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Showing posts with label Bill Salus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bill Salus. Show all posts

Thursday, 17 November 2022

BILL SALUS # JOEL ROSENBERG # ANDY WOODS: PROPHETIC EISEGESIS

Two major players within the pre-trib camp are Mark Hitchcock and Andy Woods. Woods recently debunked various speculations regarding alleged unfulfilled "Now/Next" Old Testament prophecies in his series The Middle East Meltdown. Woods' main source is Mark Hitchcock's book Showdown with Iran Appendix 1 and 2, in which he explains why certain Old Testament prophecies, specifically: Elam (Jeremiah 49:34-39; Ezekiel 32:24-25); Damascus (Isaiah 17:1-2; Jeremiah 49:23-27) and Psalm 83 are not futuristic prophecies. Woods took a deep dive into this subject and he delivered a stinging rebuttal against various "prophecy experts" including Bill Salus and Joel Rosenberg, who for the most part have been left unchecked in their bid to sell their wares to the Body of Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17).

Unfortunately, Hitchock and Woods have so far missed the elephant in the room, namely, the false hope of a pre-tribulation rapture. It is a constant source of amazement to me that intelligent bible scholars believe in and support the pre-trib rapture. Thankfully a number of believers are now ditching the pre-trib theory in favour of the prewrath position. {1} Additionally, their alleged timing of the Gog/Magog war in Ezekiel 38 and 39 has serious issues. The reference to "unwalled villages" in Ezekiel 38:10 is highly problematic when applied to our own time period. It makes much more sense to take these chapters literally together with Revelation 20:7-10 i.e. this prophecy will be fulfilled at the end of the millennium as the scriptures indicate. Woods' promotion of the obscure "two-phase theory" regarding Ezekiel 38 and 39, including a bizarre connection to Ronald Reagan, is not supported by any other bible scholar. {2}

Woods' critique of the "Now/Next prophecies" is summarized below.


Summary: 

Jeremiah 49:34-38 refers to Elam (Persia/Iran) and was fulfilled in the 6th century BC by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
Jeremiah 49:39 is eschatological.
Ezekiel 32:24-25 is a lament concerning Pharoah king of Egypt ~ Pharaoh will go down to the pit (the depths of the earth/Sheol) where he will see Assyria, Elam, Meshech and Tubal, Edom, and the Sidonians. The destruction of Egypt was fulfilled in 663 and 571 BC.


Summary: 

Isaiah 17:1-2 is the oracle concerning the destruction of Damascus in Syria. This prophecy was fulfilled in 732 BC by Tilgath-Pilneser, the king of the neo-Assyrian empire. The fulfillment of this prophecy is described in Isaiah 37:36 and 2 Kings 19:35.

Debunked: Rosenberg's claim that Isaiah's prophecy against Damascus was given to him in 715 BC. In the year that King Ahaz died came this oracle: ( Isaiah 14:28-32). The oracle that Rosenberg refers to is limited to Philistia; it does not refer to Damascus, or to any other of the nations listed in Isaiah's oracles against the nations. (Isaiah 13-23). 


Summary:

Jeremiah 49:23-27 was written about a hundred years after Isaiah and it should not be regarded as the same prophecy as Isaiah 17:1-2. The evidence: And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad. (Jeremiah 49:27). "The fortresses of Ben-Hadad ('Ben-Hadad' lit., 'son of [the god] Hadad') was the name of the dynasty that ruled Damascus in the ninth and eighth centuries. (cf. 1 Kings 15:18,20; 20:1-34; 2 Kings 6:24;8:7; 13:3,24..)"  It is likely that this prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon when he conquered Aram or Syria. The dominant aggressor in the passages surrounding Jeremiah 49:23-27 is King Nebuchadnezzar: Jeremiah 46:1,13,25-26 The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the nations. (plural) beginning with Egypt. The army of Pharaoh Neco was defeated by Nebuchadnezzar in the fourth year of Jehoiakim. Jeremiah 49:28-33: Nebuchadnezzar's defeat of Kedar and Hazor immediately follows the judgement on Damascus in Jeremiah 49:23-27. 


Summary:

Psalm 83 is Asaph's imprecatory prayer against Israel's enemies in 950 BC, it is not a prophecy. No war or battle is found in Psalm 83. Other imprecatory prayers are not prophetic. 

The Response from Bill Salus and Mondo Gonzales (Prophecy Watchers)

(3) The Isaiah 17 Misconception | Bill Salus - YouTube
(3) Prophecy Update | Why Jeremiah’s Iran Prophecy is Unfulfilled - YouTube
Are Jeremiah 49:34-39 and Ezekiel 38 the same event? What about Psalm 83? (prophecydepotministries.net)

In the above videos Salus advises his audience to be Bereans. In fact that is precisely what Hitchock and Woods have facilitated, and in my view, they have demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubt that these things are not so. (Acts 17:11 cf. 1 John 1:4). My own independent studies agree with the research done by Hitchock, and on this occasion Woods has done the Body of Christ a service in exposing these questionable speculations. (Ephesians 5:11). {3} Nevertheless his pre-trib eisegesis is a deplorable misapplication of God's word. There is no doubt in my mind that the "Now/Next prophecies" are contrived, and that Salus and others have taken advantage of the inherent complexities within certain Old Testament passages in order to manipulate them to their own advantage. (2 Corinthians 4:2). 

