MICHAEL HEISER'S ALLEGED LOCATION OF ARMAGEDDON

 (12) ARMAGEDDON Is Not A Battle Fought Where You've Been Taught - YouTube

Michael Heiser is an Old Testament scholar and author. His area of "expertise" is the nature of the spiritual realm in the Bible, namely the Divine Council and hierarchy of the spiritual order. Heiser's podcast is The Naked Bible and he also runs a ministry called Miqlat. 

Heiser opens this short video with the assertion that the typical understanding of Megiddo as the location Armageddon is false. Megiddo or Megiddon is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Traditionally this has been taken to be the logical interpretation of Revelation 16:16. I have heard Heiser's view a couple of times recently from different teachers, but I am not convinced. Heiser launches into the above video with the argument that Armageddon must be a transliteration. His thesis is based on two doubtful premises: 1 - the final conflict occurs at Jerusalem; 2 - Megiddo is a plain and not a mountain.

Heiser: "It is crystal clear that the final conflict occurs at Jerusalem, not Megiddo. Megiddo is referenced only to compare the awful mourning that will result. Not only does Zechariah 12 place the final battle where the nations see the risen, pierced Christ at Jerusalem, but verse 11 tells us explicitly that Megiddo is a plain, not a mountain!"1

The word Armageddon appears only once in the New Testament:

And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. (Revelation 16:16).

There are two possible interpretations of Armageddon: city or mountain.

Bengel's Gnomen: "Magedon or Megiddo was a city, of which there is frequent mention in the books of the Old Testament. The copyists, as it appears, had reference to these passages, who took away the first syllable from the word Ἀρμαγεδὼν in the Apocalypse: but on account of this very syllable, in particular, the word Ἑβραϊστὶ appears to be used. Armagedon signifies either ער, the city Megiddo, as Hiller teaches in Syntagmatis, p. 229, or הר, the mountain Megiddo. for where there is בקעה, a valley, as the valley of Megiddo, 2 Chronicles 35:22, there is also a mountain."2

lexiconcordance.com: "Megiddo or Megiddon = "place of crowds" 1) ancient city of Canaan assigned to Manasseh and located on the southern rim of the plain of Esdraelon 6 miles (10 km) from Mount."3

Pulpit Commentary: "..possibly refers to Carmel, at the foot of which lay the Plain of Megiddo, which was well known to every Jew as a gathering place for hostile hosts and as the scene of many battles. It is referred to in Zechariah 12:11 as a type of woe, on account of the overthrow and death of Josiah having taken place there (2 Kings 23:29). Ahaziah also died there (2 Kings 9:27); and there also the Canaanitish kings were overthrown (Judges 5:19). The name is, therefore, indicative of battle and slaughter, and intimates the complete overthrow in store for the dragon and the kings of the earth, which is described later on (Revelation 19.)."4 

Tel Megiddo, literally "Mound of the Governor" is the site of the ancient city of Megiddo, the remains of which form a tell (archaeological mound). Heiser's claim that Megiddo is a plain is incorrect, Megiddo overlooks the Plain of Esdraelon (Valley of Jezreel).5 Megiddo is traditionally identified as the site where the kings of the earth prepare to wage war on the forces of God under the satanic leadership of the Antichrist at the end of the present age. 

However, Har Megiddo does not necessarily indicate a single mountain or hill; the meaning of har is a mountain or range of hills. Because Har Megiddo is actually situated within a mountain range, it seems likely that this is what John was referring to. In Zechariah 12:11 Megiddo is spelled Megiddon in Hebrew, which appears to corroborate the association with Armageddon. Megiddo is located some 56 miles north of Jerusalem and was originally an ancient fortress city that dominated the Plain of Jezreel. Megiddo was a critical location to the Israelites in that it dominated the Aruna Pass (Wadi Ara or Megiddo Pass) the entrance to one of the few passes through the Carmel Mountains. 

The Valley of Decision

I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land.. Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. (Joel 3:2, 14-15 cf. Zephaniah 3:8; Revelation 6:12-14).

The grammatical meaning of the Valley of Jehoshaphat is "the judgement of Jehovah". These verses are generally thought to allude to the judgement inflicted on God's enemies by King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. The location of the Valley of Jehoshaphat has not been identified by historians. The imagery and context of the above verses are eschatological, and Joel confirms that the final battle will be in a valley. It is therefore reasonable to surmise that the location of this "valley" is Megiddo in Revelation 16:16.

