Krigen i Irak: -En profetisk triologi?

För många år sedan lärde jag känna en man vid namn Norm Franz i USA.

En man med mycket spännande profetiska perspektiv.
Jag kommer återkomma till honom framöver, men jag tänkte att jag här skulle publicera en artikel han skrev redan 1996, som sedan har uppdaterats så sent som i förra veckan.

Frågan du skall ställa dig när du läser den är: (Den är på engelska)
Talade Herren om vår tids krig så detaljerat genom profeten Jeremia?

Vad tycker ni?

Iraq Wars

An End Time Prophetic Trilogy

By Norm Franz with Ted Beckett

First Published September 1, 1996
Updated June 1, 2007
Last update April 8, 2010

The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990 was not just an isolated event prompted by the greed of Saddam Hussein. It was the opening espisode of a prophetic trilogy about God’s end time judgment on the “daughter of Babylon.”
This judgment was recorded twenty-five hundred years earlier in Jeremiah 50 and 51, where the prophet predicted the events of “Operation Desert Storm” and “Iraqi Freedom” with such clarity that it would seem as though he was a “war correspondent” for CNN reporting it from the battlefield.

The following explanations of Jeremiah’s prophecy are excerpts from Ted Beckett’s book entitled The Domino Effect. They have been updated by Norm Franz with additional information and revelation that has come since the time of its original scripting.

More than twenty different translations of the Bible were consulted, along with the oringinal Hebrew text, and the clearest and most descriptive translation of the text is used. Words of clarification are set off [bracketed] and expository commentaries follow the passage.

EPISODE I: OPERATION DESERT STORM

Jeremiah 50 and 51 appear to describe the destruction of Iraq as taking place over the course of three major wars fought against it. Jeremiah’s prophecy focuses primarily on the events surrounding “Operation Desert Storm”, where he reveals the who, what, when, where, and why the first Iraq war took place. Consequently, Episode I provides the genesis for God’s judgment against Iraq.

Geographic Location

“This is the word the Lord spoke through Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon and the land of the Chaldeans [modern day country of Iraq].” (Jeremiah 50:1 ^NIV)

Numerous prophecy teachers around the world have tried to link Jeremiah 50 and 51 to a future Russian attack on the United States. Although a Russian attack on the U.S. is a very real possibility, the first thing Jeremiah does is point out that these two chapters refer to events that take placein “the land of the Chaldeans.”

There is no other place on the earth that this Scripture could possibly be identifying other than the original geographic area of ancient Babylon.

This area today is the modern day country of Iraq, whose biblical name was “Babylon in the land of the Chaldeans.” Today’s equivalent of the ancient capital of Babylon is the modern day city of Baghdad. Iraq’s ancient autocratic dictators were kings Nebuchadnezzar and his descendant Belshazzar. Their modern counterpart today is Saddam Hussein.

The Kuwaitis Cry Out Against Saddam

“Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon [King of Iraq Saddam Hussein] has devoured us [annexed us into Iraq], he has thrown us into confusion [by stealing all the official records], he has made us an empty jar [taken all our possessions away including our gold]. Like a serpent [like Satan] he has swallowed us [taken our citizens hostage], and filled his stomach with our delicacies [stolen our food], and then has spewed us out [oil wealth spewed out by blowing up the wells].” (Jeremiah 51:34 ^NIV)

Many prophetic Scriptures have multiple fulfillments. Jeremiah 50 and 51, for example, were partially fulfilled by Nebuchadnezzar during his reign of terror when he conquerored the known world of his time, including Israel. The second fulfillment is the end-time conflict known as “Operation Desert Shield” and “Desert Storm” which began in 1990. Here, Saddam Hussein devours Kuwait using his two elite army divisions that he so appropriately named “Nebuchadnezzar” and “Belshazzar”after the ancient Kings of Babylon.

Major Media Event

“Announce [on radio] and proclaim among the nations [at the UN], publish it [newspapers, magazines] and proclaim it [in the media]; Do not conceal it [show it on worldwide television – CNN]… (Jeremiah 50:2 ^NIV)

Iraq’s incursion into Kuwait and the ensuing war was the most highly publicized event in human history up to that time. It was a global incident that was reported to the ends of the earth through every form of communication known to man.

