What follows is a heavy message. The excerpt below is from a larger work I wrote and published about ten years ago. The full article can be found at http://hoshanarabbah.org/pdfs/america.pdf. I encourage you to read it. It discusses how we know that America (and other so-called Christian nations) are in Bible prophecy. In the article below, it assumes the reader has read what precedes it. 

About ten years ago I publicly gave this message and I stated to a large number of people that it was likely that a pro-Edom/Moslem would become the president of the the U.S. This was when it appeared that Hillary Clinton would become the Democrat nominee for president. At that time, it seemed  unlikely that Barack Obama, the Moslem sympathizer and friend of Muslims and the Muslim Brotherhood and the enemy of Christians, would be elected president. Now not only do we have “Edom” in the White House, but Islam is being given a pass in this nation while true Christians are becoming more and more a persecuted minority. Additionally, Islam is slowing taking over Europe and is killing Christians worldwide. Now it is reported that Isis in on our doorsteps on our southern border and the U.S. is  reportedly disarming our border guards and threatening them if they take a stand against Isis who’s publicly avowed goal is to terrorize this nation — especially Christians and Jews. What’s going on here? You tell me…

Perhaps these events shed some light on some ancient end time Bible prophecies. You be the judge as you read what follows.

Natan

The Descendants of Esau Are Ephraim and Judah’s Arch-Enemy in the End Times

The Ancestry of Modern Arabs

Esau and his army stood in the way preventing Jacob from returning to his homeland. This event is prophetic of what will happen in the end times.

We have already identified who the sons of Jacob are, how they were divided into two camps, or two houses, and two kingdoms (the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Israel). But who are the descendants of Esau?

Many, if not most of the modern Moslems (especially the Arabs) trace their lineage back if not biologically then spiritually to Ishmael, the son of Abraham by Hagar. Islam in its unholy book, the Koran, claims that it was Abraham and Ishmael who built the Kaaba, which is the small building containing a stone that supposedly fell from heaven. This shrine is located in the midst of the great mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

In Genesis 16:11–12 YHVH prophesied the following concerning Ishmael and his descendants:

The angel of YHVH said to her further, “Behold, you are with child, And you shall bear a son; and you shall call his name Ishmael, because YHVH has given heed to your affliction. And he will be a wild donkey of a man, his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand will be against him; and he will live to the east of all his brothers.”

The modern Moslems have twisted the biblical account of Abraham’s giving the birthright blessing to Isaac and believe instead that Ishmael was the promised son of blessing. Both Israelites and Arabs, therefore, believe that they have a right to the Promised Land of Canaan, and, hence, this disagreement roots of the modern Arab-Israeli conflict.

Scripture further records that Esau, the disinherited son of Isaac, also had ought against his brother Jacob, who, in a sense, stole the birthright promise from him. Scripture also records that Esau married the daughter of Ishmael (Gen 28:9) thus combining two peoples in his descendants who had a jealous feud with the sons of Jacob or Israel.

The Bible has more to say prophetically about the descendants of Edom than about those of Ishmael. Edom is portrayed as an aggressive and bloodthirsty people who are opposed to Israel at every step. We will discover what Scripture has to say about this below.

In the mean time, let’s take a closer look at Edom.

• Esau and Edom (meaning “red”) are synonymous (see Gen 25:25, 30; 36:1, 8–9, 19, 43).
• Esau intermarried with the descendants of Ishmael (Gen 28:9).
• Seir is another name for the land of Edom (Gen 32:3; 33:16; 36:8).
• Esau intermarried with the people of Canaan (Gen 36:2). He intermarried with the Hittites, the Hivites, as well as the Ishmaelites.
• His descendants included the Amalekites (Gen 36:12, 16) who fought against the children of Israel upon leaving Egypt and as soon as they had entered the wilderness en route to the Promised Land (Exod 17:1).
• Esau’s sons were dukes or chieftains (leaders of clans) and kings (Gen 36:15–16, 40–43).

