Chapter 11

America in Prophecy

“Look among the nations and watch – be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days

which you would not believe, even though it were told you.” Habakkuk 1:5

America in prophecy should really be a question, not a statement, as no one has yet found any Scripture indicating that America, or rather the United States, is in any prophecy whatsoever. However, there are those like Herbert Armstrong who believed that the United States and Great Britain are Biblically Ephraim and Manasseh. This is an opinion that, along with similar statements made by others, has absolutely no Scriptural basis whatsoever. But, many continue to try to come up with some reason for the United States to be in end-time prophecy. The question is why do those who think that America should be in prophecy constantly strive for an answer? I think there are a number of reasons.

First of all, the United States is by far the greatest nation in the history of the world. We have, up to this point, been the most powerful nation in the world. We are also the wealthiest, and at times, the most arrogant. We think the world revolves around us. We think we have all the answers both technically and spiritually. Under our form of government, we have the most freedom of any people on earth. We also have the greatest freedom of worship. We have achieved many world firsts such as the first atomic bomb, put the first man on the moon, etc. We have power, wealth, and have achieved many firsts in technology and science. And finally, most think that America is a Christian nation, and as such God continues to smile on us, thus our achievements, our prosperity, our freedom, and our position as the leader of the free world. But, I think this is a false premise, which in part tends to cause us to display an air of arrogance in our dealings with the rest of the world. As a result of this attitude, we think the world should revolve around us; that we have the answers; that our way of doing things is always correct; if you do not follow the lead of the United States they you are doomed to fail. No wonder many think that the United States should be in Biblical end-time prophecy.

A number of years ago I read where a reporter asked an American scientist about Russia’s development of a particle accelerator. The scientist responded, “If there was anything to it, we would have discovered it long ago.” This is just one example of our arrogance. There are many, many more, and cover every field. So, if one looks at the status of our country, our many accomplishments, and our success with the democratic form of government, it is easy to see why many think the United States should be in end-time prophecy – with our track record there must be a role for us somewhere! Naturally we think there should be an important role because we have accomplished so much. Then we also think of the United States as a Christian nation, and as such we have God on our

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side. Based on all this, many in the Christian Community think we can affect the outcome of the end time. However, it is not how we see ourselves, but how God sees us.

All these issues further complicate the problem, which begs the question to be asked; just who and what are we? For one thing, the United States is not in Biblical prophecy, but there is the possibility that the America had a role in some part of the fulfillment of some elements of prophecy! That is correct, we may have had a very minor role. I think it is now past. But, then again there may be a role for us in the future, only God knows for sure. The prophecy, to which the United States may have been an instrument, relates to Israel’s return to Jerusalem and becoming a nation in May 1948. To understand this connection, the relationship with Israel, and the prophecy of the Jews returning to their original homeland, it is necessary to review both the Jewish exile over the past nineteen hundred plus years, and the rise of the United States.

The United States of America

The first settlers that came to America were looking for precious metals and raw materials for the governments of the European nations. The original settlers were not Christian; they were traders and business people – the overarching reason for the settlements was purely economic. Then as America began to be settled, the Christians of the Old World saw an opportunity to obtain religious freedom in a New World, which was far removed from the European dynasties. At that time, the king of England had dictated that the Anglican Religion was to be the official religion of the nation, and as such he alone defined what Christians were to believe.

For the most part, these early Christians, who settled in various parts of America, had little to do directly with the development of the early constitution. However, history presents the picture that the United States of America was founded as a Christian nation, that it was founded on Christian principles, and that its laws have always been based on the Word of God. Look again at our form of democracy. It was based on the early format of Greek democracy and Roman law. Granted, our form of democracy incorporates many elements and principles of the Bible, which included Jewish law, and the laws of God. But, when studied to any degree it is immediately recognized that the underlying rationale for American democracy was freedom of religion, freedom from a state dictated religion, and freedom to choose one’s way of life. Our founding fathers wanted no part of state run religions nor class societies as was prevalent in Europe in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, thus the emphasis on freedom of religion and capitalism. As a result, this enabled those who came to America to practice any and all world religions as they saw fit, to pursue any type of business desired, and to rise to the highest level within the community and the government. This was knows as the American dream.

Although the majority of the founding fathers were Christian, a thorough mix of denominations were represented, and no specific religion was necessary to become involved at any level of society. Thus, a mix of Protestants, Catholics, Jews, atheists, and such groups as Quakers settled America, and became involved in its founding. Therefore,

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the position taken by most in the United States that America was founded as a Christian nation is based on ignorance of American history. It is also in part based on an overwhelming desire to Christianize our secular government. Many pastors and members of the Christian faith incorrectly quote Second Chronicles in regard to the United States. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). This Scripture is God’s answer to Solomon’s prayer for the land and the people of Israel. The term “My people” pertains to Israel not America nor to Christians in America. As pointed out in previous chapters, Israel is God’s chosen people, whereas Christians are of Christ - they are be the Bride of Christ. We Christians have no land. Our spiritual home is in heaven. Jesus said that we are in this world, but we are not of this world. Thus, God cannot heal our land as we have no land. We are in the land of the Gentiles. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and render unto God that which is God’s. Our earthly possessions belong to the government, but our spirits belong to Christ.

With this said, the question is just who is America? Although not specifically mentioned in Scripture, America is one of the world nations. America will not be dissolved nor will America fade from history – it will become a member of the group of nations to come against Israel in the end-time. Scripture states that all nations will come against Israel. This means all, not just some or that some will be excluded, but all nations. Do not let the current relations we have with Israel fool you or lull you into a false sense of hope – Biblical prophecy will come true!