The merging of two mountains - Zaphon / Zion  ?

I have no argument with Heiser's basic Hebrew/Greek lesson per se. However, I do have difficulty with his convoluted proposal that Armageddon is a corruption of the Hebrew Har Mo'ed  i.e. mount of assembly as per Isaiah 14:13.

How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15).

The interpretation of Isaiah 14:13 has been a matter of considerable discussion amongst bible scholars. In newer bible versions, verse 13 is translated directly as "the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon". (NIV, NAB, NET Bible. NRSB). In other versions, Zaphon not Zion, is identified in the footnote. This difficult verse reveals the haughty thoughts of the king of Babylon (with allusions to Lucifer). As such verse 13 is generally thought to be an allusion to Zaphon, a mythic mountain of the Babylonians.

In Canaanite mythology Mount Zaphon was the most sacred mountain of the storm god Baal or Baal-Hadad, allegedly the site of Baal's royal palace. Zaphon has been identified as Jabal al Aqra’ (known as Kel Dağı in Turkish) and is located about 25 miles north by northeast of Ras Shamra near the mouth of the Orontes River in the border region between the modern states of Syria and Turkey. 

The interpretation that "the mount of the congregation" in Isaiah 14:13 as the mount of the Divine presence, Mount Zion (Exodus 25:22; 29:42–43) was originally challenged by Keil and Delizsch. 

Keil and Delizsch: "The har hammōēd (mount of assembly) cannot be Zion, as is assumed by Schegg and others, who are led astray by the parallel in Psalm 48:3, which has been entirely misunderstood, and has no bearing upon this passage at all. Zion was neither a northern point of the earth, nor was it situated on the north of Jerusalem."6 

Cambridge Bible: "The sacred mountain of our God is not in the remote recesses of the north, but in the very midst of the city of His choice. Zion is in reality all that the Assyrians claim for their fabled mount of the gods. Their king too may style himself ‘great,’ but Zion is the citadel of One Who is in truth the great King, for He is the King of all the earth (Psalm 47:2; Psalm 47:7). 'The great king' was a title claimed by the king of Assyria (Isaiah 36:4); and the word for ‘great’ is not that used in Psalm 48:1 (gâdôl) but rab, which corresponds to the Assyrian title sarru rabbu (Schrader, Cuneif. Inser. p. 320). ‘City’ (citadel) is not the same word as in Psalm 48:1 (‘îr), but ḳiryâh, a word which does not occur again in the Psalter, but is found several times in Isaiah (Isaiah 22:2; Isaiah 29:1; Isaiah 33:20). To many commentators it seems inconceivable that the Psalmist should allude to Assyrian mythology. But a writer of Isaiah’s time might easily have become acquainted with the religious ideas of the Assyrians, and the author of the Book of Job does not hesitate to introduce popular mythological ideas. See Prof. Davidson’s note on Job 26:12 : and cp. Isaiah 27:1.7 

Heiser:  "..in Psalm 68:15–16, Yahweh desired 'Mount Bashan' as his own—that is, he wanted to defeat the forces of darkness and claim their customary abode as his own. The same is true of Zaphon."1 

Hesier's skewed interpretation of these verses is antithetical to the meaning of the Psalmist. Zion maintains its honour over against the mountains of Bashan. Bashan looks with hatred, literally, Bashan fumes with envy at Mount Zion. Mountains are often symbols of nations. (Psalm 46:2; 65:6). Bashan is described in grandiose terms compared to the relative low elevation of Zion.

O mountain of God, mountain of Bashan; O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan! Why do you look with hatred, O many-peaked mountain, at the mount that God desired for his abode, yes, where the LORD will dwell forever? Psalm 68:15-16).

The KJV brings out the meaning of verse 15 more accurately: The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan. (Psalm 68:15 KJV).

