In intelligence parlance it’s called “chatter†– communication by known or suspected terrorists among themselves. When monitoring agents detect intensification in the level of communication, or certain variations in the pattern of interaction – they increase the alert level and brace for a possible attack.
Western intelligence agencies are also consistently monitoring hostile nations for the likelihood of war. In the Middle East, falling down on this job could lead – and has led – to surprise attacks that have threatened the very existence of the State of Israel.
Here in Israel, “ordinary†folk don’t generally have access to this type of “chatter.†Because of the prevailing tensions in our world, however, our “antennae†are probably more sensitive to conditions - and our spirits more quickly alerted – than if we were living elsewhere.
Jerusalem has been my home for nearly 20 years. At some point in almost every one of those years, conjecture has circulated about the possibility of war. In the early 1990s, conflicts seemed to always be anticipated in the autumn. More recent years have seen that time frame shift to the summer.
Of course, there is good reason for the speculation:
Israel has fought or endured at least one war in every decade since its rebirth – 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973, 1982, 1991 and 2006 – and these do not include the unrelenting terrorist war waged against her.
Secondly, the entire neighborhood in which Israel lives – in places two or three states deep – wants to see the Jewish state excised; its people cast into the sea.
Thirdly – though this should perhaps have been firstly – the Bible says Israel will face wars until the end of days.
So war hangs, like a Sword of Damocles, over our heads.
We watch for it. We listen for it. We wait for it. Thus far in Israel’s short modern history it has always been a question of “when,†never “if.â€
Today, in the second half of July, 2007, we’re watching and listening again. All around us we see the signs and hear the “chatter.â€
Its level is up. Not right up, but way up. What – Jews and Christians in Israel, and Israel-watchers around the world – are wondering, is going to happen next?
Here are some of the signs:
Almost daily reports since last April citing Israeli military and intelligence officials warning of Syrian preparations for war, Hizb’allah’s rearmament for war and Iran’s fomenting for war.
Almost daily reports from Syria quoting that country’s officials accusing Israel of planning an attack.
Weekly reports in American and British news media about US plans to strike the Iranian nuclear operation and the imminence of such an attack being brought forward by Iran’s imminent passing of the point of no return. All this with concomitant reports out of Tehran and Damascus quoting senior officials in both countries warning that Israel will be hit if the US hits Iran.
An increase in the number of state visits by Syrian leaders to Tehran and Iranian leaders to Damascus.
Consecutive reports – separated only by a few days – of the woeful un-preparedness of the Israeli Home Front to protect the state’s citizens from non-conventional attacks.
Reports that Syria ordered all its citizens out of Lebanon by July 15. A resident in Beirut has reportedly confirmed that the Syrians have indeed all left the city, and wondered “What they know that we don’t?â€
Reports that Syria has had the state archives moved out of Damascus to a safe location.
Eye-witness reports of unusual stillness and inactivity in the normally busy Arab-occupied parts of the Jordan Valley.
Reports that reservist IDF soldiers are being called up.
As I was writing this I received a phone call from a Jewish friend in Oregon. Discussing the tensions here I told him that, the way things have been developing these past months, Israel’s situation could be poised to undergo a revolutionary change.
“For better or for worse?†he asked.
“Well you know me,†I replied. “I believe the Bible, and the Bible says that, sooner or later, restored Israel is going to fight a regional war, the outcome of which will see the removal – for at least a period of time – of the unrelenting threat this nation has lived under since 1948.
Many Christians have wondered about the significance the year 2007 could have marking, as it does, 40 years since Jerusalem and the biblical heartland of Israel came back under Jewish control for the first time in more than 2,000 years.
Another friend of mine had this to say about it:
I pulled my copy of Number in Scripture, by E.W. Bullinger, to refresh my memory as to the full Biblical significance of the number 40. As I recalled, God used “40″ in Scripture – both Old Testament and New Testament – as a symbol of preparation, or of getting ready.
For over two decades, I have been silently pondering whether God was going to cause Israel to be attacked on the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Six Day War. Now that this moment is upon us, the Arabs have begun what appears to be a classic run-up to all-out war.
