Daniel Chapter 5 The Writing on the Wall
Here in chapter 5 we jump into the future and bypass a couple of leaders of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had a son named Evil-merodach who lasted about 2 years before a brother in law killed him. We know Nebuchadnezzar's reign ended in 562bc. This would have placed the date for Evil-merodach and his demise approximately 560bc. The name of his brother in law Neriglissar. He reigned 4 years and his son ruled for 9 months until the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar named Belshazzar son of Evil-merodach who reigned for 17 years until 539bc. The details of what happens in 539bc are literally spelled out here as we proceed through the chapter.
This is in fulfillment of the prophecy of Jeremiah 21:1-7
Jer 21:1-7
(1) The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD, when king Zedekiah sent unto him Pashur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,
(2) Enquire, I pray thee, of the LORD for us; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon maketh war against us; if so be that the LORD will deal with us according to all his wondrous works, that he may go up from us.
(3) Then said Jeremiah unto them, Thus shall ye say to Zedekiah:
(4) Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.
(5) And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.
(6) And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence.
(7) And afterward, saith the LORD, I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, and his servants, and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those that seek their life: and he shall smite them with the edge of the sword; he shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.
As usual we find the word of God complete in accuracy. The 1ST generation was king Nebuchadnezzar then his son Evil- merodach and the grandson Belshazzar. It is Belshazzar this chapter focuses upon.
Dan 5:1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
We have learned from history that these types of festivities were not that unusual among the kings of the east. The scriptures mention the feast of the king of Egypt in Genesis 40. Esther mentions the feast of the king of Persia and Herod is also in the midst of a drunken feast when he orders John the Baptist beheaded.
Jeremiah 51:35-39
Jer 51:35-39
(35) The violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and my blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say.
(36) Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.
(37) And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.
(38) They shall roar together like lions: they shall yell as lions' whelps.
(39) In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.
Here we have Jeremiah given an outcome relating to Babylon and also mentions the word feast in the same prophecy.
Jer 51:51-57
(51) We are confounded, because we have heard reproach: shame hath covered our faces: for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of the LORD'S house.
(52) Wherefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will do judgment upon her graven images: and through all her land the wounded shall groan.
(53) Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet from me shall spoilers come unto her, saith the LORD.
(54) A sound of a cry cometh from Babylon, and great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans:
(55) Because the LORD hath spoiled Babylon, and destroyed out of her the great voice; when her waves do roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered:
(56) Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite.
(57) And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.
Daniel 5:2-4
Dan 5:2-4 KJV
(2) Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.
(3) Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.
(4) They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
We can see trouble start immediately in verse 2 with the wine starting to take control of the king's behavior. The use of the vessels dedicated to the Lord to drink and honor false gods. These were vessels that were contained or housed within the inner parts of the temple. This is very interesting because the materials listed in the honor of these false gods which were no doubt placed in the temple of Bel upon their delivery in Babylon were also materials used in the building of Solomon's temple. Some verses from the Proverbs which were written by a king and in some cases directed at leaders specifically. This is not to detract from the wisdom they apply to all of us.
Pro 4:14-22 KJV
(14) Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
(15) Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
(16) For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
(17) For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
(18) But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
(19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
(20) My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.
(21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
(22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
Pro 20:1-2 KJV
(1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
(2) The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Pro 31:4-5 KJV
(4) It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
(5) Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
Dan 5:5-9 KJV
(5) In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
(6) Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
(7) The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
(8) Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
(9) Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.
Dan 5:5-9 KJV
(5) In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.
(6) Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.
(7) The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
(8) Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.
(9) Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.
It was apparent to all in attendance this was obviously not of human hands. Imagine what was happening in the midst of all this. We have a masive feast with 1000 in attendance and you could imagine how much noise and merriment was taking place. All of this of course in regard to the worship of false gods. Then in a drunken state of merriment it becomes so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The reaction of the king becomes one of fear and trembling.(sound familiar)
The scripture tells us that the writing took place by the glow of a candle stick. This would make one wonder quite possibly if this was a menorah one of the 7 branched candlesticks which would have been used in the lighting of the temple.
Once again we also see that all the "psychics of the day" are summoned before the king and as always we witness their inability to interpret the situation. Some feel that Daniel was known to the king and he was overlooked because of the possible fear of the Hebrew God and also how it could threaten the very existence of the Babylonian cuture and its beliefs.
Dan 5:10-13 KJV
(10) Now the queen, by reason of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed:
(11) There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;
(12) Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.
(13) Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?