Mondo Gonzalez misapplies the meaning of "adding or taking away from the word of God" (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). Gonzales: "Having a different interpretation of these prophecies is not adding to the word of God.. That's a pretty serious slanderous label simply to put on somebody, and to say that because they disagree, all of a sudden they are adding to the word."  Salus and Gonzalez claim that the discussion centers around "differences of opinion" and they object that the accusations of "adding to the word of God" does not have a place within "brotherly dialogue". There is a vast difference between friendly disagreements/discussions about minor details and serious objections about teachers who distort or falsify the word of God. Such distortions do add to the word of God. A further warning in the New Testament is not to go beyond what is written. (1 Corinthians 4:6). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary puts it very well: "Revere the silence of Holy Writ, as much as its declarations: so you will less dogmatize on what is not expressly revealed (De 29:29)." {4} 

Problematically, and despite their denials, Salus' and Rosenberg's so-called "opinions" are reckless speculations based on newspaper exegesis. These men sell a lot of materials, they attract many viewers, and they fill conference seats. Ironically they themselves fulfill bible prophecy: For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.. (2 Timothy 4:3).

Gonzalez referred to Dwight Pentecost as a credible example of a scholar who believed that Jeremiah 49:23-27, 34-39 and Isaiah 17 were future prophecies that would happen during "the tribulation". Pre-trib teachers constantly make the error of referring to the first half of the 70th week of Daniel as "the tribulation". {5} Dwight Pentecost was a pre-trib scholar whose contradictory understanding of eschatology has been exposed in a PDF by Doug Eigsti. {6} 

I know that Arnold Fruchtenbaum is a very well-respected scholar within the pre-trib camp. It is worth noting however that he attends and supports the ecumenical Lausanne Movement. I did publish a link in a previous post verifying this, but I have noticed that it has been removed. {7} *I have added a link at the end of this post regarding Fruchtenbaum's blatant inaccuracies. 

As far as I can ascertain, John Walvoord did not support a future fulfillment concerning Elam in Jeremiah 49:34-38. He simply mentioned this passage in connection with other miscellaneous Old Testament prophecies. Walvoord: "The more extended prophecies as found in Isaiah 17:1-14 and Jeremiah 49:23-27 have all been fulfilled as well as the occasional references found in Isaiah 7:8; 8:4; Amos 1:3-5; 3:12; 5:27..  A brief prophecy concerning Kedar and Hazor is contained in Jeremiah 49:28-33. It is a prediction of judgment upon them at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. A similar judgment is pronounced upon Elam in Jeremiah 49:34-38." {8}  

Arno Gaebelein: "The final prediction is as to Elam. Elam was east of South Babylonia and the lower Tigris, later known as Susians. This prophecy was given at the beginning of Zedekiah’s reign. Elam became an ally of the Persian kingdom. Here her overthrow is foretold as well as her restoration 'in the latter days.'" {9} It appears to me that this quote from Gaebelein is ambiguous i.e. it is not clear to me that Gaebelein's intention was to include the overthrow and the restoration of Elam in "the latter days". Interestingly, Gaebelein viewed the Gog/Magog war as a millennial event: "The invasion will happen some time after the beastly empire with its beast head, the revived Roman empire, in its final ten kingdom form and the clay, with the little horn as leader Daniel 7:1-28; Revelation 13:1-18 and the false prophet, the personal Antichrist Revelation 13:11, etc. have been dealt with in judgment Revelation 19:19-21."  {10} 

Both Salus and Gonzales claim that the "Now/Next prophecies" are not dogmatic. Really!  Woods gave some clear examples of Rosenberg's dogmatic position in his series The Middle East Meltdown and I will not repeat them here. Below are two examples of Salus' dogmatism: 

The back cover of Salus' book The Next Prophecies: "The NEXT PROPHECIES will happen soon after The NOW PROPHECIES and the stage is presently being set for their fulfillment!" {11}

The back cover of Salus' book The Now Prophecies: The NOW Prophecies book identifies the biblical prophecies that were written centuries ago for THIS GENERATION! {12} 

In my view, the Now/Next prophecy teachers are not so very far removed from the false prophets of the NAR Movement and we should mark and avoid them. (Romans 16:17-18 cf. 1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:23; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 3:16). Salus promotes his speculations through apostate channels like TBN, God TV and Daystar. Tragically, Prophecy Watchers is not much better; their shameless merchandising does not provide a credible witness for Jesus Christ and their promotion of false teachers like Jonathan Cahn etc is highly questionable. In light of this, it is not unreasonable to ask the question: Who are these men really serving? (Matthew 6:24).

Hitchcock's research is compelling and it leaves Salus, Rosenberg et al in a very difficult position. (2 Peter 2:1). The "Now/Next prophecies" are based either on very poor exegesis or they are deliberate misapplications of the scriptures. (1 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:23). In either case, these individuals have no business teaching the word of God. (James 3:1). The fact that there is a serious disagreement within the pre-trib camp concerning these passages is a significant development, and hopefully these problems will encourage more believers to test the spirits. (1 John 4:1).