Although Esau’s direct lineage was confined to the area of the traditional land of Edom, it is clear from the biblical record that he and his descendants intermarried with many of the neighboring nations, so that his descendants were scattered far and wide over the region that later became known as the Holy Land.

The entire one-chapter Book of Obadiah is a prophecy against Edom. Let’s note several key points in this prophecy that might help us to understand some things about Edom in light of end-time Bible prophecy. This will in turn help us to understand end-time world politics and give us a further clue in identifying America in prophecy.

Verse 2, The descendants of Edom are greatly despised (scorned, held in contempt, disdained).

Verse 3, Though they dwell in the clefts (places of concealment, retreats) of the rocks, they are proud and view themselves as invincible.

Verse 4, YHVH promises to bring Edom down.

Verse 7, Esau has a confederacy (league, alliance) of nations, which include many of the modern Moslem and Arab nations.

Verse 11, Edom’s eyes are on Jerusalem. Edom among other foreigners will cast lots for Jerusalem. (Will they seek to divide it among the nations or religions of the world as an international city under the control of the United Nations?).

Verse 13, Edom has entered into the gates of the land of Israel in the day of her calamity or disaster.

Verse 14, Edom will kill Jewish refugees trying to escape the land of Israel in her time of distress.

Verse 15, The time frame of the fulfillment of these prophecies is “near” the day of YHVH, when he will judge Edom and the other heathen nations.

Verse 16, Edom will be drinking (celebrating?) on the Temple Mount or YHVH’s “holy mountain,” and as a result, they shall drink the cup of YHVH’s wrath.

Verse 17, The house of Jacob will get the Temple Mount back!

How many descriptions of the modern Palestinian and other Islamo-terrorists do we see in Obadiah? What other people-group fits this description? Is Esau a picture of many modern-day Palestinians and their Moslem backers who hate the Jews, the state of Israel and America?

We have learned who Jacob represents in end-time prophecy. Now we learn who Jacob’s descendants’ arch-enemy will be and who will attempt to prevent them from returning to the land of Israel. This will happen in the end times before the coming of the Messiah. We will learn more about this later.

Edom Has a Perpetual Hatred for Jacob (Judah and Ephraim)

As we noted, Edom’s hatred for Israel has its roots in the antagonism between Ishmael and Issac, and then afterwards between Esau and Jacob. The hatred that Esau had for Israel has been passed on down to successive generations of Edomites. The biblical prophets discusses this murderous antagonism on Edom’s part as being carried down from generation to generation to the very end times. Let’s review some of these biblical prophecies.

Ezekiel 36 speaks about the conflict between end-time Edom and end-time Israel. In verse two, we see that the enemies of Israel have regarded the “ancient high [or declared, promised] places” of Israel as “ours in possession.” This is a clear reference to the holy places in Israel (e.g., the Temple Mount for the Jews and Bethlehem for the Christians—only in recent years have the Palestinians taken Bethlehem and forced—out of persecution and intimidation—the majority of the large Christian population of that city to leave). “High places” can also refer to the militarily strategic high places such as the Golan Heights and the ridges surrounding the eastern shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Next, let’s look at Ezekiel 35, which is a prophecy against Edom. In verses four through five, we see that end-time Edom will be devastated because of its perpetual hatred for the children of Israel. They have killed their enemies by the power of the sword. This is how Islam has traditionally spread—by the curved scimitar sword. Advancing Moslem armies force its captives to leave, covert or die. According to verse five, this is to be occurring at the time of the punishment (of the children of Israel?) at the time of the end (NAS) or the end of time (lit. Hebrew). This is another example of YHVH’s using Edom (Esau) to bring Ephraim and Judah to its knees in the time of the end.

In verses six through nine of the same chapter, we see that YHVH will punish Edom for its blood-thirstiness against Israel and will devastate its cities and slay large numbers of its people. Other biblical prophecies indicate that the militaries of Judah and Ephraim will be the means by which YHVH accomplishes this.