But back to my dissertation about Bullinger’s explanation of the full use of the number “40.” Not only does this number mean “preparing”, but it carries much more meaning.
“FORTY has long been universally recognized as an important number, both on account of the frequency of its occurrence and the uniformity of its association with a period of probation, trial, and chastisement (not judgment, like the number 9) … but the chastisement of sons and of a covenant people.” (Bullinger, page 266.)
In other words, when God brings Israel through a period of “40″, He is dealing with them as His “covenant people!†This number is a symbol of God dealing with Israel as His Chosen People.
Still, as exciting as this understanding is, the next part of Bullinger’s expose’ is positively riveting.
The number, forty, also “relates to enlarged dominion, or to renewed or extended rule…” (Ibid.)
Wow! What does the Bible prophesy as to what faces Israel as she goes through this End of the Age warfare? It clearly says that Israel will enlarge her borders by re-occupying all the lands which God promised to Abraham! This Biblical promise is called “Greater Israel”.
Israel’s military commanders have warned that a war with Syria will be “10 times worse†than last year’s war in Lebanon. That means that horrific suffering and destruction lie ahead.
No sensible person wants war. Certainly no true Christian does. The Bible commands all God-fearing men to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.†This nation has known so much pain and death. Millions of us long for the day when Israel, and all the nations, will experience true peace.
This is our prayer, even in the face of the gathering clouds.
What an excellent story. I received it from Ray Gano of Prophezine and I am one of his News Hounds helping to find news stories to send in for his sending out to others readers. I have bookmarked your website and will reference this information daily. I was talking with a guy that cuts my hair today and we talk about prophecy events and such and I mentioned to him that I have a feeling concerning the events which are taking place now as feeling like a “cat on a hot tin roof.” I really have a feeling inside that is stirring my spirit. Take care and God Bless!!
I too understand the significance of the number 40 that I have experienced within my own life….from 1961 until 2001—-I suffered so many trials and testings….I did come out in August 2001.
Something is UP! Israel is God’s timetable….Everything revolves around Israel…..I can’t understand how the current leadership could still be in control….however, God has a plan, that much I know….He loves Israel and His Chosen People above all others…..And when God fights for anyone….the Victories come….even though sometimes we think they are slow—-the Victories Come!!!
My family and I are praying daily for Israel and America. We are locked in together, whether many want to acknowledge this fact or not….As the storm clouds gather over Israel and America, God is (as I have said before) not sitting in Heaven biting His fingernails….He has everything under control….We must pray, fast and believe that He is our strength and refuge/our protector/our deliverer….He Will Fight for Israel….America may not be so blessed, since we are in such a backslidden state.
Israel My Beloved….Israel today/Greater Israel tomorrow/ AND FOREVER!!!
Yes, Stan, I have it on good authority that Special Forces have been called up, which can only justify what you surmise namely that something is in the offing.
More than ever before we need to keep in mind that we have a duty to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. “Shallu Shalom Yerushalayim”.
How I wish I could send this report to every household in America! And yet, I know the Lord is bigger than the internet and is preparing His people (all those who believe in Him and in His son, Yeshua HaMashiach) by speaking to their hearts. I too, am excited, and yet feeling that quiver within of anticipation. I have friends in Israel and I have to trust the Lord to take of His own.
I am connected with Israel, both by blood, and by love~it is where my heart yearns to be…and so I pray and weep and rejoice for That day when she is truly restored, and her King reigns in righteousness!!
Thank you so much for your faithfulness…
Baruch atem b’Shem Yeshua
Not only is 2007 the 40th anniv. of the recapture of Jerusalem it is also the 400th year since our forefathers landed at Jamestown and planted a sign claiming this land for Jesus Christ. The year was 1607. You can bet this will be a prophetic year for Christians and Jews.
I too will pray for peace.
I would love to believe this is a correct interpretation, but Israel seems to have near suicidal leadership at the moment. There are lots of voices on the internet saying that Israel must ’stand up for itself’ and flatly reject the silly Oslo ‘peace process’, insisting on it’s right to exist. But no-one with any position of power or leadership within the country seems to be taking such a stance. If war is coming, the nation had better depend on God, because it cannot depend on its leaders.
