SACRIFICE IN BOZRAH - Isaiah 34
Bozrah was evidently the capital of Edom - Amos 1:11-12, Gen.36:33. Idumea a name which occurs in Isaiah 34:5,6; Ezek.35:15, 36:5 is actually the same as Edom and is a variation attributable to the translators of 1611. Most subsequent translations revert to the correct term — Edom.
Isa.34 refers to "the day of Yahweh", the day of vengeance upon all nations. This is evident from the following passages:-
Vv.1-2 "Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter."
V.8 "For it is the day of the LORD'S vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion." And yet the judgements are represented as falling upon the land of Edom, and as having occured in Bozrah.
Vv. 5-6 "For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgement. The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea."
EDOM AND BOZRAH TYPICAL NAMES
Ancient Edom is extinct — the race no longer exists, Obadiah 9,10,16. However, typical Edom - flesh in political manifestation opposed to the things of Zion is very much in evidence and will be seen in the plenitude of its power when Yahweh gathers "all nations against Jerusalem to battle" (Zech.l4:2). It is these forces of the Gentiles, styled "the house of Esau" and "the mount of Esau" (Obadiah 18,19,21) which Christ and the saints will overthrow at Armageddon.
Bozrah the capital of Edom is figuratively the headquarters of Gentile power. The name means an enclosure, i.e. a sheepfold, but comes from a root BATSAR meaning to clip off or gather grapes. The word also relates to an isolated place (i.e. inaccessible by height or fortification). In summary, Bozrah can signify either 'fortification', 'sheepfold', or 'vintage’.
Significantly, Rome in Hebrew means 'fortification' while Babylon was built in the plain of Dura which likewise means a 'wall' or 'rampart' or fortified place. Bozrah is therefore linked etymologically with Babylon and Rome and typically represents the headquarters or fortified place of fleshly, Gentile political power - see Dan.11:45.
To Jerusalem will God gather all nations as into 'a sheepfold' for slaughter or the treading of the 'vintage'.
THE WINEPRESS AT BOZRAH - Isaiah 63:1-6
V.1 - "Who is this that cometh from Edom" - This question is posed in a remarkable setting. In the previous chapter Isaiah has set forth the glorious destiny of Zion and called upon Israel to make every preparation to receive its Messiah. However, Israel is to be ignorant of the identity of their saviour, and it is this one to whom the prophet now turns.
As vv.1-6 are preceded and followed by prophecies concerning the redemption of Israel this passage may be compared with other prophecies dealing with Israel's recognition of their Messiah, namely, Zech. 12:9-14, 13:8-9; Matt.23:39. Because Israel's recognition of their Messiah is subsequent to
the battle of Armageddon, Christ is represented as coming from Edom and Bozrah which figuratively speak of the place of divine judgement upon the nations - that place is outside the walls of Jerusalem on "the mountains of Israel". Rev.16:16, Joel 3:2, Ezek.39:4.
"with dyed garments from Bozrah" - The prophecy depicts the glorious Multitudinous Christ at a time subsequent to the treading of the winepress. The 'vintage' of Bozrah has been trodden. Gentile anti-Semetic power has been crushed at Armageddon.
"this that is glorious in his apparel" - Roth. - "this made splendid in his raiment, marching on in the greatness of his strength". A glorious picture of the march of the Rainbowed Angel who Dr. Thomas portrays as passing literal Bozrah and Edom on his way to Yah wen's "sacrifice in Bozrah" at Jerusalem.
V.2 - "Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel" - The enquiry is made: How did Israel's mighty saviour sustain his blood spattered garments?
"like him that treadeth in the winefat" - Roth. - "as of one treading in a wine-trough?" The answer comes in the following verse.
V.3 — "I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me" - The last phrase should be translated "and of the peoples there was no man with me" (Roth. & R.S.V.). He who comes from Edom is Yahweh Tz'vaoth or the Multitudinous Christ. Hence, Christ will not be alone but in the company of many glorified saints. However, as they will comprise 'The Man of the One', the 'mighty Rainbowed Angel', and 'one like unto the Son of man' they may be spoken of as being "alone". The "peoples" (plural) refers to the nations who will be the subject of the judgements.
"their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments" - Not literally, but figuratively. Christ and the saints will bring supernatural power to bear upon the forces of the nations.
V.4 - "the day of vengeance is in my heart"- Again it is clear that this passage of Isaiah relates to events surrounding Armageddon and not to a skirmish at Bozrah in Edom.