Rise to Greatness

I firmly believe that one purpose of the United States in history was to assist the Jews to return to their homeland! If you are a real serious Bible student, then you have to agree that it is God who creates governments and nations, and it is God who brings them down. It is also God who guides governments and has them do His bidding. “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure, calling a bird of prey from the east, the man who executes My counsel from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I proposed it; I will also do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11). These facts are most important in understanding the rise and fall of nations throughout history, and that presented herein. God spoke to Abram and said, “I will make thee a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:2). “And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.” (Genesis 17:20). Again God spoke to Abraham saying, “Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.” (Genesis 21:18). From Isaac came the nation of Israel, and from Ishmael came many nations of the Middle East. God can also destroy nations. “But if they do not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 12:17).

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Does the Lord really have the ability to build and/or destroy a nation? Look at what the Lord told Jeremiah, “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words. Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me saying: O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter, says the Lord? Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel! The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it.” (Jeremiah 18:2-10). “But, behold, I will raise up a nation against you, O house of Israel, says the Lord God of hosts; and they will afflict you from the entrance of Hamath to the valley of the Arabah.” (Amos 6:14). If God can raise up a nation against Israel, can He not raise up a nation for Israel?

It is very evident from Scripture that God orchestrates things that happen in the world, especially those things that concern Israel. The Old Testament is full of such events. So, did God create a nation, the United States, to bring about a world environment so the Jews could return to their homeland and form a nation in May 1948? Many things point to just that fact.

The events leading up to the formation of America began in Europe as religious persecution. As a result, the early settlers, and the Founding Fathers made sure that they created a government that was based on the principles of God as best they could while maintaining religious and social freedom. The basis for some of the elements of our constitution can be seen in such documents as the Mayflower Compact, which used the name of God four times and Lord once. Such references therein are “in the name of God”, “by the grace of God”, “for the glory of God”, “in the presence of God”, and “in the year of the reign of our sovereign Lord.” Our own Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights are based on man’s right to be free and equal as defined by God, and to be able to worship his Creator freely. Our money even reflects this position – “In God we trust.” The United States constitution was the first of its kind to include many Christian principles, to grant the right to everyone to worship God daily, freely, and devoutly, and to grant social freedom to the masses. It has been defined as a nation after God’s heart. God did bless America, and it became a great nation. But, were the reasons cited above why the United States became a great nation? I think Genesis provides the best answer. “I will bless those who bless you. And I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3). God told this to Abram. Since Abram was the father of Israel, God was saying to him that He would bless anyone or any nation that blesses Israel. Think back in history, what nation in the last nineteen hundred plus years has blessed the Jews? History indicates that all have to an extent persecuted the Jews. Only the United States has fully emancipated the Jews and openly provided a home for them unconditionally.

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The Blessing The origin of the blessing of the United States began with the Puritans in England in the sixteenth century. According to The Encyclopedia Americana, “Rabbi Manasseh ben Israel, who so eloquently pleaded with the cause of Jewish readmission into England; and in the expressions of Puritan friends of the Jews who welcomed them back as an ancient nation. Similar attitudes were held by Christian pioneers of religious liberty in many lands; were expressed in the ideas of doing national justice to the Jews held by Christian writers on the restoration of Israel; or formed the basis of many schemes to establish autonomous Jewish colonies.” These Puritans were the ones that came to America on the Mayflower. They were some of our founding fathers. They were the ones who separated from the Anglican Church in England to worship God in freedom. They were the ones who believed that the Jews are the chosen people, and the rightful owners of the land of Cannan. Granted, there were pockets of prejudice in our government, and prejudice by individuals, but the nation as a whole accepted the Jews.

I think it is necessary to bring up another important point in the religious heritage of this nation. That is, our forefathers not only believed that the Jews are the chosen people, they also did not accept the replacement theology doctrine of the Catholic Church. Sadly to say many denominations embrace this position today. Replacement theology is the doctrine that Christians replaced the Jews as God’s chosen people after the Jews killed Jesus, and that the Jews no longer have a place in end time prophecy. Scripture presents a different picture, “Who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: “Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.” For truly against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” (Acts 4:25-28). We are all responsible for the death of Jesus on the cross. Why? He died for our sins, the sins of the world! This is what God ordained before the world was created. Thus, we can safely state that what God plans He will do. What God ordains will occur in His time. Who God uses to carry out His plan can be a man or can be a nation. Things just don’t happen by themselves they are orchestrated by God.

Back to the subject. The United States is the only nation, from its beginning as a nation, that accepted the Jews unconditionally, believed them to be the chosen people, and supported their cause to become a nation. The United States is the only nation during the Jewish Diaspora that fully emancipated the Jews in all aspects of society, business, religion and government. No other country in the past two thousand years can make this claim. In some way or the other every nation, from AD 70 to today, either persecuted the Jews or greatly limited their emancipation. Throughout our history, the United States has blessed the Jews; therefore, God blessed the United States and it became a great nation.

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World War I

. In the history of the world, wars have always been the events that change the course of world direction: borders changed, nations changed, nations destroyed, strong nations weakened. Thus, conflicts between nations produce the greatest change in world affairs. The greater the number of nations involved, the territory in dispute, and the degree of aggressiveness by the adversaries all add to the level of change after the end of conflict. These typical conditions of the World War I conflict were very positive for the Jews the world over. They had struggled for hundreds of years to return to their original homeland, but had little success. World War I not only changed world conditions for the Jews; for the first time since AD 70 they found an ally in the form of the United States. But, what the United States did during World War I is not the issue. The issue is the timing and the demonstration of the American resolve after the war. This resolve resulted in events that helped provide the means for Israel to become a nation.