Finally, in verse 10, Edom (Islam) wants to take over or possess the two countries, nations or lands (Heb. eretz) of Israel, which are Judah and Ephraim, even though YHVH was there (in the lands of his people). Their anger and hatred against Israel is based on envy or jealousy (verse 11) of Israel.

The Koran, the unholy book of Islam, has taken the historic and prophesied hatred of Edom and formed a religion around it. The Koran was written by Mohammed, a Jew and Christian hater, more than one thousand years after the prophecies of Ezekiel and Obadiah. Here are some quotes from the Koran that confirm the prophecies of the Bible with regard to Edom.

Make war upon those to whom the Scriptures have been given as believe not in God [Allah] … and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle [Mohammed] have forbidden, and who profess not the profession of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled. The Jews say, “Ezra in a son of God”; and the Christians say, “The Messiah is a son of God.” Such sayings in their mouths. They resemble the sayings of the infidels of old! God do battle with them! How they are misguided! (Sura 9:29–30)

When thy Lord spake unto the angels, “I will be with you: therefore stablish ye the faithful I will cast a dread into the heart of the infidels.” Strike off their heads then, and strike off from them every finger-tip. (Sura 8:12)

“O people of the Book! … Can I announce to you any retribution worse than that which awaiteth them with God? They whom God hath cursed and with whom He hath been angry—some of them hath he changed into apes and swine; and they who worship Thagout are in evil plight, and have gone far astray from the right path. (Sura 5:64–65)

Only recompense of those who war against God and His Apostle, and go about to commit disorders on the earth, shall be that they shall be slain and crucified, or have their alternate hands and feet cut off, or be banished from the land …(Sura 5:37)

YHVH Will Judge America (Apostate Ephraim)

Scripture is very clear that in the end times (before the coming of the Messiah and the re-establishment of the Davidic Kingdom in Israel) both Ephraim and Judah will be in a state of spiritual apostasy. Even as YHVH used Assyria and Babylon to punish ancient Israel, the biblical prophets predict that YHVH will use some of the same ancient players he used to discipline the Israelites in biblical times to discipline them again. Though Edom and his allies will have their own satanic agendas against Judah and Ephraim, they will merely be a tool in the hands of the sovereign YHVH Elohim to bring Judah and Ephraim back to him spiritually. Let’s examine the ancient biblical prophecies that speak of this.

We read, for example, in Isaiah 17:1 and 3,

1 The oracle concerning Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city, and it will become a fallen ruin/ruinous heap.… 3 “The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and sovereignty from Damascus, and the remnant of Aram; they will be like the glory of the sons of Israel,” declares YHVH of Hosts. (emphasis added)

Note that verse one states that Damascus is to become a ruinous heap. This prophecy has not been fulfilled yet. This establishes the fact that the prophecies that follow are for the end times.

Next, note verse three above, which states that Ephraim’s (America’s?) military ability to defend its homeland will be greatly weakened.

Finally, let’s look at Isaiah 18:5–7. This is the same passage the first three verses of which we examined in identifying what we believe is speaking about the land of America east of Ethiopia. With this in mind, let’s see what else it seems to say about America.

For before the harvest, as soon as the bud blossoms and the flower becomes a ripening grape, then he will cut off the sprigs with pruning knives and remove and cut away the spreading branches. They will be left together for mountain birds of prey, and for the beasts of the earth; and the birds of prey will spend the summer feeding on them, and all the beasts of the earth will spend harvest time on them. At that time a gift of homage will be brought to YHVH of hosts from a people tall and smooth, even from a people feared far and wide, a powerful and oppressive nation, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of YHVH of hosts, even Mount Zion.

In verse five, we see that America will be spiritually “pruned” or judged by YHVH to help her bring forth a greater spiritual harvest. We then read in verse six that the nations of the earth (lit. birds of prey and beasts) will feast on the spoils of America during the time YHVH is judging (or “spanking”) her. Finally, in verse seven, we see that out of her calamity, America will be humbled and turn to honor YHVH and will pay homage to him at Mount Zion, in Jerusalem where YHVH has placed his name!