Stan, our prayers are going up every day and just now we are increasing intercession as we see the evil axis coming together. Psalm 2, G-d will do what He said He will do and it is our intercession at this time that His People Judah and Ephraim will finally unite manifestedly after all. Greater Israel is on her way. It may very well also be the time when Damascus will cease to exist as a city.
Our Love and Prayers are with you and your loved ones, including Jan Willem and all ICZCers.
In His Ahava,
Thorsten & Melo
I understand there are states in Israel’s neighborhood which want the Jewish state excised but would they not be willing to give ground the issue of pushing Israel’s people into the sea? Is it really not possible to establish a state which is not a “Jewish state” but one in which all the people, Jews, Muslims, etc… can live together as equal citizens who are free to practice whatever religion they choose?
Shalom Stan.
Thank you for this important message. I wonder if this the beginning of the war spoken of in Ezekiel 38 and 39? If so I rejoice ,because God will fight this war for Israel just like he did for them under Hezekiah, and Jehoshaphat and recently in Gaza. God will show himself to be for Israel . Halleluia! ” Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.” Ezek 38:23 Come on down Lord! Let thy enemies be scattered ! Stay up on that wall brother Stan and keep the watch, We are praying for you every day and for the Peace of Jerusalem.
Shalom Jeremy
Charles Brown, Thank You for calling this to my attention regarding America and Jamestown in 1607.
I am an American, and I feel in my spirit that something is about to happen…..what….I don’t know….but something. We can’t change the minds of those in authority in America and in Israel—but we can PRAY and I am!
God honors prayer and we are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem….Materially, I have little….but I am a prayer warrior on behalf of the Nation and People of Israel, and I count it all joy that I have been taught since early childhood to love the Jewish People and the Nation of Israel….To me, this is the greatest gift my mother and my grandparents have given to me is to love Israel and the Jewish People.
Stan, I believe you are right in all that you write. I believe that God is allowing Olmert and his ilk to stay in power to test the attitudes of our, and Israeli hearts. Those waiting for King Yeshua, are more steadfast in the Word as they realise only Yeshua can deliver israel. Those in Israel who deny their spiritual birthright are leaving. There will soon be no-one neutral. These are the days of the return of the Son of Man and He is in control. Praise God! We must pray as never before for His Kingdom to come!
Look up, your salvation Israel and the Believing world, your redemption draws near.
I read your article this afternoon with much interest because today I have been deeply restless within my spirit — weeping before the Lord for both Israel and America. I pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for repentance of both nations. There is a sense that God is about to unleash prophesy. He always does what He says! “Every knee will bow, and every tongue shall confess that He IS Lord!”
Moses and the children of Israel were tested and prepared for 40 years in the wilderness…Christ was tested and prepared 40 days in the desert …There were 40 days between the Resurrection and Pentecost … Commonly 40 years is counted as a generation. The Gospel of Matthew tells of Christ’s words concerning 1967 and the Jews returning to Jerusalem…”and this generation shall not pass away until I return”… My spirit hears a cry deep inside–It is time! My heart can’t help but say–Look up! For your Redemption draweth nigh!
Dear brother Stan, so many thanks for all your ministry informing us and encouraging us to pray God’s Word in regards to His chosen covenant people and land and city. We truly appreciate your help.
My heart calls out in the midst of all the problems facing Israel and any who truly follow in the Lord’s ways : Yeshua HaMaschich HE IS LORD!. His victory will be manifest before all the nations. What a day that will be and I am excited to think on it.
This is keeping us from fear and dispondancy in the face of all that’s wrong and frightening. Hallelujah! Amen!
Not only is this year a 40 & 400 year point (see posts above) but this Fall will be Fourteen (2 sets of 7) years since the signing of the Oslo Accords. After the 1st set of 7 years were fulfilled, the Oslo War began. What might begin this Fall after the 2nd set of 7 years? Who knows? While we watch, we continue to pray for peace. Good article brother Stan, thank you.