The U.S. Led, UN Coalition

“A nation from the north [USA of North America] will attack her [Iraq] and lay waste her land.” (Jeremiah 50:3)

Jeremiah initially sees only one nation leading the attack on Iraq. That nation from the north (North America) was the United States of America. However, a coalition of nations begins to form against the daughter of Babylon.

“For I will stir up and bring against Babylon an alliance of great nations from the land of the north…” [Countries from North America, NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Syria, Turkey, Germany, Russia, etc.]. (Jeremiah 50:9a ^NIV)

Here we see that by verse 9 Jeremiah is observing an increase in alliance against Iraq. It was led by the U.S. but operated officially under UN sanctions, which formed a coalition of countries from around the world.

“Look! An army is coming from the north; a great nation [the USA] and many kings [her coalition allies] are being stirred up from the ends of the earth [the rest of the coalition from North,South, East and West of Iraq].” (Jeremiah 50:41 ^NIV)

What began as one nation (verse 3) in August 1990 swelled to twenty-eight nations by January 15, 1991. This accurately describes the coming together of the nations to make up the “Desert Storm” coalition. This coalition of nations “from the ends of the earth” also eliminates the view that this prophecy is referring only to Nebuchandnezzar’s defeat at the hands of the Mede-Persians. Since the Mede-Persians defeated Nebuchandnezzar’s Babylon in one night without the assistance of any other nations, the bulk of this prophecy has to be speaking about a future attack on Babylon that was fulfilled the U.S. lead coaliton.

Military Buildup Prior to Attack

“And they will draw up their battle lines [Line in the Sand] against her.” (Jeremiah 50:9b ^NAS)

This passage doesn’t say the alliance will immediately attack, but will first take up positions. The alliance began the military build-up in Saudi Arabia, in August 1990. President Bush called this part of the operation “A Line In The Sand.”

Desert Shield Gets Its Name

“Sharpen the arrows, take up the shields [Desert Shield]!  (Jeremiah 51:11 ^NIV)

The allies took six months to set up, test their weapons and equipment, and accumulate to the desert prior to the attack which took place in January 1991. This was the second phase of the operation that the prophet here indicates as Desert “Shield”.

Era of the War

“In those days [the last days], at that time [time of the Iraq War]” declares the Lord, “the people of Israel and the people of Judah together [the former two Kingdoms will be one] will come in tears, weeping [because of their recent losses in the holocaust] to seek the Lord their God. They will ask the way to Zion [a time when Jews are making Aliyah] and turn their faces toward it [the land becomes the focus of Judaism]. They will come [immigrate to Israel] and bind themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten.” (Jeremiah 50:4-5 ^NIV)

These incredible verses pinpoint the era in which Iraq’s destruction will be fulfilled. Matthew Poole’s Commentary, written hundreds of years ago, introduces Jeremiah 50 with this classic statement: “The judgment of Babylon. . . for their idolatry, tyranny, and pride, with gracious promises of the redemption of Israel intermixed.”

Poole foresaw Babylon’s judgment as occurring after Israel was back in the land. All of the conditions contained in this portion of the prophecy have become a reality in the last 100 years. It is a time when:

1. The “Kingdom of Israel” in the north and the “Kingdom of Judah” in the south are restored as one nation. In Jeremiah’s day, Israel and Judah were still separate kingdoms. However, during this end-time war in Iraq, these two kingdoms are restored as one nation. This restoration began when Jews from both houses established the State of Israel in May 1948 and began making aliyah from all over the world. This Scripture puts an end to replacement theology, the “ten lost tribes” misunderstanding, and the more recent “Two House” ruse.

2. Jewish restoration has occurred after a tragic calamity. The Holocaust, which many believe was the prophectic fulfillment of “Jacob’s trouble,” caused the loss of two-thirds of European Jewry (Jeremiah 30:7; Zechariah 13:8-9). Jeremiah saw the returning Jews weeping for the loss of relatives. In addition, Israel’s most notable Jewish landmark is the “Wailing Wall,” where they come weeping to Zion.