In view of the history of world conflicts and the typical results caused by war, United States President Woodrow Wilson emphasized that the League of Nations (now known as the United Nations) should act as the official organization after the war to mediate peace. His proposition was to create a general association of nations under a fourteen- point charter. This fourteen-point charter is by far one of the most significant acts of post World War I in paving the way for Israel to become a nation. Point fourteen states in part, “A general association of nations...under specific covenants for the purpose of affording mutual guarantees of political independence and territorial integrity to great and small states alike.” This in itself does not seem to implicate or include the Jews, but it does, since it includes what is called today Palestine.

American Jewish Congress

In 1916, the Jews in the United States formed the American Jewish Congress for the sole purpose of securing additional rights for Jews in all nations equal to the rights enjoyed by Jews in the United States. To ensure this, they petitioned President Wilson at the peace conference in Paris against the principle of “a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine”, but they welcomed the “establishment of a home for Jews in Palestine.” (Some of this is based on the Balfour Declaration: to be covered in detail in subsequent paragraphs.) After some negotiations with other members of the League of Nations, the text boiled down to that stated above in point fourteen of the League of Nations charter. Thus, the United States created the initial element in the process by which Israel could become a nation.

To understand the position of the National Jewish Congress, it is necessary to clarify the Jewish position regarding their petition to President Wilson at the Paris conference. At first glance, it appears that their position was to prevent the Jews from possibly becoming a nation again. They were for Jews having a home in Palestine, versus having a national home in Palestine. The key word to understanding this is “national.” Although this will be covered later in more detail, it is important to understand that not all Jews in the world

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at that time supported the concept of a national home or state in Palestine. The American Jewish Congress foremost wanted Jews the world over to have the same rights and freedom as Jews had in the United States. They were afraid that if the national home status was granted in Palestine, then Jews in other countries would not become fully emancipated, and, to some degree, remain in persecution. Therefore, they wanted worldwide emancipation before the creation of a national home in Palestine.

These differences in the positions of the various Jewish groups around the world did create some problems in creating a homeland for the Jews. Scripture tell us that anything we attempt to accomplish will not be easy, and all things must go through some degree of pain before being fulfilled. Isaiah gives us some insight into this truth. “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such a thing? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children.” (Isaiah 66:7-8). God is saying that it takes time for a nation to be born just as it takes time for a child to be born. Both must go through labor; did Israel ever go through the pain of birth? Absolutely, and as of this writing they are still having problems.

Regardless of the problems and issues addressed thus far, the entire process of restoring Israel as a nation in the land of her forefathers has been the work of God. As I stated earlier, we can do nothing without God enabling us or allowing us to do the things we do. He orchestrates the actions of nations and governments. And when we look back at what has happened, we find that the action of the League of Nations and President Wilson at the end of World War I is nothing more than God using man’s attempt at world unity as an instrument to fulfill prophecy.

The Balfour Declaration

On November 2, 1917, Great Britain issued the Balfour Declaration. “His majesty’s government view with favor the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavors to facilitate the achievement of this object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country.” It appears that this declaration clearly states Great Britain’s desire for the Jewish people to have a national home designated, and the emancipation of Jews in all nations the world over. But did Great Britain really love the Jews to the point of going to bat for them to the degree defined in the declaration? If they did it would have been contrary to Great Britain’s history regarding the Jews, and also the actions of the rest of the world, with the exception of the United States.

Based on the prevailing conditions at the time I think we need to ponder the following. During World War I, Britain ran out of acetone, a chemical imported from Germany.

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Acetone is the chemical from which cordite is made, which is an essential component of gunpowder. Thus, Britain, unable to manufacture high explosives, was in dire straits. As such, a substitute was required in order for Great Britain to survive the war. A brilliant young Jewish scientist, Chaim Weizeman, came to the rescue by creating a formula for synthetic acetone. As a result, He was summoned to the British War Office by the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill, and asked to produce thirty thousand tons of the new synthetic acetone. During the time Weizeman was producing the acetone, the British forces, led by General Edmund Allenby, were fighting the Turks for control of Palestine. The need for gunpowder was as desperate there as it was in Europe.

After Weizeman completed the task of producing the allotted volume of synthetic acetone he was asked what he wanted as recompense. His reply was, “If Britain wins the battle of Palestine, I ask for a national home for my people in their ancient land.” Britain agreed to Weizeman’s request, and shortly after that the Balfour Declaration was issued. It has been necessary to present this detail to make the point that the initiation of the Balfour Declaration was not voluntarily made by the British, but was basically made in response to Weizeman’s request, for saving Great Britain from sure destruction. Official confirmation of the Balfour Declaration was given by all the Allied-Powers, and the document accepted by the Conference of San Remo in 1920. It was also included in the Treaty of Sevres between the Allies and Turkey. In 1922, a joint resolution was adopted by the United States Congress favoring the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people, but with proper safeguards for the non-Jewish communities – the Arabs. Subsequently, the League of Nations confirmed the mandate for Palestine, and put it in force by September 1923. The mandate incorporated the Balfour Declaration, thus imposing the entire document on Great Britain for implementation. Then in 1924 Great Britain and the United States signed an agreement dealing with the rights of American nationals, properties, and institutions in Palestine. This document included the Balfour Declaration and the Palestine Mandate. The result of these documents initiated the largest Jewish migration to Palestine, up to that time, from around the world.

