Q: Is this war in the Middle East the beginning of Armageddon?

A: This war in Israel is without question, absolutely, positively, not Armageddon. As long as you can still see born again Christians attending their church services, earth has a minimum of seven years until the War of Armageddon. God has not destined His church to go through that. (See 1 Thes 5:3‑9.) According to Daniel 9:24‑27, God has seven years remaining to work exclusively with Israel, after which comes Armageddon. This seven‑year period is called Jacob’s trouble not the church’s trouble. (See Jer 30:4‑9.)

There is a possible prophetic link here, although I am not saying this is positively it. Anytime Israel is drawn into a conflict on their northern borders, I line up the news events with the prophesied war in Ezekiel 38‑39 to see how many puzzle pieces match. According to God’s word, multiple nations will attack Israel from a northerly direction. As ominous as they appear, this alliance will suffer defeat. (See Eze 39:1‑5.)

No nation will assist Israel in this war. The young lions or villages of Ezekiel 38:13 are often viewed as the younger nations of the world, such as the United States. Although our President is in Israel’s corner, none of the other G8 leaders are. Anne Gearan of the Associated Press reported on July 14 that we appear to be preoccupied in Iraq, while trying to head off the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea. While nations wait and see, God has said, “As the God of Israel I will not forsake them,” (Isa 41:17).

Personally, I don’t believe Hezbollah thinks they can defeat Israel without something up their sleeve. If Syria, Iran and Russia are up their sleeve then you have all the potential for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 39. Iran has stated, “An incursion into the Syrian border would be met with a crushing response. This would be considered an attack on the entire Islamic world.” That may be, but God considers Israel the apple of His eye. (See Zech 2:8.) Regardless of debates, future headlines are all over Ezekiel 38‑39 for your viewing. Enquiring minds may want to know.

There is one powerful puzzle piece looming large in this equation. The Holy Spirit will fall upon all of Israel after the miraculous victory. (See Eze 39:29.) Throughout history God has dealt exclusively with Israel and the church. Where was the church during the Old Testament? It was nowhere. Where will it be when all Israel is filled with the Holy Spirit? It will be caught up to heaven as God focuses exclusively on Israel for Daniel’s final seven years. (See 1Thes 4:16‑18.) This conflict is not currently big enough to be Ezekiel’s prophecy, but why put off receiving Jesus Christ any longer? It will happen.

Romans 11:25‑26