3. The freedom to worship Yahweh (Jehovah) and pracice His Torah in the land that He gave them will be one of the driving forces in their return to Israel.

4. Those Jews who return to Israel are portrayed as Zionists. Since their return, many Jews have accepted God’s New Covenant in Messiah Jesus (Jeremiah 31:31-33), and the resulting Messianic movement has produced a fourth branch of religious Judaism.

Year of the War

“A rumor shall come one year [1990], after that in another year [1991] shall come violence in the land.” (Jeremiah 51:46 ^NIV)

Here the prophet once again accurately indicates the timing of the war. He seems to sense the posturing of both leaders as they issue threats and ultimatums in 1990, but the violence (war) doesn’t commence until the following year of 1991. This timing also holds true on the Jewish calendar as well.

Time of Year the War is Fought

“Behold, he [the attacking nations] shall come up like a lion from the flooding of the Jordan.”  (Jeremiah 50:44 ^NKJ)

Here the prophet actually pinpoints the time of year for the invasion of Iraq. In biblical times the Jordan River valley was an uninhabitable jungle sheltering all kinds of wildlife including lions. Annually the Jordan flooded, causing the lions to come up and out of the valley looking for prey. This flooding occurred only once a year “during the rainy season January through February when the Jordan overflows its banks” (The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1911.  pg. 510). The attack took place in the time period from January 17 to February 28, 1991.

Warnings to Leave Iraq

“Flee out of Babylon [a divine message to the foreign nationals working in Iraq to leave the country]; and be like the goats that lead the flocks.” (Jeremiah 50:8 ^NIV)

From August to October 1990, almost one million foreign nationals fled Iraq through Jordan. Just like goats, they were herded into shelters, fed, watered and shipped like domestic animals back to their countries of origin.

“Flee from Babylon!  Run for your lives!  Do not be destroyed because of her sins. It is time for the Lord’s vengeance; he will pay what she deserves.” (Jeremiah 51:8 ^NIV)

God’s mercy and the intercessory prayers of the saints caused Saddam to finally release some of the the innocent workers he was holding as hostages in December, and they escaped destruction.

Saddam’s Soothsayers

“A sword against her false prophets [Soothsayers NKJ]!  They will become fools.” (Jeremiah 50:36 ^NIV)

The Jerusalem Post and the Arab daily As-siyasa reported that Hussein brought in “50 African magicians, soothsayers and fortune tellers” to advise him on the conflict with the coalition partners. Their predictions and prophecies that Iraq would prevail were quickly proven false. As a result, they became fools in the eyes of the world, and today their fate is still unknown.

Jeremiah’s View of Modern Weaponry

“…and from thence [Saudi Arabia] she will be captured. Their arrows [piercing missiles] will be like skilled warriors [electronic “smart” weapons take great expertise to operate] they do not return empty-handed [laser-guided missiles don’t miss].  (Jeremiah 50:9b ^NIV)

The most unique characteristic of the 1991 war in the Gulf was the use of missiles by both sides in the warring conflict.

“Draw up your battle lines against Babylon on every side, all you who bend the bow; shoot at her, do not be sparing with your arrows, for she has sinned against the Lord.” (Jeremiah 50:14 ^NAS)

No “arrows” were spared as Operation Desert Storm unleashed the largest continuous aerial bombardment in history with 110,000 sorties flown against Iraq in the forty-three days of conflict.

The primary reason given for the devastation visited on Iraq is her sin against the Lord.

“They are armed with bow and lance [the lance missile is part of the U.S. arsenal]; they are …without mercy [intensely dedicated]. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation to attack you. O Daughter of Babylon.” (Jeremiah 50:42 ^NIV)

The roaring sea is the only sound Jeremiah can equate with the din of 20th century helicopters, tanks and jets as they converged on Iraq. They get no mercy because they gave none.