Twisting Words

At first, it appeared that all was well with the dictates of the League of Nations, and the various papers associated with Palestine. But, conflicts began in 1929 between the Arabs and the Jews. To contain the situation, Great Britain confined the Jewish population to a limited area and curtailed immigration. Their explanation was that the white paper of 1922, which declared the terms and conditions for the settlement, did not contemplate that Palestine, as a whole, be converted into a Jewish National Home, but that such a home for the Jews be found in Palestine. In addition to the terms and conditions, the white paper defined a term called “an absorptive capacity,” which was a clause used as a limiting factor of immigration. This action, by Great Britain, indicated to the world that they were not fully committed to the mandate of the national home for the Jewish people. This position was fully realized within the content of a white paper issued in 1939. Therein, Great Britain shut off Palestine to any sizeable Jewish immigration during the

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era of the Nazi regime in Europe. As a result of their action, Great Britain must share some of the responsibility for the loss of millions of Jewish lives during World War II.

So, it can readily be seen that Great Britain was not fully committed to the Jewish national home concept from the beginning. Their actions made this position a reality during the 1930’s. They never were fully pro-Jewish. From an historical standpoint, Great Britain had not been fully committed to Jewish emancipation even in the British Isles as far back as the 1550. So if they weren’t supportive of the Jews in their own country, why would Great Britain be expected to be supportive of the Jews in other parts of the world? This will be covered later in more detail.

But, the real question is where was the United States during this time? After World War I the United States adopted an isolationist attitude. We were doing our own thing as they say today. We were having a good time. There was never to be another war for we had just won the war to end all wars. We had created the League of Nations to oversee the world situations, and to guarantee peace. Anyway, it was Great Britain’s responsibility to implement the mandate for Palestine as they had created the Balfour Declaration. In short, we did not do our part in making sure that the mandate was carried out. As a result, millions of Jews were denied their right to return to Israel; they died in Germany during World War II. Therefore, some of the blame for the holocaust must rightfully rest with the United States.

World War II

By the beginning of World War II, the population of Palestine contained almost a half million Jews. This number only increased by ninety thousand by the end of the war, due mostly to the fact that Jewish emigration was curtailed by most European countries. After the war, Great Britain added to this emigration problem by enforcing additional restrictions on those leaving Europe, and by intercepting refugee ships going to Palestine from there, and other locations.

The United States once again stepped in to assist the Jews in the immigration to their homeland. In 1946, an Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry, created in 1945, recommended that one hundred thousand Jews be allowed to immigrate into Palestine immediately. The Committee also stated that Palestine become a trust of the new United Nations, and ultimately be neither Jewish nor Arab. This proved to be an unworkable situation, and once again the problem fell back into the lap of the United Nations for resolution. By this time, the Jewish population in Palestine was over three-quarters of a million. Then in 1947 the United Nations adopted a resolution to partition Palestine, setting a date for the British mandate to terminate. But, the United Nations continued to operate in its typical slow fashion, trying to determine what action to take, when Israel declared itself a state. Within one hour of the declaration by Israel, President Truman announced that the “United States recognizes the Provisional Government as the de facto authority of the new State of Israel.” Recognition by the United Nations, and other powers soon followed, which included Russia and Great Britain. It of interest to note that

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those countries who were so blatantly against Jewish immigration to Palestine readily followed the United States in recognizing Israel as a new state in the world of nations.

Although not viewed by the world as being significant to this event, the timing and action by President Truman was the one critical step in the world accepting Israel as a state. But, I personally think there are two very important issues that must be addressed. The first, and foremost, is that God was orchestrating world events to fulfill prophecy. The second was that the United States, at that time, was the most powerful nation in the world. Europe was in shambles, Great Britain was weak as a result of the war, and Japan was under the control of the United States. At the same time, Russia was struggling to get back on its feet as the war with Germany had devastated most of it’s western areas. The United States was the only nation that had not been invaded, and we were at our peak of military and industrial strength. We had the atomic bomb, and had proven we would use it. Therefore, who was going to come against us? What country had the means to keep us from supporting Israel? Who had the means to reverse the decision? We were the only world super power. The United States was at its peak of political power. So, we can only draw one conclusion; the timing could have only been of God’s making.

It is interesting to note that President Truman made the announcement, recognizing Israel as a state, contrary to his cabinet’s position. His own Secretary of State said that if he recognized Israel he would not vote for him in the next election. Basically, no one in congress was for it. So, what made Truman make the decision to recognize Israel as a State within one hour after Israel made the announcement? Nothing in Truman’s background gives any indication whatsoever that he was pro-Israel or for that matter pro-Jewish. Up to this point he had never been involved or concerned with the Jewish people as far as anyone knew. Everything points to him making a decision virtually alone. But, was this decision his alone? Was Truman an instrument of God?

If you look back at the history I’ve cited herein, you must ask the question; without the action of the United States over the years since its beginning, would there be a State of Israel today? Yes, as it was God’s timing. So, the argument is was the United States the vehicle? Based on the analysis provide I firmly believe that God created the United States for the sole purpose of providing the right world situations for Israel to be re-established as a nation in their original homeland in May 1948. I firmly believe God used President Truman in this event, even though his political career was at stake.

There are many, many people who will disagree with this analysis stating that the United States had nothing to do with Israel becoming a state. And, I agree with those who state that if God had not used the United Stated He would have used another nation in creating world conditions for Israel to become a state. With these viewpoints, I wish to pose the question; if President Truman had not recognized Israel as a state in May1948, would the rest of the world have voted as they did? With the track record of the nations of the world at that time, I think not! Some may say that Israel would have eventually become a state regardless of the world situation. That could very well be true, but since Israel did become a state in May 1948, we have to look at this significant world event as being orchestrated by God.

