While the Rainbowed Angel is being prepared for his work at Mt. Sinai, the world will be convulsed in war by the advance of Russia into the Middle East. But first the political 'Euphrates', or Turkey must be totally "dried up" through the occupation of Constantinople by the forces of the Russian Gog, the latter day manifestation of the Eastern Leg of the Roman Empire.
There is to be a latter day revival of the Roman Empire, when the military power of the Emperors based in Constantinople supported and prospered the religious power of the Papacy based in Rome - Dan.8:23-25. The power which will stand up against "the Prince of princes" is obviously Russia. Therefore, Daniel's prophecy spans many centuries between the time of Roman military supremacy in Constantinople and the latter day revival of that power in the form of a Russian military presence.
Hence Daniel speaks of a time when:-
1. Russia will occupy Turkey and establish its military power in Constantinople.
2. Russia in alliance with Roman Catholicism and the nations of Europe will promote the cause of the Papacy, for its (Russia's) own ends.
3. Russia will gain supreme dictatorial power over all of Europe.
4. Russian policy will be one of 'peace' by which the nations will be deceived and ultimately destroyed.
5. Russia with its confederate nations will advance upon the Middle East and become involved in the conflict with Christ and his saints, only to be utterly destroyed.
Daniel 11:40-45
V.40 - "at the time of the end" - This prophecy provides an explanation for Dan.8:19. This phrase speaks of a period of time in which many events will occur; e.g. Christ's return and a time of trouble (Dan.l2:l), resurrection and judgement of the responsible (Dan. 12:2), glorification of the worthy (Dan. 12:3,13). There is a beginning and an end to this period which according to this verse must embrace 1917. Some think that the beginning of a period known as 'the time of the end' may have been June 8th 1967 when Luke 21:24 received its primary fulfilment with the freeing of Jerusalem from the hand of the Gentiles, thus fulfilling "the times of the Gentiles". Certainly the events which were to follow (Luke 21:25-27), describe a 'time of trouble' for the nations which will intesify with the apocalypse of 'Michael the great prince'.
"shall the king of the south push at him" — The 'him' of this verse is the 'king' of verse 36 or the power ruling in Constantinople (the little horn of the goat). In the days of Constantine (A.D. 324) and onwards, this city became the capital of the Roman Empire. In 1453 it fell to the Turkish power who made it their capital and have held it ever since. Turkey is therefore (as the occupying power) the 'him' referred to.
The 'king of the south' was the power occupying Egypt and this is quite obviously Britain, the last foreign power to do so. In 1917, during the Great War of 1914-18 the British power "pushed" at the Turkish power in occupation of Palestine and freed that country from centuries of Turkish oppression.
"and the king of the north " - The Gog of Ezek.38. When the Russian confederacy invades Constantinople the king of the north (a title given in this chapter to the power occupying Syria and environs) will also become the 'king' of v.36, the little horn of the goat, Dan.8:9,23-25. It is from this stage that the image of Dan.2 (now almost complete with its constituent parts) begins to stand up with the advance from Turkey into Israel and Egypt, only to be immediately dashed to pieces on the mountains of Israel - Dan.2:44,45.
"like a whirlwind" - This speaks of a sudden unexpected attack by the Russian forces upon Turkey.
"he shall enter into the countries" — This implies wider conquests than Turkey and suggests that Russia will capitalise upon the advantage gained over its opposition by continuing the advance upon Turkey into countries of the Middle East. This is also inferred in the words "shall overflow and pass over".
By seizing Constantinople Russia becomes the 'king' of Dan. 11:36; by entering into 'the countries' including the area of ancient Syria, Russia will become 'the king of north'; by over-running Israel and Egypt the image of Nebuchadnezzar will be complete.
V.41 - "the glorious land" - This is the 'pleasant land of Dan.8:9, namely Palestine or the land of Israel, Ezek.38:8.
"overthrown" - KASHAL - to totter, waver, faint or fall through weakness.
"Edom, and Moab, and....Axnmon" - Russia will drive along the coastal plains of Israel intent on taking Egypt first. At this stage Jerusalem will be by-passed, so will the territories east of Jordan, (cp. Isa.16:4). Modern Jordan will escape the Russian advance.
