Jesus' Parables Give Answers to Prophecy

The Parable of the Sower

When Jesus walked the earth he taught parables concerning the kingdom of God, but neither the people which heard him, nor the generations which followed, ever truly understood that Jesus' parables were purposed to provide answers for end times, when Jesus' kingdom would set up, and when religion would have its end. In the book of Psalms God documented evidence that he planned to conceal certain truths in parables (Psalm 78:2); but the greatest documented evidence that God planned to hide and conceal prophetic understanding in the parables is found in the book of Matthew: “I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world (Matthew 13:35).” Consider this verse very carefully, for it suggests that before the time of the end God planned to give his people answers concerning the sealed up and well hidden, elusive mysteries of the kingdom, and that those answers would come unto them, through parables. “There is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad (Mark 4:22).” You see then how the covenant message is fulfilling scripture, for it uses the parables of God's word to open God's mouth, and through its message, God utters his secrets of old.

One of the parables that Jesus taught the people was a parable about a sower who went out to sow. This parable is recorded in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. When Jesus was finished teaching this lesson to the people, his disciples came unto him and they asked him what the parable should mean, and why he spoke to the people in parables. Jesus said: “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables (Luke 8:10).” In other words, not only do parables conceal the prophetic message, but they are also serve as a way to divide the righteous, from the rebellious. Through parables God speaks answers to the righteous, and he increases their understanding. “He opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures (Luke 24:45).” At the same time, parables confuse and confound the rebellious. “That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them (Mark 4:12).” “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished (2Peter 2:9).”

“What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction (Roman 9:22)?” Parables hide scripture's truths from the imposters that pose as believers among God's people. These imposters refuse to believe God. Therefore God will fulfill his word, and on Judgment Day he will pour chastening affliction upon them.  “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before ordained to this condemnation (Jude 4).” “The Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints… to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed (Jude 14-15).” Only a remnant of God's people will believe and follow the guidance of Jesus' parables, and they are the very ones that will be saved and delivered from the afflictions of end times. “Esaias cried concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved (Romans 9:27)."  “He himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (1Corinthians 3:15).”

"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:18).” As with all the other parables of scripture, Jesus’ parables also have one perfect solution, and one provable meaning. The perfect solution for Jesus’ parables is not only determined by examining each written account of the parable, but also by finding the perfect meaning behind each parable word within the parable. God placed parable words in prophecy, and every scripture reference to that word, can, and should be used to help believer's determine the perfect meaning of the parable word. Ultimately, discerning the meaning of the parable words gives proper interpretation to the parable. To better understand these things, consider two examples: the true and perfect meaning of the word “sower,” is someone who shares the kingdom message and testifies unto others, telling them how they can receive the Holy Spirit; and the true and perfect meaning of the word “seed,” is putting the message of salvation into the hearts and minds of willing listeners.

Believers can prove the true and perfect meaning of each and every parable word. Consider how the perfect meaning of the word "sower" was revealed: within the parable of the sower is evidence, that, in scripture, the word "sower"pertains exclusively to persons who are sharing one particular message. According to the interpretation given, Jesus specified that those who are hearing the sower's message, are hearing the kingdom message: “When one heareth the word of the kingdom (Matthew 13:19).” Above everything else, the kingdom message is one of telling others how they can receive the Holy Spirit. “For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).” So the parable word "sower," applies exclusively to believers that are sharing the kingdom message, and telling others how they can receive the Holy Spirit; but don’t be deceived, for even the devil sows his own version of a kingdom message. “The tares are the children of the wicked one; and the enemy that sowed them is the devil (Matthew 13:38-39).”

The perfect meaning of the parable word “seed,” is discrete, for it is hidden. The verse which is most responsible for hiding the true meaning of the word, reads: “The parable is this, the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11).” This verse is responsible for hiding the perfect meaning of the parable word "seed" because there is, and can only be, one true and perfect meaning for each and every parable word. In prophecy, the word “seed” pertains to the kingdom message being put into the hearts and minds of believers, which is something that God alone does, and that only God can do. “The children of promise are counted for the seed (Romans 9:8).” So why are there two seemingly different meanings for the same parable word, or do they agree together in one? God covenanted with his people, which means that he lifted up his hand and he swore to the people, testifying he would make them have seed, and that he would multiply their seed. So the verse that is concealing the true meaning of the parable word "seed," is actually testifying that every new convert is a fulfillment of God’s promise to give us seed. “The seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11).” If believers will faithfully tell others the kingdom message, then God is faithful to give them seed. In other words, God will cause those who hear their message to recognize the truth of his word, for he will confirm the matter to their hearts and minds. “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts (Hebrew 8:10).”

When believers find the true and perfect meanings behind the parable words of Jesus' parables, they find answers to the prophetic sealed up mysteries of end times. The parable of the sower answers the question: How will God keep his people from the hour of temptation? For God made promise to his people in the book of Revelation, saying: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth (Revelation 3:10).” The answer is: by increasing their knowledge and understanding. The parable of the sower examines the four places wherein those that receive the revealed truths of prophecy, will fall, and it provides counsel which will help guide and keep them from temptation. Now for the interpretation of the parable:

1. “When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side (Matthew 13:19).” First, notice how in this verse involves two parties: there are the hearers, but there are also the wicked ones. Luke’s account refers to the wicked ones as the devil, and Mark calls them Satan; but all three gospel accounts agree together that fowls will come and devour up the believers which are by the way side. The covenant message has previously reported, and verified with evidence, that in prophecy, the parable word “fowl” pertains to a priest, or a religious leader who has heard the kingdom message, but who continues to tell lies and preach inaccuracies against it. Further proof concerning the identity of the devourers can be discerned from Jesus’ rebukes  of the priests and elders of his day, for he accused them of being of their father the devil (John 8:44); and he reprimanded Peter, calling him Satan. “Get behind me, Satan… for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men (Matthew 16:23).” In essence, every leader who hears the kingdom message and continues to work against it, is behaving himself as Satan and the devil, and as the wicked one, and as fowls that swallow up good seed. “You have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered (Luke 11:52).”

Next, consider those people which heard the kingdom message, yet still fell by the way side. Keep in mind that everyone who has received the message is called, seed. This group of seed heard the kingdom message, and they probably even witnessed evidence of the Holy Spirit, but they didn’t understand it. “When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not…this is he which received seed by the way side (Matthew 13:19).” Jesus revealed the secret of this seed's mistake, in the words, “Then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved (Luke 8:12).” Their mistake is one of neglecting God's word, and of relying upon false teachers for additional understanding. Believers should not rely upon a teacher for end time understanding: they must consult the scriptures for themselves, and study the covenant message. Our new covenant is a requirement to learn of Jesus, and to continue to learn of him until you walk together in agreement with the Holy Spirit. The number one lesson which is learned from the seeds by the way side, is that believers must reject the counsel of any teacher who tries to convince them that what they have heard, or witnessed, or experienced, wasn't the truth. Rely upon God, and upon his word for guidance, and in love correct the deceived. “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6).”

Walk in the Spirt, and speak of those things that you have witnessed, and experienced, as well as what you have learned, especially with your priest, but also with  people that have authority over the congregation. If they won't hear you or receive your testimony, then you are instructed to leave that place. “Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet (Matthew 10:14).” “There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you… and many shall follow their pernicious ways (2Peter 2:1-2).” “Take heed what ye hear (Mark 4:24).” “Take heed… how ye hear (Luke 8:18).” “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath (Matthew 13:12).” “Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown (Revelation 3:11).”

2. “Some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture (Luke 8:6).” Additional truths which are written against the seeds that fell upon the rock, include: they are in stony places which have no depth of earth, they have no roots, and they will wither away and be offended when the sun comes up, and it scorches them. Before believers can perceive the true meaning of the second lesson, interpretations for the parable words, rock, sun, stone, and stony places, must be discerned.

The perfect meaning of the parable word “rock” is the Lord, and his teachings. “That rock was Christ (1Corinthians 10:4).” “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24).” The perfect meaning for the words "stony places", or "stony ground," is that these parable words represent places of worship wherein believers are in Christ, howsoever the newly revealed truths of prophecy are not being taught. The parable word "stone" pertains to believers, who, through the Holy Spirit confess that Jesus is Lord. Evidence concerning the meaning of this word is found in a response which Jesus gave unto Simon Peter, when Peter stood and confessed before his fellow disciples, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jo-na: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:16-18).” The word "stone" is only implied in the verse, however if believer's investigate Jesus' response they will perceive that God's people are blessed, if, and when the Holy Spirit confirms the matter of Jesus' identity unto them: then afterwards, if they confess before others who Jesus is, and what he did for them, then they become the stones of his building. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house (1Peter 2:5).” “The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones (Revelation 21:19).”

The perfect meaning of the word “sun” is best revealed by considering a few subtle clues which are written about the sun. “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into the furnace of fire… Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:41-43).” Well said, albeit cleverly worded, because the scriptures reveal that the sun is residing in controversy. “The sun knoweth his going down (Psalm 104:19).” In prophecy, the word, sun, is the parable name given to religious leaders that are ignorant of the covenant message. These leaders have been preoccupied with their own thoughts and beliefs, wherefore they have continued to say and teach things that disagree with God’s end time message. For the sun’s grievous mistake, it will be punished, and it will be ashamed. “The moon shall be confounded and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously (Isaiah 24:23).” “The sun shall be turned into darkness… before the great and terrible day of the Lord come (Joel 2:31).” The truths about the sun's destiny are non-negotiable, for there is no place for the sun in new Jerusalem. “The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof (Revelation 21:23).” "There shall in no wise enter into it anything that... maketh a lie (Revelation 21:27)."