All this occurs during the summer time leading into the fall harvest. This seems to be prophetic language speaking of the events leading up to and during the biblical fall feasts, which are prophetic indicators of end-time events and which have not yet been fulfilled prior to and at the second coming of Yeshua. If our understanding of this is correct, then the judgments to fall on Ephraim will occur during this same time.

YHVH to Use Edom as a Giant Paddle to “Spank” Apostate Ephraim

As noted above, YHVH will drive Ephraim (and Judah) to a place where in their state of spiritual apostasy they will be forced to bend their knees before the Almighty Elohim. They have forgotten who they are as YHVH’s people, they have forsaken their covenants and spiritual heritage believing instead that their power, wealth, and world prestige has been gained through their own efforts. Out of the depths of spiritual, economic, political and military despair, they will be forced to look up to the Elohim of their forefathers and acknowledge that their blessings have only been a result of his grace and his promises to their forefathers.

Getting Ephraim and Judah to acknowledge this will not be an easy task. They will both have to go through great hardships and will doubtless face near annihilation before they acknowledge their sin of apostasy and repent and turn back to YHVH. The Scripture verses that follow present this understanding.

In Ezekiel 35:15, we see that the house of Israel (America and other Christian nations) will become desolate (devastated, wasted), but so will Edom. YHVH will be glorified in the midst of all this, as we shall discuss below.

As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate, so I will do to you. You will be a desolation, O Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am YHVH.

Ezekiel 38 gives us much detail concerning end-time prophecy that is yet to occur about a nation called Gog, which seems to represents all the Satanic forces of an Antimessiah (Antichrist) figure. Let’s look at some of these prophecies verse-by-verse.

 Verses 2, 5–6, We see here a confederation of peoples from Turkey and north of Turkey extending into the southern Russia area, along with the countries of northeastern Africa along with Iran and Iraq. All are Islamic or Communist states today, or have tendencies in that direction.

2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says Adonai YHVH, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 4 “And I will turn you about, and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords; 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Put [Libya] with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops—many peoples with you. (emphasis added)

Verses 15–23, Edom and their allies are to come upon the mountains (nations) of Israel out of the north. Turkey is Gog and Russia is greater Gog. Both nations are north of Israel, and Russia is north of America (over the North Pole). They shall come militarily against YHVH’s people and YHVH shall sanctify his name among his people when this happens. In this incident, it seems very likely that both Judah and Ephraim will be judged. In the world today, we are seeing the formation of political, military and economic alliances between Russia and many of the Islamo-Communist nations.

Verses 15–16, These prophecies are to occur “in the latter days.”

And you will come from your place out of the remote parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great assembly and a mighty army; and you will come up against my people Israel like a cloud to cover the land. It will come about in the last days that I shall bring you against my [YHVH’s] land, in order that the nations may know me [YHVH] when I shall be sanctified through you before their eyes, O Gog. (emphasis added)

Verses 21–23, Nuclear holocaust will come upon Edom and its allies.

21 “And I shall call for a sword against him on all my mountains,” declares Adonai YHVH. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. 22 “And with pestilence and with blood I shall enter into judgment with him; and I shall rain on him, and on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 23 “And I shall magnify myself, sanctify myself, and make myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am YHVH.”’ (emphasis added)

Next, let’s note Hosea 11:8–9.

“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I set you like Zeboiim? My heart churns within me; my sympathy is stirred. I will not execute the fierceness of my anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am El [God], and not man, the Holy One in your midst; and I will not come with terror. (emphasis added)

In verse eight, we see YHVH’s attempts to get backslidden Ephraim to return to him. It appears that he may even allow (nuclear) fire to come down upon some cities of Ephraim, though it grieves him greatly to do so. Verse nine tells us that Ephraim willnot experience the full fierceness of YHVH’s anger and be totally destroyed.