STAN I BELIEVE WITH EVER FIBER OF MY BEING THAT OUR GOD IS ABOUT TO STEP OUT ON THE CLOUDS IN THE EASTERN SKY AND CLAIM HIS BRIDE. I AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING MY LORD AND SAVIOR. I KNOW THAT THE CHOSEN PEOPLE OF MY LORD, ISRAEL, WILL HAVE THE GREAT “I AM” STANDING BETWEEN THEM AND THEIR ENEMY. ALL PEOPLES WILL BOW THEIR KNEE TO HIM AND ALL WILL KNOW THAT HE IS “THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL”. I BOUGHT A BOOK TODAY WRITTEN BY R. DEAN HUBBARD, IT IS INTERESTING WHAT HE HAS WRITTEN ON THE FRONT COVER, “GOD’S COUNTDOWN FOR MANKIND”. THE TIME IS VERY NEAR, PRAISE THE LIVING LAMB OF GOD WE WILL ALL SOON BE FREE COMPLETELY FREE OF THIS OLD MORTAL BODY AND GAIN OUR IMMORTAL BODY TO BE WITH OUR LORD FOREVER AND FOREVER.
MAY OUR LORD BLESS YOU AND YOURS, AND ALL OF ISRAEL AND KEEP THEM SAFE.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AGAIN
BOBBIE
I’m affraid I am just a working man here in California and, in many ways, I feel so powerless as to the daily history being made there in the promise land. I can’t help feeling frustrated with the blindness so many have towards God’s chosen people. I love Israel and I’m just a small town Christian, hardly educated with now earthly ties to the nation. Yet I can’t help loving Her and and getting angry when She is threatened. I know that from Jerusalem my King will choose to rule so she will persevere.
Thank you, Stan, for being a night watchman for us. God bless you and your family and remember there are many who love you and are praying for you.
Praise the name of Yeshua!
The God of Israel is my God too. My salvation comes from Zion and not from anywhere else. I long to see the day when all Israel will acknowledge their God and say “Baruch H’ba B’shem Adonai”. As a Watchman set on the walls of Jerusalem, I will “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem”, morning, noon, and night. God will do all what he has said in the scriptures. He wont be too late, He wont be too early, He will Act right on time.
Greetings in the matchless name of Yeshua Hamaschiach.
This verse of prophecy has not yet come to pass.:- Damascus has never been utterly destroyed and is one of the oldest cities in the world.
Proclamation Against Syria and Israel
ISAIAH 17 :1 The aburden 1against Damascus.
“Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city,
And it will be a ruinous heap.
2 2The cities of bAroer are forsaken;
They will be for flocks
Which lie down, and cno one will make them afraid.
3 dThe fortress also will cease from Ephraim,
The kingdom from Damascus,
And the remnant of Syria;
They will be as the glory of the children of Israel,â€
Says the Lord of hosts.
The New King James Version. 1996, c1982 . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
“Contend, O LORD with those who contend with [Israel]; fight against those who fight against [her]. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to [her] aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue [her]. Say to [her] soul ‘I am your salvation’… [Israel's enemies] do not speak peaceably, but devise false acusations against those who live quietly in the land. They gape at [her] and say, ‘Aha! Aha! with our own eyes we have seen it.’ O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from [Israel], O LORD. Awake, and rise to [her] defense! Contend for [her], my God and Lord.” AMEN
O LORD, you hear the cry of our hearts on behalf of Israel - Your Beloved. Rise up, O GOD, and deliver her from the hand of the enemy. For the sake of your great Name, show yourself mighty in the sight of all nations and cause your glory to go forth from Zion to the very ends of the earth! We wait for you, O Mighty Lion of Judah! Our hearts long for you! Our eyes are watching for You! You alone are our hope! You alone are the hope of your People Israel! AMEN
Bless you Stan. May our Father’s arms be a shelter and a strong defense encompassing you and your family in the days ahead.
Sorry, I forgot to give the scripture reference. It’s taken from Psalm 35:1-3 & 20-23.