The queen in this case by all accounts is understood to be the grandmother of Belshazzar and the wife of Nebuchadnezzar. She is well respected as with the tradition of most cultures which abide in aristocracy. We can associate her to Nebuchadnezzar's generation due to the fact she is familiar with both of Daniel's names. She is also familiar with the interpretations of God's intentions concerning Nebuchadnezzar.
Dan 5:14-19 KJV
(14) I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.
(15) And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing:
(16) And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.
(17) Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
(18) O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:
(19) And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.
It seems interesting to take note of the comments of the king concerning Daniel. He even goes as far to mention knowing of his notoriety. The words of the queen are used in detail. Daniel proclaims that the rewards described by the king are not of any concern of him. He would make known the matter out of one obedience to God which in Daniel's case is without questioning. Daniel also knows it is his responsibility to deliver a prophetic message straight from the hand of God to the king. Many debate exactly what language was used in the writing on the wall. Many commentaries state that the words were of Chaldean origin but if this were the case then all the other wise men would have easily recognized what the words meant. Hebrew would be the most logical choice in this matter because Daniel had no problem reading what was written.
As we have become accustomed to Daniel before he makes any move toward the translation makes sure that Belshazzar understands who God is and how He appoints whom He wishes to rise and fall. Notice every appearance Daniel has made before the rulers the witness is always there before anything else is put forth.
Dan 5:20-24 KJV
(20) But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:
(21) And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.
(22) And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this;(23) But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:
(24) Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.
As we can see Daniel has no problem telling Belshazzar of his grandfather's mistakes. This critique of Nebuchadnezzar is also mindful to the mistakes of Belshazzar. It's probable that Belshazzar had dismissed what he had known of his grandfather and his dealings with Daniel and the Lord. According to the queen's description of Daniel he had apparently retired from the life he led as a ruler and master of magicians. However the deeds he performed on behalf of the Lord were no doubt still known to some degree in the kingdom. Daniel makes known the deeds of Belshazzar and once again we have 2 witnesses to the fast approaching judgment upon the empire. We have the hand of God and the prophet Daniel. This is very appropriate especially when we take into consideration the very meaning of Daniel's name.
Dan 5:25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE H4484 , MENE, TEKELH8625 UPHARSIN
H6537.
We are at the point where the infamous writing on the wall is divulged and explained. It would only be appropriate to look at these words in some detail.
Mene H4484
מנא
menê'
men-ay'
(Chaldee); passive participle of H4483; numbered: - Mene.
H4483
מנה מנא
menâ' menâh
men-aw', men-aw'
(Chaldee); corresponding to H4487; to count, appoint: - number, ordain, set.
(Chaldee); corresponding to H4487; to count, appoint: - number, ordain, set.
H4487מנה
mânâh
maw-naw'
A primitive root; properly to weigh out; by implication to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll: - appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell.
Our first 2 words are of Chaldean origin and here above we have the most likely the actual writing in the Hebrew tongue. As we learned in the 1st chapter Daniel was very educated in the Babylonian culture so he would not have any problem with the reading and the translation. Please pay close attention to the Hebrew meanings.
Tekel H8625
תּקל
teqal
tek-al'
(Chaldee); corresponding to H8254; to balance: - Tekel, be weighed.
H8254
שׁקל
shâqal
shaw-kal'
A primitive root; to suspend or poise (especially in trade): - pay, receive (-r), spend, X throughly, weigh.
Upharsin H6537
פּרס
peras
per-as'
(Chaldee); corresponding to H6536; to split up: - divide, [U-] pharsin.
H6536
פּרס
pâras
paw-ras'
A primitive root; to break in pieces, that is, (usually without violence) to split, distribute: - deal, divide, have hoofs, part, tear.
Dan 5:26-31 KJV
(26) This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
(27) TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
(28) PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
(29) Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
(30) In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
(31) And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.
According to our Hebrew this implies an official decision being made upon the outcome of Belshazzar's kingdom. The kingdom weighs out with deficiency and is split between the Medes and Persians. The kingdom having the silver arms and chest in the statue of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. As we described in chapter 2 the Medes were described in the Hebrew as a brawling and contentious people descended from Abraham and his last mentioned concubine Keturah.
As we can see Daniel most certainly did prove to be a vessel of judgment by God. Not only in this chapter but in every instance involving Nebuchadnezzar as well. History tells us this final assault and capture of Babylon including the city and the empire took place in 539bc. Daniel 5:31 informs us Darius was approximately 62 years of age. The year of his birth would be in the proximity of the year 600bc. Cyrus was also involved in the takeover of the empire.