As for the seeds which fell into stony places, these believers are worshipping in places wherein their teachers have not yet heard the covenant message. This is not only confirmed by their withered condition, but also by Jesus' confession that the sun will scorch them. Jesus testified that those who fall into stony places will receive the Holy Spirit with joy. This insinuates that they will believe the covenant message for awhile, but Jesus also reported that in the time of temptation they will fall away (Luke 8:13). The mistake of these believers is one of turning from the Lord, for they get anxious, and offended, and impatient. “You have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36).” “In your patience possess ye your souls (Luke 21:19).” These seeds are said to have no root, so let these words be a reminder that all believers are to be “rooted" in the word of God, and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17),” “built up in Christ, and established in the faith (Colossians 2:7).” Believers that are in stony places are to speak to their leaders, and if their leaders receive them, and hear their testimonies, then they are instructed to remain there and be patient. Spend time on your knees and read God's word, as well as the covenant message, so that you can be living water, and so that you will not be scorched, or withered, or tempted. It will be tempting to get angry when your informed leaders aren't expedient to change their messages, but don't get discouraged and leave, for God can use you there where you are, so remain there, and be patient. “If they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth (Matthew 24:26).” “In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1Timothy 4:1).” “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up (Matthew 15:13).”

Jesus prophesied that in the last days “many shall be offended (Matthew 24:10),” and Paul testified that “that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (2Thessalonians 2:3).” Both of these prophecies seemingly indicate that many believers will be in “stony places” in the last days. Hang in there, and keep praying, for God's word insinuates, as well as testifies, that God will correct every insensitive leader that refuses to receive the truth of his message from his messengers. “Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh (Matthew 18:7)!” “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were downed in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6).”

3. “Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit (Mark 4:7).” Thorns are evil and wicked congregations, which are being led by teachers that reject certain truths in God’s word. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing… You shall know them by their fruits… for every corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit (Matthew 7:15-18).” The seeds which fell among thorns, have fallen into places of worship wherein God will destroy the ways of everyone around them. “That which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned (Hebrews 6:8).” Their leaders are false teachers which do not have the Holy Spirit. “Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will reject thee, that thou shalt be no priests to me (Hosea 4:6).” And furthermore, these leaders are covetous, ungodly, and unjust. “Them that walk after the flesh in the lusts of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities (2Peter 2:10).”

The seeds which fall into these conditions are prone to coming up with excuses of why they cannot serve the Lord, or help him promote the kingdom message. Their mistake is revealed in the words: “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (Mark 4:19).” If those who fall among thorns would share what they learned and experienced with a fellow believer, then God would cause them to be fruitful; but Jesus confided that these seeds are unfruitful, which insinuates that they will elect to keep silent, for they lack confidence in the Lord. Believers who fall among thorns must die to their own selfish worries and concerns, in order to experience eternal life in Christ. “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit (John 12:24).” “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).” “Ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to him that is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God (Romans 7:4).”

The next few verses are testimonies of encouragement for believers that have fallen among the thorns, and this encouragement begins with an explanation of why it is imperative to speak up and confess the truth.“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou not know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead (James 2:19-20)?” “Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples (John 15:8).” Before contemplating the next words of encouragement, keep in mind that, in prophecy, the parable word "angel" applies to flesh and blood people: they are believers that have the Holy Spirit. “I say unto you… Be not afraid of them that kill the body… fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him… Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: but he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God (Luke 12:4-9).” To paraphrase the conclusion of the testimony concerning angels, Jesus verified that he will cause some of his followers to rise up before the authorities and defend those persons who have confessed him before the unbelieving; but the opposite applies to those believers that deny Jesus, and that keep silent before men. Therefore, stand boldly and with confidence confess the Lord Jesus, and his word. “I give unto thee power... over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).”

4. “Other seed fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold (Luke 8:8).” “Those which fell on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience (Luke 8:15).” The seeds which fell on good ground are the believers whose leaders paid attention to God’s word, and so they are promoting the covenant message. These seeds have work to do for the Lord. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).” “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (Romans 10:13-15).” “The earth bringeth forth fruit of herself (Mark 4:28).” God's people are being commissioned to go out and spread the truth of his end time message. This will swiftly bring additional seed into God's house, and God will multiply their seed. “Immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region (Mark 1:28).” The seeds on good ground, will, “hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred (Mark 4:20).”

A concluding message: Since Jesus’ doctrine and his messages were meant for everyone in the world, did you ever stop and wonder why Jesus commanded his disciples, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles… But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6)?” Or why the Apostle Paul found it necessary to rehearse the words, “To the Jew first, but also to the Gentile”? These things are written as pattern, for they verify the way that God works: God brings the understanding of what he is doing unto his people first, then his message will go out through his people unto those who have not known him. Consider once again how these things provide evidence that the covenant message is the truth, for its message is going out unto the leaders of God's people, first.

In one of Jesus’ other parables, a certain king prepared a wedding supper for his son. Then the king sent out his servants to call those that were bidden to the feast, but the invited guests made light of it, and gave out their excuses and would not come, even mistreating and killing some of his messengers. When the king heard these things, and he was wroth, “and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage (Matthew 22:7-9).” This evidence is suggesting that end times are going to be a time of great confusion, wherein God's people are going to be making mistakes. This is further proof of the truth of the covenant message, for believers will need for spend time studying God's message in order to avoid confusion. The covenant message has everything to the marriage supper, and its message was prepared expressly for the purpose of bringing end time understanding and truth unto every priest and prophet that is within God's priesthood. Priests are to come and receive knowledge, and they are to stop telling lies, and remaining silent. "I tell you that, if these should hold their piece, the stones would immediately cry out (Luke 19:40)." These messages are full of instruction and knowledge which is necessary for the deliverance of God's people during end times, therefore it is crucial to promote and advertise the existence of these messages.

Think about a message that Jesus spoke unto the religious authorities and rulers of his day, saying, “Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof (Matthew 21:42-43).” Since Jesus, and his teachings are referred to as the rock, who then is the stone that the builders rejected? Could the old testament's reference to a "stone" pertain to a prophet? (Psalm 118:22-23). If so, then aren't these verses implying that the priesthood will reject God's prophet? And shouldn't the implication of these warnings make the priesthood horribly afraid (Jeremiah 51:26)? “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you (Matthew 21:31).” "Many that are first shall be last; and the last first (Matthew 19:30)." “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God (John 1:11-12).”

Obadiah's Message Concerning Edom

“The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom; We have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle (Obadiah 1).” Obadiah's vision concerns Edom, but since God has called Esau's name Edom, this prophecy is actually testifying truths which pertain to the nation of Islam (Genesis 36:1). The first few verses of Obadiah's vision are nearly replicated in the book of Jeremiah, thus giving believers two accountings of the same vision. There are only a few, very slight, and seemingly insignificant differences within the wordings of these two nearly replicated portions of scripture, however every subtle difference works like a flag which marks something of significance towards the interpretation of the prophecy (Jeremiah 49:13-16). For instance, when Jeremiah's account testifies that an ambassador is sent among the heathen, the word "gather" is added to the prophecy. The inclusion of this word serves to suggest that this ambassador is attempting to bring all of the Islamic nation together, as one. “I have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, saying, Gather ye together, and come against her, and rise up to the battle (Jeremiah 49:14).” “They know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor (Micah 4:12).”

To grasp what God testifying in the book of Obadiah, believers must perceive and know that in God's eyes, all of his people dwell among the heathen. “I will take you from among the heathen… and will bring you into your own land (Ezekiel 36:24).” For additional evidence concerning this truth, note that the Hebrew word which was translated into the word “heathen” was also translated into the words: people, gentiles, and nations. Verses which contain this word suggest that it pertains to everyone who does not know the Lord in truth, even persons within our assemblies of worship. That very same Hebrew word was used in the verses: “He shall bring forth judgment to the gentiles (Isaiah 42:1).” “He shall judge among the nations (Isaiah 2:4),” “He shall judge among the heathen (Psalm 110:6).” Before reviewing one final piece of evidence which suggests that the word "heathen" can apply to people within God's house, keep in mind that our God is a righteous judge, and that he will judge between heathen, and heathen. “As for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle (Ezekiel 34:17).” “Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon kingdoms that have not called upon thy name (Psalm 79:6).” 

“Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised (Obadiah 2).” In Jeremiah’s nearly replicated version of this verse, the words “have made” are scribed “will make.” This barely noticeable and seemingly insignificant change of wording, reminds believers that God calls those things which are not, as though they have already been. In essence, this change of wording causes believers to perceive and know that there is coming a day in the which the counsel of these ambassadors will be turned back upon their own heads. “For, lo, I will make thee small among the heathen, and despised among men (Jeremiah 49:15).” The ambassador that is working to gather all the Islamic nation together as one, is Moab, so therefore it is important to know just who that name pertains to. The name "Moab" is a parable name in prophecy, and it pertains to a group of Islamic priests and prophets that have been dealing with the covenant message. They are, and were, offended by it, so they are keeping some of its truths a secret. They have crafted together certain counsel for the purpose of discrediting Christianity. “The calamity of Moab is near to come (Jeremiah 48:16).” Many of the leaders that are following Moab's counsel will be left to suffer affliction, because Moab has turned back from seeking to do God's will, and he is compelling all of the Islamic nation to come against God's word. Consequently, many of the Muslim leaders that endure the affliction of God's wrath, will despise Moab. “Concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him (Micah 3:5).” 

