Consulting with an Orthodox rabbi, one might be surprised to hear him say that we are living in “Messianic times.” But surprisingly, he would also probably share his belief that the End Time trouble would be climaxed with the attack by “Gog of Magog” against Israel. Why? He would well understand that prophecy indicates such an attack would inflict much suffering. And he might also remind us that “all nations” will come up against Jerusalem. (Zechariah 14:1-3) But, his faith would expect the Messiah to finally deliver Israel. After all, Ezekiel prophesies that God will intervene. Israel will be saved from the attack of “Gog of Magog” and “all nations” who come against Jerusalem. Therefore, many Rabbis and Jewish people are still hoping to be “a light to the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 49:6)

Jerusalem’s Golden Gate

Panorama of the Jezreel Valley, Israel

But international sympathy is diminishing for Israel’s right to the Biblical Land promised to her fathers—her home for millennia. Israel is learning a hard lesson. Israel really cannot depend on anyone else but the “God of Israel.” (Exodus 5:1; Luke 1:68) The danger intensifies as Israel’s secular leadership believes it must fall in line with the policies, wisdom and assistance of would-be friends in order to survive. But finally, she will realize that “all her lovers have forgotten her.” (Jeremiah 30:14) Ultimately, Israel will survive. Its Messanic government will be headed by “princes,” the resurrected faithful, worthy “fathers” of old. (Psalm 45:16; Hebrews 11)