V.42 — "Egypt shall not escape" - Russia will invade and conquer Egypt, but notice that there is no 'king of the south' in existence at that time. Dr. Thomas wrote in Elpis Israel, pg. 445, "Britain will be compelled to retreat from Egypt before Armageddon". This has occured and the rejection of Soviet economic and military involvement in Egyptian affairs in 1975 has laid the groundwork for the fulfilment of this verse. Relations between Egypt and Russia were as a result very tense, even bitter for years and Russia will not soon forget the humiliation and huge financial and strategic losses suffered when Egypt ceased to be its chief Middle East satellite. Russia will seek to recover by military force what has been lost in the field of political diplomacy, Isa.19:4.
V.43 - "the Libyans and the Ethiopians" - Already Russia dominates these two countries through pro-communist governments, and they will comprise part of the confederacy of nations that advances into the Middle East - Ezek.38:5. This is clearly implied in the phrase, they "shall be at his steps". They are mentioned here because both border on Egypt. (Modern Sudan is actually part of ancient Ethiopia and like modern Ethiopia must fall to Communist subversion).
V.44 - "tidings out of the east" - Sinai is east of Egypt. The Russian invasion of Egypt will signal the emergence of Yahweh Tz Vaoth from the precincts of Mt. Sinai to commence the march of the Rainbowed Angel and doubtless reports of this unusual activity by a power unknown to Russia will cause him to be troubled. Not knowing what to make of the reports received from the east, the Russian forces will respond to those coming from the north.
"and out of the north" - i.e. from Jerusalem. The western nations led by Britain (Tarshish, Ezek.38:13) will advance into the Middle East via the Persian Gulf and Jordan and will consolidate their forces around Jerusalem. Access via the Mediterranean will not be possible due to complete control exercised by the Russian navy — verse 40. The news of a build-up of western forces in and around Jerusalem will force the Russian commander in Egypt to leave an occupying force and advance northwards to Jerusalem.
Thus will be fulfilled Ezek.38:4 ('I will turn thee back’ ) and Zech.14:2.
"shall trouble him" - Roth. - "will terrify him". It is this terror that results in the mad fury of Russia's northern advance.
"and utterly to make away many" — Roth. — "and to devote many"
Jerusalem Bible - "and complete destruction to many".
V.45 - "he shall plant Uie tabernacles of his palace" - OHEL AP-PEH-DEN — tents of his pavilion. This is the language of triumph. Russia will defeat the forces of the west gathered to Jerusalem and will establish its headquarters in Jerusalem. Having embraced Israel within its dominion the building up of its image-empire will be complete. At this instant Nebuchadnezzar's image will stand up complete upon the earth only to be immediately destroyed by the 'stone' power from Sinai.
"in the glorious holy mountain" - This is the place of Yahweh's feet (Isa. 60:13) which the prophet sees in the time of its exaltation and glory (Ps. 48:1-2) not in the time of its final treading down by the Gentiles – Luke 21:24.
"yet he shall come to his end" - A very brief summary of such prophecies as Zech.14, Ezek.38 & 39, Joel 3, Zeph.3:8. The long journey pursued by Communism towards world domination, now seemingly almost over, will come to an abrupt and final end at the hand of Christ and the saints.
"and none shall help him" - Roth. - "with none to help him". No one will be able to help Russia. The nations of the west (Britain, U.S.A.) having been humbled, the final conflict will be between the Image and the Stone-power; that is between man's power and divine power. The result is a foregone conclusion and will see the fulfilment of Dan.8:25.
THE WORK OF ELIJAH
THE SCOPE OF ELIJAH'S WORK
The ministry of Elijah the prophet was restricted to the northern kingdom of Israel and nowhere do we find him associated with the kingdom of Judah either as a prophet or as a visitor. When seeking refuge from the vengeful Jezebel, Elijah chose the solitary heights of Horeb rather than venture into Judah where Athaliah, Jezebel's daughter had ensconced herself in a position of influence in the family of Jehoshaphat.
Though he returned to anoint Elisha as a prophet in his stead Elijah's own ministry to Israel was never completed and it is this work which yet lies before him. His activities will be limited to Jewry outside the Land, for it will be Christ himself who will instruct those who have already returned (Zech.12:7-14).
Elijah will go forth and direct the operations of a company of the glorified saints in a mission of instruction to scattered Jewry culminating in their return to the Land of Israel in the 'Second Exodus'.
'ISRAEL' AND 'JUDAH' IN THE PROPHETIC WORD
In the days of the kings the nation of Israel was divided politically into two separate kingdoms - Israel in the north consisted of a majority of the people of the ten tribes, while Judah in the south consisted of principally Judah and Benjamin with many from Levi and Simeon who had their inheritance within the boundary of the southern kingdom.
