AMIR TSARFATI: RAPTURO ~ BLUNDER OR DELIBERATE MISINFORMATION?

Amir Tsarfati: How Close Are We to the Rapture? - YouTube

Where is "rapturo" in the Vulgate?

Pre trib rapture teacher Amir Tsarfati makes an obvious blunder (?) in the above video. (10:00 mark) His claim that "rapturo" is in the Latin Vulgate is completely spurious. I have difficulty believing that this is a genuine error, as was his previous error that the Archangel Michael in the Old Testament was a Christophany. On that occasion Tsarfati admitted his mistake and recanted.

Latin Vulgate: deinde nos qui vivimus qui relinquimur simul rapiemur cum illis in nubibus obviam Domino in aera et sic semper cum Domino erimus {1}

rapiemur = we will be caught up. Rapiemur is the first-person plural future passive indicative of rapiō which has the same meaning as the Greek harpazo.

The Greek word "harpazo" =  to seize, catch up, snatch away. {2}

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught (ἁρπαγησόμεθα) up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

1 Thessalonians 4:17 refers to the rapture in any translation no matter whether you are pre-trib, post trib or prewrath. I am not quite sure what point Tsarfati thinks he is making?  (1 John 4:1).

Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:16).

1. 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 - VUL Bible - deinde nos qui vivimus qui relinquimur simul rapie... (biblestudytools.com)
2. Strong's Greek: 726. ἁρπάζω (harpazó) -- to seize, catch up, snatch away (biblehub.com)

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)
The Unseen Realm, A Critique | Think on These Things (tottministries.org)
Is Dr. Michael Heiser’s view of the Divine Council biblical? - Calvary Christian Fellowship of Tucson
Michael Heiser Archives - Truth Watchers
The Unseen Assumptions | SESMichael Heiser: Warning Signals (narwatchisrael.info)
(13) Michael Heiser is Wrong About Deuteronomy 32 - YouTube
(13) Michael Heiser Doesn’t Have the 82nd Psalm Right - YouTube

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)

JOE SCHIMMEL GOG MAGOG ARMAGEDDON AND ISLAM

(13) Rev Series: The Gog and Magog War- When? - YouTube

I am very sorry to see Joe Schimmel join the bandwagon with other "prophecy experts" who feel that they just have to fit Gog and Magog in somewhere before the end of the present age. Schimmel is, in all probability, correct in his belief that this battle cannot occur prior to, or during, the 70th week of Daniel. However, to situate Ezekiel 38-39 at Armageddon is very problematic. I have recently written a few posts debunking the main proponent of this view, Joel Richardson, who has some very questionable teachings and associations. I am surprised that Schimmel gives this man any credibility. We should probably take into account that Gog/Magog is not mentioned at all in the epistles. The epistles warn of "many antichrists" and false teachers, but Gog is conspicuous by his absence. (1 John 2:18).

Schimmel claims to have some kind of insight that Islam will play a prevalent role in eschatological events. However, he needs to prove this assertion from the scriptures! Eisegetical comparisons with Revelation 16 are not sufficient evidence to convince anyone. 

The concern amongst many Christians over the growth of Islam is of course a major factor in the particular teaching that the Antichrist will be Islamic. However, the scriptures clearly state that the religion of the Antichrist will bear no resemblance to any previous religion or belief system. Irrespective of his background or nationality, the Antichrist will follow a different god entirely:

He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. (Daniel 11:38). 

I think it is a reasonable deduction that the Antichrist will suppress Islam during the first half of the 70th week of Daniel prior to the abomination of desolation event. He will humiliate the king of the south (Egypt) during that period and he will invade many countries. (Daniel 11:40 cf. Revelation 13:4; Daniel 11:22). Barnes: "Like a flood he shall spread his armies over these countries." {1} Perhaps we should consider whether the incessant fear mongering concerning Islam amongst some "prophecy experts" is a red herring after all?