Heiser: "The result in the case of Armageddon is dramatic. When John draws on this ancient Hebrew phrase, he is indeed pointing to a climactic battle at Jerusalem. Why? Because Jerusalem is a mountain—Mount Zion. And if Baal and the gods of other nations don’t like Yahweh claiming to be Most High and claiming to run the cosmos from the heights of Zaphon/Mount Zion, they can try to do something about it."1

Heiser: "Psalm 48 makes a bold theological statement. It evicts Baal from his dwelling and boots his council off the property. The psalmist has Yahweh ruling the cosmos and the affairs of humanity, not Baal. Psalm 48 is a backhanded smack in the face to Baal."1

Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God! His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. Within her citadels God has made himself known as a fortress. For behold, the kings assembled; they came on together. As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic; they took to flight. Trembling took hold of them there, anguish as of a woman in labor. By the east wind you shattered the ships of Tarshish. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah (Psalm 48:1-8).

Zion is indicated in Psalm 48. 

Keil and Delitzsch: "We therefore take the expression 'sides of the north' to be a topographical designation, and intended literally. Mount Zion is thereby more definitely designated as the Temple-hill; for the Temple-hill, or Zion in the narrower sense, formed in reality the north-eastern angle or corner of ancient Jerusalem. It is not necessarily the extreme north (Ezekiel 38:6; Ezekiel 39:2), which is called ירכתי צפון; for ירכּתים are the two sides, then the angle in which the two side lines meet, and just such a northern angle was Mount Moriah by its position in relation to the city of David and the lower city."8

Verse 4 refers to "kings of the earth" who are not specifically identified. Some commentators believe them to be Sennacherib’s vassal kings (Isaiah 10:8); others suppose the kings of Ammon, Moab and Edom (2 Chronicles 20:25); yet others suppose Pekah and Rezin (2 Kings 15:37). The kings came intending to attack Jerusalem, but they did not even attempt it ~ they were astounded at the sight of it and fled in terror.

Benson: "Psalm 48:4-6. For lo, the kings were assembled — The neighbouring princes confederate against Jerusalem: see the contents. They passed by — In their march toward Jerusalem. They advanced, and marched on, not doubting but they should presently make themselves masters of the city. Or, they passed away together — Departed without the success which they desired and expected. They saw it — They only looked upon it, but did not enter it, nor shoot an arrow there, nor cast a bank against it, as was said upon this or the like occasion, 2 Kings 19:32. They marvelled — Not so much at the structure or strength of the city, as at the wonderful works wrought by God on its behalf. They were troubled, and hasted away — God impressed such terrors upon their minds as made them retire with precipitation."9

Zechariah 12:9-11 does not refer to the conflict at Jerusalem

Heiser: "Zechariah 12:9–11, which plainly sites the conflict at Jerusalem.. Not only does Zechariah 12 place the final battle where the nations see the risen, pierced Christ at Jerusalem.1

And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn. On that day the mourning in Jerusalem will be as great as the mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The land shall mourn, each family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the Shimeites by itself, and their wives by themselves; and all the families that are left, each by itself, and their wives by themselves. (Zechariah 12:9-14).

The above passage does not refer to the conflict at Jerusalem. Rather it refers to God's intention to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem: I will seek i.e. I will make it my aim.. Following the "abomination of desolation" event at the mid point of the 70th week of Daniel, the Antichrist will launch the greatest persecution of all time against the Jewish people. (Daniel 9:27). This marks the time known as "the time of Jacobs trouble" i.e. the great tribulation spoken of by Jesus. (Matthew 24:21). On that day God pours out a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This refers to the time when Israel repents and recognizes Jesus Christ as their Messiah. The actual conflict does not occur until the end of the 70th week of Daniel. The nations will not literally see the risen pierced Christ until the sixth seal of Revelation i.e. towards the end of the 70th week. (Revelation 6:15-17). 

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.(Luke 21:20-24 cf. Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15).

Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:7 cf. Jeremiah 30:11,22,24).

In the whole land, declares the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive. (Zechariah 13:8).

Conclusion

The leaders of the whole world and their armies assemble for a specific battle against the Lord of Hosts and his visible armies at the end of the 70th week of Daniel. To assemble or to gather is not to surround. If Jerusalem is intended, this is an odd phrase. The way the phrase is worded does seem to refer to somewhere other than Jerusalem: "..the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon". John clearly identifies Zion in Revelation 14:1 and New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:2. He also identifies Jerusalem in Revelation 11:8. Why would John identify Jerusalem or Zion with a cryptic phrase on this occasion? 

