Israel's Time of Trouble

 Isaiah chapter 17 points to the day of Jacob or Israel's time of great trouble. Israel had joined with Damascus against Judah which refused to align with Damascus to help protect against Assyria. Ancient Assyria included parts of Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran. The core region was northern Iraq. The part with the Tigris River flowing through it. The Assyrian threat pictures a future time when Israel and Jerusalem will be invaded at Armageddon. This will be the time of final destruction of Israel's foes. Revelation 16:16.

Ten tribes of Israel had joined forces with the Arameans (Syria) to defend against Assyria. The two tribes of Judah would not participate in the unholy alliance. The Lord wanted Israel to trust in Him for their well being and not a gentile nation. Not only did the aggressor nations suffer but Israel also suffered because of faithlessness. Isiah 17:4-6 predicts this ruin and a surviving Israeli remnant.

Damascus reduced to rubble

Damascus was reduced to rubble when Tiglath-pileser (Assyria) took the city in 732 B.C. Sennacherib was grandson to Tiglath-pileser III. He waged war against many cities along the Mediterranean coast. Judah and Jerusalem were the most famous of his campaigns in 701 B.C. He did not succeed though and withdrew after receiving tribute from King Hezekiah. 

While Sennacherib conducted successful campaigns, his reign was marked by rebellions, political schemes, and ultimately, his assassination. What happened to Sennacherib is a picture of what will happen to all of Israel's foes during the time of great trouble (Day of the Lord). This time of tribulation will also bring forth a converted Israeli remnant destined for Kingdom blessing.

How do we escape this terrible time of tribulation that will come upon all the earth? This time period called the Day of the Lord, Jacob’s trouble, tribulation period that will last for 7 years? How do we escape? Repent and trust in Jesus!

The Millennial Kingdom

 Isaiah chapter 12 looks forward to the millennial kingdom on earth. The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles also depicts this time. God's anger and wrath is visited upon all the earth Jew and Gentile alike during the tribulation period. Thereafter the restored people will be thankful each and every one. After suffering the tribulation furnace, His anger will have passed. He will comfort His restored people during the millennial kingdom reign.

Verse 4 comes from Psalms 105:1. Give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

The Lord is to be praised in song during this time. The message will be published throughout the entire millennial earth. The people will cry out joyfully during this time and shout! For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Garment Rolled in Blood

 Isaiah 9:5 says "Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning. It will be fuel for the fire." This is a reference to the great battle of Armageddon Rev. 16:14-16. All the rulers of the world will be gathered together for war on the great day of God Almighty.

Accordingly Jesus will defeat these enemies and establish His government in Israel and upon the earth. Isaiah 9:6-7. Revelation 14:20 states the blood will be up to the horses' bridles. That's a lot of blood. It will certainly be enough for every garment to be rolled in blood. The garments are destined for burning!

We read in Matt. 24:21 that there will be great distress on the earth. It has never been before and will never be again. This dark time on earth will have no equal. There has not been such a time in the past. Another key point is that there will never be such a time in the future.

Some people believe that the church will have to experience this terrible apocalyptical event. But Jesus says pray to the father that you would be counted worthy and be able to escape. Luke 21:36. The great day or time of God's wrath will come. Rev. 6:16-17. No one will be able to stand. But the church is not appointed to wrath! 1 Thess. 5:9. "For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ".

This time period is called the Day of the Lord, Jacob's trouble, tribulation period. It will last for 7 years. How do we escape this terrible time coming upon the earth? Repent and trust in Jesus!

The People Who Sat In Darkness

 Matt. 4:16. Isaiah 9:1-2. "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." The Savior first appeared in this territory. This was the land of Zebulun and Naphtali. The land of Galilee. Western Galilee is part of the Gaza strip today.

These ancient peoples were the first to fall and stumble into darkness. They would be the first to receive the wonderful light of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:1-2. Jesus' ministry was first established in Galilee. The first words of His public ministry were to repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins). The kingdom of God is at hand. Matt. 4:17. These words are a crucial imperative for today!

Jesus says in Luke 13:3 that if we will not repent then we will perish and be lost for of all of eternity. We will continue to exist but be eternally separated from Him. He also said not to fear those who kill the body and then have nothing more that they can do. Fear and respect Him Who after killing has power to hurl into hell! Luke 12:4-5.

The Day of the Lord is fast approaching. A time of pouring out of God’s wrath upon transgressors and sinners. A Day of reckoning. The good news is that believers won’t have to experience this terrible time on earth. Believers are not appointed to experience God’s wrath. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. How do we escape the day of the Lord (7 year tribulation period)? Repent and trust in Jesus!