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. (Daniel 11:40).

I have contacted Blessed Hope a few times over different issues in the past, and every time I have done so I have been disappointed. Various people, myself included, reached out to Schimmel concerning the severe problems caused by Jacob Prasch some time ago. A number of believers were very hurt and damaged by Prasch's viscous attacks and slanderous accusations and would have benefitted from some support. However, there was no response whatsoever from Schimmel. This was disappointing considering the seriousness of the issues involved, and the fact that Schimmel had teamed up with Prasch in the past. I personally was slandered by Prasch, but I have not suffered as others have. Having survived the abuses of charismania, I seem to be immune to personal attacks from unwholesome characters thank God. 

I also reached out to Good Fight Ministries with concerns about their problematic post-trib rapture view. I did initially receive a response from a member of their team, and I was led to believe that Schimmel would address this subject in a future programme, but he failed to do so. I contacted Blessed Hope again to question Schimmel's approval of alleged "Church Father" Victorinus, who is definitely unreliable. Once again I was ignored. I have also unsuccessfully challenged Schimmel's repeated use of the term "tribulation" to refer to the entire 70th week of Daniel. This may seem like a small detail to some, but this terminology is used by the pre-trib camp, and it is unbiblical and confusing. Should we be using incorrect terminology and pander to the false ideas of those who are misled? (1 Thessalonians 2:4). Recently I left a comment on one of Schimmel's videos suggesting that their viewers refer to J Paul Tanner's publication: Daniel's "King of the North": Do We Owe Russia An Apology? JETS_35-3_315-328_Tanner.pdf (etsjets.org) but my comment was removed. I find that Blessed Hope Chapel's practice of ghosting anyone who attempts to politely challenge Schimmel is very odd indeed and I shall not attempt to reach out to them again. Blessed Hope's modus operandi appears to be to completely ignore anyone who questions them. This makes them no better than any other ministry promoting questionable doctrines whilst loudly praising the Lord and ignoring genuine questions and concerns! The Hillsong crowd are a good example of this. Schimmel does go after low hanging fruit, but he tends to ignore the more insidious false teachers, and at times he even praises them! 

Below are excerpts from my recent post concerning the Gog/Armageddon view as promoted by Joel Richardson. I recommend that readers of this post refer to Chris White's book The Islamic Antichrist Debunked which he reads aloud on YouTube: (13) The Islamic Antichrist Theory Debunked - FULL 8 HOUR - AUDIO BOOK - Bible Prophecy - YouTube This video is quite involved and lengthy, but it is definitely worth considering White's points. His eye opening exposé of Walid Shoebat, who co-authored the book God's War on Terror with Richardson, should send believers scurrying away from these two characters posthaste. Another man who has exposed Richardson and Shoebat is Keith Malcomson. Notwithstanding Malcomson's Gog/Magog view, this video is an excellent exposure of Richardson and Shoebat: (13) Will The Antichrist Be A Muslim by Keith Malcomson - YouTube  Malcomson aptly points out that believers should take pains to carefully examine novel teachings before adopting them into their belief system. (1 John 4:1). Richardson's latest associate, Dalton Thomas (Frontier Alliance International), also has some very questionable teachings and is disqualified from the ministry: mikereynolds.org

Richardson: End Time Talks 14: Six Reasons Gog is the Antichrist - YouTube

The only verse in the NT that specifically mentions Gog and Magog is Revelation 20:8: ..and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle. A plain reading of the text suggests that the Gog/Magog conflict occurs at the end of the millennium. There are similarities between the Gog/Magog event in Ezekiel 38 and 39 and Armageddon, but the differences are too significant to gloss over.  

Joel Richardson's six reasons why Gog is the Antichrist debunked. (1 John 4:1).

1. The Lord's name will no longer be profaned or blasphemed following God/Magog's alleged defeat at "Armageddon".

And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. (Ezekiel 39:7).