Prophetic Reflection and Food for Thought
When we look into the mirrors of the historical extremes for today's society we encounter a very profane situation. The ancient city or empire of Babylon was in the country of Iraq. This may not be a surprise to many but for those who may not know the city of Babylon was approximately 50 miles south of Baghdad. One of the big associations we have made throughout our historical extremes is the fact that many countries and nations made up the territory of Babylon. It's interesting that today we have a multitude of nations involved in the warfare and restoration of the country of Iraq. The number of nations involved with the situation either combatant or noncombatant is around 45-50 nations. Then of course we have the input from the United Nations from time to time.
One news report stated how ironic it was that the area where God once scattered the nations (Genesis 11) so many were now returning to the area to both preserve and even protect the ancient ruins of Babylon.This sums things up quite nicely. As a matter of fact the United Nations at one point and probably still is guarding the ancient city. In this regard it could be said the city of ancient Babylon is more secure than the citizens of Baghdad.
The nation of Iran was known as Persia and the names are considered interchangeable to our modern society. In fact many people of the country still refer to themselves as Persians. The 2 nations of Iran and Iraq fought their most recent war from September 1980 until August 1988. The war came at a great cost in lives and economic damage - half a million Iraqi and Iranian soldiers as well as civilians are believed to have died in the war with many more injured and wounded - but brought neither reparations nor change in borders. The conflict is often compared to World War I. Saddam Hussein had a stockpile of mustard gas which was used on both the combatants of the war and the Kurdish people. At the time, the UN Security Council issued statements that "chemical weapons had been used in the war." However, in these UN statements Iraq was not mentioned by name, so it has been said that "the international community remained silent as Iraq used weapons of mass destruction against Iranian as well as Iraqi Kurds" and it is believed that "United States prevented the UN from condemning Iraq".
There has been a lot of heated debate about weapons of mass destruction or wmd's and the United States involvement in the Iraq war. It seems some people(actually quite a lot)do not view chemical weapons as wmd's all of a sudden. There would be little doubt one could imagine when the U.S. chose to liberate Kuwait from the invasion by Iraq that someone with Saddam's mentality would not hesitate to use these upon our soldiers. It also seems totally ignorant to say Saddam never had wmd's since most of the entire world saw the images of the aftermath of the mustard gas. Many people claimed that the U.S. interest centered around oil. Well if that's your point of view would you rather have someone liken to Adolf Hitler controlling 2/3 of the world's oil supply? If that's the case all these individuals screaming about oil and gasoline would not have to worry about driving their automobiles for very long. They would most likely be screaming why we are not doing something to remedy the situation. There is nothing wrong with hating some of the circumstances this world is in. This is why we are supposed to be hungry for Jesus and heaven so we can escape the madness of this world. Otherwise all we can do is deal with it and try not to let some world leaders with more insanity than others control the world's vital interests. After all this is what the antichrist will be doing in the not so distant future.
This all leads to another matter of prophetic concern. If you are some what of a regular student of prophecy then you are familiar with a prophetic mentality offered by Ecclesiastes in chapters 1 and 3. For those of you have not had enough of these verses on this site here they are again.
Ecc 1:9-11 KJV
(9) The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
(10) Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
(11) There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
Ecc 3:14-16 KJV
(14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
(15) That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
(16) And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
With these thoughts in mind please take a look at the following images and think of what happened here in Daniel chapter 5. It appears the world stage may be setting itself up for a repeat of the Persian invasion of Iraq. Although many of the world's leaders have fanatical ideas they are not necessarily oblivious to the material things that make the world go round. The Babylonian empire as well as most other empires controlled the following countries as we know them today: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and all those tiny countries along the Persian Gulf. The empires were not restricted to these nations but these are the nations most determined to see Israel destroyed then and now. It's a pretty well known fact that Iran has accounted for most of the U.S. casualties in Iraq. Now Iran is just a few steps away from having nuclear weapons(if not already) and will not only use these to threaten Israel but all of their neighbors and more than likely the rest of the western world. None of the nations mentioned above have the fire power to deal with Iran and Iran could use this to an extreme advantage to possibly unite the area under 1 flag. This is 1 possible way that the prophecies of Mystery Babylon found in Revelation chapter 17 could be fulfilled. Please note that the wording here is being very careful not to mislead. You can explore the prophecies for yourself and look at what's going on in the world.
Ahmadinejad is an outspoken critic of the United States, Israel, and United Kingdom. He abides by Iran's long-standing policy of refusing to recognize Israel as a legitimate nation or as representative of the region's population. We should also mention that Russia has had a great deal of input into Iran's nuclear program and seems to get along quite well with the country.