In time, with mass migrations from the north to the south, and the Assyrian captivity of Israel in 723 B.C., a total confusion of the tribes took place so that the kingdom of Judah which survived to 586 B.C. actually consisted of people from every tribe of Israel. Despite this the nation continued to be known as Judah.
It was this political situation which led to the use of the terms 'Israel' and 'Judah' in the prophetic scriptures to describe the Jews scattered abroad and the Jews in the Land.
'Israel', 'Ephraim', and 'the remnant of Jacob' are synonomous terms for the nation of Israel in dispersion and in the latter day context relate to scattered Jewry worldwide - Zech.9:13, Ezek. 20:27,30,39, Mic.5:7-8. 'Judah' is the name given to the Jews who have returned to the Land and
established the state of Israel. Thus, we read that Christ will save 'the tents of Judah first', Zech.12:7.
THE TIMING OF ELIJAH'S MISSION
It has been suggested that Elijah and the saints will be sent on a mission to the Land of Israel to instruct the Jewish people before the invasion of the Land by Russia. The only evidence advanced in support of this suggestion is Jer.3:14-17, but this context seems to have reference to Elijah's work among scattered Jewry not the Jews in the Land. This becomes evident by comparing Jer.3:12 with verse 18. Failure to delineate between 'Israel' and 'Judah' must lead to misunderstanding.
The problem arises over the fulfilment of Mal.4:5 which is a prophecy concerning "all Israel" (Mal.4:4). The prophecy demands that Elijah be sent to all Israel, or both Judah and Israel. The difficulty is surmounted when it is remembered that the Jews in the Land in the time of Christ were prophetically defined as 'the house of Judah' and Elijah was sent to them in the form of John the Baptist. Note the special manner in which the Lord spoke of John as Elijah, saying, "And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come". (Matt.ll:14). And again, "Elias is come already, and they knew him not", (Matt.17:10-13). We may conclude from these words that Elijah's mission to 'Judah' is complete; all that remains is the mission to 'Israel' in dispersion.
Malachi 4:5-6
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet" - Who are the 'you' of this verse? Malachi prophesied to Israel (1:1) and it is clear from the reference to "all Israel" (4:4) that the entire nation is the subject of the prophecy.
It is significant that Elijah should be associated here with Moses (v.4) as he is also in the transfiguration of Christ - Luke 9:28-31. Both are leaders of an Exodus, one past, one future, and the topic of their discussion with Christ was "his decease" (Gr. EXODUS).
"before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh" — The day referred to is the day or period of divine judgement upon the nations commencing with the battle of Armageddon — Rev.16:14. 'The day of Yahweh' is frequently used by the prophets to speak of a time of national judgement - Isa.2:12-17, Zech.l4:l, Zeph.2:2-3.
Elijah is to be sent to Israel in dispersion before Christ destroys the Gogian hordes on the mountains of Israel, but as he is to go forth with a company of glorified saints (Matt.24:31) it is clear his mission does not commence until after the marriage of the Lamb, i.e. just before Christ and the saints begin their work of conquest in the region of Sinai. If Elijah is sent out as Christ goes forth to smite and heal Egypt he will just have sufficient time to warn the Jews in all lands of impending events before Christ appears on the Mt. of Olives and overtthrows the invaders of the Land.
Any call for the Jews to leave their adopted lands and gather together for the Second Exodus back to the Land of their fathers would be unlikely to receive much response without tangible and unmistakeable evidence of divine intervention in human affairs. That evidence will be provided to both Jew and Gentile in the day of Christ's triumph over Gog (Rev.l:7). In the day of Christ's power the Jews will readily respond to Elijah's call - Ps.110:3.
In a primary sense the prophecy was fulfilled when God sent forth 'Elijah' or John the Baptist to warn 'Judah' of impending national judgement which fell upon a guilty nation in A.D. 70 - Matt.3:7-12.
V.6 - "he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children" – The fathers are the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who are represented in Isa.29:23-24 as being so disgusted with the faithless attitude of the children of Israel as to be completely ashamed of them.
These words are quoted in the context of John the Baptist going forth in the spirit and power of Elijah - Luke 1:17, which Bro. Thomas translates "to restore to the posterity the fathers' dispositions and disobedient ones to just persons mode of thinking". John's mission was "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" and Elijah's mission will be the same.