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Another piece of the puzzle needs to be addressed, and that is, was May 1948 the date on God’s calendar when Israel was to reborn? It definitely was part of His plan, as we shall see in later text. In this regard, and in light of the discussions presented above, there are precedents in Scripture where God used nations and individuals to bring about the fulfillment of prophecy. The one that comes to mind, and one that is somewhat parallel to the May 1948 fulfillment, is the birth of Jesus. Old Testament prophecy stated that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem but, Mary and Joseph did not live in Bethlehem, they lived in Nazareth. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2). The prophet Micah spoke this prophecy hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus. So, for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem some power had to cause Mary and Joseph to travel to that city at just the right time.

At that time in history, Rome was the world power, and God moved Caesar to call for a census of the people so they could be taxed. “And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” (Luke 2:1). The census decreed that each person return to their respective city based on their lineage. Therefore, Joseph and Mary were required to travel to Bethlehem to be registered. While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem Jesus was born, thus fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in that city.

Returning to the question; does God use nations and individuals to do His bidding here on earth? A quote from the prophet Daniel: “And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and He raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” (Daniel 2:21). Even King Nebuchadnezzar attested to the control of men by God. “This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men.” (Daniel 4:17). With this said I’ll leave this subject with one question; did God orchestrate the nations within His time frame to birth the new nation of Israel in May 1948? You decide!

Fall From Grace

No nation in history has remained in power for long. Nor has any nation in history ever repeated its prior position of glory. The United States’ fall from grace (morally) began in the 1920’s, but relative to a position of world political power, the fall started in 1949. During the years between the end of the war and 1949, the United States was undeniably the most powerful nation in the history of the world. But, in 1949 Russia detonated its first atomic bomb. From that point forward there were two superpowers. (At this writing there are people who state that the United States is again the lone superpower.) Then subsequent to World War II, for the first time in our history, we did not win any conflict, which involved communism. This fact speaks volumes regarding our move towards socialism. But, the move by the Unites States having the greatest impact on Israel

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occurred around 1950 as we began to establish pro-Muslim policies. At the same time, the United States government began a very noticeable move away from Biblical principles. We, as a people, began to focus on ourselves, on our prosperity, and on our material worth.

Beginning in early 1950 our government began to move away from supporting Israel. The United States turned from helping them both economically and militarily until about 1959. History indicates this was a critical turning point in our position in the world. God said that He would bless those who bless Israel, and He would curse those who curse Israel. Not only was the United States departing from a Biblical standard, we were very rapidly moving toward support for the enemies of Israel.

Yes, the United Stated began to be pro-Muslim about 1950. But, have we really developed pro-Muslim policies and forsaken pro-Israel policies? Yohanan Ramati of the Jerusalem Institute for Western Defense thinks we have. In an interview in 1998, he stated that the United States has had pro-Muslim policies based on the issue of Mid-East oil since after World War II. His states his position on a number of facts, which are:

“The West did nothing to aid the Christian Island of East Timor when they wanted independence. They did not want to be part of Indonesia, but the West did nothing to help. No one cares.”

“When the Christians in Biafra, Nigeria wanted self-determination the West did nothing. But, when the Muslims wanted self-determination, they were supported by the West.”

“Lebanon was created to be a Christian state. They had a Christian majority and a Christian power structure, and there was oil there. So, when Syria invaded Lebanon in 1976, nothing was done by the West to expel Syria.”

“The Syrians arranged for the killing of two hundred forty-one marines in Beirut. They first arranged for the killing of the pro-Israel Christian president before they blew up the American Embassy. The West did nothing. They did not threaten them like they are doing to the Serbs in Kosovo because they are not Muslim.”

“Albania is in complete anarchy; it trades in drugs; it is the most lawless country in Europe, but it has to be protected because of the Muslim interests there.”

Ramati goes on to say, “The United States has an ideological confusion. On one hand we talk about promoting democracy, yet we haven’t promoted democracy anywhere. All you promote is Muslim states, by definition dictatorships…You cannot buy friendship of the Arab states because what matters most to them is to extend Islam by any means…You’re supporting this in the United States, in the Balkans and in Europe.”

Do you think that America has become pro-Muslim? Have we deserted Israel for the sake of oil? Look at our track record. The United States in the so called peace agreements over

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the past twenty plus years have been in the process of pressuring Israel to give back the land they won in the 1967 war. Not only was this land spoils of war, it was the land given to Israel by God. If the United States continues its pro-Muslim policies, continues to pressure Israel in returning land that is rightfully theirs, and continues to support the anti-Israeli policies of the United Nations, then we have most definitely gone against the principles of the Most High God.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently produced a document stating, “Israel does not have the will to fight another war or to continue the ongoing battle with the Arabs. If there is another conflict in the Middle East Israel could not muster enough will to fight. They have the means, but do they have the will?” Does this sound like that our government is in support of Israel? Will we act in the best interest of that nation? Will we go to their aid and fight like we have for other nations? Based on our history over the past twenty years, and the attitude of the American people, I think not. Why? Again, I believe Ramati sums it up best. “I am very much afraid that in the West, Middle East peace is a euphemism for us giving territory to the Arabs. They don’t mean peace, they don’t even think there is going to be peace They want us to give territory to the Arabs. They don’t care if there’s going to be peace. They care how much profit they’re going to make in the Gulf…And because of the their economic interest in the Arab states, the United States will not come to our assistance.”

The United States’ world position is slipping both economically and militarily. Look at some of the problems:

Arno Froese, in Foreshocks of Antichrist, states, “America is looking toward Europe not only on the religious level, but on an economic level as well. An article in Money Magazine in July 1994 stated that two hundred fifty thousand Americans are leaving the country for good in the attempt to seek fame and fortune somewhere else! This is only the beginning!”

According to the U.S. Government the trade deficit continues to grow. We have rising imports and falling exports. In 1999, imports are expected to exceed exports by three hundred billion dollars.

