184
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
This article appears in Wikipedia - I am the original author in toto. Unfortunately, many of the links are RED, i.e., not appropriate--I will clean them up ASAP...it belongs to me.
==[[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:
<blockquote>
“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap” ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1|NKJV}})
</blockquote>
The devastation of Damascus will be caused by the future State of [[Israel]] as a result of the [[Samson Option]] in response to her very survival. {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:9|NKJV}} states:
<blockquote>
“In that day their strong cities, which '''they left because of the Israelites''', will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.”
</blockquote>
They say the Bible even tells how quickly and the precise time of this destruction upon Damascus:
<blockquote>
“In the evening, sudden terror! Before the morning, they are gone!” ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:14|NKJV}}).
</blockquote>
They also claim that {{bibleverse||Jeremiah|49:23-27|NKJV}}; especially, verses 26 and 27, substantiate this claim upon Syria’s capital:
<blockquote>
“‘Surely, her young men will fall in the streets; all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,‘ declares the LORD Almighty. ‘I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.’”
</blockquote>
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]]).
<blockquote>
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)
</blockquote>
Jones suggests that Russia’s recent incursion into [[Georgia]] (See: [[2008 South Ossetia War]]) foretells the lead-up to another yet future conflict, the [[Gog Magog]] War in which [[Russia]] allied with [[Iran]] ([[Persia]]) will descend upon the mountains of Israel in the [[End Times]] ({{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38-39|NKJV}}); therefore,
<blockquote>
As the Middle East heats up with Russian on the move and the Iranian President’s (See: [[President of Iran]]) 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)
</blockquote>
Premillenarian [[Ray Stedman]] affirms:
<blockquote>
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)
</blockquote>
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:
<blockquote>
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)
</blockquote>
==The Distinction between the Oracle of Damascus and the [[Gog Magog]] War==
[[Image:DamascusView.jpg|thumb|left|''Modern 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:
<blockquote>
The big news here in Israel today, boldly headlined in the nation’s largest newspaper, ''[[Yedioth Ahronoth]]'', this morning, is Russia’s reported return to two naval bases that the [[Kremlin]] largely built and once controlled in neighboring [[Syria]]. The move is said to be part of a large Russian weapons deal with Syria, at least partially funded by [[Iran]], as I reported about in last week’s monthly news update.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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>)
</blockquote>
Futurist [[Hal Lindsey]] also projects a separate conflict involving Syria which is not connected to the future Gog-Magog conflict:
<blockquote>
All of this (i.e., the current Syrophoenicia War in the [[Levant]] (see [[2006 Lebanon War]] and [[Syro-Palestinian archaeology]])) leads me to believe that [[Damascus]] will be destroyed before the [[Tribulation]] begins. I believe that Damascus is about to so threaten Israel’s existence by either launching or furnishing bio-chemical weapons or radioactive dirty bombs, that Israel will nuke them. Israel has sworn that it will implement the [[Samson Option]] against any nation that attacks them with any form of weapons of mass destruction. That means a thermonuclear strike. This may soon happen to [[Syria]]. (Hal Lindsey Oracle –Politically Incorrect – Prophetically Correct – 7/31/2006)
</blockquote>
Lindsey continues:
<blockquote>
What is most important is that all this is setting up Ezekiel’s 2600-year-old prophecy in {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38|NKJV}}. [[Persia]], or modern [[Iran]], is listed a chief among the [[Muslim]] nations Russia will lead into an all-out assault against Israel. This is predicted to be the first battle of the war of [[Armageddon]]. The one nation that does not seem to be listed is [[Syria]]. I believe this is because as a result of actions it is now taking against Israel, [[Isaiah]]’s prophecy about Damascus in the last days is going to be soon fulfilled. Twenty Seven hundred years ago, Isaiah warned, “An oracle concerning Damascus: ‘See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins … In that day the glory of Jacob will fade; the fat of his body will waste away.’ ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-4|NIV}}) To establish the time of this event, look at these factors.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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)
</blockquote>
==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]] 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]] 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]].
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'''
<blockquote>
Israel vs. [[Syria]]/[[Damascus]], [[Lebanon]] ([[Hezbollah]]), [[Gaza]] ([[Hamas]]) and the [[Palestinian Authority]]
</blockquote>
The “[[Tyre]] and [[Sidon]]” or [[Lebanon]] would, under Krieger’s scenario, be galvanized against Israel through [[Hezbollah]] and the Palestinian entities of [[Gaza]] ([[Hamas]]) and the “Stronghold of [[Ephraim]]” would constitute today [[Palestinian Authority]].