Richardson repeatedly fails to make a distinction between Israel and the nations in his eisegesis of Ezekiel 39:7. When the Gog/Magog event is applied to Armageddon there is a huge problem. Ezekiel 39:7 consists of two clauses: During the millennium Israel will no longer profane the Lord's holy name as they formerly did. (Ezekiel 36:23 cf. Leviticus 22:32; Ezekiel 20:9; 38:23). The second part of this verse  ..and the nations shall know that I am the Lord is a separate clause. The KJV makes this even clearer:

So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. (Ezekiel 39:7 KJV).

Ezekiel 39:21-22 confirms and personalizes Israel's unique relationship with the Lord following the defeat of Gog/Magog. Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God.. However, the nations relationship with God is markedly different: they will know that I am the Lord (notice the absence of "their God"). During the millennium, all forms of defilement and sin are excluded from Jerusalem. God's unique relationship with Israel is one of intimacy and is infinitely superior to the relationship He has with the nations. Sin will continue to exist on the earth amongst unregenerate people outside Jerusalem. This situation comes to a climax at the end of the millennium when Satan gains numerous supporters. (Revelation 20:8). As such it it undeniable that two distinct people groups exist during the millennium ~ God's people Israel and the nations. 

And I will set my glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them. The house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God, from that day forward. (Ezekiel 39:21-22 cf. Ezekiel 36:36).  

Problematically Richardson trivializes the events of Revelation 20:8 in favour of his Armageddon theory. There are indications that Armageddon and the Gog/Magog battle are related in some way, but similarities between two events do not indicate an identical situation. Revelation gives a clear indication that the fulfilment of Ezekiel 39:7 occurs at the end of the millennium. I believe that Richardson makes a similar error to the preterists in that he confuses short term and long term fulfilment of prophecy. In the case of the preterists, they confuse the end of the age and the destruction of Jerusalem in the Olivet Discourse, whereas Richardson does the same thing with Armageddon and the Gog/Magog battle. 

Further evidence

It is by no means a "given" that all the heathen nations will willingly follow the Lord during the millennium. The unconverted nations inclination towards passive resistance to Jesus' rule is anticipated in the scriptures: And if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. (Zechariah 14:17). There will be peace on the earth at that time due to Jesus' "iron rule". The "rod of iron" primarily applies to the day of the Lord i.e. God's wrath. This period extends into the millennium during Jesus' theocratic rule. (Revelation 19:15; Psalm 2:9; Revelation 12:5). Many nations willingly acknowledge the Lord during the millennium, but there do appear to be exceptions. (Micah 4:2; Isaiah 2:3). The definition of profanity is irreverence or disrespect. The warning in Zechariah 4:17 anticipates irreverence and passive opposition to Jesus' rule by at least some of the heathen nations during the millennium. At the end of the millennium Satan will be released from the Abys to deceive the nations (Gog/Magog). At that time God's name will be openly profaned. (Revelation 20:3,7-9). The sheer numbers who are deceived by Satan at the end of the millennium is staggering.. their number is like the sand of the sea. (Revelation 20:8 cf. Isaiah 11:6-9). This demonstrates that the relationship between some of the nations and Jesus during the millennium is tenuous at best, and that their propensity to be deceived and to openly rebel is activated by Satan with apparent ease within a short period of time. (Revelation 20:3,7-8). If the above observations are correct, then Richardson has misinterpreted Ezekiel 39:7 by inserting the nations into a statement specifically applicable to Israel.

2. The Gentile nations will be judged after Armageddon

This point is easily refuted. The Gentiles nations ..will know that I am God.. Ezekiel 39:6-7 does not equate to repentance and a personal relationship with God (as above). The Gentile nations will be judged before the great white throne judgement after the Gog/Magog battle and after Satan's final defeat. The destruction of the Antichrist's armies at Armageddon leaves the nations forces decimated and unable to muster any further resistance to the Lord's return. (Revelation 20:21). This event is significant, but the judgement of the nations does not occur until the end of the millennium:  

And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. 