Commentators generally agree that Armageddon alludes to the hill country surrounding the plain of Megiddo where many previous battles were fought by Israel. (Judges 5:19; 2 Kings 23:29; 2 Chronicles 35:22, cf. Zechariah 12:11). The object of the Antichrist's stand at Armageddon is to come against Jesus Christ and His visible armies (Revelation 19:19), it is not to take Jerusalem.

Having read chapter 41 of Heizer's book "The Unseen Realm" a number of times, I find his hermeneutics perplexing and impossible to corroborate biblically. (1 John 4:1). Heiser employs the cosmic mountain motif and refers to Isaiah 14:13 as the "cosmic mountain" or "the cosmic north". Heiser: "It is the place where God is. And not only that, it is the place of the Divine Council". In other words, he identifies "the dwelling place of Yahweh and his divine council—the cosmic mountain" as both Mount Zion/Jerusalem and Mount Zaphon which is on the Syrian–Turkish border. He then identifies this location as Armageddon due to alleged coincidental consonants m-g-d. Heiser substitutes m-g-d with m-'-d and shoehorns it to fit the “mountain of assembly” (har mo’ed). He finds the final nun of the spelling in Zechariah 12:11. I do usually follow logical arguments, but on this occasion I find Heiser's reasoning incomprehensible. 

My observation is that Heiser chips away at the scriptures, and consequently, he chips away at, and undermines, our faith. He often leaves his hearers confused and unsure of their ground. In my view, the plain meaning Megiddo is intended rather than Heiser's convoluted thesis. Heiser presents himself as "cutting edge" and he appears to understand obscure and difficult passages of scripture. However I find many of his speculations are based on questionable eisegesis.

Heiser's  problematic theology

narwatchisrael.info identify a number of red flags associated with Heiser's theology, including his nod to universalism. 

Heiser does not believe in a literal millennium.10

Heiser endorses the problematic recapitulation theory regarding the seals, trumpets and bowls:

Heiser: "Revelation may not even be intended to be read chronologically (in linear fashion), but instead as repeating cycles (i.e., the seals, bowls and trumpets all express the ideas in similar, but not identical, ways). One’s willingness to accept this cyclic repetitive view ('recapitulation') depends on being comfortable with 'joining' them instead of 'splitting' them." (11)

1. Excerpt from Dr. Mike Heiser’s Book “The Unseen Realm” | Talmidimblogging (wordpress.com)
2. Revelation 16:16 Commentaries: And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon. (biblehub.com)
3. Strong's Number 4023 Hebrew Dictionary of the Old Testament Online Bible with Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, Brown Driver Briggs Lexicon, Etymology, Translations Definitions Meanings & Key Word Studies - Lexiconcordance.com
4. Isaiah 14:13 Commentaries: "But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. (biblehub.com)
5. Tel Megiddo - Wikipedia
6. Isaiah 14 Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary (biblehub.com)
7. Psalm 48 Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (biblehub.com)
8. Psalm 48 Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary (biblehub.com)
9. Psalm 48:4 Commentaries: For, lo, the kings assembled themselves, They passed by together. (biblehub.com)
10. (13) Premillennial and Amilllennial: Ruling and Reigning - Michael Heiser - YouTube
11. Seventy Weeks of Daniel (aka, The Pit of Despair) - Dr. Michael Heiser (drmsh.com)

Further Links

5 Reasons Why 'Armageddon' (Har-magedon) Refers to the Mount of Megiddo | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)

Examining Heiser’s Divine Council theories / Dr. Wave Nunnally Hebrew Early Judaism Professor (youtube.com)
Concerns about Michael Heiser’s teachings from Hebrew & Systematic Theology Professors and Pastors (youtube.com)      

JOEL RICHARDSON: METATRON HERESY

(9) THE BOOK OF REVELATION // Session 20: The Sign of the Coming of the Son of Man - YouTube

Various false teachings are being fed insidiously to the body of Christ by Joel Richardson and Dalton Thomas (Frontier Alliance International). These false teachings primarily concern the alleged "Islamic Antichrist" which I have debunked in previous posts. In the above video Richardson refers to the pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus Christ as the Metatron. (26:00 mark). This blasphemous teaching was picked up by a few people in the comments. Richardson re-affirms this heresy below. 