In the future we will be exploring prophecies in the book of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 that describe a Russian led coalition of Islamic nations against God's chosen nation of Israel. Again it should be stressed that you can look around at the world for yourself if you take interest in this subject matter and see how things are shaping up. Iran's influence of the oil supply will probably be the key to the larger nations such as China and the kings of the east of Revelation 16 being involved in this conflict.
Remember prophecy is not meant to scare but to prepare for the return of the Lord. Amen!
Luk 21:20-28 KJV
(20) And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
(21) Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
(22) For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
(23) But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
(24) And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
(25) And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
(26) Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
(27) And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
(28) And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
As always Thank You and God Bless
(26) This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.
(27) TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
(28) PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.
(29) Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
(30) In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
(31) And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.
According to our Hebrew this implies an official decision being made upon the outcome of Belshazzar's kingdom. The kingdom weighs out with deficiency and is split between the Medes and Persians. The kingdom having the silver arms and chest in the statue of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. As we described in chapter 2 the Medes were described in the Hebrew as a brawling and contentious people descended from Abraham and his last mentioned concubine Keturah.
As we can see Daniel most certainly did prove to be a vessel of judgment by God. Not only in this chapter but in every instance involving Nebuchadnezzar as well. History tells us this final assault and capture of Babylon including the city and the empire took place in 539bc. Daniel 5:31 informs us Darius was approximately 62 years of age. The year of his birth would be in the proximity of the year 600bc. Cyrus was also involved in the takeover of the empire.
Prophetic Reflection and Food for Thought
When we look into the mirrors of the historical extremes for today's society we encounter a very profane situation. The ancient city or empire of Babylon was in the country of Iraq. This may not be a surprise to many but for those who may not know the city of Babylon was approximately 50 miles south of Baghdad. One of the big associations we have made throughout our historical extremes is the fact that many countries and nations made up the territory of Babylon. It's interesting that today we have a multitude of nations involved in the warfare and restoration of the country of Iraq. The number of nations involved with the situation either combatant or noncombatant is around 45-50 nations. Then of course we have the input from the United Nations from time to time.
One news report stated how ironic it was that the area where God once scattered the nations (Genesis 11) so many were now returning to the area to both preserve and even protect the ancient ruins of Babylon.This sums things up quite nicely. As a matter of fact the United Nations at one point and probably still is guarding the ancient city. In this regard it could be said the city of ancient Babylon is more secure than the citizens of Baghdad.
 |
| Aftermath of Halabja poison gas attack by the Iraqi Air Force |
This all leads to another matter of prophetic concern. If you are some what of a regular student of prophecy then you are familiar with a prophetic mentality offered by Ecclesiastes in chapters 1 and 3. For those of you have not had enough of these verses on this site here they are again.
Ecc 1:9-11 KJV
(9) The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
(10) Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
(11) There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
Ecc 3:14-16 KJV
(14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
(15) That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
(16) And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
With these thoughts in mind please take a look at the following images and think of what happened here in Daniel chapter 5. It appears the world stage may be setting itself up for a repeat of the Persian invasion of Iraq. Although many of the world's leaders have fanatical ideas they are not necessarily oblivious to the material things that make the world go round. The Babylonian empire as well as most other empires controlled the following countries as we know them today: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and all those tiny countries along the Persian Gulf. The empires were not restricted to these nations but these are the nations most determined to see Israel destroyed then and now. It's a pretty well known fact that Iran has accounted for most of the U.S. casualties in Iraq. Now Iran is just a few steps away from having nuclear weapons(if not already) and will not only use these to threaten Israel but all of their neighbors and more than likely the rest of the western world. None of the nations mentioned above have the fire power to deal with Iran and Iran could use this to an extreme advantage to possibly unite the area under 1 flag. This is 1 possible way that the prophecies of Mystery Babylon found in Revelation chapter 17 could be fulfilled. Please note that the wording here is being very careful not to mislead. You can explore the prophecies for yourself and look at what's going on in the world.
 |
| Mahmoud Ahmadinejad President of Iran |
In the future we will be exploring prophecies in the book of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 that describe a Russian led coalition of Islamic nations against God's chosen nation of Israel. Again it should be stressed that you can look around at the world for yourself if you take interest in this subject matter and see how things are shaping up. Iran's influence of the oil supply will probably be the key to the larger nations such as China and the kings of the east of Revelation 16 being involved in this conflict.
 |
| Ahmadinejad meeting with Vladimir Putin in Tehran |
Remember prophecy is not meant to scare but to prepare for the return of the Lord. Amen!
Luk 21:20-28 KJV
(20) And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
(21) Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.
(22) For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
(23) But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.
(24) And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
(25) And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
(26) Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
(27) And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
(28) And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
As always Thank You and God Bless
No comments:
Post a Comment