'''Gog-Magog War'''
<blockquote>
Israel vs. [[Gog]], the land of [[Magog]], [[Rosh]] – the chief prince of [[Meshech]] and [[Tubal]] ({{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:1-3|NKJV}})
Persia, [[Cush]] or Ethiopia, and [[Put]] or [[Libya]] (Ezekiel 38:5; and Daniel 11:43), [[Egypt]] (Daniel 11:42-43)
[[Gomer]], [[Togarmah]] ({{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:6|NKJV}})
</blockquote>
Krieger asserts that [[Gog]] is a chief spiritual “principality” against Israel and that Meshech, Tubal, Gomer and Togarmah constitute peoples populating the modern state of [[Turkey]]; whereas they, together with [[Persia]], are allied as the “king of the North” in {{bibleverse||Daniel|11:40|NKJV}} and that the “king of the South” ({{bibleverse||Daniel|11:40|NKJV}}) is comprised of the modern states of Egypt, Libya and [[Sudan]] (ancient Ethiopia – not the [[Cush]] of the [[Levant]] or of ancient [[Assyria]]) - all allied against [[Antichrist]]. Those allied with Israel in the Gog-Magog conflict are the modern states of the Saudi [[Arabian Peninsula]] ([[Sheba]] and [[Dedan]] – {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:13|NKJV}}) and [[the West]] (i.e., “the merchants of [[Tarshish]]” headed up by the [[United States of America]]” – the leader of the West. Finally, Krieger conjectures, that whereas the center of the conflict in Ezekiel is Israel, the center of the conflict in {{bibleverse||Daniel|11:40-43|NKJV}} is [[Antichrist]] who is allied with Israel—the same conflict.
'''Armageddon or “Battle of Armageddon” or “Campaign of Armageddon”'''
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:
<blockquote>
Isaiah's clues indicate that the multinational attack that follows the destruction of Damascus is the Gog/Magog war of {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38-39|NKJV}}.
</blockquote>
==Criticism of the Futurist Interpretation of the “Oracle of Damascus”==
[[Image:Syria location map.svg|thumb|right|''Map of Modern Syria'']]
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:
<blockquote>
In a similar vein, Isaiah predicted the complete and utter destruction of Damascus ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-2|NKJV}}) An oracle concerning Damascus. See, "Damascus will cease to be a city, and will become a heap of ruins. Her towns will be deserted forever...." As we noted above, it is now almost three millennia since that prophecy and Damascus remains a vibrant city to this day. While Damascus had been overran many times in its past, it is still around. Thus the prophecy that says Damascus will cease to be a city forever is obviously false. (Callahan, Bible Prophecy: p60)
</blockquote>
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:
<blockquote>
Many events have happened in every country, anticipated by studious people, as the result of natural causes such as the ravages and downfall of cities and the overthrow of empires. Jewish prophets were angry because more powerful nations had overpowered Israel and held the Israelites in subjection. They felt that God must eventually right these wrongs to His chosen people and were always prophesying against the conquering nations like Egypt, Assyria and Babylonia. Naturally this was in reality just wishful thinking and many of the prophecies never happened. Babylon, Tyre, Damascus, and other cities belonging to those hostile neighbors the Jews so much envied and execrated, were not destroyed and indeed survive to this day.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, all poured out thunders upon Damascus. Isaiah declared it should be a “ruinous heap” ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1|NKJV}}). Jeremiah predicted its destruction by fire ({{bibleverse||Jeremiah|49:27|NKJV}}). Damascus still stands, with a large population. It has suffered less by ravages of war and the scythe of time than almost any other city of the east. It has stood over three thousand years without becoming anything like a “ruinous heap".
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The Old Testament prophecies against Tyre and Egypt are failed prophecies. Ezekiel prophesied that Nebuchadnezzar would completely destroy Tyre and that it would never be found again (Ezek 26:7-14, 21; 27:36; 28:19), but two hundred and fifty years after Nebuchadnezzar’s time Alexander had to siege it into submission, having found it a strong commercial city. It still is. Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed only the parts of Tyre that were accessible—on the mainland—his siege of the island acropolis failing. St. Jerome, of the fourth century, declared Tyre to be, then, the finest city of [[Phoenicia]] and was astonished that Ezekiel’s prophecy had so utterly failed.