ARMAGEDDON AND ITS AFTERMATH
The word Armageddon occurs only once in the scriptures, Rev.16:16. It there appears Hebraistically as a word transliterated into the Greek. The Greek form is a compilation of three Hebrew words AREMA, a heap of sheaves; GAI, a valley; DUN, judgement. Thus it means 'a heap of sheaves in a valley for judgement'. It speaks therefore of the divine purpose as well as to the place of that judgement. The word 'Armageddon' is obviously drawn from the prophecy of Joel.
Joel 3:1-17
V.1 - "in those days" - Verse 1 establishes the time period for the fulfilment of this prophecy, namely subsequent to the bringing again of the captivity of Judah (1948) and of Jerusalem (1967).
V.2 — "I will also gather all nations" - This is a divine work performed unbeknown to the nations themselves - cp. Zech.14:2.
"into the valley of Jehoshaphat" - The name signifies 'the judgement of Yah'. This valley also styled "the valley of threshing" (decision) in verse 14 is the Valley of the Kidron; a narrow glen which runs from north to south between the Mount of Olives on the east and Mount Moriah on the west.
"and will plead with them there" - The word 'plead' is SHAPHAT – to judge. Hence there is a play on the name Jehoshaphat.
V.11 - "Assemble yourselves and come, all ye heathen" - Roth. — "Give help - and come in all ye nations on every side", i.e. of Jerusalem – cp. v.12.
"thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, Ο Yahweh" - Roth. -
"thither bring down Ο Yahweh thy mighty ones". A reference to Christ and his glorified saints. Thus while all nations gather "against Jerusalem to battle", Yahweh brings His mighty ones upon the scene to judge for Him - V.12.
V.13 - "the press is full, the fats overflow" - Roth. - "vats". Compare notes on Isa.63:l-6. This is the winepress of Bozrah.
V.14 - "Multitudes, multitudes" - The Hebrew word is HAMON. This helps to identify the origin of the multitude. In Ezek.39:11 Gog's destroyed army is described as being buried in the valley of Hamon-Gog.
"the valley of decision" - The word is CHARUTS - incision, threshing. The latter harmonises with the meaning of Armageddon. Refer to Eureka Vol.3, pages 603-604.
GREAT EARTHQUAKE - DRAMATIC CHANGES IN THE LAND OF ISRAEL
The destruction of Gog and the forces of all nations gathered against Jerusalem is to be accomplished by an unprecedented outpouring of divine power. Amongst the elements to be wielded supernaturally by Christ and his saints are "overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire and brimstone" (Ezek.38:22), snow and hail (Job 38:22-23) but by far the most effective weapon, and the one resulting in permanent changes to the Land is the great earthquake described in Ezek.38:19-20, Zech.14:4-5.
This earthquake will basically serve three purposes:-
1. The destruction of the invading armies on the mountains of Israel.
2. Spread massive destruction throughout all the earth by the chain reaction of seismic disturbance - Ezek.38:20, Isa.2:10-21.
3. Result in dramatic alterations to the topography of the Land of Israel and probably the whole earth.
The following brief consideration of Zech.14 seeks to follow events associated with Armageddon and highlight the changes it will bring about.
THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE - Zechariah 14:1-3
V.1 - "Behold, the day of Yahweh cometh" - The day of Yahweh is to be a day of anger and vengeance upon Jewry as well as upon the nations - Jer.30:7, Isa.34:8, Zeph.2:l-3. For the saints it will be a day of great rejoicing as they witness and participate in the vindication of Yahweh’s righteousness in the earth - Rev.l:10, Isa.61:2-3, 26:8-10.
"thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee" - Cp. Ezek.38:12-13. The riches of Israel must fall into Russian hands but they will not be allowed to enjoy them.
V.2 - "For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle" – Roth. - "all the nations". This will be the fulfilment of Yahweh's 'determination' (Zeph.3:8), that both Israel and the nations might be humbled.
"half of the city shall go forth into captivity" — The prophet provides a vivid account of the progress of the conflict. Gog's forces will be victorious over all other armies involved in the conflict and half of the city of Jerusalem will fall to him in fierce hand to hand combat. While Gog lays siege to the remaining half of the city, the Jewish captives are deported (an Assyrian practice — cp. Micah 5:5-6). At this juncture, while the remnant of Israel struggles vainly for survival in Jerusalem, Christ and the saints intervene in the manner described in the following verses.