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:7-15).

3. The Lord is physically present in Israel (Ezekiel 39:19-20)

For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence (pe-nei). And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground. (Ezekiel 38:20). 

No one with premillennial beliefs would dispute that Jesus will be physically present in Israel following Armageddon, during the millennium and throughout the eternal state. 

A number of pre-trib rapture premillennials hold the view that the Gog/Magog battle will occur prior to Armageddon. For instance, Bill Salus proposes that Ezekiel 38 and 39 are about to be fulfilled. Andy Woods (Sugar Land Bible Church) teaches that Ezekiel 38 happens at at the beginning of Daniel's 70th week when the second seal is broken. While I disagree with these views, Richardson's argument that Hebrew pe·nei = face in Ezekiel 38:20 proves God's physical presence is disingenuous. In fact pe-nei occurs a number of times in the Old Testament in contexts that do not in fact denote the Lord's physical presence. For instance: The face (pe-nei) of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. (Psalm 34:16). David sought the face (pe·nei) of the Lord in 2 Samuel 21:1 etc. I only add this detail to demonstrate Richardson's weak exegesis. There are valid reasons that the Gog/Magog event will not happen either prior to or during the 70th week of Daniel, but this is not one of them.

Every living creature in the sea?

If Ezekiel 38:20 does refer to Armageddon then there is a difficulty. The first six bowls of God's wrath, specifically the second bowl, involves the death of every living creature in the sea:    

The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. (Revelation 16:3).

The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. (Ezekiel 38:20).

Richardson fails to resolve the fish of the sea quaking at God's presence and the death i.e. the non existence of all the fish of the sea in Revelation 16:3 prior to Armageddon. Once again, this is a tangible problem that Richardson fails to address.

4. The text specifically says that Gog is judged and destroyed at the Day of the Lord

Behold, it is coming and it will be brought about, declares the Lord GOD. That is the day of which I have spoken. (Ezekiel 39:8).

The period known as the Day of the Lord begins after the prewrath rapture of the church during the seventh seal trumpet and bowl judgements. (Revelation 8-11). This period also applies to the thousand year period of Jesus' rule. As such there is no contradiction with the view that Gog is judged at the Day of the Lord at the end of the millennium. There is no preliminary event described in the scriptures that would allow for Gog's judgement at an earlier point, including the problematic Armageddon theory. (Revelation 8:1-13).  

5. All Israel is saved following the defeat of Gog/Magog

The house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God, from that day forward. (Ezekiel 39:22).

Israel shall know that the Lord is, and will always continue to be, their God. Ezekiel 39:25-29 summarizes the entire six night messages contained within the book of Ezekiel. 

6. The Lord tells Gog that he is the Antichrist

Thus says the Lord GOD: Are you he of whom I spoke in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel, who in those days prophesied for years that I would bring you against them? (Ezekiel 38:17).

The problem with this argument is that no existing prophecy prior to Ezekiel's time actually mentions Gog by name. Various commentators have surmised that either Ezekiel refers to prophecies known in his day, but are no longer extant, or that Gog is prefigured in earlier prophecies.

Ewald cites Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 17:4; Smend adding Micah 5:11; Zephaniah 3:8; Keil, Isaiah 25:5, 10; Jeremiah 30:23, 25; Joel 4:2, 11, etc.; Hengstenberg, Deuteronomy 32; Isaiah 24-27; Isaiah 34; and Fairbairn, Numbers 24:17-24; Isaiah 14:28-32; Isaiah 18; Joel 3; Daniel 2:44, 45; {2} 

The Antichrist has a number of titles and names in the scriptures, but he is never referred to as Gog. e.g. the beast (Revelation 11:7); the lawless one (2 Thessalonians 2:89; Daniel 7:25); the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3); the son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3); the little horn (Daniel 7:8,24; Daniel 8:9) the worthless shepherd (Zechariah 11:16-17).