The Metatron is described as an angelic being in the Babylonian Talmud, in various other mystical writings and in the apocryphal books of Enoch. In these writings, it is said that after Enoch's translation (Genesis 5:24), that he was transformed into the angel Metatron. The Greek Meta+Tron translates Beyond+Matrix. The Metatron is referred to as "Lesser YHVH" in a version of the Talmud by the Karite scholar Kirkisani. Jewish myths are condemned in the New Testament - as such Christians should completely avoid such teachings. (Titus 1:14).

Compelling Truth: "Metatron is at best a legend, and at worst, a deception—there is no reason to believe he exists. The Bible never mentions him, and the descriptions of Metatron in the mystical writings do not agree with the biblical descriptions of angels. The Bible tells us not to pursue 'godless myths and old wives' tales' but to instead train ourselves in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7 NIV). Furthermore, the worship of angels is associated with asceticism and false visions, and is opposed to the worship of Christ (Colossians 2:18-19)." {1}

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17).

1.  https://www.compellingtruth.orjjg/Metatron.html

JOE SCHIMMEL: GOG MAGOG ISLAMIC ANTICHRIST ARMAGEDDON

 (6) Rev Series: The Gog and Magog War - Who? - YouTube

This is the second video released by Joe Schimmel promoting the questionable doctrine of Gog Magog, Armageddon and the Islamic Antichrist. It is true that Schimmel has released some good teachings in the past and that he has built up trust amongst many believers. Nevertheless, no matter how much we esteem certain teachers, it is essential to test the spirits. (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11). The Islamic Antichrist teaching has some significant errors that can easily be identified. (1 John 4:6).  I have already debunked this false teaching in previous posts, but I will address the main points of Schimmel's sermon below. 

Where does this teaching come from?

Prior to the early 1990's the Islamic Antichrist theory was entirely unknown. This new teaching was introduced in response to contemporary issues and concerns about the growth of Islam, in other words, it is based upon "newspaper eisegesis" rather than on the scriptures. When we go down the rabbit trail, the Islamic Antichrist teaching is promoted by known false teachers. It is vital that we test the character of anyone introducing a new or novel teaching into the church.

In 1993, pre-trib teacher Phillip Goodman wrote a book called The Assyrian Connection with the subtitle The Roots of the Antichrist and the Signs of Armageddon. Goodman falsely identifies Psalm 83 as a pre-Magog event and Ezekiel 38-39 as the Magog-Islamic Invasion of Israel. Goodman's impressive sounding arguments and elaborate charts can be found on the following link: Ezekiel 38 and Psalm 83: Relationship and Timing - by Phillip Goodman - The Pre-Trib Research Cente

In 1992 false prophet Perry Stone began to teach the prospect of an Islamic Antichrist. In 2007, Perry Stone's associate, Joe VanKoevering, actually named the Antichrist as Crown Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan in Unveiling The Man Of Sin. In 2011, Perry Stone released "Unleashing the Beast - The coming reign of terror by a fanatical Islamic dictator and his ten-nation coalition."  I am assuming that readers of this post are familiar with Perry Stone's reputation.

These days the main proponent of the Islamic Antichrist theory is Joel Richardson. I have written a few posts critiquing Richardson's teaching and also his questionable associations. Richardson openly admits that the catalyst that started his "ministry" was a "prophetic endorsement" by "Latter Rain" false prophet Paul Cain. {1} Richardson regularly appears with various false teachers on CNN and TBN, many of whom are ecumenical and apostate.

In 2006 Richardson released his book The Antichrist - Islam's Awaited Messiah, later republished as The Islamic Antichrist. In 2008 Joel Richardson and Walid Shoebat co-authored God's War On Terror -  Islam Prophecy and the Bible. 

Details regarding Walid Shoebat's tenuous claim to be a PLO terrorist was reported by the Jerusalem Post in 2008. {2} I have added some links at the end of this post regarding Shoebat's colourful history and irregular hermeneutics. Richardson's latest associate, Dalton Thomas (Frontier Alliance International), also has some very questionable teachings and is disqualified from the ministry: mikereynolds.org

Rome or Islam?