YHVH Will Allow America to Weaken

As a way to bring America back to YHVH and to its Israelite heritage, he will allow America to come under some terrible judgments. These judgments will occur not only in America, but to other Christian nations, as well. But Christian America will likely feel the brunt of these judgments since it is the leader of the Christian world, and the leading Christian nation.

The Book of Hosea contains prophecies largely directed to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, also known as the house of Israel and Ephraim. Some of the prophecies in Hosea concerning Israel have come to pass, but many have not. The context of the prophecies along with a knowledge of Israel’s history will determine which prophecies are yet to be fulfilled.

Hosea 7:8 and 8:8 set the timing of this prophecy. It occurs after Israel has been swallowed up by the Gentiles. What follows Hosea 7:8 is the end results of Israel’s being scattered and lost.

How Do We Know That the Prophecies of Hosea Are for the End Times?

How do we know that many of the prophecies in Hosea are for the end times? Perhaps they were fulfilled in ancient times and that what we now read is simply historical in nature. Before proceeding, let’s quickly review a few passages in Hosea that point to end-time fulfillments of these prophecies.

In Hosea 3:5, we find the words “in the latter days,” which is a phrase often used by the biblical prophets denoting an end-time fulfillment. The same verse states that the children of Israel will return (to the land of Israel) and David will be their king. Some have indeed returned to Israel, but David is not yet resurrected, nor is he king. These things are to occur at the second coming of the Messiah.

“In that day,” which is a similar phrase that often points to a last days fulfillment, is found twice in Hosea (2:18 and 21). This has to do with YHVH-Yeshua marrying his bride Israel at his second coming (Rev 19:7–9). Hosea 2:7 states that Israel would return to YHVH, her first husband, and then in verses 18 through 20 YHVH speaks of betrothing Israel forever. This prophecy was fulfilled at the last supper when Yeshua had communion with the disciples and ratified with them the renewed covenant in fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:31, 33.

In Hosea 1:5 and 11, a reference to the Battle of Armageddon is made, and in verse 11 we see that the two houses of Israel will be reunited and will have one spiritual head. This will happen at the second coming of Yeshua.

Then in Hosea 5:14–15 and 6:1–2 we find a clear reference to the spiritual breach that would exist between Ephraim and Judah, to the first coming of Yeshua, and to his second coming two thousand years later, and to the reconciliation that will occur between the two houses of Israel as they worship YHVH-Yeshua together during his millennial rule. None of these prophecies have been fulfilled yet.

Finally, Hosea 11:10 says that Ephraim will tremble from the west as they return to YHVH and seek to walk with him. When Hosea wrote this, Ephraim was not in the west. In fact, they were taken captive to Assyria, which is north and east of Israel. Somehow, many of them had to migrate from northeast of Israel to west of Israel so this prophecy could be fulfilled. Due west of the land of Israel is the African continent. Due West of that is North America.

America to Be Weakened Economically

Verse nine of Hosea chapter seven declares that strangers have devoured Ephraim’s strength. America’s economic strength has been its manufacturing base, which, in the last generation, it has largely exported to Gentile nations such as China. Foreign banks and nations own our debt and can sink us financially if they were to choose to sell off our debt instruments, which they own. This, along with the outsourcing of much of our labor to foreign countries has weakened the dollar to an all-time low while increasing our trade deficit and federal government deficits to unimaginable levels. Of this sad state of affairs, Hosea prophesies,

Aliens have devoured his strength, but he does not know it. Yes, gray hairs are here and there on him, Yet he does not know it. (Hos 7:9)

America to Be Weakened Politically

On the political front, in verse 11 of Hosea 7, we learn that Ephraim’s political leaders will be seeking peace and diplomatic solutions with their sworn enemies, and those of Judah. Presently, and in fulfillment of this prophecy, America looks to Egypt and Syria as key players to instigating peace in Israel, yet they are the chief instigators of terrorism who are bent on destroying the nation of Israel. America is like a “silly dove,” and is naive, ignorant, and stupidly innocent. Political appeasement with Edomite countries such as Egypt and Syria is pointless, foolish and dangerous.

“Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without sense—they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria.” (Hos 7:11)

Ephraim’s spiritual state of affairs is no better, either, for in verse 13, we read that though YHVH has redeemed Christian Ephraim, they still teach theological lies about him and refuse to acknowledge the Torah.

“Woe to them, for they have fled from me! Destruction to them, because they have transgressed against me! Though I redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me.” (Hos 7:13)

America to Be Weakened Spiritually and Morally

In Hosea 7 verses 14 through 16, we learn that the Christian church is more concerned about potluck and food-driven church meetings than true repentance! They draw near to YHVH with their lips, but their hearts are far from him.

14 They did not cry out to me with their heart when they wailed upon their beds. They assemble together for grain and new wine, they rebel against me. 15 Though I disciplined and strengthened their arms, yet they devise evil against me. 16 They return, but not to the Most High; they are like a treacherous bow. Their princes shall fall by the sword for the cursings of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt. (Hos 7:14–16)

Hosea 8:1–14 continues chronicling the lamentable state of affairs in Ephraim. In verse one we read that Christian Ephraim is Torahless. Indeed, the Christian churches teaches that the Torah-law of YHVH has been “done away with,” “nailed to the cross” and has “ended with Jesus.” It is taught that Gentiles no longer need to keep the laws of God [Elohim], that those who do so are “Judaizers” who have gone back “under the curse of the law.” Some 2700 years ago Hosea saw that this would happen and prophesied the following:

Set the shofar to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of YHVH, because they have transgressed my covenant and rebelled against my Torah.

As was the case with the ancient Israelites who mixed the religion of the Bible with golden calf worship, Christianity as also a religious system is a mixture of biblical truth syncretized with pagan traditions that are antithetical to the Word of Elohim. The prophet continues prophesying in verse six that Ephraim’s golden calf of idolatry and false religion will be broken in pieces.

For from Israel is even this: a workman made it, and it is not Elohim, but the calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces.

Because America has largely forsaken its Judeo-Christian spiritual heritage and become a secular nation, YHVH has allowed it to be over-run by the heathen Gentiles. Now the Gentiles (Moslems, Eastern religions, and illegal aliens) are swallowing up our Christian nation. In verse eight, we read,

Israel is swallowed up; now they are among the Gentiles like a vessel in which is no pleasure. (Hos 7:8)

As an indicator of the West’s spiritual sickness, some of our leaders (political and spiritual) are “kissing the feet” of Syria or Assyria (or spiritual Babylon), which is spiritual adultery. Christian leaders such as Rick Warren, Robert Schuller and the late Pope John Paul II have made spiritual pilgrimages to Damascus, Syria where they have paid obeisance to the political and spiritual leaders of that wicked nation. Hosea prophesied this in verse ten.

For they have gone up to Assyria, Like a wild donkey alone by itself; Ephraim has hired lovers.

In verse 12, Hosea comes back to the issue of the Torah. He says that is a strange thing to Ephraimite Christians.

I have written for him the great things of my Torah, but they were considered a strange [loathsome] thing.

In spite of her spiritual apostasy, Ephraim America continues to construct huge churches (mega churches), and Judah (the nation of Israel) constructs fences. The American church hides feeling protected and untouchable behind its Crystal Cathedrals and pre-tribulation rapture doctrines, and the Jews place their confidence in 25-foot high walls. But YHVH through the prophet Hosea is telling them that because they have forsaken him and trusted in themselves for protection from their enemies instead he will send fire upon their cities to destroy their castles, palaces, citadels or fortresses. In verse 14 we read,

For Israel has forgotten his Maker, and has built temples; Judah also has multiplied fortified cities; But I will send fire upon his cities, and it shall devour his palaces.