“The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground (Obadiah 3)?” These reproving words incriminate Moab, because Moab's name is synonymous with pride. “We have heard the pride of  Moab (Jeremiah 48:29).” But definitive proof of Moab’s identity comes from Jeremiah's account of the vision, for it links Bozrah’s name to the prophecy, saying, “I have sworn by myself, saith the Lord, that Bozrah shall become a desolation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities thereof shall be perpetual wastes (Jeremiah 49:13).” Bozrah is a city of Moab (Jeremiah 48:24); and in prophecy, Bozrah's name pertains to the thoughts of the ambassadors that are gathering all of the Islamic nation together as one. “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1)?” “I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah (Micah 2:12).” “The Lord hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea (Isaiah 34:6).” 

“Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence I will bring thee down, saith the Lord (Obadiah 4).” By comparing Moab's ego to that an exalted eagle, not only has God reproved Moab’s pride, but he also supplied evidence that Moab is very much aware of the covenant message. Jeremiah’s account of this verse suggests that Moab will lift himself up to be chief over the covenant message. Find evidence of this promotion in the words, "O thou... that holdest the height of the hill." These words are included in the verse: “Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as an eagle, I will bring thee down (Jeremiah 49:16).” 

So, despite all the evidences which were published against Moab's wicked counsel, Moab has continued to act in accordance with his own will. “Prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear the word of the Lord… My hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people… because, even because they have seduced my people (Ezekiel 13:2; 13:9-10).” “They refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears… lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 7:11-12).” The Lord our God has openly confessed that he would set his hand for a second time to recover his people from the nation of Islam (Isaiah 11:11), but Moab has despised God's instructions. “The soul that doeth aught presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people, because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him (Numbers 15:30-31).” 

Another sobering thought which magnifies the effect of Obadiah’s vision, is that, for every truth which is prophesied against Moab, a similar truth was prophesied against the rebellious leaders of Christianity. Therefore, the reprimand of Obadiah's prophecy also pertains to every religious authority who despises God’s instructions, for they will all be made small, and despised in the eyes of God's people. God named the prideful ambassadors which are attempting to bring Christianity together as one, Assyrians. “The stout heart of the king of Assyria… for he saith… I gathered all the earth (Isaiah 10: 12-14).” As in the case of Moab, Assyrians have also despised parts of God's message, wherefore they too will be despised in the eyes of God's people (Isaiah 37:22). Most of their troubles are prophesied in verses which testify truths against Babylon; for example, Babylon is mounting up to heaven (Jeremiah 51:53). But the ultimate incriminating verse which reveals that the Assyrian's fate will be like that of Moab, is a verse which confirms that Babylon is working against the Lord, and it testifies that God has laid a snare against her: “How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! How is Babylon become a desolation among the nations! I have laid a snare for thee, and thou art also taken, O Babylon, and thou wast not aware: thou art found, and also caught, because thou hast striven against the Lord (Jeremiah 50:23-24).” “O priests, that despise my name… I also made you contemptible and base before all the people (Malachi 1:6; 2:9).” “I made thee a reproach to the heathen (Ezekiel 22:4).” “Behold, I will… make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil (Jeremiah 29:17).” “God hath thrown down in his wrath the strong holds of the daughter of Judah; he hath brought them down to the ground: he hath polluted the kingdom and the princes thereof (Lamentations 2:2).”  

“If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? If grape gathers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes (Obadiah 5)?” This verse magnifies the awesome power that God has to fulfill his word: for God's word confirms that religion, with all of its deceit, and with all of its mistaken interpretations, would be utterly, entirely, and wholly, cut off! God will not leave any of his children trapped in the lies of men, even those newly forged lies which were devised by the likes of Moab, and the Assyrian. “None of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor any of theirs (Ezekiel 7:11).” “The Lord thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed (Deuteronomy 7:20).” 

Moab, even unwittingly, was blaspheming God’s name as he told lies, because he intended to keep the truths of the covenant message silent. He stood by, and watched, as Muslims rose up and murdered people of other religions, violently attacking them, and ruining their places of assembly. The power to stop these attacks was in his hands. Therefore, even though Moab may escape the affliction of God's initial pestilence, those who were seduced by his counsel will not escape, and they will be mad. “They will destroy till they have enough (Jeremiah 49:9).” Moab will witness it as his people begin to rise up and destroy their own nation, brother against brother, until he repents, and confesses the truth of God’s word. “Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them (Jeremiah 11:11).” “I have broken Moab like a vessel wherein is no pleasure… They shall howl, saying, How is it broken down! How hath Moab turned back with shame… Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the Lord (Jeremiah 48:38-42).” “The ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly (Isaiah 33:7).”

“How are the things of Esau searched out! How are his hidden things sought up (Obadiah 6)?” “I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered his secret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself: his seed is spoiled, and his brethren, and his neighbors, and he is not (Jeremiah 49:10).” To fully perceive the implications of these two verses, believers must perceive and know that Esau's name in prophecy pertains to everyone that despises the truth of God's word (Genesis 25:34). In this portion of the visions, God is testifying and insinuating that Moab, as well as the Assyrian, will not escape the noisome pestilences. For when the newly revealed truths of prophecy are broadcast throughout the land, then believers who suffered the pestilences will perceive which leaders hid the truth, and they will be mad. For this reason, everyone who is hiding the truth, is commanded to confess it before that Day (Jeremiah 21:12). “Thus saith the Lord my God; Feed the flock of slaughter; Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves not guilty… and their own shepherds pity them not. For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land… but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbor’s hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them (Zechariah 11:4-6).” “Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities (Jeremiah 48:15).” “The spoilers are come upon all the high places (Jeremiah 12:12).”

“All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him (Obadiah 7).” The first part of this verse confesses that Moab's followers were taken in a snare, and the last part of the verse pertains to the snare which God has crafted against Moab. Moab, as well as the Assyrian, taught their followers powerful understandings of scripture which brought them even to the border of Zion: however they withheld certain truths which were necessary for God's people to enter into the everlasting gates: truths which also would have allowed believers to escape the pestilences. Both Moab, and the Assyrian, had doubts and fears about the message and its release, and so they remained silent. The conclusion of the verse testifies that the followers of these prophets will turn against them, for Moab and the Assyrian will be blamed for all their troubles, as well as their afflictions. The word "wound" suggests that these prophets will be wounded at heart, because Moab, and the Assyrian will be persecuted, and they will be misunderstood by their own followers. "They that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him." Their persecutions are God's snare, and the truth of the matter has been revealed unto them so that they might fear the things which are prophesied to come upon them, and turn their faces to God, seeking to do his will. 

“Shall I not in that day, saith the Lord, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau (Obadiah 8)?” This outrageous question suggests that God will not leave any Islamic leader uncertain as to whether or not the covenant message is the truth, for from the lest of the prophets, even unto last priest that ever hears the covenant message; all of them will know that it is God’s hand. For this reason every wise leader should study to know the newly revealed truths and instructions of prophecy, because Judgment Day is reserved against everyone that refuses to follow God’s instructions, or that refuses to accept the new covenant (Zechariah 12:3). “The day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up (Isaiah 2:12).” “He respects not any that are wise of heart (Job 37:24).” “Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord, and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7).” Whosoever is shown the truth of God’s word, is shown the truth so that they might rise up and warn others. “Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth (Micah 4:13).”

“And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that everyone of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter (Obadiah 9).” In prophecy, the city of “Teman” pertains to devout Islamic leaders that are strong in faith. God’s messengers will convince these leaders to hear the covenant message. “I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah (Amos  1:12).” “In that day will I make the governors of Judah like a hearth of fire among wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place (Zechariah 12:6).” Even the wise men of Teman will need to study the covenant message, or else they will be ignorant of God’s instructions. 

“For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever (Obadiah 10).” In prophecy, the parable name of “Jacob” pertains to every faithful believer that was shown the truth of God’s word, regardless of whether or not they are familiar with the covenant message. God is with Jacob, and God protects Jacob: however, even believers that know the truth of God's word will need to have their end time understandings perfected. “Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the Lord: for I am with thee… I will not make a full end of thee, but will correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished (Jeremiah 46:28).” God is bringing an army against Jacob, and Jacob will be forced to suffer the army's misunderstandings. God's army is not exclusively meant for a punishment, but it is also a way for God to get Jacob's attention, for Jacob needs to receive knowledge. The fierceness of God’s army will convince Jacob to forsake his own ways, and he will turn and go in the way of the Lord. “The Lord… will punish Jacob according to his ways (Hosea 12:2).” Once again read the words of Obadiah's verse, and consider them carefully: for this verse yields evidence that the armies which came against Jacob, violently mistreated him; and this verse also yields evidence that after Jacob has been corrected, then his persecutors will be punished, as well as destroyed (Deuteronomy 30:7).  

“In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them (Obadiah 11).” This verse yields evidence that some of the mighty priests and prophets of Teman participated in Jacob’s hurt, and they did it after they were fighting on behalf of the covenant message. In other words, even though they were aware of the covenant message, these leaders continued to despise and neglect God's instructions. Certain details of their offenses are listed in the next several verses of Obadiah’s prophecy. Each listed offense is also an implied instruction, which means that paying attention to this list can help believers avoid punishment, as well as wrath. 

“Thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress (Obadiah 12).” This verse suggests that God is against believers that mistreat the deceived by inciting violence against them, or by boasting against them with degrading remarks, or condemnations, or even with celebratory comments. “In my adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not (Psalm 35:15).” Avoid making this mistake, for all of God's people are commanded not to strive, but they are to teach one another with kindness, and with patience (2Timothy 2:24).  

“Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity (Obadiah 13).” God will not give the armies of heaven an inheritance from sanctuaries which already exist. The armies of heaven will be inheriting newly converted persons which were not counted among God’s people. “He hath shown his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen (Psalm 111:6).” “Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance (Psalm 2:8).” God's armies are commissioned to go forth bearing the newly revealed truths of prophecy, as well as God's new covenant. Their desire should be to educate the deceived, and to cause them to acknowledge the new covenant. If an army is going forth for any other purpose, it will not prevail. “That which he labored for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, he shall not rejoice therein (Job 20:18).” 

“Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress (Obadiah 14).” This portion of the prophetic message suggests that some Islamic leaders will withhold their understanding of the newly revealed truths of prophecy from their Muslim brothers. They will subtly and quietly stand by, supposing, not only to bring affliction upon Christians, but also to cause those whom they hated in times past, to violate God’s laws and be afflicted. God’s word forbids believers to abstain from warning others. If believers deliberately fail to warn others, then they become guilty of the sins of those whom they failed to warn (Ezekiel 3:18-21). “Wherefore commit ye this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and suckling, out of Judah, to leave none to remain; in that ye provoke me unto wrath with the works of your hands… that ye might cut yourselves off, and that ye might be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth (Jeremiah 44:7-8)?” 

“For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head (Obadiah 15).” Whereas God's people are charged with teaching the world the prophetic message, and warning them against breaking God's laws, and this verse underscores the reason why it is so important to study God's message, and follow his instructions. The prophecy of this verse insinuates that everyone who is aware of the covenant message and its instructions, will be judged accordingly. A new instruction to keep in mind is that when God arises and pours out the affliction, God's people are to remain silent, and they are to do no boasting: be wise, and spend time considering your own mistakes. “Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord God: for the day of the Lord is at hand: for the Lord hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. And it shall come to pass in the day of the Lord’s sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit (Zephaniah 1:7-9).” Collectively, every instruction of the covenant message is a rebuke which is purposed to cause professed believers to have respect for God’s ways, as well as to know that the day of God’s wrath is at hand.

“For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been (Obadiah 16).” In prophecy, the word "drinking" is a parable word which pertains to listening to confusing end time messages, so according to this portion of Obadiah's message, God is testifying that believers who despise the new covenant and defy his instructions, will be mislead by false prophets until they are destroyed together on Judgment Day. “The wicked is reserved to the day of destruction (Job 21:30).” So regardless of the message that believers are promoting, if they are not following God's instructions in accordance with God's word, then they will suffer God's wrath on Judgment Day. “It is abomination to fools to depart from evil (Proverbs 13:19).” “Thus saith the Lord God; I have lifted mine hand, Surely the heathen that are about you, they shall bear their shame (Ezekiel 36:7).”

“But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions (Obadiah 17).” The words "Mount Zion" are parable words, and they represent a spiritual place wherein the thoughts of God’s people are in agreement, and wherein everyone serves the Lord with one consent. “For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain at the height of Israel, saith the Lord God, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings (Ezekiel 20:40).” The words “shall possess” suggest that God will cause his people to inherit other believers that will stand together in agreement with them, and believe as they believe. So, in essence, this verse is confirming that believers who understand the truth of the covenant message will inherit the redeemed. “The Lord hath sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel (Isaiah 9:8).” “In that day, the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God (Isaiah 10:20-21).”

“And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them, and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it (Obadiah 18).” In prophecy, the parable word “fire” refers to burning passions which are flaring up out the mouths of believers. End time "fires" are burning, because God's people have concern for God's word. But Jacob's fires often contain errors, because these believers have misunderstood prophecy. “Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled (Isaiah 50:11).” “The house of Joseph” are words which pertain to believers that went ahead of the Lord, and studied to know the truths of prophecy. Therefore the flame which comes forth from the house of Joseph, is the powerful message which erupts from Joseph's mouth as he goes forth and publishes the truths which will consume the deceived: “He burned against Jacob like a flaming fire (Lamentations 2:3).” The parable word “stubble” pertains to false teachers and persons who are basing all of their end time knowledge and understanding upon mistaken teachings, and upon the deceit of their own hearts. “As the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 5:24).”

“And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines (Obadiah 19).” This portion of Obadiah’s prophecy is set aside to announce God's predetermined plan to give an inheritance to all believers that put their trust in him. The blessings of these inheritances will come upon believers, if they remain faithful. The first word of inheritance is for "they of the south," and it has to do with priests and prophets which escaped the initial affliction of God’s wrath, but they either ignored, or kept quiet concerning the newly revealed truths of prophecy. These leaders will inherit Esau, or in other words, other believers that despise the covenant message. The second word of inheritance is for "they of the plain." This description has to do with the leaders that heard the covenant message, and laughed and mocked against it, until the day that God rose up and poured out the affliction. They will inherit the Philistines. In prophecy the word “Philistine” pertains to hard hearted, vengeful believers that despise the people of other religions, because Philistines were, and are, deceived by the teachings of men. “I have… delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines (Ezekiel 16:27).” “The Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred (Ezekiel 25:15).” 

“And they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria (Obadiah 19).” Whereas the name “Ephraim” applies to believers which have the Holy Spirit, the opposite is true for the name, Samaria. The name “Samaria” pertains to believers that have transgressed, and have lost the Holy Spirit. “What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria (Micah 1:5)?” Obadiah's third word of inheritance pertains to Christian priests and prophets which found out about the covenant message after they suffered the affliction of God’s correction. Their word of inheritance is a confirmation that these leaders will inherit their very own congregations. This gives great hope unto these leaders, because not only will their congregations be offended by their affliction, but they will turn against them, and they will hire new priests. “When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian (Hosea 5:13).” The armies of heaven will gather themselves together against the churches that hire false teachers, and thereby the Christian churches will stand corrected. “When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria: for they commit falsehood; and the thief cometh in, and the troops of robbers spoileth without (Hosea 7:1).” The challenge for the afflicted priests, as well as all priests, is that, in order to receive their inheritances, they must patiently work at bringing their congregations into a proper understanding of the prophetic message.

“And Benjamin shall possess Gilead (Obadiah 19).” The interpretation of this inheritance is very deep, and it will astonish you. In prophecy, the name "Gilead" pertains to the laws which govern the very foundations of the Christian faith. These laws are highly regarded and established in the hearts and minds of Christian leaders, because they are scripture verses which have been proven to cause believers to inherit the Holy Spirit. “Thus saith the Lord unto the king’s house of Judah; thou art Gilead unto me (Jeremiah 22:6).” But even the foundational laws of Christianity will not always be effective at bringing everlasting life to all people. “Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured (Jeremiah 46:11).” “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people not recovered (Jeremiah 8:22)?” “Gilead is a city of them that work iniquity, and is polluted with blood (Hosea 6:8).” “Hear ye me… all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if you seek him, he will be found of you; but if you forsake him, he will forsake you (2Chronicles 15:2).” 

In prophecy, the name “Benjamin” represents believers that boldly and unapologetically stand and promote the liberating truths which were delivered by the great apostle Paul: Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin. These priests are, by God’s design, opposed to forsaking Paul’s gracious laws of liberty, for any reason. But if these leaders are refusing to receive instruction, then they will be cast out of God's presence, and they will loose the Holy Spirit, for God’s word testifies that God will move, and do a new thing, and if they are not willing to see and know that the end time prophecies are being fulfilled, then they are guilty of iniquity, and of forsaking God's law. “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it (Isaiah 43:19)?” “For, behold, I create a new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17).” When the leaders of Benjamin receive the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and accept the punishment or their err, then they shall inherit and possess the people of Gilead. “Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up (Hosea 6:1).” “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed (Jeremiah 17:14).”  

“And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath (Obadiah 20).” The “captivity of the host of the children of Israel” is a name which applies to deceived believers of every nation, whose priests refused to pay attention to the answers and truths which were necessary for their congregation to enter into the gates of the everlasting kingdom, until after the day of God's Wrath. These congregations will inherit the “Canaanites.” This parable name pertains to the unbelievers that dwell in the land, even among God’s people, for God left unbelievers in the land so that he might prove his people (Judges 3:4). Although their changes will not occur until after Judgment Day, the Canaanites are the captivity's promised inheritance. “In that day there shall be no more Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 14:21).” “He that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain (Isaiah 57:13).” 

“And the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south (Obadiah 20).” The “captivity of Jerusalem” is a name which pertains to the priests and leaders whose congregations rose against them when they stood up before that day, and confessed the covenant message. The name “Sepharad” is written upon these leaders to confirm that they have already been given a new name. In other words, these leaders are already delivered from their mistakes, and they have gone ahead, and have entered into the gates of the promised land. Although these priests may not see the rejoicing of their congregation until after the day of Salvation, they will inherit their own congregations.

“And saviors shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s (Obadiah 21).” “Saviors” are spirit-led believers that understand the covenant message. This verse is testifying that God will send spirit-filled believers unto people whose initial response was to despise the covenant message. “Saviors” will come and deliver them by bringing them evidences which verify the truths of the covenant message. This is God’s way of refraining the house of Esau from making any more mistakes against him. The word "judging" has to do with sending Esau counsel which will deliver him from the pestilences, as well as form hands of his oppressors. “I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counselors as at the beginning (Isaiah 1:26).” “When the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies… for it repented the Lord because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them (Judges 2:18).” 