Further points

 
The additional points below are not exhaustive by any means. There are many additional problems with Richardson's view that I have not included here. 

In the latter years

After a long time you will be summoned. In the latter years you will enter a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. (Ezekiel 38:8).

The phrase "the latter years" is a frequent prophetic phrase denoting the Messianic era. (Genesis 49:1; Numbers 24:14; Isaiah 2:2; Daniel 10:14; Micah 4:1).

The prophecy against Gog

On that day, thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil scheme and say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates,’ to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and the people who were gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell at the center of the earth. 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 38:10-13).

Unwalled Villages

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 at the abomination of desolation event. (Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15). Subsequently the Antichrist will launch the greatest persecution of all time against the Jewish people. In other words, there is no peace in Israel prior to the battle of Armageddon i.e. during the second half of the 70th week of Daniel. (Matthew 24:21).

The only possibly 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. At the end of the millennium when Satan is released he will deceive the nations for the final battle. (Revelation 20:7-10).

For the Spoil

The Antichrist is victorious at the mid point of the 70th week of Daniel when he demands worship and declares himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:9,15-22). By the time Armageddon occurs, the Antichrist has already taken control of Jerusalem, he has put an end to sacrifice and offering; he has demanded worship and he has implemented the mark of the beast globally. (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13:4,12-17). Apart from pockets of protection (i.e. the 144,000 and those who flee to the wilderness (Revelation 7:1-8,12:6)), Israel will be under the complete control of the Antichrist. Presumably, any "spoil" will have been seized at the mid point of the 70th week of Daniel or shortly thereafter. Are Israel "a quiet people who dwell securely" prior to Armageddon? At this point, the Jews have suffered the worst persecution imaginable and two thirds of them will have been slaughtered. (Zechariah 13:8). Jacobs trouble: And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. (Daniel 12:1 cf. Matthew 24:21). In other words, the argument that the Antichrist will come against Israel for plunder is a non-starter since he already has Israel (and the whole world) under his control. 

The inconsistency of the Armageddon/Gog argument cannot be more obvious than it is in Ezekiel 38:10-13.

The problem of location

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

And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. (Revelation 20:9).

Tel Megiddo is frequently 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. Armageddon Har-Magedon (probably Hebrew Hill of Megiddo), is located some 56 miles north of Jerusalem. The precise location of Armageddon is debated because the first syllable ar stands for either ir (city) or har (mountain). Michael Heiser and others argue that there is no mountain called Megiddo, and therefore the plain of Megiddo is not the location of the final battle. Heiser's convoluted proposal is that Armageddon is a corruption of the Hebrew Har Mo'ed (mount of assembly; cf. Isaiah 14:13), or of Har Migdo (God's fruitful mountain) which he speculates is Zion. There is evidence that Isaiah 14:13 refers to Zaphon, not Zion. I view Heiser with a certain amount of suspicion as he appears to be part of the NAR and he does not believe in a literal millennium. {3} 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. If the location of Armageddon (above) is accurate, the Antichrist will fall on the plains of Megiddo. In Revelation 20:9 the enemies of God surround the beloved city (Jerusalem). Gog and his armies will fall "on the mountains of Israel" (Ezekiel 39:4 cf. Ezekiel 39:17). This information exposes another inconsistency in the Antichrist/Gog theory.

Primitive weapons (Ezekiel 39:9)

It seems doubtful that the Antichrist will utilize primitive weapons at Armageddon. The Antichrist will have access to all the worlds sophisticated weaponry, and arguably he will also have access to fallen angel technology. If this is the case, the weaponry of the Antichrist will be incredibly advanced. The spectacular success of the Antichrist and his unstoppable conquest of many nations indicates that he is an evil genius. (Daniel 8:3). After his apparent or real resurrection, he will literally become the incarnation of Satan. As such, nothing, including the earths weaponry, will be unavailable to him. (Revelation 13:13 cf. Matthew 4:9). 