</blockquote>
Others conclude that the Oracle of Damascus has been fulfilled:
<blockquote>
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>)
</blockquote>
The late [[Premillenial]] [[Evangelical]] [[John Walvoord]] of [[Dallas Theological Seminary]] believed that the Prophecy against Damascus was “fulfilled in history and prophecy” (i.e., there is no future fulfillment):
<blockquote>
{{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-8|NKJV}}. The coming destruction of Damascus, one of the ancient cities of the Middle East, the capital city of Aram, was predicted ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-2|NKJV}}). Damascus was allied with Israel in fighting the Assyrians, but it would all be to no avail because the Assyrians would triumph. Jacob would be like a person with a fat body that wasted away (v. 4). The destruction of Damascus was fulfilled in history and prophecy.
</blockquote>
==Armageddon Theology vs. [[Evangelical]] [[Covenantalism]]==
The criticism of Futurism's "Armageddon Theology" is widespread because of its socio-political or religio-political implications:
<blockquote>
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>
</blockquote>
[[Stephen Sizer]] in his text, ''Zion's Christian Soldiers?'' criticizes his [[Evangelical]] counterparts for their embrace of a "prophetic Israel" and the pseudo Bible prophecy they trumpet. Various Christian - some Futurist [[Premillenial]] [[Evangelicals]] would label him and those who celebrate his theology as clear [[supercessionism]]-style or [[replacement theology]]-style eschatology. Those who have critiqued Sizer's demonstrate their impassioned theological construct - a sample will suffice:
<blockquote>
''Zion's Christian Soldiers?'' ought to be on the required reading list for all students of the Bible. Here is basic and fundamental methodology which challenges many evangelical assumptions about "end times prophecy." Here is a sound-minded, Christ-centered critique of a popularly accepted but nonetheless fatally flawed perspective that leads to many spiritual dysfunctions. If you find yourself troubled by saber-rattling political rhetoric coming from many pulpits, ''Zion's Christian Soldiers'' will reacquaint you with the Prince of peace. (Greg Albrecht, President of Plain Truth Ministries, and Editor-in-Chief, The Plain Truth magazine (author of ''Revelation Revolution & Bad News Religion'').
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Thank God, here comes at last a book that challenges the pseudo-theology which, by giving precedence to the Old Covenant over the New, relegates the Church to the status of concubine in order to make Israel the Bride of Christ. In clear and measured terms, the author demonstrates from Scripture that God's purposes for history are not driven by a narrowly selective racist obsession but rather by his eternal design to create the Church, the new community dearly secured through the cross for all Christ-followers, both Jews and Gentiles. (Professor Gilbert Bilezikian, Professor Emeritus, [[Wheaton College]] and a founding leader of [[Willow Creek Community Church]], South Barrington, Illinois, (author of ''The Liberated Gospel, Beyond Sex Roles, Christianity 101 and Community 101'')
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In this very readable new work, Anglican vicar [[Stephen Sizer]] offers a biblically-based interpretation of the relationship of Israel and the Christian church. Turning to the current upsurge of [[Christian Zionism]], Sizer examines its deeply flawed misreadings of key biblical texts and its troubling public-policy implications. Not only Sizer’s fellow evangelicals, but everyone interested in this vital topic, will find ''Zion’s Christian Soldiers?'' an illuminating and highly valuable study.” (Professor Paul S. Boyer, James Pinckney Harrison Visiting Professor at [[William & Mary]] in Williamsburg, Va., and editor-in-chief of ''The Oxford Companion to American History'' (Oxford University Press, 2001).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cc-vw.org/articles/zcsreviews.htm|title=Zion's Christian Soldiers}} A compendium of authors/reviewers of ''Zion's Christian Soldier's'' who oppose Armageddon theology.</ref>
</blockquote>
The struggle between [[supercessionism]]-style [[Covenantalism]] and various forms of hyper-[[Dispensationalism]] over any future "prophetic wars" runs deep and acerbic in its rhetoric - both sides profess [[Evangelical]] fervor and both sides are keenly aware of the implications of their belief systems.
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==See Also==
* [[Abomination of Desolation]]
* [[Antichrist]]
* [[Apocalypse]]
* [[Armageddon]]
* [[Book of Daniel]]
* [[Book of Revelation]]
* [[Eschatology]]
* [[End times]]
* [[Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]]
* [[Last Judgment]]
* [[Millenarianism]]
* [[Preterism]]
* [[Postmillennialism]]
* [[Rapture|The Rapture]]
* [[Third Temple]]
</div>
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:
<blockquote>
“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap” ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1|NKJV}})
</blockquote>
The devastation of Damascus will be caused by the future State of [[Israel]] as a result of the [[Samson Option]] in response to her very survival. {{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:9|NKJV}} states:
<blockquote>
“In that day their strong cities, which '''they left because of the Israelites''', will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.”