Be wary of those who deride the assertion that the fourth beast in Nebuchadnezzar's vision is Rome. Richardson and other Islamic Antichrist proponents promote the Islamic Caliphate as Daniel's fourth beast, and they disdain anyone who identifies Rome with such phrases as: it is out of date and no longer relevant.

Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece are the first three kingdoms definitively identified in Nebuchadnezzar's vision. The text of Daniel 2 implies that successive kingdoms will come into existence following Babylon: But after you, there will arise another kingdom, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule the whole earth. Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; (Daniel 2:39-40) If we allow Islam to be the fourth kingdom, then there is a significant gap of over seven hundred years between Greece, which fell to the Romans in 146 BC, and Islam which was founded in the 7th century (ca. 570–632 AD). Since the Roman Empire directly succeeded the Grecian Empire, Rome has been traditionally identified as the fourth kingdom. Richardson et al reject the logical implications of the scriptures regarding successive kingdoms, and they do not consider a gap of more than seven hundred years to be problematic. Richardson's argument that the Parthian Empire is also excluded from Nebuchadnezzar's vision is spurious. The Parthian Empire was never a world empire. 

The skewed logic of Shoebat and Richardson

Most scholars believe that the Antichrist will in some sense be of Roman derivation based on Daniel 9:26: And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. 

The case for an Islamic Antichrist is based on evidence that the Roman legions that carried out the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD comprised primarily of Arabs, mainly Syrians and Turks. This is yet another example of the skewed logic of Shoebat, Richardson and other Islamic Antichrist proponents.

Chris White: "..after the Assyrian Empire conquered a country, they simply forced people to fight in their army or die, but when we hear about Assyrian armies in Scripture, we do not have to stop and think, 'Well, where were the Assyrian soldiers in this particular battle stolen from originally?' No, we simply accept that Assyrian soldiers are part of the Assyrian Empire regardless of where they were born  If the Scripture had said that the prince— that is, Titus in this view— destroyed the temple, it would have been factually inaccurate. Instead, it says 'the people of the prince' destroyed it." {3} 

David Reagan: "A good example of Shoebat’s tortuous logic can be found in his attempt to explain away the meaning of Daniel 9:26. The plain sense meaning of this passage is that the Antichrist will come from the people who will destroy the Temple. Shoebat and Richardson argue that the Roman legions that carried out the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD were composed primarily of Arabs, mainly Syrians and Turks. They therefore conclude that the Antichrist will arise from the Syrians or Turks and will be a Muslim. This is really grasping at straws in the wind! It doesn’t matter whether or not the legions were composed of Australian Aborigines, it was the Roman government that decided to destroy Jerusalem, it was the Roman government that gave the orders, and it was Roman generals who carried out the destruction. Rome was the rod of God’s judgment and it is from the Roman people that the Antichrist will arise." {4}

*Reagan is pre-trib, but he makes a good point.

Josephus

There are various interpretations of just how far north the Japhethites migrated from the Black Sea, and whether they migrated to neighboring Russia. Turkic peoples such as Meshech, Tubal, and Togarmah—and/or eastern Europe, rather than Russia, are implicated by Ezekiel 38. Herodotus identifies Armenia. The obsession many have with Gog/Magog and Russia is exaggerated out of all proportion and is another example of "newspaper eisegesis". Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north.. (Ezekiel 38:6,15). Gomer is identified with the Cimmerians, a nomadic people, most likely of Iranian origin. Togarmah is identified as the Armenians. {5} Schimmel's assumption that "the uttermost parts of the north" has to be Russia is purely speculative.

Jewish historian Flavius Josephus identified Meshech as an area in modern Turkey (Asia Minor).

Josephus: ..and the Mosocheni were founded by Mosoch; now they are Cappadocians. {6}

Josephus: Magog founded those that from him were named Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called Scythians. {6}

Herodotus: "Then, for the first time, we won the friendship of the Moschi, a nation which became pre-eminently attached to Rome, and they overran the wilds of Armenia." {7}

According to Herodotus, the Scythians originally inhabited Asia. They were pushed west by a hostile tribe and eventually reached the Black Sea region and the eastern outskirts of Europe. In the first century BC Greek writer Diodorus Siculus claimed that the Scythians moved north into the steppe region from the south, possibly from the modern area of Armenia or even farther south along the western border with India.