The U.S. lost one hundred ninety-three thousand manufacturing jobs in 1998. This is said to be due to falling sales compounded by overproduction and unsold inventories. However, many of these jobs went to other countries in order to remain competitive in the world markets.

Mergers tend to project financial soundness, but when they are made with foreign corporations America loses control. For example, Chrysler merged with the German carmaker Daimler-Benz, Germany’s Deutsche Bank paid ten billion dollars for Bankers Trust, and Germany’s media giant, Bertelsmann, bought America’s Random House to become the world’s largest English-language publisher. Guess who is in control now?

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President Jimmy Carter gave away the Panama Canal in 1977, going against the original policy of the country that stated we were to retain control indefinitely. The Canal is critically strategic both militarily and economically to the well being of the United States. In a pamphlet titled, Death Knell of the Panama Canal, Captain Evans makes a very good point. “If this scandalous swindle is consummated, Americans will have surrendered the greatest single achievement of our 221-year history, the most meaningful contribution ever made by one nation for the benefit of all nations, and most important, we may have written the final chapter in the history of America’s greatness as a world power, and it will all have been done by deliberate violations of the Constitution of the United States.”

The so-called peace process that administrations have been brokering over the past

twenty years cannot be anything but trouble for the United States. It is very evident by the results so far that every issue in these processes are pro- Arab. None of these plans incorporate anything whatsoever that protects Israel or for that matter support her in retaining what she has accomplished. In a sense, this approach is the same as cursing Israel. God said that if we are not for her then we are against her. Our policies go against the Landlord of the original land given to Abraham by God. We are going against God by siding with anyone other than Israel.

We are fast slipping toward the depths of immorality. In fact we don’t have far to go to be on a par with some of the most wicked nations in history. We are failing fast from within. Look at what some have to say on this subject:

Malcolm Muggeridge, in The End of Christendom, writes; “Previous civilizations have been overthrown from without by the incursion of barbarian hordes. Christendom has dreamed up its own dissolution in the minds of its own intellectual elite. Our barbarians are home products, indoctrinated at the public expense, urged on by the media systematically stage by stage, dismantling Christendom, depreciating and deprecating all its values. The whole social structure in now tumbling down, dethroning God, and undermining all its certainties. All this, wonderfully enough, is being done in the name of the health, wealth, and happiness of all mankind. That is the basic scene that seems to me will strike a future Gibbon as being characteristic of the decline and fall of Christendom.”

In an article by Don McAlvany, Is America Moving Toward Socialism, he states that Americans have become complacent to the point that they are unaware of the actual dangers or deficiencies in our society. “Complacency and apathy on the part of Christians is very dangerous. We’ve had 50 years of uninterrupted prosperity. This has caused the American people in general, and Christians in particular, to become fat, dumb, lazy and very complacent. …I think the prognosis for our country is poor.” He continues to say; “Since Bill and Hillary Clinton have been in power that it has accelerated rapidly. In fact, I call the Democratic and Republican Parties Socialist Party A and Socialist Party B. In the past 50 years of prosperity, America has taken its eyes off God and our dependence on Him.”

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From my perspective, in the late 1990’s we recently witnessed the most absurd trial ever conducted in America – the trial of Bill Clinton. The U.S. Senate, and especially the leadership of this nation, buried the moral law of the nation in favor of political and personal preferences. Burying the moral law of a nation, coupled with the rejection of Israel, provide two key factors, proven in the Old Testament, to be the downfall of governments.

Apostate Doctrines

We are witnessing a time when even some of our most prominent Christian leaders in the world are embracing apostate doctrines. The prophet Jeremiah indicated this would happen, that a type of false clergy would rise, and there would be people who follow them. “An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and my people love to have it so.” (Jeremiah 5:30-31). There are many examples I could cite, but one in particular, having the greatest impact on Christians, was made by Reverend Billy Graham. “I think everybody loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they’re conscious of it or not, they’re members of the Body of Christ. And that’s what God is doing today, He’s calling people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the Body of Christ because they’ve been called by God.

They may not even know the name of Jesus but they know in their hearts that they need something that they don’t have, and they turn to the only light that they have, and I think that they are saved, and that they are going to be with us in heaven.”

This is from the man who has preached fifty plus years that the only way to heaven is through the narrow gate - Jesus Christ. But now he is saying that all will be saved whether they know Christ or not. Billy Graham also made some statements on Larry King Live in 1998 relative to Bill Clinton’s conduct. “My feelings are that I love him as a personal friend, a very close personal friend…but if he was guilty of some of these things, I would be disappointed.” Graham is not saying that Clinton would be guilty of sin as defined in the Bible, he only says that he would be disappointed - big difference.

Billy Graham comments on Hillary Clinton. “Hillary is an amazing woman. I think her intellect and her tremendous training make her special. She was raised in a strong Methodist church near Chicago, and she has strong, deep religious and moral feelings of herself that people don’t know about, but she does.” Does this sound like condemnation, the type of condemnation we read in the Scriptures? No, it sounds like praise for immorality. Are many in the clergy of this nation looking the other way as the morality of the land goes into a deep slide?

I could go on with the substantiation that the United States is in a moral free-fall, but this chapter is not about America, its about Israel. However, before I leave this subject I have one more question to ask. Will the United States disappear as a nation or as a world

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power? I think not, but it will no longer be the richest and most powerful nation in the world. The United States will simply join the European Community economically as another nation in the world of nations - we will return to our roots. Why do I say this? Because Europe is where the peoples of this nation came from - the old Roman Empire. Between AD 351 and AD 476, the Roman Empire was broken up and divided into ten tribes or nations. These were the Lombards; the Franks; the Ostrogoths; the Visigoths; the Burgundians; the Suevi; the Heruli; the Vandals; the Alwmanni; and the Saxons. These nations became to be known as Italy; France; England; Austria; Belgium; Holland; Spain; Portugal; Germany, and Switzerland. Guess where the Americans came from?