“They have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us (Jeremiah 2:27).” “Deliver me… cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me (Psalm 71:2).” “When the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer… who delivered them (Judges 3:9).” “The Lord shall help them, and deliver them from the wicked… because they trust in him (Psalm 37:40).” “It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God… he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation (Isaiah 25:9).” “Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations (Psalm 82:8).”

The Burden of Nineveh

Prophesy From the Prophet Nahum

“He calleth them all by their names (Psalms 147:4).” When God placed people’s names in prophecy he made a way for seekers to discover who it is that the prophecy pertains to; but when God used city names in prophecy, he made a way for seekers to know the thoughts of offenders. “For I know their works and their thoughts (Isaiah 66:18).” Knowing the thoughts of offenders is yet another tool which is beneficial for interpreting prophecy. City names also provide a second benefit: they serve as a reminder that man's thoughts and ways, are changeable. So before getting into the interpretation of the book of Nahum, this lesson will show believers how they can use city names to interpret prophecy, and understand man's thoughts.  

Since the burden of Nineveh is about cutting of the Assyrian, we are going to be looking at three city names, each of which are associated with the Assyrian. Everyone that is familiar with the covenant message already knows that the name "Assyrian," was used in prophecy to represent priests and prophets which have heard some, if not all of the covenant message, but they have not spoken of it publicly. Assyrians are hiding the newly revealed truths of prophecy. In essence, a priest or prophet becomes an Assyrian from the moment that he hears the covenant message, and he remains an Assyrian until the day he articulates it honestly, openly, and publicly, before the congregation. By the very definition of his name, Assyrians are God’s adversaries.

The first city name to be considered, is Nineveh. “Out of the land went forth Asshur and builded Nineveh (Genesis 10:11).” The Hebrew word which was translated “Asshur” is the very same Hebrew word which was translated "Assyrian." For this reason, this verse is testifying that the Assyrian’s teachings have built Nineveh. To discover what group of believers are spiritually dwelling in the spiritual city of Nineveh, search the scriptures to find unique characteristics which are credited to Nineveh. A couple of findings include: Nineveh is called a great city (Jonah 1:2); and Nineveh repented and believed God through the preaching of a prophet (Matthew 12:41). Put these two findings together with the knowledge that the Assyrian’s teachings have built Nineveh, and believers can perceive that the parable of the city named "Nineveh" pertains to priests and prophets which have heard the king of Assyria’s message, and they repented of their religious mistakes, and they have changed some of their teachings. This is the mindset of the leaders that are spiritually dwelling in Nineveh.

Another city name which appears in prophecy, and which is associated with the Assyrian, is Assyria. “Blessed be… Assyria the work of my hands (Isaiah 19:25).” Although this verse gives glory to Assyria, other prophecies identify that Assyria cannot save God’s people (Hosea 14:3); it is ready to perish (Isaiah 27:13); and it will be cast down into hell (Ezekiel 32:22). These findings suggest that the spiritual city named Assyria pertains to priests and prophets which have heard some of the covenant message, but their thoughts were either to ignore it, or discredit it. They are trusting in their forefather’s teachings, and relying upon their own mistaken interpretations of prophecy. Believers that dwell in the spiritual city of Assyria would rather fight against God’s message, then waste any time studying it. So when the city of Assyria's name appears in prophecy, it represents the mindset of believers that have rejected the covenant message: and they will loose the Holy Spirit. 

The Assyrian also participated in building the spiritual city of Chaldea. “Behold the land of the Chaldeans; this people was not, till the Assyrian founded it for them (Isaiah 23:13).” Prophecy reveals that people who dwell in the spiritual city of Chaldea, are the Lord’s weapons of indignation. “The Lord… hath brought forth the weapons of his indignation: for this is the work of the Lord of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans (Jeremiah 50:25).” In other words, the thoughts of the people that are spiritually dwelling in the spiritual city of Chaldea, are fixated on destroying religion, and on bringing down religious deceivers. “Lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation… They shall come all for violence (Habakkuk 1:6; 1:9).” Regardless of what they believe, the destructive ways of the Chaldeans will have serious consequences. “Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied (Jeremiah 50:10).” “I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 51:24).”

Chapter one:
The book of Nahum begins with an elaborate detailed description of who God is, then after it manifests the wonderful presence of the Lord, it boldly states that religion is finished. “God is jealous… The Lord revengeth, and is furious… The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked… Mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence… With an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies. What do you imagine against the Lord? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up a second time (taken from Nahum 1:2-9).” 

“There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the Lord, a wicked counselor (Nahum 1:11).” The deeds of a wicked counselor are perhaps best brought to light by the prophet Nahum. The first clue as to this counselor’s identity is that he has come out of Nineveh, which translates that he has heard at least some of the covenant message, and afterwards he repented and changed some of his teachings. Go deeper into the mystery of this wicked counselor by revisiting the six, or seven things that God hates; because if scripture deems this man to be wicked, then he is definitely doing something that God hates. “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren  (Proverbs 6:16-19).” 

Partaking in any one of these offenses is wicked, but according to the list, God hates the heart of a person with a wicked imagination, and the prophet Nahum has identified that this counselor has "imagined evil against the Lord." “Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil (Proverbs 12:20).” Not only has this counselor’s imagination estranged his own soul, but his wickedness is passed down upon the souls of his followers. “They have made them crooked paths (Isaiah 59:8).” “As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity (Psalm 125:5).” “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18).” “Thou hatest all workers of iniquity (Psalm 5:5).” “Destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity (Proverbs 10:29).” 

The most likely suspect in the case of the wicked counselor, is Moab. Consider the evidence: not only has Moab spoken lies, but he is also guilty of being proud. “Moab, (he is exceedingly proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart. I know his wrath, saith the Lord; but it shall not be so: his lies shall not so effect it (Jeremiah 48:29-30).” Consider how the words "his lies shall not so effect it" are altogether everything that's necessary to incriminate Moab. However scripture also supplies more evidence against Moab: it verifies that Moab’s “arm is broken (Jeremiah 48:25).” Incurring this injury is a parable which implies that not only is Moab wicked, but that God will turn away the hearts of his followers. “The arms of the wicked shall be broken (Psalm 37:17).” “Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord (Ezekiel 13:8).” 

Moab has counseled his followers to lie in wait and be ready to come against unsuspecting Christian priests that are not afflicted when God pours out the afflicting pestilence. All of Islam has banded together under his counsel. Moab hopes to discredit the Christian faith by devouring Christianity. Consequently, all of his followers are about to come against God’s word. “They that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones… They have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre: Assur also is joined with them: they have helped the children of Lot (Psalm 83:2-8).” An important key to take away from this verse, is that Moab's counsel is coming against the Lord's hidden ones. 

The Lord's "hidden ones” are leaders which will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue. In essence, "hidden ones" are Christian priests and prophets which will escape the affliction, but they will loose the Holy Spirit. They will be hidden, and protected by God within his pavilion. “In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion (Psalm 27:5).” “Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues (Psalm 31:20).” “He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters (Psalms 18:11).” See how the words "dark" and "darkness," imply, as well as affirm, that believers within God's pavilion do not have the Holy Spirit. But regardless of their offense, the truth of the matter is that God is watching over, and protecting these religious leaders.

Who are the people that Moab has bewitched with his wicked counsel? They are people of every religious denomination, and of every faith. However, whereas many people have heard Moab's counsel, his teachings will disproportionately effect and destroy believers that are spiritually dwelling in the spiritual city of Egypt. So before continuing on with the mystery of the wicked counsellor, it is beneficial for believers to know the meaning of Egypt's name in prophecy. The spiritual city of "Egypt" pertains to believers that are completely ignorant of the covenant message, while at the same time their thoughts are to destroy Christianity. “Egypt risesth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof (Jeremiah 46:8).” 

The trouble with Moab's counsel is that it fails to warn its followers that the priesthood is holiness to the Lord. To find evidence for reaching this conclusion, note that Judah's name in prophecy pertains to the priesthood (Psalm 60:7). "Moab and Seir do say, Behold, the house of Judah is like unto all the heathen (Ezekiel 25:8)." "We are many; the land is given us for inheritance (Ezekiel 33:24)." Every follower that is participating in Moab's wicked attack against God's hidden ones, will be afflicted by God's curse  (Zachariah 12:9). The word “net” was used in scripture to identify secrets concerning the unexpected calamity of these attackers. “Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength (Psalm 31:4).” The book of Isaiah likens Moab’s victims to a wild bull that is caught in a net, and it testifies of their affliction, and it speaks of their confusion. “Thy sons have fainted, they lie at the head of all streets, as a wild bull in a net… Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine (Isaiah 51:20-21).” The confused, and snared followers of Moab are advised to put their trust in God, for he is fully aware of the deeds of their counselors, and he will repay them. “The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surly I will never forget any of their works (Amos 8:7).” 

“There shall be no more praise of Moab: in Heshbon they have devised evil against it; come, and let us cut it off from being a nation (Jeremiah 48:2).” The name of "Heshbon" is good example of how God used city names in prophecy to show believers that man’s thoughts and ways, are changeable: Heshbon is where Moab was dwelling when he devised his wicked counsel, whereas Moab's thoughts may have changed. 

Moab is not the only offender that is working against God, for God has not forgotten the wicked deeds of the king of Assyria. “And the Lord hath given commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make they grave; for thou art vile (Nahum 1:14).” The king of Assyria has oppressed God’s people, for he has been cutting off the truth of the God's prophetic message: and thereby he has caused God’s name to be blasphemed, continually, everyday (Isaiah 52:4-5). Therefore God will cut off the king of Assyria's name, as well as his teachings. “I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land (Zechariah 13:2).” 