“Surely I will fill thee with men, as with caterpillars” ^(KJV). “Your cities shall be filled with enemies like fields filled with locusts. . . and they shall lift to the skies” ^(TAY). (Jeremiah 51:14)

Without a 20th century vocabulary, Jeremiah gropes to describe the two primary vehicles used to move men in Operation Desert Storm; tanks that crawl like “caterpillars” and helicopters that “lift to the skies” (fly) like locusts.

The Iraqi Military Will Not Fight

“Babylon’s warriors have forborne to fight; they remain in their strongholds [bunkers and trenches].  Their strength is exhausted [from lack of food and water]; they have become like women [without combat strength]…” (Jeremiah 51:30a ^NIV)

This startling verse is precisely what happened as the Iraqi army hid in their bunkers for the thirty-nine days of aerial bombardment which left the majority of the Iraqi soldiers either dead, deserting, or happily surrendering to coalition forces.

Iraq Loses Hard and Fast

“They will fall down slain in Babylon.” (Jeremiah 51:4 ^NIV)

The death toll in Iraq will probably never be known for certain, but it is estimated in the hundreds of thousands while U.S. casualties were one hundred and forty seven.

“Babylon, is suddenly fallen and destroyed…” (Jeremiah 51:8a ^NIV)

Saddam threatened a long protracted war, but the Scriptures predicted otherwise. The devastation visited on Iraq lasted exactly forty three days, one day for each year Iraq had threatened Israel since she was restored as a nation in 1948.

“…for her judgment reaches to the skies, it rises as high as the clouds” (Jeremiah 51:9 ^NIV)

The prophet sees the clouds of smoke resulting from the devastating bombardment and subsequent oil well and refinery fires that covered the land.

Kuwait to Be Restored

“I will punish Bel [spiritual leaders] in Babylon and make him spew out what he has swallowed [Kuwait]…”  (Jeremiah 51:44 ^NIV)

The terms of the cease fire specify that war criminals must stand trial, and Iraq must pay reparations for what was stolen and the destruction inflicted on Kuwait.

Why Babylon was Beaten

“Before your eyes I will repay Babylon . . . for all the wrong they have done in Zion [terrorism and curses against Israel],” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 51:24 ^NIV)

The primary reason given for Iraq’s destruction is its attempted annihilation of Israel via Scud missiles, terrorism, and other attacks for over 40 years. For whoever curses Israel will himself be cursed (Genesis 12:3).

What an incredible prophecy God gave to Jeremiah! How perfectly it fits the initial “Line in the Sand” response, followed by the “Desert Shield” buildup, and the ensuing “Derest Storm” war against Iraq. Once again this proves the accuracy of God’s prophetic word (2 Peter 1:19).

EPISODE II: OPERATION IRAQ FREEDOM

One obvious thing about Operation Desert Storm, however, is that Iraq was not completely destroyed like various passages in Jeremiah 50 and 51 predict. Although Kuwait was set free and there was a lot of destruction poured out upon Iraq, it did not “become a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals, an object of horror and hissing, without inhabitants” like Jeremiah said it would (Jeremiah 51:37). Therefore, since Desert Storm did not totally fulfill this part of the prophecy, it is relatively safe to assume that there are one or more additional wars that will.

The key to unlocking this mystery is found in Jeremiah’s reference regarding an ancient form of harvesting wheat:

“…the daughter of Babylon [ancient Babylon’s offspring, Iraq] is a threshing floor. At the time, it is stamped firm [Desert Storm Campaign]; yet in a little while the time of harvest will come for her [future war(s) will completely destroy Iraq].” (Jeremiah 51:33 ^NIV)

When a farmer in Jeremiah’s day prepared for the wheat harvest, he would first take some of the ripened wheat and strip it off on to the ground. This wheat was “stamped firm” in order to provide a underpinning known as a “threshing floor” where the final harvest was brought in.

It is important to note that this harvest is not referring to a harvest of souls that are won to salvation in Yeshua (Jesus). On the contrary, this harvest is the type of final harvest where the angel of Revelation “swung his sickle to the earth, and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God” (Revelation 14:19 ^NAS).