Israel

Early in this chapter, I stated that God probably had one purpose in mind for the United States, that being the establishment of a world climate so Israel could return to their homeland as a nation. Israel, as a people, was scattered in AD 70 at the fall of Jerusalem. Israel did not have a capitol nor a governing body during the Diaspora, but did they ceased be a nation?

Arno Froese writes in United Europe’s Power Play, “Although Israel has been set aside for a period of time (for all practical purposes, it was not a nation for about 2000 years), from God’s eternal perspective it never ceased to be a nation. As a matter of fact, God bases Israel’s perpetual existence as a nation on the universe: “Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for a light by day and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who divides the sea when the waves thereof roar; The Lord of hosts is his name: If those ordinances depart from before me, says the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me forever.” (Jeremiah 31:35-36).

Therefore, based on Jeremiah, Israel never did cease to be a nation. Although Israel was scattered, had no central government, no king, nor a leader of any kind, they still belonged to God. “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them, says the lord your God.” (Amos 9:13-15).

An Ensign For His People

So, what was the instrument that caused the Jews of the world to be re-gathered in their original homeland to reform the nation of Israel? “And in that day there will be a Root of Jesse, who will stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious. It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left,

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from Assyria, and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea. He shall set up a banner (ensign in KJV) for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isaiah 11:10-12). The first banner or ensign is Christ, which was established for the Christians. The second ensign is that which God instilled into the hearts of the Jews at the right time to give them the desire to gather back into their homeland. In a word, that desire was nationalism in the form of Zionism.

Jewish History from AD 70

The Jewish decline in Palestine began with the Roman desecration of Jerusalem in AD 70. After that, the center of Jewish activity gradually moved to Babylon, an area containing a large Jewish colony from the sixth century BC. when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the kingdom of Judah. Over the next six hundred years, the Jewish population in Babylon decreased considerably as an increase in migration to Europe began. The reason for this migration was that the Jews were searching for the right environment for emancipation within the various emerging nations of Europe. However, during the middle ages, many of the European nations created the “law of aliens”, which restricted the rights of all Jews. The concept of the “law of aliens” was that Jews had no specific country or home, therefore were defined as perpetual wanderers, thus they could not be emancipated into the respective countries. The law, or the attitude based on the law, was in effect the origin of most of the Jewish problems thereafter in Europe.

Prior to the Middle Ages, anti-Semitism existed in one form or the other in Europe, but subsequent to that time, total non-tolerance became the norm. Nationalization or Christianization within Europe was the just another element in the anti-Semitic non-tolerance movement. Instrumental in the non-tolerance issue was, to a great extent, created and made possible by the Replacement Theology position of the Catholic Church.

Up until the year 1550, Jews were not lawfully allowed in England, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, the Scandinavian countries, or Muscovy (Russia). All Jews were concentrated basically in Poland with some in regions of Germany and Italy. All the while, many anti-Semitic programs forced the Jews to either convert to other religions or to move to other locations in search of a better life. Nevertheless, widespread suffering, degradation and persecution were commonplace within Europe throughout the Middle Ages. To make matters worse, the Cossack wars of the seventeenth century increased the Jewish problems as Jews in Poland were massacred on a large scale, while at the same time Jews in Russia were severely persecuted and restricted in movement, work and social integration.

Then in the late seventeen hundreds the French Revolution appeared to provide the greatest hope for the estimated two million Jews in Europe. Due to “Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizens,” policy aspired by the French it appeared the Jews were to become full-fledged citizens of France. But then Napoleon came to power having a different viewpoint as regards to the Jewish issue. He simply wanted the Jews to leave

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France and return to Palestine. As such, Napoleon began to reverse the gains made in Jewish emancipation by placing more restrictions on the Jewish populace. It was at this point in time, that a national debate arose over the emancipation issue, even though anti-Jewish bias was still running very high everywhere except in America. Although some degrees of emancipation did finally occur in Europe, it was in America where Jews found total freedom, and for the first time enjoyed full citizenship in any nation since AD 70.

However, the European Jews continued to work at assimilation, trying to become integrated into the economic, political and cultural life of the nations in which they lived. But, a total failure was destined due to the anti-Semitic attitude of the native populations. Although many worked very hard at assimilation, it took major wars and individual acts of anti-Semitism to make the Jews really act upon and embrace the national home concept. One such case was that of Alfred Dreyfus in 1894. This was one of the events that sparked the modern move to Zionism.

Alfred Dreyfus was a French Jew accused of treason in 1894. He was tried, found guilty and sentenced to life in prison on Devil’s Island. After additional evidence was discovered, it was determined that Dreyfus was not the guilty party at all, but another officer (Protestant French) who was brought to trial but acquitted. Emile Zola, a Jew who supported Dreyfus, went to his defense by publishing an article concerning his innocence. As a result, Zola, who was also Jewish, was jailed for the publication. Due to the extreme anti-Semitism surrounding the case, it became known as the Dreyfus Affair, and inflamed the Jews all over Europe. The affair also became known as a “case celebre”, involving blatant anti-Semitism, clericalism, and other issues involving the Catholic Church. And in those days in Europe, the Catholic Church’s position was very evident in the decisions of government. Church involvement in government is termed clericalism, which is the political influence brought to bear by the church on the government. Although Alfred Dreyfus was eventually acquitted, the case nonetheless was a central issue in the creation of modern Zionism.