“The Lord hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets,… but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined the ear… Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words, Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north… and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land (Jeremiah 25:3; 25:8-9).” For the good of his people, as well as for the Assyrian's removal, God hath chosen an Islamic man, surnamed him Nebuchadnezzar, drew him to his feet, and revealed the hidden truths of prophecy to him (Isaiah 41:2). Collectively, God, and Nebuchadnezzar, and Nebuchadnezzar's followers, are God’s glittering sword. “Behold, I… will draw forth my sword out of his sheath… It is sharpened to make a sore slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter… It contemned the rod of my son, as every tree (Ezekiel 21:3; 21:9-10).” 

In prophecy, the word “sword” pertains to speaking the truth of God’s word. “They shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword (Micah 5:6).” “The Assyrian shall fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him (Isaiah 31:8).” “I will make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain (Ezekiel 30:10-12).”

“Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace (Nahum 1:15)!” Nebuchadnezzar and his followers will come forth from the nation of Islam to broadcast the covenant message, which is peace. “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God (Isaiah 40:9)!” “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace (Isaiah 52:7).” 

“O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts… for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off (Nahum 1:15).” The words “solemn feast” lead believers to discover that Nebuchadnezzar’s appearance will be sometime prior to the feast of tabernacles; for it is written: “I will return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and flax given to cover her nakedness (Hosea 2:9).” The key words are “corn” and “wine” which are gathered sometime prior to the feast of tabernacles. “Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine (Deuteronomy 16:13).” The reason that God could have had for selecting this season, is because, like as the sickle of harvest, once Nebuchadnezzar speaks the truth of covenant message, it will cut off what remains of religion’s mistakes, including the mistakes of Moab, and it will leave hypocrites unprepared, exposed, and with no place to hide. 

The feast of tabernacles was one of the feasts wherein God required all males to go up, and appear before him (Deuteronomy 16:16). So shall it be during the harvest of end times: for the Lord God will require every hearing priest to go up unto the high place of his house, and pray before him. “It shall come to pass, that everyone that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up… to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up… there shall be the plague… This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16-19).” "It shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray, but he shall not prevail (Isaiah 16:12)."

During the feast days, prophets are to cast their books, and their erred teachings unto the Lord for a sacrificial burnt offering. These works, which appear to be a loss, will be counted a sweet savour to the Lord. “In the day of your gladness… ye shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the Lord your God (Numbers 10:10).” 

“O Judah… perform thy vows (Nahum 1:15).” This simple request is a reminder which is meant to cause priests to acknowledge that the vow is now a requirement for all believers, for it is their new covenant: Vow to Learn of Jesus, and keep that vow. “Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day… yea, they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it (Isaiah 19:21).” “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee (Deuteronomy 23:21).” “Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay (Ecclesiastes 5:5).” “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me (Psalm 50:14-15).” “The righteous see it, and are glad… Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth (Job 22:19-21).” 

Chapter Two:

The second chapter of Nahum’s prophecy is the trumpet call to get ready. “He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily. For the Lord hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches (Nahum 2:1-2).” The highly insinuated declaration of these two verses is that Nebuchadnezzar has appeared. The Assyrians are the emptiers that have “emptied out” the iniquities of God's people, and they have “marred their vine branches,” for they were sent before that day, to bring down the loftiness of religion, and make ready God's people. “He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree… the branches thereof are made white (Joel 1:7).” At Nebuchadnezzar’s appearance, every leader that is even remotely familiar with the covenant message is to know that it is God’s sign, and that it is time to publish the new covenant, and to teach the instructions of the covenant message. “He will lift up an ensign to the nations… and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly: None shall be weary nor stumble among them (Isaiah 5:26-27).” 

“The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet… in the day of his preparation (Nahum 2:3).” “The shields of earth belong unto God (Psalm 47:9).” The word “shield” implies that these men are putting their trust in God’s word. “His truth shall be thy shield and buckler (Psalm 91:4).” These are the days of preparation, days wherein Nebuchadnezzar and his follows will seek to warn all of Islam not to attack Christian priests. The words “scarlet” and “red” confess that the sins and iniquities of the armies are showing. “Put away the evil of your doings… Learn to do well… Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isaiah 1:16-18).” 

“The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall jostle one against another in the broad ways: they shall be seen like torches, they shall run like lightnings (Nahum 2:4).” The word “chariot” acknowledges that this commotion is coming from priests and prophets. The word “street” confesses that they are without the Holy Spirit. “They wandered as blind men in the streets (Lamentations 4:14).” Along with the implied haste, the words “torches” and “lightnings” are evidence that these leaders are running with truth of God’s word. “He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly (Psalm 147:15).” This verse is testifying that the priesthood will get passionately involved with Nebuchadnezzar’s message, as soon as they hear it.

“He shall recount his worthies (Nahum 2:5).” Believers who are hoping in God, will be delivered from the net. “Thou hast given commandment to save me (Psalm 71:3).” “The prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and is punished (Proverbs 27:12).” Nebuchadnezzar’s warnings are yet another sign that it is God at work, fulfilling his word. “Shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all? Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid (Amos 3:5-6)?” God will be merciful to believers that receive Nebuchadnezzar’s message, if they change their ways and do that which is lawful and right (Ezekiel 33:16). “I, even I, am he that blotted out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins (Isaiah 43:25).” 

“They shall stumble in their walk (Nahum 2:5).” Use of the parable word "stumble" implies that believers will lose confidence in their understanding of God's word, as they see their teachers being corrected. So this verse is insinuating, as well as testifying that troubles will come upon everyone that despises Nebuchadnezzar's message, for God will be protecting Nebuchadnezzar. “He shall be… for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense (Isaiah 8:14).” Everyone that is coming against Nebuchadnezzar, is coming against God, for they are rebelling against his word. They will be afflicted by the curse, for affliction will cause them to stop offending. “When the wicked… came upon me… they stumbled and fell (Psalm 27:2).” “They intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous devise, which they are not able to perform. Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them (Psalm 21:11-12).” “When my enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence (Psalm 9:3).” “Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord (Isaiah 3:8).” Even people within Nebuchadnezzar’s army will stumble and fall if they are not following God’s instructions (Daniel 11:35). “The mighty man hath stumbled against the mighty, and they are fallen both together (Jeremiah 46:12).” “They shall stumble, and fall toward the north (Jeremiah 46:6).” “He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword (Jeremiah 46:16).” 

“They shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defense shall be prepared (Nahum 2:5).” When God pours out the affliction, believers who stumbled in their understanding of his word will flee back to the safety of their own people, where they can regroup and discuss what God did, and search the scriptures to find meaning and understanding. “For fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn everyone to his people, and they shall flee everyone to his own land (Jeremiah 50:16).” Another thing to consider is that no matter which side of the battle they are on, God will defend every believer whose heart is right, and who fights against wickedness to defend their understanding of his word. “Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them (Psalm 5:11).” “They that stumbled are girded with strength (1Samuel 2:4).” 

“The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved (Nahum 2:6).” The word “river” pertains to the voices of God’s people as they take the messages of God’s word into the thirsting world. So the words “gates of the rivers” identify the the covenant message is being taught before the congregation, for priests can either shut up the truth of God's word, or they can open it up to the world. This verse is testifying that the preaching of the covenant message will open up heaven’s gates, whereby people can hear the prophetic message being taught, and they can receive his Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). “Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord (Psalm 118:19).” And the “palace” which is to be dissolved, is a parable word that pertains to a stronghold of the heart, a place wherein every religious rule that kept the Islamic faith alive for centuries, could never be defeated or broken into. This impenetrable "palace" of the heart will be “dissolved” by the voices of God's witnesses. “He uttered his voice, the earth melted (Psalm 46:6).”

“And Huzzab shall be led away captive, she shall be brought up, and her maids shall lead her as with the voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts (Nahum 2:7).” Huzzab’s name represents the priests and prophets which will be persuaded by the testimonies of their fellow believers to enter into the armies of the north, regardless of their lack of knowledge and understanding. “They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the Lord; then I will bring them up, and restore them to this place (Jeremiah 27:22).” The word “captive” implies that they have not yet received the Holy Spirit, but if they vow to learn of Jesus, and if they keep that vow, then God will be merciful unto them. “I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive (Jeremiah 29:14).” 

“But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back (Nahum 2:8).” Remember that Nineveh’s name in prophecy pertains to priests and prophets which have heard some of the king of Assyrian’s message, and they have repented and changed some of their teachings. Wherefore the people that are not looking back, are the leaders who have prepared their hearts, the hearts of their congregation, for quick end time understanding. They will perceive the truth of Nebuchadnezzar's message, and they will flee to God for refuge. They are fleeing from religion's mistakes. These leaders will be among the first believers to pick up their swords, and fight for the covenant message. “Flee, save your lives… for the spoiler shall come upon every city, and no city shall escape… Give wings to Moab, that it may flee and get away (Jeremiah 48:6-9).” “Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for it is the time of the Lord’s vengeance (Jeremiah 51:6).” 