Apostate Ephraim will refuse to return to YHVH, but instead will turn to her enemies, Egypt and Assyria for political solutions. Instead, in Hosea 9:3 we read that Ephraim shall return (turn back) to Egypt, and in Assyria they will devour uncleanness. YHVH does not want Ephraim to play political footsies with these two nations who are her former captors and slave masters. He repeats this warning in Hosea 11:5.

In Hosea 9:8–10, YHVH continues warning Ephraim against her false prophets who are a spiritual snare to her, against homosexuality by which YHVH’s people have deeply corrupted themselves, and against other abominable and illicit sexual practices, which have brought shame upon the nation.

America in Weakness Will Resort to Political Appeasement

Next let’s proceed to explore Hosea 11:5 where it is prophesied that Ephraim will have strange bedfellows ­politically. Even as ancient Israel sought political alliances at various times with Egypt and Syria (or ancient Assyria) for the sake of political expediency, YHVH warns against this in our day. Notwithstanding, both America and Israel will run after these two nations (though they will not physically return to Egypt) viewing them as key to achieving Mideast peace, when in reality, they are part of the problem. This verse indicates that the king of Assyria will play a key role as a leader to which Ephraim looks for political sagacity. In effect, Ephraim will be submitting to the will of the king of Assyria

“He shall not return to the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to repent.” (Hos 11:5)

In verse 6, it appears that Ephraim will not be blessed as a result of its political alliance with Assyria (Syria), but instead, will come under judgment. Some of Ephraim’s cities will come under the sword.

And the sword shall slash in his cities, devour his districts, and consume them, because of their own counsels. (Hos 11:6)

Hosea 12:1 repeats the prophecy that Ephraim will make covenants (treaties and alliances) with the Assyrians.

“Ephraim feeds on the wind, and pursues the east wind; he daily increases lies and desolation. Also they make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried to Egypt.” (emphasis added)

Again, we know these events are end times related thanks to a corollary passage in Zechariah nine, which sets the timing of these events at the second coming of Yeshua. In verse nine we read,

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; he is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Then in verse 10 we read that Ephraim shall be weakened militarily by YHVH’s design, as will Judah. Both nations will seek peace (appeasement!) with the heathen. This is happening now: America is struggling militarily in Iraq as of this writing and Israel lost its first war ever in Lebanon in the summer of 2006.

I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim And the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. (Zech 9:10)

Ephraim and Judah to Be Humbled Resulting in Spiritual Revival

The purpose of YHVH’s judgments on Israel are not to destroy his people, but to bring them back to him spiritually. As a loving Father (Heb 12:5–11), YHVH wants to have a loving relationship with Israel. This cannot happen as long as his people are walking in sinful rebellion against him. Like a loving parent who has to spank his wayward child to bring him back to the right path, so our Heavenly Father will be true to his promises and redeem Israel and bring her back into covenantal relationship with him. Together Israel and Messiah Yeshua will rule over YHVH’s kingdom in the millennial or messianic age to come.

The process of redeeming apostate and scattered Israel is not an easy one. But the prophecies of Scripture are clear. Israel will be redeemed. It is written! It will require the infinite wisdom and sovereign power of the Almighty to accomplish this seemingly impossible feat, but YHVH, through his prophets has declared it so. After being brought low and humbled, the people of Israel will repent of their sins and return to YHVH their Elohim.

In Ezekiel 35:10–11, we read that YHVH will make himself known among Judah and Ephraim because of his jealousy over them, and through his judgment against Edom.

Because you have said, ‘These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them,” although YHVH was there, “therefore, as I live,” says Adonai YHVH, “I will do according to your anger and according to the envy which you showed in your hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them when I judge you.”

Ezekiel the prophet then declares that YHVH will have pity on his scattered people, not for their sake, but for his sake and for the honor of his set-apart name. He will sanctify his name among his people as a witness against the heathen who will learn that Adonai (the Lord) is YHVH.

