageddon” which Krieger asserts will persist throughout the remainder the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks until the Second Coming of Christ at the conclusion of the 1290 days of desolations ({{bibleverse||Daniel|12:11|NKJV}}) – beginning in {{bibleverse||Daniel|11:44-45|NKJV}} and concluding in {{bibleverse||Daniel|12:12|NKJV}} with the climax occurring at the so-called “Battle of Armageddon” (Citing:  {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|39:17-20|NKJV}}; {{bibleverse||Joel|2:30-32|NKjV}}; {{bibleverse||Joel|3:1-17|NKJV}}; {{bibleverse||Revelation|16:12-16|NKJV}}; {{bibleverse||Revelation|19:11-21|NKJV}}).  (Please See:  [[Abomination of Desolation]])

Krieger sees the modern states of Syria (“Damascus” or the “land of Hadrach” and “Hamath” – {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9:1-2|NKJV}}; or “Damascus, Syria” and the “cities of Aroer” – {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-3|NKJV}}) -, Lebanon (“[[Tyre]] and [[Sidon]]” – {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9:2-4|NKJV}}); the Palestinian entities of [[Gaza]] ({{bibleverse||Zechariah|9:5-7|NKJV}});  and the [[West Bank]] (i.e., “the stronghold or fortress of [[Ephraim]]” – {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:3|NKJV}}) conspiring against Israel as a four-fold agitation leading towards the very Oracle of Damascus itself and that the “end of the war” mentioned in {{bibleverse||Daniel|9:26|NKJV}} prior to the covenant made by the [[Antichrist]] in {{bibleverse||Daniel|9:27|NKJV}} is the current [[Arab-Israeli Conflict]] which started in 1948 and will persist to the conclusion of the Burden of Damascus. Krieger claims that the Oracle of Damascus occurs in {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9|NKJV}} as the “grand opening” of the “Messianic Scenario” which stretches from {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9|NKJV}} through the end of {{bibleverse||Zechariah|14|NKJV}}—i.e., the final “countdown” to the Messianic Age starts at the Oracle of Damascus and continues throughout the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks and results in the defeat of the Antichrist-Beast and the triumph of the saints ({{bibleverse||Daniel|7:27|NKJV}}) with Messiah and the commencement of the Messianic Age.

Krieger sees the modern states of Syria (“Damascus” or the “land of Hadrach” and “Hamath” – {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9:1-2|NKJV}}; or “Damascus, Syria” and the “cities of Aroer” – {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-3|NKJV}}) -, Lebanon (“[[Tyre]] and [[Sidon]]” – {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9:2-4|NKJV}}); the Palestinian entities of [[Gaza]] ({{bibleverse||Zechariah|9:5-7|NKJV}});  and the [[West Bank]] (i.e., “the stronghold or fortress of [[Ephraim]]” – {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:3|NKJV}}) conspiring against Israel as a four-fold agitation leading towards the very Oracle of Damascus itself and that the “end of the war” mentioned in {{bibleverse||Daniel|9:26|NKJV}} prior to the covenant made by the [[Antichrist]] in {{bibleverse||Daniel|9:27|NKJV}} is the current [[Arab-Israeli Conflict]] which started in 1948 and will persist to the conclusion of the Burden of Damascus. Krieger claims that the Oracle of Damascus occurs in {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9|NKJV}} as the “grand opening” of the “Messianic Scenario” which stretches from {{bibleverse||Zechariah|9|NKJV}} through the end of {{bibleverse||Zechariah|14|NKJV}}—i.e., the final “countdown” to the Messianic Age starts at the Oracle of Damascus and continues throughout the Prophecy of Seventy Weeks and results in the defeat of the Antichrist-Beast and the triumph of the saints ({{bibleverse||Daniel|7:27|NKJV}}) with Messiah and the commencement of the Messianic Age.

Furthermore, he states that Israel’s defeat of the constellation of nations allied against her at the Oracle of Damascus will result in what he calls the “bankruptcy of secular Zionism” vis-à-vis “Biblical Zionism”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biblicalzionist.org/ |title=Israeli Biblical Zionists}} </ref>  ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:4|NKJV}}:  “In that day it shall come to pass that the glory of Jacob will fade, and the fatness of his flesh grow lean”).  This will result in the building of the [[Third Temple]] under the orchestrated false peace of “the Coming Prince” ({{bibleverse||Daniel|9:26-27|NKJV}}) (See:  Sir Robert Anderson and “The Coming Prince”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/ebooks/coming_prince/Coming_prince_ch01.htm |title=The Coming Prince, by Sir Robert Anderson}} </ref>).  What distinguishes, according to Krieger, the Oracle of Damascus from the Gog-Magog conflagration are the constellation of nations mentioned and/or omitted in the Bible passages of these two conflicts—let alone their dissimilarities juxtaposed to the Armageddon Campaign.  They are not the same prophetic conflicts because the nations and/or peoples mentioned allied against Israel are dissimilar.