“Take ye the spoil of silver, take the spoil of gold: for there is none end of the store and glory out of the pleasant furniture (Nahum 2:9).” This verse is prophesying that Nebuchadnezzar will gain a host of coverts from Nineveh, because her leaders responded to the voice of the Lord. “Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures (Isaiah 2:7).” “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord (Haggai 2:8).” The Lord has taken Moab’s counsel, and he turned it into a blessing for every hearing priest that did righteously. “Moab is my wash pot (Psalm 60:8).” “She did not know that I… multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal (Hosea 2:8).” “Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the refiner (Proverbs 25:4).” “Bring my sons for far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth (Isaiah 43:6).”

“She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness (Nahum 2:10).” The opposite is true for priests and prophets which remained faithful to their traditional Islamic beliefs. They ignored Moab’s counsel and did not prepare, so they will be fearful. “The sinners of Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites (Isaiah 33:14).” They will fear their circumstances when they see their fellow Muslims abandoning their religious beliefs. “The Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattered abroad the inhabitants thereof (Isaiah 24:1).” “I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it. My heart panted, fearfulness affrighted me  (Isaiah 21:3-4).” 

“Where is the dwelling place of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion, even the old lion, walked, and the lion’s whelp, and none made them afraid? The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey, and his dens with ravin (Nahum 2:11-12).” This cleverly worded question is a riddle, and it was placed in the middle of Nahum’s prophecy where it can best expose God’s comparison of prophets, to lions. “The fear of the king is as a roaring lion (Proverbs 20:2).” Through the voices of many prophets, God will roar scripture's truths upon his own people. “The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout… against all the inhabitants of the earth (Jeremiah 25:30).” “He shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west (Hosea 11:10).” Nahum's riddle is implying that the stedfast prophets of religion are disappearing, and that when believers see the prophets altering their course, and deserting their old familiar ways, it is yet another sign that God is at work, fulfilling his word. “The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy (Amos 3:8)?” 

“Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard (Nahum 2:13).” This verse is testifying that not only is God against religion, but he is also against every prophet that is telling lies. The words “thy young lions” further expose the identity of the prophets, and incriminated these offenders, because prophets are the teachers that are feeding the priesthood. “Judah is a lion’s whelp (Genesis 49:9).” God repeatedly used the word “thy” in the verse, to imply that deceived prophets are robbing him of his children, and that their converts are none of his. 

Chapter Three: 

“Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery, and the prey departeth not (Nahum 3:1).” Woe to the “bloody city,” because it is ultimate enemy that God intends to destroy. The "bloody city" is the spiritual dwelling place of every worshipper that is not observing God's instructions. “Wilt thou judge the bloody city? Yea, thou shalt show her all her abominations (Ezekiel 22:2).” Leaders within the bloody city are prideful, which means that they will despise God's messengers, for they hate receiving correction from anyone. “I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged (Ezekiel 24:13).” “Woe… to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near her God (Zephaniah 3:1).” Because the bloody city is behaving rebelliously, her transgressions have been uncovered, and all of the righteous blood which was shed upon earth in the name of religion, will be imputed upon her (Ezekiel chapter 22). “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 (Jeremiah 51:35).” 

Before proceeding into the battle of that great day, it is beneficial to learn the mysteries behind three city names which are purposed to help believers identify the immediate casualties of the battle. “The day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the Lord will spoil the Philistines (Jeremiah 47:4).” “Three shepherds also I cut off in one month; and my soul loathed them, and their soul abhorred me (Zechariah 11:8).” 

Tyrus is one of these names. Tyrus’ name in prophecy pertains to Christian priests and prophets that failed to consider the king of Assyria’s message. They will be the first casualties of God's pestilence. “What city is like Tyrus… When thy wares went forth out of the seas, thou filledst many people; thou didst enrich the kings of the earth with the multitude of thy riches and of thy merchandise (Ezekiel 27:32-33).” Despite their renown and their beloved glory, these leaders have forgotten God. They have been so preoccupied with their riches and merchandise that had no time for God's messengers. They allowed pride and iniquity to, in effect, cause them to say within their hearts, “I am God, I sit in the seat of God (Ezekiel 28:2).” The Hebrew word which was translated "Tyrus" was also translated "Tyre." A prophecy concerning Tyre proclaims the absolute certainty of Tyrus' demise. “Howl… for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, there is no entering in… Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose traffickers are the honorable of the earth (Isaiah 23:1; 23:8)?” 

Zidon is another immediate casualty in the war. Along with Tyrus,  Zidon's name in prophecy pertains to a spiritual city of priests and prophets. The difference between Tyrus and Zidon, is that Zidon’s priests and prophets have listened to some of the king of Assyria’s message. Even so, these leaders walked away from the newly revealed truths of prophecy, and they continued to traffic in their own beliefs, which are in keeping with the traditional teachings of religion (Ezekiel 27:8). Spiritual death is prophesied to come upon these leaders for their mistake (Ezekiel 32:30). After witnessing Tyrus’ affliction, as well as its sanctification, the priests and prophets of Zidon will pass over to join the army of the north, but their transgressions will go with them, until they understand their need to  repent, and to follow God's instructions. “I am against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her (Ezekiel 28:22).” “Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest (Isaiah 23:12).”

The last group of immediate casualties in the war, are the Philistines. Their name in prophecy pertains to believers who come bearing news of the covenant message, however they come with ungodly motives, for they come with a vengeful heart, intending to bring evil upon their enemies. “The Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred (Ezekiel 25:15).” 

“The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of the wheels, and of the prancing horses, and the jumping chariots. The horseman lifteth up both the bright sword and the glittering spear. There is a multitude of slain, and a great number of carcasses; and there is none end of their corpses (Nahum 3:2-3).” This battle is about bringing news of the covenant message against Christianity's uninformed priests and prophets. “The Lord hath given a commandment against the merchant city, to destroy the strong holds thereof (Isaiah 23:11).” “I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadnezzar… a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots… and much people… He shall set engines of war against thy walls… They shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, an destroy thy pleasant houses… Thus saith the Lord God to Tyrus, Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?” (quotes from Ezekiel chapter twenty six). 

“They stumble upon their corpses: Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the well-favored harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts (Nahum 3:3-4).” These scathing words are written against the out of covenant priests and prophets which are causing God’s people to err. The casualties of that day will include the unsightly afflicted bodies of Tyrus and the Philistines, but there will also be the spiritually dead bodies of Zidon. “Thy slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle (Isaiah 22:2).” God will cast abominable filth upon everyone that has ignored his instructions, and he will withdraw his Holy Spirit from the priest and prophets of Zidon. “And what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidion, and all the coasts of Palestine? Will ye render me a recompense (Joel 3:4)?” “They shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh (Isaiah 66:24).” 

“Behold, I am against thee, saith the Lord of hosts; and I will discover thy skirts upon thy face, and I will show the nations thy nakedness, and the kingdoms thy shame. And I will cast abominable filth upon thee, and make thee vile, and will set thee as a gazing stock. And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who shall bemoan her? Whence shall I seek comforters for thee (Nahum 3:5-7)?” These scathing words are a threat against the leaders that are dwelling in Nineveh, for the same affliction that was poured upon leaders and followers who refused to hear and follow instruction, will be poured on the king of Assyria, as well as on all of his spiritually dead followers, if they fail to comply with the Lord's instructions. God is compelling these leaders to teach the truth of end times before its too late, for everyone that is not teaching the truth after witnessing the affliction, is dwelling in the "bloody city;" and everyone that is within the bloody city on Judgment Day, will be destroyed. "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues (Revelation 18:4)." 

“Art thou better than populous No… Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite… Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all streets, and they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men were bound in chains (Nahum 3:8-10).” In prophecy, the name "Ethiopia" pertains to Islamic leaders that trusted in Moab’s counsel, and so they taught it to Egypt. Afterwards God sent messengers to the Ethiopians, but they rejected knowledge, and came against God's messengers, wherefore God afflicted them. “In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them (Ezekiel 30:9).” “The sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. Ethiopia… and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword (Ezekiel 30:4-5).” Ethiopians were, and are, honorable, and mighty Islamic leaders. “Come up, ye horses; and rage, ye chariots; let the mighty men come forth; the Ethiopians and the Libyans, that handle the shields (Jeremiah 46:9).” After obtaining understanding in these things, believers can perceive that the portion of the verse which reads, "art thou better than populous No," is an insinuation that Nineveh's teachers are making the same mistakes that the careless Ethiopians made, therefore since they are no better than the Ethiopians, they can expect to receive the same punishments. 

Exactly what is their punishment? “They shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation (Isaiah 20:5).” Ethiopians were afflicted with God's pestilence, and they remained afflicted until they went to Nebuchadnezzar for answers: for God kept them under the curse of his affliction, until they had respect his instructions. “The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains shall they come over, and they shall fall down unto thee… saying, Surely God is in thee (Isaiah 45:14).” After surmising the meaning of Ethiopia’s great pain, then the little word, “also,” becomes evidence and proof of Nineveh's predicament: “Her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all streets.” This piece of evidence is informing believers that if Christian leaders continue to hide and ignore the revealed truths of prophecy,  then they too will have their young children ripped apart, and their great men will be bound in chains. In other words, not only will they be afflicted by the noisome pestilence, but they will also suffer God's curse, until they repent of their iniquities and teach the revealed truths of prophecy.

“Put and Lubim were thy helpers (Nahum 3:9).” “Put” is in Tyrus’ army (Ezekiel 27:10); howsoever the Hebrew word that was translated “Lubim” was also translated “Libyan;” and this word associates the Lubims with Nebuchadnezzar. “The Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps (Daniel 11:43).” So by affirming that, "Put and Lubim were thy helpers" the evidence is insinuating that the true enemy which is being reprimanded by God in Nahum's prophecy, is the “bloody city,” for its name pertains to people on both sides of the controversy. Remember that after God pours out the afflicting curse, the bloody city is where believers dwell if they are not executing God’s instructions in accordance with God's word. “I saw… the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there (Ecclesiastes 3:16).” 