Zionism

Jews have always been in the area presently called Palestine although very few remained or migrated back before the 1800’s. In 1882 there were only thirty thousand Jews in their original homeland. Migration remained low for over the next forty years with the number only increased by thirty-five thousand. But, as war clouds began to increase in Europe in the late 1930’s, immigration into Palestine increased rapidly pushing the number up to almost a half million. In order to understand the reasons behind these waves of migration it is necessary to review the history of the Zionist movement and its impact on the Jewish population around the world.

The earliest modern Zionist ideas originated in Amsterdam in the seventeenth century with Rabbi Manasseh ben Israel who pleaded with England to readmit Jews into that country. The English Puritans, some who later immigrated to America, supported the idea of readmission as they recognized the Jewish people as an ancient nation. This was in

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essence doing national justice to the Jews on the restoration of Israel, and formed the basis of autonomous Jewish colonies. Even Napoleon Bonaparte modified his approach to the Jewish issue and supported the concept of restoring Israel for in 1799 he issued a call for the Jews to restore ancient Jerusalem. Although this did not cause restoration, it nonetheless did increase recognition of Jewish interests. However, the concept smacked of colonization, which was looked on by many nations as not affective for the view was that these colonies would be established within the boundaries of existing nations. But, the rebirth of a Jewish nation in Palestine seemed to be a possible answer to alleviating some of the anti-Semitic problems within the nations. Even though the situation was a topic of discussion among the Gentiles, it was not a topic within the Jewish community. They were still trying to become included through emancipation. Thus, a roadblock was in effect for the time being.

The first modern Jewish thinker to pose the nationalist question was Moses Hess, who wrote in his book in 1862 that; “the underlying principle of Zionism was the indestructibility of the Jewish nationality.” Although his idea was not for a wholesale migration to Palestine to form a nation, it was basically the desire to see the spirit of Jewish tradition survive through democratic socialism in Palestine. This concept was similar to what was called “Diaspora Nationalism,” which stated that the Jews were a nation even if scattered as minorities among other peoples. Supporters of the latter stated that nationalism was not a territorial issue, but primarily a matter of individuals bound together by the same language and culture. Neither of these approaches to nationalism is in keeping with the prophecy of Amos. “‘Behold, the days are coming’, says the Lord, ‘when the plowman shall take over the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with it. I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,’ says the Lord your God.” (Amos 9:13-15). All the approaches to this point have been the ideas of men – they were not of God. One thing we know for sure, prophecy will be fulfilled!

An Alignment of Principles

Theodor Herzl stated in 1896 that assimilation in the sense of previous principles were a failure. Quote, “Anti-Semitism exists and is inevitable wherever Jews live in considerable numbers; and that the Jewish question, therefore, is a national question, which can be solved only by making it a political world-question to be discussed and settled by the civilized nations of the world in council.” Herzl’s position was that, in order to settle the problem; the Jews had to abandon the idea of colonization within the respective countries, and to push for the acquisition of a charter of an autonomous Jewish homeland in Palestine with the guarantee of the international community. He held that it was necessary to separate the Jews physically, geographically and politically from the hostile environments of Europe and Russia in order to create an environment for a normal Jewish life. His position was that the only avenue to achieving this was through the creation of a

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national home or nation in Palestine. Thus, in 1897, Theodor Herzl formed the First Zionist Congress for this purpose, which evolved into a democratic movement forming the World Zionist Organization. This group adhered to the basic Zionist objectives that all had equal participation regardless of financial considerations, and that the goal was to establish a national home for all Jewish people in Palestine. This entire approach by Theodor Herzl fit the Amos prophecy to a tee. God was in control!

However, at the time Palestine was under the rule of the Ottoman Turks, who refused to recognize the movement, and therefore denied a charter for a national home. In spite of this apparent setback, the beginnings of colonization started before World War I. When Theodor Herzl died in 1904, the movement was taken over by Dr. Chaim Weizmann who laid the basis for the Balfour Declaration of 1917 after the Ottoman Turks were defeated by the British. The Declaration stated that Great Britain supported the establishment of a national home for the Jews in Palestine (see the Balfour Declaration above). This accelerated Jewish migration to a much higher rate than ever before.

What we know as the modern colonization of Palestine, was the result of the first wave of immigration that began as far back as 1880. The second wave was caused by the Russian upheavals of 1905, with the immigrants consisting of true Zionists. Under the influence of the true Zionists progress began in the creation of a working class of people in addition to the farmers who had previously settled the land. The third wave of immigration occurred between 1919 and 1924 and laid the foundation for the expansion of a Jewish Palestine. This wave contained a more skillful workforce, enabling the colony to become more competitive in markets other than agriculture. The fourth wave occurred between 1925 and 1928, consisting primarily of middlemen and artisans. Then a fifth wave began in the early 1930’s and continued until 1939. This group, the largest thus far, was primarily refugees from Poland due to a European depression and a rise in anti-Semitic programs in Germany. This caused the Jewish population in Palestine to increase to approximately one-half million. Then in May 1948 the Jews, under Dr. Chaim Weizmann, proclaimed a new state of Israel, which was quickly recognized by the United States. Since that time, they have, with God’s help, survived the struggle against the world. Although the United States was, to a large degree a friend of Israel at its creation as a state, it nonetheless has moved more toward Europe and away from the apple of God’s eye.

The Future

So, where does Israel go from here? I think Jeremiah chapter twenty-three, verses one through six sums it up best; “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings, says the Lord. But, I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor

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be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking, says the Lord. Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgement and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is His name by which He will be called:

THE LORD OURRIGHTEOUSNESS.”

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted

above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it.” Micah 4:1

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