Furthermore, he states that Israel’s defeat of the constellation of nations allied against her at the Oracle of Damascus will result in what he calls the “bankruptcy of secular Zionism” vis-à-vis “Biblical Zionism”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://biblicalzionist.org/ |title=Israeli Biblical Zionists}}</ref>  ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:4|NKJV}}:  “In that day it shall come to pass that the glory of Jacob will fade, and the fatness of his flesh grow lean”).  This will result in the building of the [[Third Temple]] under the orchestrated false peace of “the Coming Prince” ({{bibleverse||Daniel|9:26-27|NKJV}}) (See:  Sir Robert Anderson and “The Coming Prince”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://the-tribulation-network.com/ebooks/coming_prince/Coming_prince_ch01.htm |title=The Coming Prince, by Sir Robert Anderson}}</ref>).  What distinguishes, according to Krieger, the Oracle of Damascus from the Gog-Magog conflagration are the constellation of nations mentioned and/or omitted in the Bible passages of these two conflicts—let alone their dissimilarities juxtaposed to the Armageddon Campaign.  They are not the same prophetic conflicts because the nations and/or peoples mentioned allied against Israel are dissimilar.

'''Oracle of Damascus'''

'''Oracle of Damascus'''

Antichrist vs. “News from the East” (i.e., Antichrist vs. Asia) and “the North” (i.e., Antichrist vs. [[Russia]]) – culminating in world war and ultimately involving all the nations of the earth climaxing their struggle at Mount Megiddo in Northern Israel (Armageddon – {{bibleverse||Revelation|16:16|NKJV}}) with the finale taking place at the Valley of Jehoshaphat (near [[Jerusalem]] - {{bibleverse||Joel|3:2-12|NKJV}}), resulting in the miraculous intervention of the [[Messiah]] whom the Christians believe is [[Jesus Christ]] and whom the [[Orthodox Jews]] affirm to be their final deliverer.

Antichrist vs. “News from the East” (i.e., Antichrist vs. Asia) and “the North” (i.e., Antichrist vs. [[Russia]]) – culminating in world war and ultimately involving all the nations of the earth climaxing their struggle at Mount Megiddo in Northern Israel (Armageddon – {{bibleverse||Revelation|16:16|NKJV}}) with the finale taking place at the Valley of Jehoshaphat (near [[Jerusalem]] - {{bibleverse||Joel|3:2-12|NKJV}}), resulting in the miraculous intervention of the [[Messiah]] whom the Christians believe is [[Jesus Christ]] and whom the [[Orthodox Jews]] affirm to be their final deliverer.

Finally, Paul Robertson, in “Damascus Will No Longer Be a City”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:1x2b9rZkX9MJ:www.apocalypsesoon.org/xfile-9.html+Oracle+of+Damascus+is+not+future+prophecy&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us |title=Damascus Will No Longer Be a City}} </ref> (Apocalypse Soon, the Xcellent Files) distinguishes the Oracle of Damascus from the Gog-Magog War:

Finally, Paul Robertson, in “Damascus Will No Longer Be a City”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:1x2b9rZkX9MJ:www.apocalypsesoon.org/xfile-9.html+Oracle+of+Damascus+is+not+future+prophecy&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us |title=Damascus Will No Longer Be a City}}</ref> (Apocalypse Soon, the Xcellent Files) distinguishes the Oracle of Damascus from the Gog-Magog War:

   

   

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In “The Rejection of Pascal’s Wagner – A Skeptic’s Guide to Christianity” in the section dealing with “Isaiah’s Failed Prophecies”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geocities.com/paulntobin/prophecies.html#2 |title=Isaiah's Failed Prophecies}} </ref>  it states:

In “The Rejection of Pascal’s Wagner – A Skeptic’s Guide to Christianity” in the section dealing with “Isaiah’s Failed Prophecies”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://geocities.com/paulntobin/prophecies.html#2 |title=Isaiah's Failed Prophecies}}</ref>  it states:

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Michael David Magee in “Prophecies of the Messiah”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:qZKm3ux4w3gJ:www.askwhy.co.uk/christianity/0240Prophecies.php+Oravcle+of+Damascus+Criticism+as+future+Prophecy&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us |title=Prophecies of the Messiah}} </ref> refutes the claims of the Oracle of Damascus as mere ancient Israelite jealousies of surrounding and more powerful nations or Christian fantasies:

Michael David Magee in “Prophecies of the Messiah”<ref>{{cite web |url=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:qZKm3ux4w3gJ:www.askwhy.co.uk/christianity/0240Prophecies.php+Oravcle+of+Damascus+Criticism+as+future+Prophecy&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us |title=Prophecies of the Messiah}}</ref> refutes the claims of the Oracle of Damascus as mere ancient Israelite jealousies of surrounding and more powerful nations or Christian fantasies:

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The passage {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-11|NKJV}} is an oracle concerning Damascus and North Israel, in which Isaiah predicts the fate of the two allies--Syria and Ephraim--in the Syro-Ephraimitic war of 734 BC, with a promise that only a scanty remnant will survive ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:6|NKJV}}). In {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:12-14|NKJV}}, the prophet boldly announces the complete annihilation of Judah's unnamed foes--the [[Assyrians]]. (See:  Next Bible<ref>{{cite web |url=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:bp0z-pH_imsJ:net.bible.org/dictionary.php%3Fword%3DIsaiah,%25201-7+Oracle+of+Damascus+Criticism+as+future+Prophecy&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us |title=Next Bible}} </ref>)

The passage {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-11|NKJV}} is an oracle concerning Damascus and North Israel, in which Isaiah predicts the fate of the two allies--Syria and Ephraim--in the Syro-Ephraimitic war of 734 BC, with a promise that only a scanty remnant will survive ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:6|NKJV}}). In {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:12-14|NKJV}}, the prophet boldly announces the complete annihilation of Judah's unnamed foes--the [[Assyrians]]. (See:  Next Bible<ref>{{cite web |url=http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:bp0z-pH_imsJ:net.bible.org/dictionary.php%3Fword%3DIsaiah,%25201-7+Oracle+of+Damascus+Criticism+as+future+Prophecy&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us |title=Next Bible}}</ref>)

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A large group of Protestant fundamentalists and evangelicals believe in Armageddon theology. That theology is based on three passages in the Bible. One is in {{bibleverse||Revelation|16:16|NKJV}}, which is supposed to predict a final battle at a place called [[Armageddon]], where God would destroy the world.  Those who believe this have also chosen another Bible passage, {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38-39|NKJV}}. In these chapters, there is reference to Gog of the country of Magog, which is far to the north and is assumed to be Russia.  One passage, {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:15-16|NKJV}}, speaks of many peoples, "all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army... [who] will come up against my people Israel.... A few verses later God says, "I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many people that are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and brimstone." According to Armageddon theology, this is a description of a nuclear holocaust.  This prophecy is obviously an anachronism in the 21st century, because the weapons in Chapter 39 are not bombs, missiles, tanks, and artillery, but "shields and bucklers, bows and arrows, hand-pikes and spears." Nevertheless these religious fundamentalists, who believe every word in the Bible to be inerrant, are somehow comfortable assuming that Ezekiel's exact catalogue is a description of modern war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3861/is_200207/ai_n9101870 |title=John M. Swomley, Armageddon Theology - A Worry for the Rest of Us}} </ref>   

A large group of Protestant fundamentalists and evangelicals believe in Armageddon theology. That theology is based on three passages in the Bible. One is in {{bibleverse||Revelation|16:16|NKJV}}, which is supposed to predict a final battle at a place called [[Armageddon]], where God would destroy the world.  Those who believe this have also chosen another Bible passage, {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38-39|NKJV}}. In these chapters, there is reference to Gog of the country of Magog, which is far to the north and is assumed to be Russia.  One passage, {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:15-16|NKJV}}, speaks of many peoples, "all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army... [who] will come up against my people Israel.... A few verses later God says, "I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many people that are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and brimstone." According to Armageddon theology, this is a description of a nuclear holocaust.  This prophecy is obviously an anachronism in the 21st century, because the weapons in Chapter 39 are not bombs, missiles, tanks, and artillery, but "shields and bucklers, bows and arrows, hand-pikes and spears." Nevertheless these religious fundamentalists, who believe every word in the Bible to be inerrant, are somehow comfortable assuming that Ezekiel's exact catalogue is a description of modern war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3861/is_200207/ai_n9101870 |title=John M. Swomley, Armageddon Theology - A Worry for the Rest of Us}}</ref>   

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{{reflist|2}}

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==See Also==

==See also==

* [[2300 Day Prophecy of Daniel 8]]

* [[2300 Day Prophecy of Daniel 8]]

* [[Abomination of Desolation]]

* [[Abomination of Desolation]]