1. Pastor: From Pre-Trib to Pre-Wrath | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: ANDY WOODS: GOG MAGOG TWO-PHASE VIEW (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: ANDY WOODS: RONALD REAGAN'S GOG MAGOG VIEW (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
3. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: BILL SALUS: GOG MAGOG DANGEROUS SPECULATIONS (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
4. 1 Corinthians 4 Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary (biblehub.com)
5. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
6. Microsoft Word - Imminency versus Prophecy 3.7.doc (alankurschner.com)
7. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: BILL SALUS: IS PSALM 83 PROPHETIC? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
7. Lausanne Occasional Paper: Jewish Evangelism: A Call to the Church - Lausanne Movement
7. Evangelism / Apologetics where has it gone - UK Aplogetics Library (ukapologeticslibrary.net)
8. Chapter XV The Nations In The Millennium And The Eternal State | Walvoord.com
9. Jeremiah 49 Gaebelein's Annotated Bible (biblehub.com)
10. Ezekiel 38 Gaebelein's Annotated Bible (biblehub.com)
11. The Next Prophecies: Amazon.co.uk: Salus, Bill: 9780692176177: Books
12. The Now Prophecies: Amazon.co.uk: Salus, Bill: 9780988726079: Books

* Arnold Fruchtenbaum Archives | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
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Tuesday, 31 May 2022

BILL SALUS: GOG MAGOG DANGEROUS SPECULATIONS

Bill Salus: The NOW Prophecies, Part 2
(4) Bill Salus: The NOW Prophecies, Part 2 - YouTube

Prophecy Watchers: "Do you believe the Lord still works through dreams and visions? Bill Salus does. A few months ago Bill awoke in the middle of the night after hearing these words in a dream—The Now Prophecies. Bill was convinced it was a message straight from God. As the thought of going back to sleep crossed his mind, his cell phone rang. It was a call from somewhere in Africa and they didn’t speak a word of English! Wide awake now, Bill took it as a sign and he began writing like he never had before—in complete seclusion for 4 straight months! As things come to a head in the Middle East, the nations of the world seem poised once again for battle. Israel, Russia, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the USA . . . are we about to see World War 3? Is this the season? Are Psalm 83, Ezekiel 38, Isaiah 17 and Jeremiah 49 about to be fulfilled in rapid fire succession? These are most certainly the NOW Prophecies." 

Bill Salus is a well known pre-tribulation rapture "prophecy expert" who has been on the circuit peddling his wares for a number of years. (Titus 1:11). He continues to promote his ideas through various "prophecy conferences" and also through channels like TBN and Prophecy Watchers. As the above narrative indicates, Salus' speculations are based on personal revelation and conjecture rather than on the scriptures. Recent events in Russia and Ukraine have sent various "experts" into a tailspin, increasing speculation that the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog/Magog attack against Israel could happen "very soon". According to Salus, the Gog/Magog battle is dependent upon certain preconditions, and he links these preconditions to what he describes as "Now Prophecies". In effect, Salus puts himself on the same level as Old Testament prophets with claims of epoch-making personal revelations from God. He connects these "revelations" to obscure Old Testament biblical prophecies which he alleges are applicable to "this generation".

Salus: "God's word to Noah was to prepare NOW for a worldwide flood. God's word to Joseph was to prepare Pharaoh and Egypt NOW for seven years of famine. God's word to Jeremiah was to prepare the Jews NOW for seventy years of exile into Babylon. The key word in these historical examples was NOW! What does God's Word say for us to prepare for NOW? What are the tough decisions we need to make? The NOW Prophecies book identifies the biblical prophecies that were written centuries ago for THIS GENERATION! These ancient inscriptions predict powerful events that will profoundly affect everyone. This book makes it easy to understand how to get ready NOW for what to expect in the near future!" {1}

Bill Salus' eisegesis

According to Salus, the Gog/Magog attack against Israel in Ezekiel 38-39 will precede the 70th week of Daniel. In his book The Now Prophecies, Salus makes the case that certain other imminent prophetic events will set the scene for the Gog/Magog attack. The nations in Bill Salus' speculative scenario are Israel, Russia, Syria, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the USA. Salus theorizes that a "gap period" exists between the alleged pre-tribulation rapture and what he refers to incorrectly as "the seven-year tribulational period" (biblically the 70th week of Daniel). According to Salus, the seven year covenant between the Antichrist and Israel referred to in Daniel 9:27 does not indicate the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel, and he proposes that a "gap period" (an unspecified period of time) will precede the 70th week. {2} Salus' proposed "gap period" is problematic and is not indicated in the scriptures. The consensus among most bible scholars is that the 70th week of Daniel will begin when the seven year covenant is made. This view accommodates the timeline of the "abomination of desolation" event at the halfway point of the 70th week, when the Antichrist will put an end to sacrifice and offering and proclaim himself to be God: 

And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” (Daniel 9:27).

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Salus' complex eisegetical "revelations" indulge his imminent pre-trib rapture view and his so called "Now Prophecies". 

