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Lay it to HeartThe Future of GazaIsaiah 14 warns of the future destruction of Gaza. Hezbollah, Iran or Syria may strike with sarin, VX or tabun nerve gas. Whoever it is they will destroy the population of Gaza.Philistines Are Alive TodayIsaiah 11 prophecies about the restoration of Israel. In 1948 the United Nations recognized Israel as a nation partially restoring the country. Previously the Jews lived in the land under the British rule. Verse 11 mentions the rebirth of Israel. Verse 14 mentions Philistines living in the west. They did not disappear or die off in the past.
Isaiah Warns The Remnant Will Be SlainThe Jews were recovered a second time in the last century. When Israel was recovered, the remnant of the Philistines existed in Gaza. So what happens to them? In the future, it looks like all the Palestinians will disappear. In Isaiah 14, people focus on the fall of Lucifer, but don't talk much about the end of the chapter that has another section. Just because verses are placed together in a Bible chapter does not make them related.
Verse 28 appears to be an introduction for verses 29-32, rather than an end for the previous verses, but either way it will not change the meaning. Palestina (Strong's word 6429) is the land or place where Philistines (Strong's word 6430) in chapter 11 live. In verse 30, the root is killed with famine and the remnant slain. If this passage applied to destruction already fulfilled then the Philistines would not be around as described in Isaiah chapter 11. Since Philistines are present after the restoration of Israel, the passage in Isaiah 14 has to apply to the destruction of the Philistines, and hence, Gaza, in the future. Who or what is the rod in verse 29? In the Bible rod refers to an actual physical rod as with Jacob and Aaron. It also refers to a rod as a means of discipline as well as other forceful means of discipline and those who implement it. A rod can mean a ruler or oppressor. If the rod, which is broken, were merely a physical rod the passage would be confusing. There would not be a reason for the Gazans to rejoice if it were broken. The definition of rod that I see the Gazans rejoicing over is Israel. They would rejoice at any destruction, setback or withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and we have seen some of that happen. The word serpent often refers to Satan. The word cockatrice is from the Hebrew word tsepha (see Strong's word 6848) that is a poisonous snake; some people think it is the Palestinian Viper or Daboia Palestinae. Isn't there a proverb, "In the face a brother. In the back a serpent."? It does not seem likely that fiery flying serpents will actually come and wipe out Gaza. It looks more like this is a prophetic description of missiles that exist today. They take off with fire and smoke, continue with fire coming out of the back while they fly, then come and quickly strike with death. With chemical weapons, they actually have venom. Verse 30 says the root will be killed with famine and the remnant slain. I could be wrong but it sounds like when the remnant is slain there will be no more Philistines. How do they die? Verse 31 says a smoke will come from the north. In a confined building the smoke from a fire will kill first but in the open countryside a smoke by itself would have to be very strong to wipe out a whole population. The word smoke here is 'ashan (Strong's 6227) (aw-shawn') from Strong's H6225; smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger):-smoke (-ing). A massive rage of anger would hurt the Gazans as well as an extremely dense smoke. Also, though, a vapor would do it. A fiery flying serpent that kills with a vapor would describe missiles with nerve gas. Syria, for example, is said to have stockpiles of sarin, VX and tabun nerve gases. Mustard gas has also been used in the middle east as a weapon. Iraq used chemical weapons in the war with Iran during the 1980's. If something like this hits Gaza the vapor would destroy it. Today, the Hezbollah are ready to fight Israel again. The word now is that they have medium range missiles from Iran. Syria promised "firm and unlimited response" to any possible Israeli attack (AP). Iran warned Israel of "unimaginable losses" if Syria is hit (AFP). Hezbollah has said, "You will be surprised again like you were in Haifa" (Haaretz). It is very foreseeable that one of the groups, Hezbollah, Iran or Syria, will launch a deadly missile attack on Tel Aviv and overshoot the mark. A civil war may also be the cause. Fatah and Hamas have been at odds with each other. It is possible that Fatah will fire from the West Bank. Is would be difficult, but not impossible. When this will happen and who will be responsible is not clear. Sadly, the Gaza strip is a short time away from a catastrophe. We know the damage that will be done. Stop Hezbollah, Syria, Iran, Fatah and Hamas. Ezekiel Says The Remnant Will DestroyedWhen the book of Ezekiel says the remnant is destroyed it is more than a punishment, testing or trial. It is final. It is the end. Again, since the Philistines still exist today in Gaza this is a future event.
Amos Says They Will PerishCut off and perish are words that mean complete and final. This is not good for the people of Gaza but it will happen.
Zephaniah Prophesies About GazaI cannot say for sure whether the following passage applies to the past or future. The reference in verse 2 to the day of the LORD'S anger is similar to the day of the Lord which is a future event.
There Is HopeWhile I cannot stop the destroyer, I can tell you about another way out. It profits you nothing to gain the whole world but lose your own soul. While you may be safe or you may get killed, without Jesus nothing else matters. What matters is that you spend eternity with God. God has a son. His name is Jesus. God sent his son to die on a cross and become the ultimate sacrifice. He paid the entire price for our sins on the cross. There is nothing we can do ourselves. We are unworthy. Jesus rose the third day to become the first of the resurrection and prove he is Lord. What really matters in life is whether you accept Jesus as Lord. Life is a test and the only answer is Jesus. Without Jesus it does not matter whether you die in Gaza, escape tragedy in Gaza or live a total life of luxury somewhere else. What matters is that you spend eternal life in heaven. Without Jesus, you will live in hell after you die. Instead, you can call upon the Lord to save you. Salvation is so simple to attain that most people don't want to accept it. It is based on faith. Jesus does all the work. If you want to be saved and have eternal life read about salvation.Home The Future Get Google Earth See Gaza from above (Use 31 31' 27.30" N 34 26'44.95"E for the coordinates if you are not familiar with the location.) Damascus What is store for Damascus? Copyright ©2006-2011 Lay it to Heart |
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