V.3 - "Then shall Yahweh go forth" - The Lord Jesus Christ as Yahweh in manifestation will go forth to battle, and he will not be alone (v.5) but in the company of the saints. Hence, this is a reference to Yahweh Tzvaoth; the Multitudinous Christ who as 'a man of war' (Ex.l5:3) will manifest himself at the critical moment when Israel will be in complete despair. A propitious manifestation is implied by the word "then".
The "going forth" will have been from Sinai - Deut.33:l-3, Hab.3:3, Ps. 68:17. (See notes on The Place of Judgement').
"as when he fought in the day of battle" - Yahweh went forth before the hosts of Israel in the past - Judges 4:14, 2 Sam.5:24, 1 Chron.14:15. He was manifested belligerantly on Israel's behalf through the angelic host - Ex.23:20-23, Josh.5:14, 10:14, 23:3, Judges 4:15. At this great crisis He will be manifested in Christ and the saints on Israel's behalf and then the nations will witness once again the manifestation of divine power - Isa.42:14, 17:12-14.
GREAT EARTHQUAKE - Zechariah 14:4-5
V.4 - "his feet" - The feet of the Multitudinous Christ - Rev. 10:1, 1:15. These feet are instruments of judgement.
"the mount of Olives" - The central eminence of a mile long line of limestone hills. It rises almost 200 feet above Mt. Zion, but is to be ultimately overshadowed by it - Isa.2:2.
There is an obvious connection between this prophecy and the circumstances of Christ's ascension and the prediction of his return — Acts 1:9-12. While the prediction of the angels concerning the manner of Christ's return is not to be confused with the prophecy of Zech.14:4, there is a clear link between these two contexts. The restoration of Israel's kingdom was on the apostles' minds as they witnessed Christ's ascension (Acts 1:6) from the mount of Olives, and to that very place he will return and make himself known to Israel for their redemption - Rev. 1:7, Isa.59:20.
"on the east" — From here the glory departed from Jerusalem (Ezek. 11:23) and from the east it is to return (Ezek.43:l-2).
"the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof" - An earthquake of unprecedented magnitude will be triggered off upon Christ's arrival at the mount of Olives. The mount will "cleave asunder" (Roth.) along a fault line running east-west so that half the mount shall be pushed north-wards and the other half southwards, thus forming an enormous valley running from Jerusalem to the Jordan valley.
The immediate effect of this earthquake will be the destruction of Gog's forces on the mountains of Israel - Ezek.38:19-21, Isa.2:19, Joel 3:16. Such will be the terror and panic of Gog's army that those who survive the earthquake will annihilate each other in mutual slaughter.
V.5 - "And ye shall flee" - i.e. The Jews shall flee from the severity of the earthquake which will however have one significant benefit for them: it will distract Gog from his oppression of the Jewish people.
"to the valley of the mountains" — Delete "to" which is in italics and this phrase reads as it should, "flee the valley"; i.e. flee from the valley created by the earthquake.
"for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal" — Roth. — "for the valley of the mountains shall reach very near". The word AZAL should evidently not be a noun. The word means to join, but apparently can also signify to separate. Some choose to interpret AZAL as signifying Jerusalem, the holy or separate place. Both views agree that the phrase indicates that the valley formed by the earthquake will reach to the precincts of Jerusalem.
"like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah " - Josephus records that an earthquake accompanied the smiting of King Uzziah with leprosy at the time of his presumptuous attempt to usurp the High-priesthood (2 Chron.26:16-20). Whether this is correct or not an earthquake of some magnitude must have occurred in Judah in those days, the terror of which had been related from one generation to another down to the prophet's day.
"Yahweh my God shall come, and all the saints with thee" - Yahweh my Elohim indicates Yahweh manifested in a multitude, namely the Multitudinous Christ. The multitude are styled "saints" - Heb. QADOSH, signifying sacred, and is translated by Rotherham "holy ones". Their status here also reveals their origin — they are a community of separate ones called out of the Gentiles to be a people for Yahweh's name — Acts 15:14.
That the saints will accompany Christ on his mission to subjugate the nations is revealed here and in Ps.149, John 18:37, and Rev.19:11-15.
THE DAY OF YAHWEH - Zechariah 14:6-7
V.6 - "the light shall not be clear, nor dark" - Roth. - "that there shall be no light, the bright stars shall be withdrawn". R.V. - "the bright ones shall contract themselves". Bro. Thomas translates "and it shall be in that day there shall be no brightness, the splendid ones drawing in. And it shall be one day that shall be known to Yahweh, neither day nor night, but it shall be at the time of evening there shall be brightness".