</blockquote>
They say the Bible even tells how quickly and the precise time of this destruction upon Damascus:
<blockquote>
“In the evening, sudden terror! Before the morning, they are gone!” ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:14|NKJV}}).
</blockquote>
They also claim that {{bibleverse||Jeremiah|49:23-27|NKJV}}; especially, verses 26 and 27, substantiate this claim upon Syria’s capital:
<blockquote>
“‘Surely, her young men will fall in the streets; all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,‘ declares the LORD Almighty. ‘I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad.’”
</blockquote>
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]]).
<blockquote>
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)
</blockquote>
Jones suggests that Russia’s recent incursion into [[Georgia]] (See: [[2008 South Ossetia War]]) foretells the lead-up to another yet future conflict, the [[Gog Magog]] War in which [[Russia]] allied with [[Iran]] ([[Persia]]) will descend upon the mountains of Israel in the [[End Times]] ({{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38-39|NKJV}}); therefore,
<blockquote>
As the Middle East heats up with Russian on the move and the Iranian President’s (See: [[President of Iran]]) 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)
</blockquote>
Premillenarian [[Ray Stedman]] affirms:
<blockquote>
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)
</blockquote>
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:
<blockquote>
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)
</blockquote>
==The Distinction between the Oracle of Damascus and the [[Gog Magog]] War==
[[Image:DamascusView.jpg|thumb|left|''Modern 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:
<blockquote>
The big news here in Israel today, boldly headlined in the nation’s largest newspaper, ''[[Yedioth Ahronoth]]'', this morning, is Russia’s reported return to two naval bases that the [[Kremlin]] largely built and once controlled in neighboring [[Syria]]. The move is said to be part of a large Russian weapons deal with Syria, at least partially funded by [[Iran]], as I reported about in last week’s monthly news update.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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>)
</blockquote>
Futurist [[Hal Lindsey]] also projects a separate conflict involving Syria which is not connected to the future Gog-Magog conflict:
<blockquote>
All of this (i.e., the current Syrophoenicia War in the [[Levant]] (see [[2006 Lebanon War]] and [[Syro-Palestinian archaeology]])) leads me to believe that [[Damascus]] will be destroyed before the [[Tribulation]] begins. I believe that Damascus is about to so threaten Israel’s existence by either launching or furnishing bio-chemical weapons or radioactive dirty bombs, that Israel will nuke them. Israel has sworn that it will implement the [[Samson Option]] against any nation that attacks them with any form of weapons of mass destruction. That means a thermonuclear strike. This may soon happen to [[Syria]]. (Hal Lindsey Oracle –Politically Incorrect – Prophetically Correct – 7/31/2006)
</blockquote>
Lindsey continues:
<blockquote>
What is most important is that all this is setting up Ezekiel’s 2600-year-old prophecy in {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38|NKJV}}. [[Persia]], or modern [[Iran]], is listed a chief among the [[Muslim]] nations Russia will lead into an all-out assault against Israel. This is predicted to be the first battle of the war of [[Armageddon]]. The one nation that does not seem to be listed is [[Syria]]. I believe this is because as a result of actions it is now taking against Israel, [[Isaiah]]’s prophecy about Damascus in the last days is going to be soon fulfilled. Twenty Seven hundred years ago, Isaiah warned, “An oracle concerning Damascus: ‘See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins … In that day the glory of Jacob will fade; the fat of his body will waste away.’ ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-4|NIV}}) To establish the time of this event, look at these factors.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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)
</blockquote>
==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]] 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]] 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]].
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'''
<blockquote>
Israel vs. [[Syria]]/[[Damascus]], [[Lebanon]] ([[Hezbollah]]), [[Gaza]] ([[Hamas]]) and the [[Palestinian Authority]]
</blockquote>
The “[[Tyre]] and [[Sidon]]” or [[Lebanon]] would, under Krieger’s scenario, be galvanized against Israel through [[Hezbollah]] and the Palestinian entities of [[Gaza]] ([[Hamas]]) and the “Stronghold of [[Ephraim]]” would constitute today [[Palestinian Authority]].