“Thou also shalt be drunken: thou shalt be hid, thou also shalt seek strength because of the enemy (Nahum 3:11).” This verse concerns the leaders that have lost the Holy Spirit and are in the bloody city, because they are still not following God's instructions, and promoting the revealed truths of prophecy. They are the Lord's hidden ones because there is no outward evidence of their sins. The word “drunken” means that they are confused. They are confusing themselves by holding onto mistaken religious beliefs, and following the teachings of spiritually dead counselors. “A man’s enemies are the men of his own house (Micah 7:6).” “The enemy… hath made me to dwell in darkness (Psalm 143:3).” They will seek to get strength in the Lord, but God will not hear their prayers because they are not cooperating with his word. “When ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes (Isaiah 1:15-16). “The Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered (Isaiah 29:10).” 

“All thy strongholds shall be like fig trees with the first ripe figs: if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater (Nahum 3:12).” When believers are not grounded in the truth of God’s word, they can easily be persuaded to take a verse of scripture out of context, and magnify it, so that it takes precedence over all of God’s word. God refers to this as being "devoured by a devourer." Both Nebuchadnezzar, and the Assyrian, are said to be devourers (Jeremiah 50:17; 51:34). Therefore, in accordance with scripture, “All they that devour thee shall be devoured (Jeremiah 30:16).” The Chaldeans, filled with indignation, will come and devour their armies. “Behold, the name of the Lord cometh from far, burning with his anger… his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire (Isaiah 30:27-30).” Chaldean’s will come, and they will magnify certain scripture verses, which were specially selected for the purpose of enticing the naive and vulnerable to join them in their enterprise. “Your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers (Isaiah 1:7).” “They shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword (Jeremiah (5:17).” 

“Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars (Nahum 3:13).” The word “women” is a reminder that God is our husband, and every believer within the bloody city is left vulnerable without him. “Thy maker is thine husband… The Lord hath called thee as a women forsaken and grieved in spirit… For a small moment I have forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee (Isaiah 54:5-7).” The “bars” which are being devoured, are the scripture verses that deceived leaders are propagating against other religions, as well as believers of other faiths. “Their contentions are like bars of a castle (Proverbs 18:19).” The “fire” that is devouring their bars, are the explosive arguments of the Chaldeans. “The fire of thine enemies shall devour them (Isaiah 26:11).” “Wickedness burns as the fire (Isaiah 9:18).” 

“Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strongholds: go into clay, and tread the mortar, make strong the brick kiln. There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts (Nahum 3:14-15).” These words decry the utter futility of trying to disregard God’s instructions: Whether you decide to hunker down in your religious strongholds, or whether you elect to join the ranks of the wicked devourers, you cannot win. Locusts, grasshoppers, and cankerworms are all wondrously famous for destroying the land. God used their names to depict the unreserved passions of the multitudes which will come to destroy religion. “He spake, and the locusts came, and the caterpillars, and that without number, and did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground (Psalm 105:34-35).” 

“Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away (Nahum 3:16).” This part of Nahum's prophetic message implies that the king of Assyria himself is dwelling in the bloody city: for he is the one who has greatly multiplied the number of priests and prophets which are trafficking his message. This notorious leader has covenanted with a few of his followers, and they have agreed to hide their involvement with the covenant message, so that no one will ever know. “They said, He shall not see our last end (Jeremiah 12:4).” But God knows their thoughts. They are leaving their follow believers snared, so God has set up a snare for them: Cankerworms will come and spoil them. Cankerworms are provokers which will come for the purpose of stirring up trouble. They will come against the Assyrians, because they are not obeying God's instructions. One by one, as Assyrians rise up to fight against God’s word, they will be afflicted, and they will be cast out of God’s pavilion. “Earth shall cast out the dead (Isaiah 26:19).” “And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpillar (Isaiah 33:4).” 

There are two prophecies of scripture wherein there is evidence which insinuates, as well as reveals, that the deceitful deeds of the king of Assyria will be exposed by a cankerworm. Ezekiel delivered a prophecy that declares that God will use his sword to take away from them their strength, which is their sons and daughters. This prophecy discretely identifies that Assyrians will hide information that can help God's people, and they keep their mouths shut while they pine away for their iniquities, and they mourn for one another (Ezekiel 24:21-27). A second confirmation of the matter is written within a parable: “The Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon… The waters made him great… all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him. Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because... his heart is lifted up in his height; I have delivered him into the hand of the mighty of the heathen; and he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness (from Ezekiel 31:3-11).” 

“Thy crowned are as the locusts, and thy captains as the great grasshoppers, which camp in the hedges in the cold day, but when the sun ariseth thy flee away, and their place is not known where they are (Nahum 3:17).” Before interpreting this verse, note the similarities between the king of Assyria’s army, and that of Nebuchadnezzar's. Both armies have within them, believers that fear God, as well as leaders that are making mistakes. The king of Assyria's army is famous for devouring priests and prophets which were making denominational mistakes: they destroyed the foundations upon which the various religious denominations were established. Nebuchadnezzar’s army will come forth to devour whatever if left of religion. So, while this portion of Nahum's vision is testifying truths against the Assyrian, the same testimony also applies and pertains to the enemy, for, as evidence would have it, both of their armies are capable of accomplishing God’s will, even without following God’s instructions. 

“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness (Psalm 112:4).” When prophecy refers to the "sun arising", or in this case to the "light" that ariseth, it is insinuating that new understanding will begin to dawn in the hearts of believers. When his happens news of the covenant message will be heard throughout the land, which means that is will be heard by believers on both sides of the controversy. “The Lord shall cause his glorious voice to be heard (Isaiah 30:30).” There are two ways in which the truth of God's message will be heard by believers on both sides, and one of those ways is by receiving the truth through a messenger. “Behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee (Isaiah 60:2).” The other way is by force: for God will pour out the prophesied affliction upon rebellious leaders and he will scatter their followers. “God shall shoot at them with an arrow: suddenly shall they be wounded. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away (Psalm 64:7-8).” The king Assyria has chosen the later, which means that he will be afflicted, and his followers will be scattered. This is how God will cause the Assyrian's helpers to go out, and seek for the truth. “It shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste (Nahum 3:7).”

Once again consider the portion of Nahum's prophecy which reads: “Their place is not known where they are (Nahum 3:17).” “Both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not (Jeremiah 14:18).” Scattering the followers of a deceived prophet does not always equate to bringing them into agreement with God's word. When they are scattered, some of the Assyrian's followers will continue to remain in the bloody city. Truths concerning the fate of the bloody city are prophesied under the parable name of "Tophet,"  but that connection must be discerned. Both of these parable names reveal truths about a city that is sentenced to burn. “Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great (Ezekiel 24:9).” “Tophet is ordained of old… the pile thereof is fire and much wood (Isaiah 30:33).” Perceiving that these names pertain to the same city is important because prophecies concerning Tophet offer additional evidence and proof that on Judgment Day, everyone who is still refusing to acknowledge and follow God's instructions, will suffer God's wrath. “Thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyed not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth (Jeremiah 7:28).” “And they shall bury them in Tophet, till there be no place to bury (Jeremiah 19:11).” “I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words (Jeremiah 19:15).”

“Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, no man gathers them (Nahum 5:18).” The words “thy shepherds slumber” and “thy nobles dwell in the dust,” are taunting words which insinuate that the king of Assyria's teachings have left his followers spiritually dead, so that even his nobles are not able to deliver themselves. The initial “scattering” occurred when Nebuchadnezzar sounded the alarm, and Tyrus was afflicted. “At the noise of the tumult the people fled; at the lifting up of thyself the nations were scattered (Isaiah 33:3).” And the "scatterings" continued to occur every time that an Assyrian was afflicted. Therefore the words “no man gathers them” signify that the king of Assyria is simply watching as the affliction comes upon his followers. So despite all of God’s signs, and despite all of God's promises, and despite all of the messengers that came unto him, the king of Assyria has continued to refuse to stand up and publish the covenant message, and confess his involvement, when it was in the power of his hands to remove their snare. “Because thou hast not given him warning… his blood will I require at thy hand (Ezekiel 3:20).” 

“There is no healing of thy bruise; thy wound is grievous: all that hear the bruit of thee shall clap the hands over thee: for upon whom hath not thy wickedness passed continually (Nahum 5:18-19).” These words testify of the lack of compassion and forgiveness that God's people will have towards the king of Assyria: however, God will not turn away from him forever. Although the king of Assyria will be cursed by God's affliction, and he will suffer the abuse of God's noisome pestilence, the only incurable wound that he shall incur is his own sorrows. “All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one… Why criest thou for thine affliction? Thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, have I done these things unto thee. Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured… For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord, because they called thee an Outcast, saying, this is Zion, whom no man seeketh after (Jeremiah 30:14-17).”

Through the works and words of the righteous, God will gather all Assyrians to himself, and they will receive his instructions (Zechariah 10:10). “I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered… And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face… and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant. And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me (Ezekiel 20:34-38).” “Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations… Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient times? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I the Lord? And there is no God else beside me… Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else (Isaiah 45:20-22).” 

“My soul shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell… Thou wilt show me the path of life (Psalm 16:9-11).” And the Assyrians will be converted. “Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs (Isaiah 26:19).” “O Clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth (Psalm 47:1-2)!”