Prophecy Letters
"Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Matt. 13:16-17
The Prophecy Letter is a circular letter that we send out relating to the development of latter-day prophecy.
December 2022
Netanyahu’s Government – The Cry of “Peace and Safety”? – Iran & Russia
TGP Prophecy Letter – December 17, 2022
Typically, we try to focus our comments upon one or two topics which allows us to consider each with a degree of thoroughness. This letter, however, will beckon slightly more to Brother Harold Lafferty’s “Splinters”, featured multiple items with fewer (though not necessarily few) comments upon each. Let’s dive in:
The Latest on Netanyahu’s “Troublesome” Government
At the time we wrote on the possible relevance of the re-election of Netanyahu, he still had a way to go before solidifying his election. He had yet to form a government, and the difficulty of this task has actually forced him out of the position in a previous election. It was wondered if this would occur again, but it seems that Bibi may see the light at the end of the tunnel. He just elected a speaker for the Knesset (pronounced Kin-esset), which is one of the final pieces needed to secure the Prime Minister’s office (World Israel News). Something could still turn south and cause everything to fall apart, but things are looking to be in his favor at the moment.
This is an incredibly exciting prospect given how the world is responding to his election and the right-wing, religious composition of his government. In the eyes of the world’s nations, this kind of government is a worst-case scenario and will result in many problems moving forward (The Jerusalem Post). While many are fearing the extreme right-wing nature of his government, Netanyahu has tried to calm the seas by declaring, “This will be a ‘liberal-nationalist’ government”.
Nevertheless, we expect Netanyahu’s term to be riddled with prophetical development. He has little toleration of terrorism, and specifically for Iran. Consider the following headlines showing increased tension in relation to Israel’s Arab neighbors “round about” (Zechariah 12:2, 14:4):
Surprise IDF Drill Simulates War With Hezbollah - United with Israel
WATCH: Israel threatens to bomb Beirut airport over Iran weapons transfers - World Israel News
Israeli Strike Destroys Key Syrian Military Asset: Report - United with Israel
Hamas marks 35th anniversary with threats to ‘liberate’ Jerusalem from Jews - All Israel News
Lastly in relation to Netanyahu’s government, it is certainly of Divine origin that the leader of the United States is opposed to it, further isolating the tiny nation of its allies.
Former President Donald Trump has been hailed by many as the most pro-Israel US president to date, and he has already thrown his hat into the ring for the next election. Many in Israel hoped that he would return to office and thus absolve the tension between Israel and the US.
Interestingly, it seems he has lost some of his “pro-Israel-ness”. Trump has recently been associating himself with the senseless foolishness of Kanye West, a man who changed his name to “Ye” to supposedly illustrate his “religious conviction”, claiming that “ye” is one of the most frequently used words in the Bible (an act of nonsense). He is also the one who made popular the baseless claim that the blacks of the United States are in fact true Jews. To ice the cake, he has loudly and publicly declared that he “loves Hitler” (MSN). For obvious, he is not popular with the Jews, and Trump recently hosted a personal dinner with not just him, but also a white supremacist Holocaust-denier named Nick Fuentes. Such action was seen by Jews as a betrayal, and this has sparked antagonism between Trump and Israel (World Israel News). Trump has fired back saying that Israel should be ashamed.
So, in the unlikely event that Trump does come back in office, perhaps it will not be with the support for Israel that his previous presidency saw. We shall see!
The Cry of “Peace and safety”?
1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 – But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. (2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
The exact meaning of this passage has been the subject of debate. The reason for this lies in the fact that it does not explicitly say who is saying “peace and safety”. From the context, it would seem that it is referring to the world in general, specifically the leaders of the nations. Regardless, it must be recognized that this is not referring to true peace, but merely a call for it or the temporary illusion of it. This is apparent from the fact that those who say “peace and safety” are destroyed! True peace does not result in destruction.
Our thinking is that it relates directly to the state of the Middle East and the never-ending Arab Israeli conflict. Though it has been the goal of countless rulers to achieve “peace and safety” in the region, peace between these two peoples has never been realized. It is an age-old problem that seems unsolvable (to the world, at least!).
To us, this passage indicates that there will come a time when it looks like peace might finally be achieved between Israel and her enemies, but it will result in destruction shortly thereafter. Since those who say “peace and safety” are the ones who are suddenly met with destruction, we believe it might refer to the Arabs, for it is certain that Israel will not be destroyed or removed (Amos 9:14-15). Perhaps the Arabs will reach a point where they “call” for peace or claim to have finally reached a peace deal, but merely use it as a cover to launch a surprise attack on Israel?
There is certainly talk of renewed initiatives for peace between Israel and her neighbors:
Baku diplomats to arrive soon in Tel Aviv and Ramallah – The New Arab
Interestingly, this gigantic feat of peace with ALL Arabs is one of Netanyahu’s main objectives in the time ahead:
Israeli-Saudi peace can solve Palestinian conflict, Netanyahu says - The Jerusalem Post
'QUANTUM LEAP': Netanyahu's vision for overall peace with Arab world - World Israel News
Netanyahu says that he believes ultimate peace is attainable between Israel and all of her surrounding Arab neighbors (the Palestinians included). It is astonishing to hear this from one who is so familiar with the thorn-like disposition of the Arabs and their sole goal to “cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance” (Psalm 83:4). While it is possible that this is mere political talk, his previous track record suggests that he will work toward it.