Heroditus: "There is yet another story, to which account I myself especially incline. It is to this effect. The nomadic Scythians inhabiting Asia, when hard pressed in war by the Massagetae, fled across the Araxes river to the Cimmerian country (for the country which the Scythians now inhabit is said to have belonged to the Cimmerians before).." {8}

According to the non-canonical book of Jasher, the children of Meshech built cities by the Caspian Sea (Jabus Sea) which lies to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the vast steppe of Central Asia. The river Cura (Kura?) is situated in the South Caucasus.

And the children of Meshech are the Shibashni and the children of Tiras are Rushash, Cushni, and Ongolis ; all these went and built themselves cities ; those are the cities that are situate by the sea Jabus by the river Cura, which empties itself in the river Tragan. (Jasher 10:14). {9}

Peace and Safety / Unwalled Villages? (Ezekiel 38:11).

How is is possible to claim that Israel will be dwelling in peace and safety prior to Armageddon?

The Antichrist's covenant of false peace with Israel at the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel cannot be identified with Armageddon. (Daniel 9:27). At the mid point of the week, the so called "false peace" will be shattered when the abomination of desolation event takes place. (Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15). This event occurs 3.5 years prior to Armageddon. Following the abomination of desolation event, the Antichrist will launch the greatest persecution of all time against the Jewish people. In other words, there is no peace and safety in Israel prior to the battle of Armageddon i.e. during the second half of the 70th week of Daniel. (Matthew 24:21).

The time of "Jacob's trouble" during the second half of the 70th week identifies unprecedented distress for Israel.

Alas! That day is so great there is none like it; it is a time of distress for Jacob; yet he shall be saved out of it. (Jeremiah 30:7).

In the whole land, declares the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive. (Zechariah 13:8).

At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train. But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction. And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. (Daniel 11:40-45 cf. Revelation 13:4; Revelation 6:2).

And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown to the earth, he pursued the woman (Israel) who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. (Revelation 12:13-14).

The only realistic explanation for Gog's attack against "unwalled villages" in Ezekiel 38:11 is when God's enemies have been destroyed and Satan is incarcerated in the abyss during the millennium when true peace will be established by Jesus Christ. At the end of the millennium, when Satan is released, he will deceive the nations for the final battle. (Revelation 20:7-10).

There are similarities between the Gog/Magog event in Ezekiel 38 and 39 and Armageddon, but the differences are too significant to gloss over. Similarities between events do not indicate an identical situation.

The danger of this teaching is that the Antichrist, in his initial role as "protector of the Jews", will be misidentified either as a powerful friend and ally of Jews and Christians, or perhaps even the Messiah himself. His wars with Islamic nations in the Middle East during the first half of the 70th week will no doubt strengthen those beliefs. We should be prepared for a powerful delusion. (2 Thessalonians 2:11). I am very surprised and alarmed that Joe Schimmel has jumped onto this particular bandwagon.

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOEL RICHARDSON ENDORSES PAUL CAIN # CHARISMANIA! (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. The Palestinian 'terrorist' turned Zionist - The Jerusalem Post (jpost.com)
3. The Islamic Antichrist Debunked | A Comprehensive Critique by Chris White (bibleprophecytext.com)
4. muslim antichrist | Daily Prophecy Digest (wordpress.com)
5. Ezekiel 38:6 Commentaries: Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops-- many peoples with you. (biblehub.com)
6. Josephus: Antiquities of the Jews, Book I (uchicago.edu)
7. Cornelius Tacitus, The Annals, BOOK XIII, chapter 37 (tufts.edu)
8. Herodotus, The Histories, Book 4, chapter 11, section 1 (tufts.edu)
9. Microsoft Word - Ancient Book of Jasher.1st_ed.1840.v14.docx (archive.org)

Further Links

Christian Right's Favorite Ex-Terrorist Walid Shoebat Caught In Plagiarism Dispute - YouTube(6)
Will The Antichrist Be A Muslim by Keith Malcomson - YouTube
'Ex-terrorist' rakes in homeland security bucks - CNN.com

Microsoft Word - ISJ 2014-15 Fall Issue - Leung Edits.docx (squarespace.com)

39-1-pp029-046_JETS.pdf (etsjets.org)