This preparation will consist in converting Jewry from their selfish and godless ways to the faithfulness of their fathers so that the latter might receive them as their children upon their return to the Land. This is the work of the Second Exodus.
"lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" - God's purpose with Israel is the springboard for the fulfilment of His purpose with all nations.
What happens to Israel will happen in due course to all nations. The success of Elijah's work will signal the pending success of Christ's work in subduing and converting all nations so that there will be no need for God to smite the earth with a curse.
ELIJAH'S ASSOCIATES - Matthew 24:30-31
V.30 - "And then" - The context of verse 29 concerns the unprecedented political turmoil among all nations just prior to Armageddon. This turmoil would commence subsequent to the liberation of Jerusalem from Gentile hands in June 1967 (Luke 21:24) and would become progressively worse culminating in "a time of trouble such as never was" (Dan. 12:1).
"the sign of the Son of man in heaven" - The 'heaven' refers to the political arena upon the earth. Therefore the 'sign' provided by Christ will be a major political event resulting in all nations mourning at its world shattering consequences. This sign is quite obviously Armageddon, which with its associated earthquake will affect every nation on earth - Rev. 16:16-21.
"the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven" — Clouds are symbolic of a multitude (Heb.l2:l) and here relate to the glorified saints who accompany Christ on his march to triumph over the nations — Zech.14:5,
Rev.1:6-7.
The word 'coming' is ERCHOMAI meaning to move from one place to another. This refers to the March of the Rainbowed Angel - the victorious progress of Christ leading up to the time when he shall be "King of kings and Lord of lords".
V.31 - "he shall send his angels" - Christ's 'angels' or messengers of the future age are the saints (Heb.2:5) who will have become "as the angels" in nature, power and authority (Luke 20:36).
"with a great sound of a trumpet" - This cannot be the resurrectional Trump of God (1 Thess.4:17, 1 Cor.15:52) for the work of resurrection and judgement is complete. The prophets speak of a great trumpet to be blown by Yahweh for the gathering of scattered Israel - Isa.18:3, 27:13, Zech.9:14. At this sound the Jews will respond to Elijah and the saints and the Second Exodus will begin.
"they shall gather together his elect" - 'Elect' signifies chosen and is a term applied to Israel as well as to the saints, for Israel is God's chosen nation - Ps.105:6,43; Isa.65:15.
"from the four winds, from the one end of heaven to the other" – This is clearly a reference to Deut.30:4, thus confirming the 'elect' to be the nation of Israel in dispersion. It is fitting that Elijah be accompanied on his mission by others, as this is in keeping with his previous ministry in which he was associated with "the sons of the prophets" (2 Kings 2:15), a group of dedicated men whose task it was to disseminate "the still small voice" of God's word to the nation.
Placed in charge of the work of restoring Israel, Elijah will have associates with him whose labours he will supervise. Though sent out before Armageddon, the restoration will not be effected until after Christ's subjugation of the nations, and, in all, will occupy some 40 years in its completion. (See notes on 'Jubilee Period').
THE SECOND EXODUS OF ISRAEL
ELIJAH'S MESSAGE TO SCATTERED ISRAEL
With the world embroiled in war and gathering their armies into the Middle East for Armageddon "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer.30:7) will have arrived contemporaneously with "the time of trouble such as never was" (Dan.12:2). At this crisis in Jewry's affairs Elijah and his emissaries will visit every community of Jews in every country upon the earth to begin the work of restoration.
Education and instruction in the purpose of God and divine principles will precede a call for the Jews to leave their homes and adopted lands for the journey to the Covenant Land. Doubtless the Jews will be encouraged to respond to this call due to a growing persecution against their race as Anti-Semitism again rears its head. In addition, Elijah's ambassadors will be able by miraculous signs to convince the Jews that they are indeed divine messengers.
The message they will deliver is set out in a remarkable prophecy contained in Jeremiah 3:12-4:2.
Jeremiah 3:12 - 4:2
V.12 - "Go and proclaim these words toward the north" - That the north refers to Gentile lands is clear from v.18. Elijah's message is to scattered Israel, not the Jews now in the Land.
"return thou backsliding Israel" - It is important to note that a distinction is drawn between Israel and Judah in this prophecy. Note vv.6-11,18.
It is clear from v.18 that Judah and Israel will not be united until after Jerusalem becomes "the throne of Yahweh" (v.17), therefore the message carried to Israel must concern only those Jews scattered into all nations.
Elijah's message is a call to repentance so that Yahweh's mercy might be extended to Israel - Vv.12-14.