Iran (Persia/Elam)

The first event Salus proposes is a "potential nuclear disaster in Iran"  based on Jeremiah 49:34-39. Salus surmises that its most likely fulfillment will occur when the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant is destroyed, either by the Israelis or by an earthquake, releasing radiation that will force the evacuation of the whole area.

This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Elam at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah. This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold, I will shatter Elam’s bow, the mainstay of their might. I will bring the four winds against Elam from the four corners of the heavens, and I will scatter them to all these winds. There will not be a nation to which Elam’s exiles will not go. So I will shatter Elam before their foes, before those who seek their lives. I will bring disaster upon them, even My fierce anger,” declares the LORD. “I will send out the sword after them until I finish them off. I will set My throne in Elam, and destroy its king and officials,” declares the LORD. “Yet in the last days, I will restore Elam from captivity..” (Jeremiah 49:34–39).

The Elamite Empire covered a large swath of modern day Iran along the Persian Gulf. Although little is known about the history of the Elamites, they are nevertheless included in the various judgements against Israel's hostile neighbours in Jeremiah 49. The above prophecy is believed to have been issued by Jeremiah in 597 BC, one year prior to Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Elam in 596/5 BC. The Elamites and Medes subsequently became part of the Persian Empire when Cyrus the Great took control of the area in 539 BC. Salus has capitalized on the fact that details are sketchy regarding the fulfillment of this prophecy, and his wild speculations concerning a nuclear disaster cannot be corroborated by the scriptures. A significant problem with Salus proposed nuclear disaster is that this prophecy declares that Iran will be utterly "scattered, shattered and finished off". If Iran is "finished off" in the near future, how will they play a role in the alleged Gog/Magog coalition against Israel before the 70th week of Daniel? Persia, Cush, and Put will accompany them, (Ezekiel 38:5). 

 The destruction of Damascus

An oracle concerning Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins. (Isaiah 17:10 cf. Jeremiah 49:23-27). 

There is a lot of hype in various quarters concerning the complete destruction of Damascus. Salus prophecies a nuclear attack upon Damascus by Israel. The claim that Damascus has "never been destroyed" is a fallacy. According to Vitringa, Damascus has been destroyed more often than any other city. Isaiah 17:10 probably refers to the destruction of Damascus by Sargon (possibly the son of Tilgath-Pilneser). "Sargon besieged the city, took it, and reduced it to ashes ('Records of the Past,' l. s.c.)." {3}

Gill: "Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city; a kingdom, as the Targum; it was the head of one, but now its walls were demolished, its houses pulled down, and its inhabitants carried captive; this was done by Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, 2 Kings 16:9 it had been a very ancient city, see Genesis 15:2 and the head of the kingdom of Syria, Isaiah 7:8, and though it underwent this calamity, it was rebuilt again, and was a city of great fame, when destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah 49:24 after which it was raised up again, and was in being in the apostle's time, and still is, Acts 9:22, 2 Corinthians 11:32." {4} 

The toppling of Jordan

Behold, I will bring terror upon you, declares the Lord GOD of hosts, from all who are around you, and you shall be driven out, every man straight before him, with none to gather the fugitives. (Jeremiah 49:5 cf. Obadiah 1:1-14; Numbers 24:18).

According to Josephus, in 581 BC, Nebuchadnezzar made war against the Ammonites and the Moabites and brought them under subjection. {5} By the middle of the sixth century BC Ammon had ceased to exist as an independent nation. (Jeremiah 49:20-21). It is important to note that Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites (Jordan) are very much in existence during the times of the Antichrist.  ..but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites. (Daniel 11:41). Daniel's prophecy hardly facilitates Salus' claim that Jordan will be toppled prior to the 70th week of Daniel. 

The collapse of Egypt 

Isaiah 19:1-18 and  Ezekiel 29:1-21) 

I will deliver the Egyptians into the hands of harsh masters, and a fierce king will rule over them,” (Isaiah 19:4).

Isaiah 19:1-18 was subsequently fulfilled by various "harsh masters". It is not possible to identify precisely which "fierce king" Isaiah was referring to in the above verse. There are three possibilities:

Esarhaddon and Ashurbanipal (Assyrians) 
Nebuchadnezzar (Babylonians)
Cambyses and Alexander the Great (Greeks)

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and he shall carry off its wealth and despoil it and plunder it; and it shall be the wages for his army. I have given him the land of Egypt as his payment for which he labored, because they worked for me, declares the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 29:19-20). 

A clay cuneiform tablet in the British Museum gives a historical report of Nebuchadnezzar II's campaign against Egypt in his 37th year. {6} This campaign would have occurred two years after Ezekiel's prophesy.

At the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel the Antichrist comes out "conquering and to conquer". (Revelation 6:1). The opening of the first seal initiates the Antichrist's campaign against various near eastern nations. In Daniel 11:40 we read about the king of the south i.e. Egypt. Egypt will play a significant role during first half of the 70th week of Daniel. At the time of the end, Egypt will clash with the unnamed the king of the north who is widely believed to be the Antichrist. 