In other words, Jeremiah was saying that Operation Desert Storm was the initial event that “stamped firm” the threshing floor in preparation for a future military campaign(s) that would bring about Iraq’s final harvest of God’s judgment. This made way for Episode II “Operation Iraqi Freedom”, which was led by President Bush II. The second Iraq campaign began on May 20, 2003 and brought additional fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy.

Iraq is Captured

In September of 1991, shortly after Desert Storm, I (Norm) visited the White House with a group of Christian economists. I was in the cabinet room, where I noticed the victory banner for Iraq I on the U.S. war flag. It read “The Defense of Kuwait”, which explains why we did not captured Iraq in  Desert Storm – i.e., it was only designed to push Saddam out of Kuwait. Consequently, “Operation Iraqi Freedom” took Iraq’s harvest to the next level by actually capturing the country:

“One courier runs to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to tell the king of Babylon [Saddam Hussein] that his city [Baghdad] has been captured from end to end.” (Jeremiah 51:31 ^NAS)

The City of Babel is also Captured

”How Sheshak [Babel] has been captured, and the praise of the whole earth been seized! (Jeremiah 51:41a ^NAS)

For a long time, Saddam Hussein had claimed to be the reincarnation of Nimrod. As a result, in 1982, he began rebuilding the ancient city of Babel, which lies 90 Kilometers south of Baghdad along the Baghdad-Hilla highway. The entrance is marked with a recreation of the Ishtar Gate complete with the lions that carried her image.

During Iraqi Freedom, the U.S. established a military base there called “Camp Babylon”, which controled five provinces in Southern Iraq. On September 3, 2003, the base was passed on to a Polish-led force, which held it until January 2005 when it was handed over to the Iraqi culture ministry. After lying desolate for thousands of years, only the “sure word of prophecy” could have predicted coalition forces capturing the rebuilt city of Babel during this 21^st century war against the “daughter of Babylon in the land of the Chaldeans”.

Iraq Demilitarized

“A destroyer [U.S. led coalition] will come against Babylon: her warriors will be captured, and their bows will be broken [weapons destroyed]. For the Lord is a God of retribution; he will repay in full.” (Jeremiah 51:56 ^NIV).

During Desert Storm, more than 100,000 Iraqi soldiers were taken prisoner and billions of dollars of military equipment confiscated or destroyed. Although one of the primary points of the cease fire was to demilitarize Iraq’s armed forces, that did not happen until “Operation Iraqi Freedom” was launched.

Even though Iraqi Freedom has captured the country, executed Suddam Hussein, and dismantled it’s military, Iraq has still not “become a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals, an object of horror and hissing, without inhabitants” (Jeremiah 51:37). That’s because “Iraqi Freedom” is not about destroying Iraq like Jeremiah predicts. It’s about rebuilding Iraq into a globalist form of socialistic democracy that is controled by the New World Order (NWO) elite.

Consequently, Episode II is simply another military campaign that God is using to “stamp firm” the “threshing floor” in preparation for Iraq’s final harvst that comes in Episode III.

EPISODE III: OPERATION FINAL HARVEST

It is important to understand that despite the Globalists’ efforts to rebuild the daughter of Babylon, God’s stated purpose regarding Iraq’s future is “to make the land of Babylon a desolation without inhabitants” (Jer. 51:29 ^KJV). Since the U.S. lead coalition does not have this in their plans for Iraq, it appears that God (Yahweh) eventually brings Israel in to finish the job:

“’You [Israel] are My battle-ax and weapon of war: for with you I will break the nation in pieces; with you I will destroy kingdoms; with you I will break in pieces the horse and its rider; with you I will break in pieces the chariot and its rider; with you also I will break in pieces man and woman; with you I will break in pieces old and young; with you I will break in pieces the young man and the maiden; with you also I will break in pieces the shepherd and his flock; with you I will break in pieces the farmer and his yoke of oxen; and with you I will break in pieces governors and rulers. and I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea (Iraq) for all the evil they have done in Zion (Israel) in your sight,’ says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 51:20-24 ^NKJ)

This passage of Scripture, has always led me to believe that at some point in the future, God injects Israel into the fray as His “battle axe” to bring about Iraq’s final harvest. Consequently, since Israel did not participate in the first two wars, there almost has to be a third war where God anoints Israel as His “weapon of war” that unleashes the fullness of His wrath on Iraq.