In contrast, it is conceivable that primitive weapons will be used at the end of the millennium by Gog and his hordes. During the millennium there will be no wars. As such weapons of war will be non existent and the technology for the production of modern weaponry will be inaccessible.

He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide disputes for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; (Micah 4:3).

Thrown alive into the lake of fire or buried?

The Antichrist and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire without undergoing bodily death. (Revelation 19:20). This seems to correspond to the earth swallowing up Korah and his company alive. (Numbers 16:33 cf. Daniel 7:11). 

The unequivocal statement that the Antichrist and false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire conflicts with the prophecy against Gog in Ezekiel 39. Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, will fall in the open field. Subsequently Gog and his multitude will be buried in the Valley of Travelers east of the sea. These details are very specific:

You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your hordes and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. You shall fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the LORD. (Ezekiel 39:4-6).

On that day I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the Valley of the Travelers, east of the sea. It will block the travelers, for there Gog and all his multitude will be buried. It will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog. (Ezekiel 39:12).

My response to Richardson's feeble attempt to resolve this contradiction can be found at the end of this post. 

If Richardson were to submit his thesis for evaluation by an unbiased academic body, it would be rejected outright due to its contradictions and lack of convincing evidence. (1 John 4:1). A strong case can be made that the Gog Magog event happens at the end of the millennium. At least that is what my bible says!

And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea. And they marched up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came down from heaven and consumed them, and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:7-10).

1. Daniel 11:40 Commentaries: "At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through. (biblehub.com)
2. Ezekiel 38:17 Commentaries: Thus says the Lord GOD, "Are you the one of whom I spoke in former days through My servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days for many years that I would bring you against them? (biblehub.com)
3. Michael Heiser: Warning Signals (narwatchisrael.info)
3. (11) Premillennial and Amilllennial: Ruling and Reigning - Michael Heiser - YouTube

Further Reading

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: DOES GOG MAGOG REFER TO RUSSIA? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOE SCHIMMEL BLESSED HOPE CHAPEL: VICTORINUS IS UNRELIABLE (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: JOEL RICHARDSON: FALSE TEACHING THAT THE ANTICHRIST WILL BE KILLED (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: THE SEVEN YEAR TRIBULATION FALLACY (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

JOEL RICHARDSON: FALSE TEACHING THAT THE ANTICHRIST WILL BE KILLED

(9) End Time Talks 16 Will the Antichrist be Killed or Cast Alive into the Lake of Fire? - YouTube

Joel Richardson has recently brought out a subsequent video defending his view that the Antichrist is killed as against thrown alive into the lake of fire. He cites various scriptures in order to prove his assumption, but his eisegesis falls flat on its face. Richardson's so called "proof texts" are a very poor attempt to make to make his Gog/Antichrist theory work, and his gross misrepresentation of the scriptures is extremely troubling. 

He shall come to his end

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. At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. (Daniel 11:45-12:1 cf. Matthew 24:21). 

Daniel 11:40-45 describes the Antichrist's conquest of the surrounding nations when the tents of his armies are pitched either in, or close to, Jerusalem. These events precede the abomination of desolation event at the mid point of the 70th week and the subsequent great tribulation.. "he shall come to his end" may refer to the apparent "deadly wound" from which the Antichrist recovers. (Revelation 13:3). Richardson's alleged proof text regarding the death of the Antichrist at this point in the chronology does not fit the timeline of Armageddon which occurs at the end of the 70th week. 

Habakkuk 3 - Crush his head from thigh to neck

You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. Selah. (Habakkuk 3:13).

The wording "crush the head" is found in Genesis 3:15 and refers to the serpent aka Satan. Pharaoh/Egypt is mentioned in the commentaries, possibly as a past partial fulfillment. It confirms that Jesus will strike the head of the house of the wicked. The meaning of the Hebrew words do not signify that the Antichrist is killed. 