'''Gog-Magog War'''
<blockquote>
Israel vs. [[Gog]], the land of [[Magog]], [[Rosh]] – the chief prince of [[Meshech]] and [[Tubal]] ({{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:1-3|NKJV}})
Persia, [[Cush]] or Ethiopia, and [[Put]] or [[Libya]] (Ezekiel 38:5; and Daniel 11:43), [[Egypt]] (Daniel 11:42-43)
[[Gomer]], [[Togarmah]] ({{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:6|NKJV}})
</blockquote>
Krieger asserts that [[Gog]] is a chief spiritual “principality” against Israel and that Meshech, Tubal, Gomer and Togarmah constitute peoples populating the modern state of [[Turkey]]; whereas they, together with [[Persia]], are allied as the “king of the North” in {{bibleverse||Daniel|11:40|NKJV}} and that the “king of the South” ({{bibleverse||Daniel|11:40|NKJV}}) is comprised of the modern states of Egypt, Libya and [[Sudan]] (ancient Ethiopia – not the [[Cush]] of the [[Levant]] or of ancient [[Assyria]]) - all allied against [[Antichrist]]. Those allied with Israel in the Gog-Magog conflict are the modern states of the Saudi [[Arabian Peninsula]] ([[Sheba]] and [[Dedan]] – {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38:13|NKJV}}) and [[the West]] (i.e., “the merchants of [[Tarshish]]” headed up by the [[United States of America]]” – the leader of the West. Finally, Krieger conjectures, that whereas the center of the conflict in Ezekiel is Israel, the center of the conflict in {{bibleverse||Daniel|11:40-43|NKJV}} is [[Antichrist]] who is allied with Israel—the same conflict.
'''Armageddon or “Battle of Armageddon” or “Campaign of Armageddon”'''
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:
<blockquote>
Isaiah's clues indicate that the multinational attack that follows the destruction of Damascus is the Gog/Magog war of {{bibleverse||Ezekiel|38-39|NKJV}}.
</blockquote>
==Criticism of the Futurist Interpretation of the “Oracle of Damascus”==
[[Image:Syria location map.svg|thumb|right|''Map of Modern Syria'']]
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:
<blockquote>
In a similar vein, Isaiah predicted the complete and utter destruction of Damascus ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-2|NKJV}}) An oracle concerning Damascus. See, "Damascus will cease to be a city, and will become a heap of ruins. Her towns will be deserted forever...." As we noted above, it is now almost three millennia since that prophecy and Damascus remains a vibrant city to this day. While Damascus had been overran many times in its past, it is still around. Thus the prophecy that says Damascus will cease to be a city forever is obviously false. (Callahan, Bible Prophecy: p60)
</blockquote>
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:
<blockquote>
Many events have happened in every country, anticipated by studious people, as the result of natural causes such as the ravages and downfall of cities and the overthrow of empires. Jewish prophets were angry because more powerful nations had overpowered Israel and held the Israelites in subjection. They felt that God must eventually right these wrongs to His chosen people and were always prophesying against the conquering nations like Egypt, Assyria and Babylonia. Naturally this was in reality just wishful thinking and many of the prophecies never happened. Babylon, Tyre, Damascus, and other cities belonging to those hostile neighbors the Jews so much envied and execrated, were not destroyed and indeed survive to this day.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, all poured out thunders upon Damascus. Isaiah declared it should be a “ruinous heap” ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1|NKJV}}). Jeremiah predicted its destruction by fire ({{bibleverse||Jeremiah|49:27|NKJV}}). Damascus still stands, with a large population. It has suffered less by ravages of war and the scythe of time than almost any other city of the east. It has stood over three thousand years without becoming anything like a “ruinous heap".
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The Old Testament prophecies against Tyre and Egypt are failed prophecies. Ezekiel prophesied that Nebuchadnezzar would completely destroy Tyre and that it would never be found again (Ezek 26:7-14, 21; 27:36; 28:19), but two hundred and fifty years after Nebuchadnezzar’s time Alexander had to siege it into submission, having found it a strong commercial city. It still is. Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed only the parts of Tyre that were accessible—on the mainland—his siege of the island acropolis failing. St. Jerome, of the fourth century, declared Tyre to be, then, the finest city of [[Phoenicia]] and was astonished that Ezekiel’s prophecy had so utterly failed.