Daniel 11:40-45 specifically mentions the king of the south i.e. Egypt. The ruler of Egypt will attack the Antichrist and will be soundly defeated by him. These events happen during the first half of the 70th week of Daniel. The Antichrist's agenda during the first half of the 70th week is to gain ascendency in the Middle East, specifically the nations surrounding Israel. These conflicts follow the pseudo peace treaty the Antichrist makes with Israel. (Daniel 9:27). As such Egypt appears to be an independent nation prior to the 70th week of Daniel, until it comes under the subjection of the Antichrist. 
 
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). 

Psalm 83 

According to Salus, the Gog/Magog battle will follow the alleged Psalm 83 invasion of Israel when they are supposedly at peace and secure. (Ezekiel 38:11). {7} Psalm 83 is not presented within a prophetic framework and there is no evidence to suggest that it is a future event. In common with Psalms 79, 80, 82, and 85, Psalm 83 is a "lament” written by the psalmist in the present tense.

Before Bill Salus came up with his theory and published his book Isralestine in 2008, the consensus among bible scholars was that the ten nation confederacy poised to attack Judah in Psalm 83 was the 2 Chronicles 20 incident during the reign of Jehoshaphat (note the reference to Asaph in 2 Chronicles 20:14). The apparent mismatch between the three nation tribes in 2 Chronicles 20 and the ten nation confederacy in Psalm 83 is not strictly accurate due to overlaps. {8}

Gog/Magog - Russia?

Today we have a profusion of false "teachers/prophets" swamping the internet, making various claims about Russia and the end times. (Psalm 119:36). The Gog/Russia speculation rests on whether Hebrew נְשִׂ֕יא (rosh) refers to the leader/prince of Meshech and Tubal, or whether rosh is a proper noun and refers to modern Russia. CS Scofield introduced the Rosh/Russia notion in 1917, having taken the idea from 19th century Hebrew scholars, Heinrich Friedrich Wilhelm Gesenius and Carl Fiedrich Keil. This interpretation has led to widespread speculation that Putin (or a successor of Putin) is Gog, that Rosh refers to Russia, and that Russia will come against Israel in the end times. The dispute regarding the interpretation of rosh painfully demonstrates the far reaching implications and confusion that arises from making "adjustments" to supposedly small details of the scriptures. (Proverbs 30:6). In my view Russia will probably not play a major part in the future Gog/Magog battle. I have written about this subject in more detail in a previous post and I have included the original sources where possible: WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: DOES GOG MAGOG REFER TO RUSSIA? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)  

Saudi Arabia and the USA?  

Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?’ (Ezekiel 38:13).

Salus speculates that "Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof" (Ezekiel 38:13, KJV) is a reference to Great Britain and its colonies, including the USA  (all the young lions thereof). This interpretation finds no confirmation in the scriptures and is another one of Salus' speculations. 

Sheba and Dedan are ancient names for the Arabian Peninsula, especially Saudi Arabia, and Tarshish was probably a city near Gibraltar in Spain. (Jeremiah 10:9; Ezekile 27:12). 

Encyclopedia of The Bible: "It has been considered the same as Tartessus (Herodotus 4:152), the city to which Jonah fled (Jonah 1:3; 4:2). A Phoen. inscr. of the 9th cent. b.c., found in 1773 in Sardinia, notes a Tarshish in the island. Tarshish ships traded there, as also in Eziongeber." {9} 

The interpretation of "young lions" as Great Britain and the USA, is, in my view, a gross misrepresentation of the text. The Hebrew word kə·p̄i·re·hā (villages) has been interpreted "young lions" in some translations. The ESV has "and all its leaders". {10} Logically, these "villages" consist of various neighbouring allies of Sheba and Dedan and Tarshish. As such "with all the young lions thereof" refers either to allies of Spain in southern Europe/Africa and/or to allies of Saudi Arabia. Geographically, the Arabian Peninsula includes Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen, as well as the southern portions of Iraq and Jordan. It is unlikely that Ezekiel 38:13 includes "neutral countries" on an entirely different continent such the USA.

Gill: ..with all the young lions thereof; which some interpret of sea pirates, for their cruelty and voraciousness. The Targum paraphrases it, all the kings thereof; and so Kimchi thinks kings and princes are meant; but the Septuagint version renders it, all their villages; and so the Syriac version, all the cities.. {11} 

The question: "Have you come to seize spoil?" may be a protest against Gog's proposed invasion of Israel. However, a number of commentators have noted, the interpretation of the question is ambiguous i.e. it does not necessarily denote their disapproval or censure of Gog's intentions.  

The Gog/Magog battle cannot happen either before or during the 70th week of Daniel 

So I will make My holy name known among My people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. (Ezekiel 39:7).

The most obvious rebuttal to Salus and others who make the claim that the Gog/Magog event will happen "soon" is that God's name will be profaned by national Israel right up until their repentance following the abomination of desolation event at the mid point of the 70th week of Daniel. (Matthew 24:15 cf. Jeremiah 30:7). The covenant that Israel makes with the Antichrist is in itself a profanity. (Daniel 9:27). The Jews will therefore continue in their rebellion against God right up until they are converted soon after the mid point of the 70th week of Daniel. This definitive information makes it impossible for the Gog/Magog battle to happen "soon". 

Unwalled Villages

This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’ (Ezekiel 38:10-12).