V.14 - "I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion" - Though all Jews will leave their adopted lands and join the Second Exodus, not all will enter the Land to take up their inheritance. The purging out of rebels (Ezek. 20:33-38) during the exodus will thin the ranks of Israel in a similar manner as occured to Israel in the wilderness under Moses. Only a few of the older generation will manifest the faith required for entry into the Covenant Land and the younger generation (perhaps the "two of a family") will enter the Land to take up their inheritance leaving their father's bones lying in "the wilderness of the people".
"I will give you pastors" - These will be Elijah and his associates whose task it will be to instruct Jewry in 'sound doctrine' that they might respond to Yahweh.
In verses 16-18 Jeremiah presents the ultimate results of Elijah's work. In the following verse he reveals how these results are attained.
V.19 — "How shall I put thee among the children" - Yahweh poses the question — How would it be possible for him to restore to the status of sons a people who had rejected his son and polluted his name among the Gentiles and still uphold his righteousness before all nations? Only through total repentance and confession of their guilt could Yahweh justly forgive and restore Israel - v 13.
"Thou shalt call me, My father" - Israel in dispersion must learn to recognise their relationship to Yahweh, and manifest the proper filial respect to Him.
In verses 20-22 Jeremiah portrays the message that Elijah will deliver to Israel in order to cause them to review their past. The message in the form of rebuke followed by an appeal is calculated to produce in the Jews a repentant sorrow. This effect it will have, and the grateful, heart-broken response of Israel is then portrayed in verses 22-25.
Greeted with this response Elijah will instruct Israel as to what they are to do — Jer.4:l-2. The terms of their restitution are: —
1. Israel must recognise Yahweh by acknowledging His existence.
2. Their acknowledgement must be revealed by the action of putting away all abominations and a confession.
3. Israel must swear that Yahweh lives, that He is the epitome of truth, judgement and righteousness and that their punishment at His hands was perfectly just.
4. This confession of faith forms the basis of Israel's restitution and will provide a channel of righteousness unto all nations who in their turn will follow Israel's example.
RETURNING ISRAEL - YAHWEH'S WEAPONS OF WAR
The instruction given to the Jewish communities throughout the world will receive a willing response (Ps. 110:3) as Jews everywhere gather together and begin to make their way back to the Promised Land. However, they will be met with varying degrees of resistance from the nations they attempt to leave.
The resistance will be greatest among the Eurasian nations where the efforts of Jews to return to the Land of Israel will be interpreted as a hostile action designed to assist Israel, with whom the nations will be at war.
They will set out to suppress the revolt as they view it, and this will result in Israel resorting to force, assisted by divine power supplied through Elijah and the saints (Jer.51:20). The purpose of this warfare is outlined by the prophet Ezekiel - Ezek.20:33-38.
Ezekiel 20:33-38
V.33 — "with a mighty hand. will I rule over you" — This is a reference to the work of Elijah and his associates also described in Zech. 9:12-17. Divine power to judge the nations and destroy their resistance will be freely exercised by the saints who will overshadow Israel unseen to the nations. This demonstration of amazing supernatural power by a seemingly unarmed and defenceless people will 'confound' the nations and convince Israel — Mic. 7:15-20.
V.34 — "gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered" - Elijah and the saints will gather together all scattered Jewry from every nation — none will be exempt. This will only be accomplished by the manifestation of divine power - Jer.25:31-33.
V.35 - "the wilderness of the people" - This is not the Wilderness of Sinai but a 'wilderness' of people - a wilderness as unfriendly and inhospitable as the Egyptian desert, Deut.8:15. The only "wilderness of people" mentioned in scripture is that into which John was carried in spirit to behold the woman seated on a scarlet beast, the Roman Catholic apostasy entrenched in Europe - Rev.17:3. The "wilderness of the people” is thus identified with the Catholic nations of Europe and Central Asia. This harmonises with Jer.3:18 ("the land of the north").
Israel's journey through the European nations to the Promised Land will most likely take quite some time and will provide a period of severe testing for Israel and a period of even severer judgements for the nations.
"there will I plead with you face to face" - The word 'plead' is SHAPHAT — to judge; i.e. to pronounce sentence; by imp. to vindicate or punish. Roth. - "and will contend with you there face to face".