</blockquote>
Others conclude that the Oracle of Damascus has been fulfilled:
<blockquote>
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>)
</blockquote>
The late [[Premillenial]] [[Evangelical]] [[John Walvoord]] of [[Dallas Theological Seminary]] believed that the Prophecy against Damascus was “fulfilled in history and prophecy” (i.e., there is no future fulfillment):
<blockquote>
{{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-8|NKJV}}. The coming destruction of Damascus, one of the ancient cities of the Middle East, the capital city of Aram, was predicted ({{bibleverse||Isaiah|17:1-2|NKJV}}). Damascus was allied with Israel in fighting the Assyrians, but it would all be to no avail because the Assyrians would triumph. Jacob would be like a person with a fat body that wasted away (v. 4). The destruction of Damascus was fulfilled in history and prophecy.
</blockquote>
==Armageddon Theology vs. [[Evangelical]] [[Covenantalism]]==
The criticism of Futurism's "Armageddon Theology" is widespread because of its socio-political or religio-political implications:
<blockquote>
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>
</blockquote>
[[Stephen Sizer]] in his text, ''Zion's Christian Soldiers?'' criticizes his [[Evangelical]] counterparts for their embrace of a "prophetic Israel" and the pseudo Bible prophecy they trumpet. Various Christian - some Futurist [[Premillenial]] [[Evangelicals]] would label him and those who celebrate his theology as clear [[supercessionism]]-style or [[replacement theology]]-style eschatology. Those who have critiqued Sizer's demonstrate their impassioned theological construct - a sample will suffice:
<blockquote>
''Zion's Christian Soldiers?'' ought to be on the required reading list for all students of the Bible. Here is basic and fundamental methodology which challenges many evangelical assumptions about "end times prophecy." Here is a sound-minded, Christ-centered critique of a popularly accepted but nonetheless fatally flawed perspective that leads to many spiritual dysfunctions. If you find yourself troubled by saber-rattling political rhetoric coming from many pulpits, ''Zion's Christian Soldiers'' will reacquaint you with the Prince of peace. (Greg Albrecht, President of Plain Truth Ministries, and Editor-in-Chief, The Plain Truth magazine (author of ''Revelation Revolution & Bad News Religion'').
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Thank God, here comes at last a book that challenges the pseudo-theology which, by giving precedence to the Old Covenant over the New, relegates the Church to the status of concubine in order to make Israel the Bride of Christ. In clear and measured terms, the author demonstrates from Scripture that God's purposes for history are not driven by a narrowly selective racist obsession but rather by his eternal design to create the Church, the new community dearly secured through the cross for all Christ-followers, both Jews and Gentiles. (Professor Gilbert Bilezikian, Professor Emeritus, [[Wheaton College]] and a founding leader of [[Willow Creek Community Church]], South Barrington, Illinois, (author of ''The Liberated Gospel, Beyond Sex Roles, Christianity 101 and Community 101'')
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In this very readable new work, Anglican vicar [[Stephen Sizer]] offers a biblically-based interpretation of the relationship of Israel and the Christian church. Turning to the current upsurge of [[Christian Zionism]], Sizer examines its deeply flawed misreadings of key biblical texts and its troubling public-policy implications. Not only Sizer’s fellow evangelicals, but everyone interested in this vital topic, will find ''Zion’s Christian Soldiers?'' an illuminating and highly valuable study.” (Professor Paul S. Boyer, James Pinckney Harrison Visiting Professor at [[William & Mary]] in Williamsburg, Va., and editor-in-chief of ''The Oxford Companion to American History'' (Oxford University Press, 2001).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cc-vw.org/articles/zcsreviews.htm|title=Zion's Christian Soldiers}} A compendium of authors/reviewers of ''Zion's Christian Soldier's'' who oppose Armageddon theology.</ref>
</blockquote>
The struggle between [[supercessionism]]-style [[Covenantalism]] and various forms of hyper-[[Dispensationalism]] over any future "prophetic wars" runs deep and acerbic in its rhetoric - both sides profess [[Evangelical]] fervor and both sides are keenly aware of the implications of their belief systems.
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
==See Also==
* [[Abomination of Desolation]]
* [[Antichrist]]
* [[Apocalypse]]
* [[Armageddon]]
* [[Book of Daniel]]
* [[Book of Revelation]]
* [[Eschatology]]
* [[End times]]
* [[Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse]]
* [[Last Judgment]]
* [[Millenarianism]]
* [[Preterism]]
* [[Postmillennialism]]
* [[Rapture|The Rapture]]
* [[Third Temple]]
</div>