How wonderful to read all the prayers and support for Israel and for King Yeshua to come again! Thank you, Stan, for your tireless watching and reporting. I too pray for the peace of Jerusalem. How wonderful that we have the Almighty Creator to look to and to trust, no matter what may come. War, persecution, or death cannot keep a believer’s spirit from inheriting the wonderful kingdom to come. Oh what a time that will be, not only for Israel and beleivers in Yeshua, but for the whole world! May every man, woman, and child wake up to the FACT that Jesus is King of the world. “Come soon, Lord Jesus!”
I rejoice in knowing that Israel will soon have her borders enlarged, and the peace she has prayed for. Yeshua her King will fight her battles. I pray for Israel’s longed for peace and her soon coming King and mine.
Blessings and prayers for you all.
Wherever man is involved there is bound to be war. The grave
mistake being made is trying to divide up the land, many sincere
Christians believe that the Church has replaced Israel that is why
they have no problem dividing up THE LAND(ISRAEL).They will
pay a very high price for this lie. See Joel 3:1-2 Judgement for
scattering Israel & dividing up My land says YHWH.
Previously you mentioned that Pres.Bush & Olmert see eye to
eye on Israel, well they should look at Isaiah 52:8 “The voice of
your watchmen,(O Israel), they shall lift up their voices, together
they shout for joy, because eye to eye they see the return of
Yhwh to Tzion.”
We as watchmen on the walls of Yahrushalayim see Eye to Eye
about praying for “The Peace of Yahrushalayim” & we will see
Eye to Eye the deliverance of all Israel.
Yahushua Ha Mashiach is coming soon & I pray that it is very
soon to rule & reign with a rod of Iron(Torah) from Yahrushalayim.
He is THE PRINCE OF SHALOM & without Him there is no
Peace. The Spirit & The Bride say come, & he who hears say
come. Yahushua says he is coming speedily in Rev 22:12, His
reward is with Him to give to each according to his work.
Lets make certain that our works tie up with YHWH’s Word.
Shalom
Marion
This is a very interesting article Stan, as well as some very interesting posts. We don’t hear any of this stuff on the news here in America. Which is why I read ALOT online to find out what’s really going on.
I pray for peace. The only True Peace was born in the Middle East over 2000 years ago. Yeshua is the only one who can bring peace to Israel… as we know.
Sharon and Olmart were/are a puppet of Bush. Just as Barak was a puppet of Clinton. Of course they see, “eye to eye”.
I have felt for years that 2007 would be a very significant year. Only time will tell.
My sister and her husband (Pastor Gaspar Anastasi) were just in Israel last week, and called upon thousands of Jews and Christians to gather at the Western Wall before Tisha B’Av for prayer and fasting, concerning Israel.
I love Israel and I’m a christian. I don’t pray for peace to prosper! As was suggested in a previous article comparing all christians to John Hagee. The Lord put a burden for Israel into my heart many years ago. WHY? Because He wants us to feel HIS heart. How can anyone say they love Yeshua and NOT love Israel and the Jewish people? Then you don’t feel HIS heart, for His First born.
Shalom Alechem
http://www.restoringthehouseofthelord.com
Praise the Lord for the restoration of Israel! God is great and his mercy endureth forever =)
JWB the second
Dear Stan and friends,
Thanks as always for your comforting words.
This is truly a very special time in history.
I urge all your readers to keep their fingers on Israel’s pulse, to continue to pray for Her, and if possible, Visit Israel! Nothing is as powerful as prayer to God in his Holy Land.