There is no time in history when national Israel have dwelt securely. Israel has been threatened by its near neighbors from the time of the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. This continues to be the case to this day, and it is unlikely to change until the period of pseudo peace initiated by the Antichrist ensues at the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel.  

The Hebrew verb gābar suggests that the Antichrist imposes a strong covenant with many for seven years, which he will break at the mid point of the "week". The covenant appears to relate primarily to the protection of Israel and the reinstitution of the sacrificial system. It may be that an uneasy peace is imposed upon Israel by the Antichrist, and that Israel agrees to it, perhaps under coercion. In any event, the "security" claimed does not appear to be the unsurpassed security spoken of in Ezekiel 38:11.

I therefore submit that the only time the elusive Gog/Magog battle can happen is when the bible says it does i.e. at the end of the millennium. (Revelation 20:7-9).

Why are Salus' speculations so dangerous?

Rather than following the complex "revelations" of Salus and others, it would be wise to heed Jesus warnings in the Olivet Discourse. (I Corinthians 4:6). Jesus referred to various unspecified wars, rumours of wars, famines and earthquakes during the first half of the 70th week of Daniel. The information concerning these wars in Daniel 11:40-45 conflicts with Salus' "revelations". The "birth pains" referred to by Jesus will be followed by the great tribulation which occurs during the second half of the 70th week of Daniel. There is nothing in the New Testament that specifies particular preceding conflicts and disasters leading up to the 70th week. Salus' speculations are a dangerous diversion from authentic biblical prophecy and keep people very busy with newspaper eisegesis.

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:4-14 cf. Romans 8:22).

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1).

1. The Now Prophecies : Bill Salus : 9780988726079 (bookdepository.com)
2. (14) Bill Salus: The Rapture Gap - YouTube
3. Isaiah 17 - The Pulpit Commentaries - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org

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Monday, 19 July 2021

BILL SALUS: IS PSALM 83 PROPHETIC?

Bill Salus is a well known an author and speaker on the subject of end time bible prophecy. In particular he is the originator of the proposed eschatological fulfilment of Psalm 83.

Psalm 83 is the last of twelve psalms attributed to Asaph the son of Berachiah. (Psalms 50, 73–83). Asaph was a seer and a significant figure in the Old Testament. He was one of three Levites King David chose to minister before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing and public worship. (1 Chronicles 6:31-32). This took place at the tent that David had erected on Mount Zion to house the ark of the covenant where it rested until Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem. Asaph's all important pedigree is recorded in 1 Chronicles 6:39-48.

Based on Psalm 83, Salus forecasts an imminent Arab-Israeli conflict involving the modern day equivalent of the ten nations in verses 6-8. Salus argues that since none of Israel's immediate neighbours are mentioned in Ezekiel 38:1-6, a prior conflict must occur which will eliminate their near neighbours as a precursor to the Ezekiel 38-39 events. He speculates that the so called "prophesied war" of the Arab nations against Israel will occur prior to the 70th week of Daniel. According to Salus, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will completely annihilate their ancient enemies and will annex their lands. Salus continues to speculate that following the annihilation of their enemies, Israel's mindset will be one of ease and confidence, leaving them ripe for the Ezekiel 38 Gog/Magog attack:

I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates.. (Ezekiel 38:11 cf. Zechariah 2:4-5).* 

* I am not dogmatic, but I tend to think that the Gog/Magog war will occur at the end of the millennium. The description of the attack by Gog and Magog in Revelation 20:9 corresponds to Ezekiel 38:11.

The ten nation confederacy of Psalm 83 comprised:   ..the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab the Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, Amalek, Philistia, Tyre and Assyria. (Psalm 83:6-8)

According to Salus: “The modern equivalents of the Psalm 83 confederates are: tents of Edom (Palestinian Refugees and Southern Jordanians), Ishmaelites (Saudi Arabians), Moab (Palestinian Refugees and Central Jordanians), Hagrite^ (Egyptians), Gebal (Northern Lebanese), Ammon (Palestinian Refugees and Northern Jordanians), Amalek (Arabs South of Israel), Philistia (Palestinian Refugees and Hamas of the Gaza Strip), inhabitants of Tyre (Hezbollah and Southern Lebanese), Assyria (Syrians and perhaps Northern Iraqi’s), and the children of Lot (Moab and Ammon above). {1} 

Salus erroneously identifies the Hagrites as Egypt due to their progenitor, Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah. (Genesis 16:1; 21:9-10). In fact, the Hagrite clans were associated with the Ishmaelites and they inhabited the regions of Jetur, Naphish and Nodab, east of Gilead. (1 Chronicles 5:10). {2} 

Salus identification of the the tents of Edom as Palestinian refugees and Central Jordanians is unconvincing. According to various commentaries, some of these people, particularly the Ishmaelites, were nomadic and dwelt in tents. Albert Barnes: "..the Edomites were a people of fixed boundaries, who in early periods, like most ancient people, doubtless dwelt in tents." {3} 

Further considerations 

The king of the north (the Antichrist) versus the king of the south (Egypt) 

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. (Daniel 11:40-43).