V.36 - "Like as I pleaded with your fathers" - Though repentant, Israel will nevertheless need to be purged. Under a time of severe testing the true character of the Israelites will be revealed. As entry to the land and into the covenant will be upon the basis of faith, ample opportunity is to be provided for faith to be revealed. Unfortunately, many Jews deeply ingrained in the ways of the Gentiles will, like their fathers of old, desire to 'return to Egypt’ and like their fathers in the wilderness, Yahweh will contend with them.
V.37 - "I will cause you to pass under the rod" - This is the rod of divine correction wielded by the saints - Rev.2:26-27, 19:15.
"I will bring you into the bond of the covenant" - Purged by trial and humbled by judgement, Israel will be invited to enter into covenant-relationship with Yahweh. Unlike the covenant made with their fathers which they broke, this new covenant will be written in their heart - Jer.31:31-33.
V.38 — "I will purge out from among you the rebels" - Though brought out with the rest of Israel, the rebels will be purged in the process of the journey through the countries of Europe and its associated warfare. By the hand of Yahweh and of the enemy they will perish during the forty
year period of the Second Exodus.
Zechariah 9:12-17
V.12 - "Turn you to the stronghold" - i.e. to Yahweh - Nah.1:7, Prov. 18:10. Roth. - "high fortress" (Mgn.).
"ye prisoners of hope" - Youngs Lit. - "ye prisoners of the hope." The word 'hope' is TIQVAH and joined with the definite article is HATIKVA the national anthem of Israel. This phrase connects scattered Israel with this context.
"I will render double unto thee" - The blessing of the firstborn which Israel had forfeited through faithlessness is to be restored to them when they become the head of the nations. But first Israel must be purged and humbled.
V.13 - "When I have bent Judah for me" - Christ will "save the tents of Judah first" (Zech.12:7) and they shall "fight at Jerusalem" against the power of the north (Zech.l4:14). The Jews in the Land called 'Judah' will provide the strength or motivation which will impel Israel to return to the Land and in the process act as Yahweh's arrow against the nations.
Refined 'Judah' is to become Yahweh's "goodly horse" in battle to overcome all peoples round about the Land of Israel - Zech.10:3-5, 12:5-6.
"filled the bow with Ephraim" - Ephraim is equivalent to Israel and refers to scattered Jewry. Returning Israel is to be the striking force of Yahweh against the nations – Zech.10:9-11.
"against thy sons, Ο Greece" - Zechariah's prophecy primarily concerned the wars fought by the Maccabees against the Grecian king of the north.
Here the latter day 'king of the north' is shown to be a manifestation of the Grecian Empire.
V.14 - "Yahweh shall be seen over them" - The glorified saints will have the name of Yahweh named upon them (Rev.3:12), and will overshadow and guide the Israelites in their conquests over the Gentiles.
"shall go with whirlwinds of the south" - Christ and the saints as Yahweh Sabaoth will have come from the south or Teman - Hab.3:3, Deut.33:2.
The word 'whirlwinds' is CEARAH signifying a hurricane, from a root CA'AR meaning to rush upon. The work of the saints in shepherding Israel back to the Land will leave behind sorely judged nations so that Jeremiah's prophecy will be fulfilled - Jer.25:32-33.
V.15 - "Yahweh of hosts shall defend them" - GANAN signifies to hedge about, i.e. to protect. This is the work of Elijah and his associates for a period of nearly 40 years.
THE ROUTE OF THE SECOND EXODUS
The Israelites gathered by Elijah and the saints will make their way back to the Land in communities which will grow larger as groups from different nations coalesce along the way. They will eventually enter the Land from the north or the south; from across the Euphrates or the Red Sea where a national baptism will take place after all rebels have been purged out.
Isaiah 11:11-16
This context deals with the Second Exodus of Israel and adds important details concerning the route by which the returning Jews will enter the Land.
V.15 - "the tongue of the Egyptian Sea" - Evidently a reference to the Red Sea which again will be divided to provide a way for Israel to pass over.
"shake his hand over the river" — A reference to the River Euphrates known in scripture as "the river" (Ps.72:8).
"and make men go over dryshod" — This is the purpose of dividing the Red Sea and the Euphrates. A highway is to be created out of Egypt and Assyria for returning Israel. Those crossing the Red Sea will re-enact the crossing of their fathers under Moses, while those crossing the Euphrates
will re-enact the 'crossing-over' of Abraham as he journeyed from Ur to the Land of Promise. Whether coming from north or south all will be baptised into Christ and prepared to settle in the Land in their allotted territory.
This is confirmed in an additional prophecy provided by Isaiah – Isa.27: 12-13.