Some might say that’s too pessimistic, and that we should be more positive and trust the Lord to work things out between the U.S. and Iraq. However, it is vital for God’s people to understand that the heart of this war is not about the U.S. or Iraq. It’s not about the “War on Terrorism” or finding weapons of mass destruction. It’s not about stopping human rights violations or establishing democracy in the Middle East. It’s not about the price of oil or gas guzzling SUVs. It’s not even about French Fries or Freedom Fries.

On the contrary, God makes it clear that this war is about His love for Israel and what happens to those nations who come against the apple of His eye. In other words, because of Iraq’s hatred toward Israel and its attempts to destroy her, God’s righteous anger rises up and lays Iraq waste in Babylon of the land of the Chaldeans:

“Because of the indignation of the Lord, she [Iraq] will not be inhabited, but she will be completely desolate; everyone who passes by Babylon will be horrified and will hiss because of all her wounds” (Jeremiah 50:13 ^KJV).

I believe that America’s original entrance into the war was part of God’s sovereignly plan to bring total destruction upon Iraq. However, current U.S. policy to rebuild the daughter of Babylon goes directly against God plans to judge her. Consequently, if the U.S. continues its attempt to rebuild the daughter of Babylon, in combination with trying to establish a Palestinian state within the Promised Land of Israel, then the strongest country in the world (America) will reap judgments back on itself that will undermine her military prowess and destroy her financial dominance in the world.

Something else to consider is that, as long as U.S. troops are in Iraq, it will be very difficult for Israel to “lay it waste”. Therefore, America’s foreign policy shift to move U.S. troops out of Iraq appears to be a further building up of the threashing floor in preparation for Iraq’s final harvest.

Conclusion

What we are experiencing is the apocalyptic convergence of God’s great end time shaking (Haggai 2:22; Hebrews 12:26-29). Included in this shaking is the “War on Terrorism” which is most probably the “sword” (a.k.a. the “Sword of Islam”) in the Fourth Seal of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:7-8). Messiah also includes the war aspect of the great shaking within the birth pains of the end of the age and encourages us not to fearful because it is a necessary part of the last days:

“And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.” (Matthew 24:6-7 ^NAS)

Notice that Yeshua (Jesus) also tells us that the end is not yet, which means there are additional wars scheduled for the future. Unfortunately, some of those battles will take place in countries outside the Middle East, includng Africa, Europe, East Asia and the U.S.

Consequently, we must prepare ourselves in spirit, soul, and body for the turmoil that lies ahead. We must also prepare the way of the Lord which includes carrying out our mandate to win the lost and teach them how to observe God’s Commandments (Matthew 28:19-20). Last, but not least, we must bless Israel and pray for the peace of Jersualm, so that we might be blessed during this time (see how to bless Israel below). As we do this, God will not only strengthen us, but He will fulfill His promise to deliver us from the wrath that is to come (1 Thessolonians 1:10). Shalom!

How You Can Bless Israel

1. Support God’s Covenant with Israel, especially as it relates to Israel’s return to and possession of the Promised Land (Jeremiah 16:14-15).
2. Comfort Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Isaiah 40:1-2; Psalms 122:6).
3. Offer political support (i.e., petition your congressmen to vote in support of Israel).
4. As Jews from around the world make Aliyah back to Israel, pray that God begins to pour out His Spirit on them and give them a heart that is after Him (Ezekiel 36:22-28).
5. Just like King David, pray that God would destroy those who do not repent of their conspiracy to destroy Israel and the Church (Psalms 83:1-18; the conspiracy is in vs.1-5; the conspirators are named in vs. 6-8; and David’s prayer is in vs. 9-18).
6. Speak out against terrorism and radical Islam.
7. Ask God to show you how and where you can give financial support for Jews making Aliyah back to Israel and for building up Israeli society (Isaiah 60:10; Palms 51:18).