21 “But I had concern for my set-apart name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations wherever they went. 22 Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Adonai YHVH: I do not do this for your sake, O House of Israel, but for my holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 “And I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am YHVH,” says the Adonai YHVH, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. (Ezek 36:21–23)

Ezekiel 36:25–28, states that this will mark the beginning of a spiritual cleansing and revival for greater Israel (both Ephraim and Judah). She will receive a new heart spiritually—a heart of flesh, be cleansed of her filthiness, will receive the Spirit of YHVH, and will return to Torah. At the same time, she will return to the land YHVH gave her fathers.

25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you will keep my judgments and do them. 28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be my people, and I will be your Elohim.

A full restoration of Israel is prophesied with her repenting of her evil ways. YHVH will fully redeem her and her land will become like Eden (a picture of the Millennium).

29 “I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. I will call for the grain and multiply it, and bring no famine upon you. 30 And I will multiply the fruit of your trees and the increase of your fields, so that you need never again bear the reproach of famine among the nations. 31 Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight, for your iniquities and your abominations. 32 Not for your sake do I do this,” says Adonai YHVH, “let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O House of Israel!” 33 Thus says Adonai YHVH: “On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will also enable you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. 34 The desolate land shall be tilled instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass by. 35 So they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the wasted, desolate, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations which are left all around you shall know that I, YHVH, have rebuilt the ruined places and planted what was desolate. I, YHVH, have spoken it, and I will do it.” 37 Thus says the Adonai YHVH: “I will also let the House of Israel inquire of me to do this for them: I will increase their men like a flock. 38 Like a flock offered as holy sacrifices, like the flock at Jerusalem on its feast days, so shall the ruined cities be filled with flocks of men. Then they shall know that I am YHVH.” (Ezek 36:29–38)

As a result of Israel’s revival and redemption, Ezekiel 39:6 says that YHVH’s name will be glorified among the isles or coastlands (where Ephraim has been scattered?). This may well be a reference to Christian America and the other Christian nations to where Ephraim has been scattered. At the same time, YHVH will punish Israel’s enemies.

“And I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in security in the coastlands. Then they shall know that I am YHVH.”

Spiritual revival is coming to the people Israel (Ephraim and Judah). YHVH will glorify himself in the midsts of his people!

“So I will make my set-apart name known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let them profane my set-apart name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am YHVH, the Set-Apart One in Israel.” (Ezek 39:7)

The time setting of YHVH’s redeeming his people and glorifying himself in their midsts seems to be at the final redemption of Israel, which occurs at the second coming of the Messiah just near the beginning of the Millennium.

21 “I will set my glory among the nations; all the nations shall see my judgment which I have executed, and my hand which I have laid on them. 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am YHVH their Elohim from that day forward. 23 The Gentiles shall know that the House of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they were unfaithful to me, therefore I hid my face from them. I gave them into the hand of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden my face from them.” 25 Therefore thus says Adonai Elohim: “Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole House of Israel; and I will be jealous for my holy name 26 after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to me, when they dwelt safely in their own land and no one made them afraid. 27 When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations, 28 then they shall know that I am YHVH their Elohim, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. 29 And I will not hide my face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out my Spirit on the House of Israel,’ says Adonai YHVH.” (Ezek 39:21–29)

YHVH confirms his promises to Israel through another witness—the prophet Hosea.Hosea 11:10–11 declares that as a result of Ephraim’s punishment, she will begin to walk after Elohim. (This prophecy has not been fulfilled yet, for in times past, Ephraim never did return to YHVH.) The children of Ephraim shall tremble (be afraid or discomfitted, or come trembling [NAS]) from the west. Who is west of the nation of Israel? Africa. West of that? The east coast of North America!

10 “They shall walk after YHVH. He will roar like a lion. When he roars, then his sons shall come trembling from the west; 11 they shall come trembling like a bird from Egypt, like a dove from the land of Assyria. And I will let them dwell in their houses,” says YHVH.