Blessings,
Gidon Ariel
http://www.holycityprayer.com
Stan,
Thanks for keeping us all informed concerning the state of affairs in Israel. I have some startling eschatological developments of my own that I wish to share with you all. For the first time in the history of the world, we now can begin to observe a major geopolitical paradigm shift occuring as I write. Throughout the world, political elites have arranged for the formation of ten regional economic/political blocs by 2015. These ‘kingdoms’ most likely are the ‘Ten Horns’ prophecy mentioned in Daniel 7:23-24 and Revelation 17:12-13:
1) European Union 1992 - Maastricht, Holland
2) African Union 2002 - Durban, South Africa
3) Middle East Union (5/9/03 - Bush White House press release announcing the ‘Middle East Free Trade Area’ (MEFTA)
4) North American Union (5/05 - ‘Building A North American Community’ CFR Task Force led by Robert Pastor, stemming from NAFTA and SPP Of North America)
5) South American Union (12/10/06 - FOX news report ‘South American Leaders Discuss Creating Continental Union’)
6) South Asian Union (2/12/05 - India Daily news report ‘South Asian Union - A Growing Reality That Can Change The World’)
7) East Asian Union (4/7/05 - Asia Times news report ‘Thinking The Unthinkable, A Confucian Union, The EAU’)
9) Asian Pacific Union (11/14/06 - CBC news report ‘Canada Supports Idea Of Asian Pacific Trade Zone’)
10) Russian Union (1990 - Commonwealth of Independent States)
Could a regional war in the Middle East lead to the formation of the ‘Middle East Union’? These political elites’ desired intention is to complete these regional blocs by 2015, but no later than 2020. If these ‘ten kings/ten kingdoms/ten horns’ form by 2015 or 2020, I believe that we could very well witness the rise of the ‘little horn’, the false messiah, who comes up in their midst and subdues three of these ‘kings’. Please keep your eyes on this ‘ten horn’ prophecy development. We certainly live in interesting times. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Israel and the entire Middle East. G-d bless. -R. Wiesinger
Stan, I see our Heavenly Father bringing many new godly men and women to Jerusalem Newswire and to Israel My Beloved.
He is drawing us all together to fast and pray for Israel and the Jewish People…and for America. America is “free falling” into great darkness, and chaos is manifesting all over the nation.
Israel and America are three steps from a Cross Road. There will soon be no turning back, it appears. Standing on the “sidelines” and watching will no longer be an option.
Each person will be forced to take a Stand for living godly, or will be caught up in a tunnel of darkness that is coming on the earth.
The choices they make as to which way to go will determine the
future of all mankind. The entire world is sitting back, watching both Israel and America, to see what we will do next. We both have many enemies who long to see Israel and America destroyed NOW! There is a “stirring” in people who have never shown any desire to live godly….The unsaved are discerning that something is happening….they do not know what….and yet they are noticeably shaken and are beginning to look to those who proclaim Christianity…The Harvest fields are White but the Laborers are few.
“LORD OF THE HARVEST, SEND FORTH LABORERS, AND LET THOSE OF US WHO ARE A PART OF JERUSALEM NEWSWIRE.COM, STANGOODENOUGH.COM, ZIONIST.COM, AND ISRAELMYBELOVED.COM be found worthy in this critical time to share the Good News of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.” amen and amen
Shalom Shalom Stan, I am oft reminded of the following passage:
Zechariah 10:10: “I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon, and there will not be room enough for them.”
E.W. Bullinger’s Numbers in Scripture is a highly recommended resource. The following are the scriptural basis for the significance of 40:
40 Years of Probation by Prosperity in Deliverance and Rest: Judges 3:11 (Othniel), 5:31 (Barak), 8:28 (Gideon)
40 Years of Probation by Prosperity in Enlarged Dominion:
2 Samuel 5:4 (David)
1 Kings 11:42 (Solomon)
2 Kings 12:1 (Joash)
2 Kings 12:17-18 (Joash)
2 Kings 13:3,5,7,22,25 (Jehoash)
2 Kings 14:12-14,23,28 (Jeroboam II)
1897: Herzl convenes the first Zionist Congress
1917: Israel liberated from Islamic Turkish occupation by the British Empire
1947: The UN votes to create a Jewish nation in Israel and the British Empire begins to withdraw
1967: Judea, Samaria, Gaza and the Golan Heights liberated from Arab occupation
2007: ?
The Soldiers in the field verified they are waiting for the “N” bomb any day. Most likely before Summer is over.
I used to receive a daily prayer for Israel when I had an email address in South Africa, but have now re-located to Ireland and would like to receive one daily again, as I like to pray Gods Word back to Him, as a prayer for Israel. What has been happening to you, as see this last comment was dated August 9th, 2007? The day we arrived in Ireland!! God bless.