Now, we know for certain that Israel will never see true peace or safety until her King returns to her (Jeremiah 23:6, Psalm 122:4-7). However, could this Bibi initiative result in the Arabs finally saying that they agree to “peace and safety”? Time will tell!
Iran's Nuclear Program
We’ll be quick on this one. The headlines speak for themselves and show that Iran (prophetically named as Persia - Ezekiel 38:5) is still tromping onward to nuclear capability and expanding its influence without and within Israel’s borders:
UN nuclear watchdog to visit Iran as it enriches uranium at its highest level – CNBC
Iran is supporting new terrorist groups in Judea and Samaria - JNS
Here, the relevance of Netanyahu’s re-election resurfaces:
Netanyahu's return to helm timely for push on Iran - The Jerusalem Post
WATCH: Israeli and US Air Forces Prepare to Fight Iran - United with Israel
Russia & Ukraine Update
The Ukraine war wages on with no end in sight. Russia’s military is a far cry from what many thought it would be, showing itself to be a cantankerous, ill-trained unit. Putin, however, seems adamant to continue on until he is satisfied:
Russians prepare 200,000 soldiers, no doubt to attack Kyiv again Zaluzhnyi – Yahoo! News
Russia Suffering Crippling Loss in Ukraine Threatens World Order: Kissinger - Newsweek
Putin Is Really Angry: Ukraine’s Mines Keep Killing Russian Tanks – MSN
Putin’s Military Nightmare Has Come True - MSN
Russian soldiers discuss mass desertion of military as Vladimir Putin's grip unravels - Express
Russia soldiers 'dying of hypothermia' as Putin cripples own troops with 'inadequate' kit - Express
Meanwhile, bad sentiments have spilled over to the rest of the nations, causing many to wonder if a war between Russia and NATO could break out:
Russia Outlines 'Extreme Measure' It Could Take Against NATO Nation - Newsweek
Russia Warns Risk of Conflict With NATO 'Soaring' - Newsweek
Given Putin’s poor performance in Ukraine, we believe that an all-out Russia vs. NATO conflict is unlikely unless Putin decided to go nuclear. His military is simply not equipped for a war between a compact of nations like NATO, particularly given how Russia is struggling with just Ukraine.
On another interesting note, an article was recently shared with us from Israel Unwired entitled Putin Makes a Pact With "Palestine". What is the meaning of this? Is Russia going to wage war against Israel on the behalf of the Palestinians? Well, not quite. The article says,
“With Russian troops already in Syria as well as Russia being in support of Iranian encroachment on Israel’s border, Putin is now applying even more pressure to the Jewish state by offering military assistance to “palestinians” in Judea and Samaria. While there would be no way for Russia to actually deliver this sort of military assistance, the prospects of Russian interference in Judea and Samaria should be frightening to everyone.”
With Russia frantically trying to train more troops for the Ukraine war, it is highly unlikely that he will spare either troops or equipment for the Palestinian cause. His troops are demoralized, ill-equipped, and lack basic equipment and clothing. Instead, as the above article suggests later on, it seems that Russia is trying to apply pressure on Israel for their supplying of Ukraine with defense technology.
Once again, time will tell, but the prospects for Putin actively carrying out this statement are incredibly low. Russia is suffering on many fronts, particularly economically (Newsweek & CBS). We believe this will be a contributing factor which will cause Russia to “think an evil thought” (Ezekiel 38:10) and seek the spoil of the newly enriched, expanded Israel when “the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance” (Zechariah 14:14).
In light of these things, it is encouraging to see the further development of the alliance between Russia and Iran according to Ezekiel 38!
The Ukraine war has pushed Russia and Iran closer together, just as the Word foretold:
Moscow and Tehran moving towards 'defense partnership' - JNS
Russia could help Iran build nuclear weapons in exchange for help in fight against Ukraine - Express
Thus, the Iranian issue becomes worse for Israel, putting pressure on Israel to act.
Concluding Thoughts
Hopefully, the reader can see how all of these events are related to one another. The Russia-Ukraine war is depleting Russia’s military and resources, forcing Russia to seek the assistance of her neighbors, and in process begin forming and solidifying the alliance she was prophesied to have 2,600 years ago through the prophet Ezekiel. This, in turn, is emboldening Israel’s greatest threat (Iran), who seeks Israel’s destruction and provides funds and arms to her spiteful Arab neighbors who surround her, all prophetically detailed in the 83rd Psalm. At the same time, Israel is finding herself more and more alone as her greatest ally, the United States, groans with the new Netanyahu government.
Things are progressing, Brethren. Be encouraged, enlivened, and invigorated, for these are the signs of our Master telling us, “behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12). Let us not faint or despair for the things befalling the earth, for our hope is a sure hope, and the Lord is soon to arise!