Benson: "And shall overflow and pass over — Shall over- spread the land, breaking in and opening himself a passage everywhere by the vast power of his forces." {4} 

Keil and Delitzsch: "The stretching forth of his hand upon the countries is a sign expressive of his seizing them, taking possession of them, for which he falls upon them." {5} 

..but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites.
Note:  According to Daniel 11:41, Edom, Moab and the Ammonites are not eliminated by the IDF before the 70th week of Daniel as Salus speculates! 

A few thoughts: At the beginning of the 70th week, the Antichrist will make a seven year "firm covenant with many" involving Israel and her near neighbours. This will allow the Jews to build the third temple and to commence animal sacrifices. (Daniel 9:27, 11:31 cf. Matthew 24:15-16). This long awaited breakthrough suggests that the covenant brokered by the Antichrist will be compelling and will necessitate a cessation of the historic hostility between Israel and her ancient enemies. Daniel 11:40-43 concerns "the time of the end" and does not apply to Antiochus Epiphanes. It appears that the Antichrist will defeat Egypt (the king of the south), and will seize and subjugate various middle eastern countries. (Revelation 6:1). Will it be that Israel will temporarily be in the eye of a satanic storm raging all around them, and that the Antichrist will shield them from the wars and famines inflicted on the world via the four horsemen? If this is correct, then Israel will have good cause to feel confident that the Antichrist is their true friend and ally. The Antichrist will be devious and persuasive beyond that of any human agency. (Daniel 11:40-42, 8:23). The guile of Antiochus Epiphanes foreshadows what will happen with the Antichrist: He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21). Taking the above factors into consideration, I think it is reasonable to conclude that the Jews will be persuaded to think themselves secure during the first half of the 70th week. (Ezekiel 38:11). 
*Salus places the seals and other prophecies in a “gap” period prior to the 70th week. However, this view is not consistent with the scriptures:

THE FIRST SEAL - THE WHITE HORSE (THE ANTICHRIST): And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. (Revelation 6:2).
THE SECOND SEAL - THE RED HORSE (WAR): Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword. (Revelation 6:4).
THE THIRD SEAL- THE BLACK HORSE (FAMINE): And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”  (Revelation 6:5-6).
THE FOURTH SEAL - THE PALE HORSE: And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:7-8).

At the mid point of the 70th week, the Antichrist will break his covenant, he will desecrate the temple, and his armies will surround Jerusalem. This will signal the time of Jacob's trouble when the Antichrist's unprecedented persecution against the Jews will begin. These events will be overseen by Satan himself and implemented by the Antichrist. (Revelation 12:13).

Before Bill Salus came up with his theory and published his book Isralestine in 2008, the consensus among bible scholars was that the ten nation confederacy poised to attack Judah in Psalm 83 was the 2 Chronicles 20 incident during the reign of Jehoshaphat (note the reference to Asaph in 2 Chronicles 20:14). The supposed mismatch between the three nation tribes in 2 Chronicles 20 and the ten nation confederacy in Psalm 83 is not strictly accurate since there are overlaps. For instance the Ammonites had close links with Syria and both passages include elements from Turkey and Syria. We should also bear in mind that scriptural accounts of specific events are not necessarily identical. The gospels are a clear example of this. The Moabites and the Ammonites were amongst the bitterest of all the adversaries of the Jews and it is only natural that Asaph would name them as the primary movers. (Kings 24:2; Ezekiel 25:8-11). As such, it would not be surprising if various other tribes not mentioned in 2 Chronicles 20 formed part of their alliance against Judah. 

Lange: " {Psalm 83} agrees best with the alliance formed against Jehoshaphat, at the head of which were the Moabites, Ammonites and Edomites (since Kimchi, especially Venema and most of the recent commentators). Yet it must be confessed that even under this assumption there is much to be supplied and left to pure conjecture. For Josephus (Ant. 10:1, 2), gives a multitude of Arabs instead of the Meunim mentioned by the Chronicler. These may possibly be identical with the Ishmaelites and the Hagarenes here mentioned. The latter pitched their tents from the Persian Gulf as far as the country east of Gilead towards the Euphrates (1 Chronicles 10:10), while the former spread themselves (Genesis 25:18), through the Sinaitic peninsula over the Arabian Desert as far as the countries under the sway of the Assyrians in the remote north-east. Now, since in 2 Chronicles 20:2, we must read מֵאֶדְֹם instead of מֵאֲרָם, as indicating the place of departure of these hordes, Edom appears to have been their place of rendezvous, and is given the first place by the Psalmist for this reason, unless we prefer to assume that the hostile nations were enumerated according to their relative geographical positions (Delitzsch). Further we can find a place for Gebal, which is not to be sought to the east of Jordan (Rosenm., De Wette), but south of the Dead Sea, (Gesenius) among the inhabitants of Mt. Seir mentioned by the Chronicler. We can certainly assume also, that Amalek, which was still existing in his time was included by him among the Edomites in the same way as Josephus (Ant. 2:1, 2), reckons ᾼμαληκῖτις as part of Idumæa. In Amos 1:6, too (comp. Joel 4:4,) the tribes along the Mediterranean coast, the Philistines and Phœnicians, appear as combined against Israel. Nor, if the same event is referred to as the one dwelt upon in the Psalm, does it appear in this instance also why the Chronicler omitted them as well as Assyria in his enumeration of the allies. If we assume, then, the identity of the events, the conjecture is at least worth mentioning, that the Levite and Asaphite Jahaziel named in 2 Chronicles 20:14, was the author of this Psalm. (Dathe, Hengst., Delitzsch)." {6}
According to Jamieson-Fausset-Brown and other commentaries on the eschatological context of Isaiah 25:10, Moab is the representative of all the foes of God's people. 