You struck מָחַ֤צְתָּ (ma·chatz·ta) 4272: to smite through, wound severely, shatter a prim. root
the head רֹּאשׁ֙ (rosh) 7218: head a prim. root
of the house מִבֵּ֣ית (mib·beit) 1004: a house a prim. root
of the evil רָשָׁ֔ע (ra·sha,) 7563: wicked, criminal from an unused word
To lay him open עָרֹ֛ות (a·ro·vt) 6168: to be naked or bare a prim. root
from thigh יְסֹ֥וד (ye·so·vd) 3247: foundation, base from yasad
to neck. צַוָּ֖אר (tzav·var) 6677: neck, back of neck from an unused word  {1}

Gill: "There seems to be a double metaphor in the words, expressing the utter ruin and destruction of antichrist and his party; who, being compared to a building, will be demolished, and razed to the very foundation; that will be dug up, and laid bare, and no trace of an edifice to be seen any more; and, being compared to a human body, will be plunged into such distresses and calamities, as to be as it were up to the neck in them, from whence there is no escape and deliverance. Some understand this of the princes of this head, or of his friends, and those of his family that are nearest to him, as the neck is to the head; or of the whole body of the people under him, of which he will be deprived; and so be as a head without a body, and who cannot long survive them. Selah"  {2} 

Is this the man? 

Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’ (Isaiah 14:16-17).

Richardson's claim that "the man" in Isaiah 14:16 refers to the Antichrist is unreliable. Isaiah 14:1-22 is a taunt against the king of Babylon (with allusions to Lucifer.) (Isaiah 14:3). But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. (Isaiah 14:9,11,15). The King of Babylon is compared with Lucifer, the Morning Star, whose pride and ambition led to his downfall from heaven. According to the Old Testament, Sheol/Hades is a temporary place where souls are kept as they await the final resurrection. The lake of fire Revelation 19:20 and 20:10,14-15, is the final hell, the place of eternal punishment, both for apostate angels and wicked human beings. (Matthew 25:41). The scriptures are unequivocal, the destination of the Antichrist (the beast) is the Lake of Fire, not Sheol. (Revelation 19:20).

Consume - anaireó

 

..whom the Lord shall consume (anaireó) with the breath of his mouth. (2 Thessalonians 2:8). The meaning of anaireó is - to take up, take away, make an end. {3} anaireó frequently does mean kill or slay, but not always. (e.g. Acts 7:21 and Hebrews 10:9). The definitive Greek word for kill is apokteino as in Matthew 10:28 Mark 12:5 etc. {4} 

Working on the hermeneutic principle that we should always interpret unclear passages in the light of clear passages, Revelation 20:20 is the clearest verse.

Further Evidence 

In Revelation 20:10 we read that the Antichrist and the false prophet are in the lake of fire when Satan suffers the same fate and joins them after a thousand years. If we take Revelation 20 chronologically, which I think we should, we find that the dead (sinful humanity), are judged at the great white throne judgement after Satan is thrown into the lake of fire. The Antichrist and the false prophet are not judged along with the rest of humanity at the great white throne judgement. This indicates that their particular fate differs from that of the dead. Sinful humanity suffer the second death after they are judged, whereas the Antichrist and the false prophet are fast tracked to the lake of fire without being previously killed or judged. 

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-14).

1. Habakkuk 3:13 Lexicon: You went forth for the salvation of Your people, For the salvation of Your anointed. You struck the head of the house of the evil To lay him open from thigh to neck. Selah. (biblehub.com)
2. Habakkuk 3:13 - Meaning and Commentary on Bible Verse (biblestudytools.com)
3. Strong's Greek: 337. ἀναιρέω (anaireó) -- to take up, take away, make an end (biblehub.com)
4. Apokteino Meaning in Bible - New Testament Greek Lexicon - New American Standard (biblestudytools.com)