Pulpit Commentary: "Perhaps, as the Moabites were, on the whole, the bitterest of all the adversaries of the Jews (see 2 Kings 24:2; Ezekiel 25:8-11), they are regarded as the fittest representatives of the human adversaries of God." {7} 

Taking the above into consideration, there is not such a mismatch between Psalm 83 and 2 Chronicles 20 after all.
  
Balaam's Fourth Oracle

A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab
and strike down all the sons of Sheth. Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor. A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city. (Numbers 24:17-19).

The above prophecy received its primary fulfilment during King David's reign. (2 Samuel 8:14). However its ultimate fulfilment is clearly linked with the return of Jesus Christ. 

Who is this who comes from Edom, With garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, This One who is majestic in His apparel, Marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” (Isaiah 63:1-4).

Since Moab and Edom will be destroyed by Jesus Christ at his second coming, then their prior annihilation in a supposed Psalm 83 war is implausible. 
 
The 2 Chronicles 20 incident records that the planned attack against Judah did not materialize due to God's direct intervention, causing Judah's enemies to destroy one another. (2 Chronicles 20:22-23). This explains the objection by Salus and others that there is no Old Testament fulfilment of this war. Psalm 83 does not actually describes a "war", but only schemes, conspiracies and plots. Psalm 83 is therefore not a "missing eschatalogical prophecy", but rather a past threat against Judah that came to nothing.

Psalm 83 is not presented within a prophetic framework; rather in common with Psalms 79, 80, 82, and 85, Psalm 83 is a "lament” written in the present tense. Asaph is described as a seer in the OT. A seer is the equivalent of a prophet i.e. someone who "sees". We should bear in mind that the OT prophets were spokespersons for God. Their frame of reference was not necessarily eschatological. Asaph's writings do not contain specific eschatological elements as in the case in the books of Daniel, Joel, Habakkuk, Zephaniah etc. There are no specific phrases that identify Psalm 83 as a future event and there is no other verse in the bible that confirms Salus' interpretation. (Matthew 18:16). Prophetic material typically has phrases like "in that day", “in the latter days”, “in those days", "at that time" etc. This lack of clarity necessitates that a prophetic interpretation of Psalm 83 relies on conjecture rather than clear exegesis. 

It is important to recognize that OT prophets often referred to current situations and circumstances. This is precisely the case in 2 Chronicles 20:

Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants, as he stood in the midst of the assembly. And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’ ” (2 Chronicles 20:14-17).

Another reason Salus gives for the Psalm 83 war: The intention of Israel's enemies is utter annihilation: “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!” (Psalm 83:4). This intention cannot be isolated to a specific eschatological event since Israel's annihilation has been the general objective of her enemies throughout history. (2 Kings 24:2; 2 Chronicles 20:11; Psalms 138:7; Psalm1; Maccabees 3:35; 5:2).

Who are the people propagating Salus' Psalm 83 theory?

I have observed that those who give Salus house room have accepted his theory on a superficial level and have not been diligent in testing his claims. (1 John 4:1). They are generally those who have no qualms about unleashing various dubious theories onto the Body of Christ ~the pre-trib rapture is a prime example of this! Salus is a regular guest on TBN and Daystar. He has also been associated with Jack Hibbs, Tom Hughes, Jonathan Cahn, Billy Crone, Gary Stearman, Sid Roth etc. These teachers are all in the pre-trib rapture loop and their eschatology is twisted in order to accommodate this grave error. 

Salus informs us that he sought the expertise of Arnold Fruchtenbaum regarding his theory. This should not impress us. Not only is Fruchtenbaum heavily involved with Lausanne which is ecumenical, his theology is flawed on many levels. {8}

Salus' mentor was Chuck Missler. Again we should not be impressed. Missler (also pre-trib) was a plagiarist and a supporter of Sun Myung Moon (Moonies). {9} Missler produced a two part video series on YouTube presenting the Psalm 86 "alternative view" of the Magog Invasion. Undoubtedly Missler was influential in persuading believers to accept Salus' aberrant teaching. {10} 

Salus' Newspaper Exegesis

Salus' teaching regarding the timing of the so called "war" of Psalm 83 is highly speculative and irresponsible. He makes the common error of applying current events and trends from the media to the scriptures. Unfortunately Salus is fond of quoting eschatological verses out of context in order to further his cause. In doing so he misleads believers into misinterpreting the events of the 70th week and preceding. As others have pointed out before me, Moab and Edom will be destroyed by Jesus Christ at his second coming, not by the IDF. This single fact alone demolishes Salus thesis. Salus' speculations produce a lot of hype, and no doubt they generate interest and a lucrative market for his products, but they lack solid exegesis. (1 John 4:1). 


Further Reading:

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