The "splendid ones" are of course the glorified saints (v.5) who will then be equal unto the the angels (Luke 20:36) and able to shine forth in glory (Matt.28:3) or appear as ordinary men (Gen.18:1-2).
The "day of Yahweh" is the forty year period of divine judgement foreshadowed in v.1 — a day "pertaining to Yahweh" (Roth.), or "known to Yahweh" (v.7) because it will be the time of His judgement on all nations (v.2). The epoch of judgement will be a time when the saints will not be seen in the brightness of their glory by the nations at large. Thus the saints will draw in their glory in the execution of the judgements written. But a time will come for that glory to be revealed to all.
V.7 - "at evening time it shall be light" - Roth. - "at evening time there shall be light". To the Hebrews evening preceded the day, as the Jewish day began at 6pm; (Gen. 1:5). So following the subjugation of the nations and the erection of the House of Prayer for all nations Christ and the saints will be manifested in glory before all flesh. The glory which Ezekiel saw depart from Jerusalem (Ezek.lO:4,18-19; 11:23) will return and fill the Temple with glory (Ezek.43:l-2).
LIVING WATERS FROM JERUSALEM - Zechariah 14:8
V.8 - "living waters shall go out from Jerusalem" - Jerusalem is known for its natural springs but the earthquake which exalts Zion will create a spring so large as to be a mighty river. The waters of this spring will play an important part in the worship conducted at the Temple and will flow eastward for the healing of the Dead Sea - Ezek.47:1-11. The waters are to flow from under the altar upon the elevated Mt. Zion, down the south-side and emerge from underground out of the northern and southern entrances of the Temple. Cp. Joel 3:18, Ps.46:4, Isa.30:25, 33:21, 41:18, 43:19-20.
"half of them toward the former sea....hinder sea" - The former sea is the Dead Sea (i.e. eastern - see mgn.) while the hinder sea is the Mediterranean. The waters that flow from Zion will be divided into two streams (Ezek.47:1-2,9), both of which first flow eastward. One pours waters into the Dead Sea so that it is healed (Ezek.47:8), the other evidently flows east and then north-west to finally empty its waters into the Mediterranean.
"in summer and winter shall it be" - Being from a perennial spring the waters will not depend upon rain or seasons.
ONE UNIVERSAL MONARCH — Zechariah 14:9
V.9 - "And Yahweh shall be king over all the earth" - The proclamation that Yahweh reigns supreme over all nations in the person of his son willbe made in the Temple at its inaugural service -Ezek.43:7. Cp. Ezek. 37:22,24,28; Ps.72:8-11; Rev.11:15, 19:16.
"there shall be one Yahweh, and his name one" - R.V. - "Yahweh shall be one and his name one". This depicts the fulfilment of the purpose of the Gospel (John 17:17-23); the complete unity of Christ and his saints so that together they might bear and manifest the divine name — Rev. 3:12; Isa.30:27.
THE ELEVATION OF ZION - Zechariah 14:10-11
V.10 - "All the land shall be turned as a plain" - R.V. - "All the land shall be turned as the Arabah". The Arabah is the present depression of land in the Jordan Valley, and this statement declares that all the land south of Jerusalem shall be changed from its present hilly state to form a vast depression or plain. This will accentuate the position and height of Jerusalem which will appear greatly elevated in consequence.
"from Geba" — Geba which means 'hillock', was in the territory of Benjamin 6 miles north of Jerusalem.
"to Rimmon" - Rimmon was 33 miles south-west of Jerusalem, situated on the southern border of Judah (Josh. 15:21,32). This stretch of land of some 40 miles diameter is to be set apart for divine use (Zech.2:12) and is styled by Ezekiel, the 'holy oblation' (Ezek.48:9-12). It will be set aside for divine worship in the age to come. The city Yahweh Shammah (Ezek. 48:35), south of Jerusalem, which will accommodate worshippers journeying to Jerusalem to worship in the Temple, will be set up within this territory.
"and it shall be lifted up" - Roth. - "and shall lift herself on high and abide in her own place". Mt. Zion is to be elevated to dominate the whole country - Ps.68:15,16; 48:2.
Yahweh has carefully prepared the topographical features and geological structures of this region so that in due time it might become "the place of His feet".
"from Benjamin's gate unto the king's winepress" - cp. Jer.31:38-40. The new city will be a temple city, built to Yahweh. It will extend from the tower of Hananeel which was on the north-eastern corner, to the hill Gareb which cannot be identified, to compass about to Goath (or Golgotha). The whole of the valley of Hinnom shall be incorporated in this new temple-city as well as the Kedron.
V.11 - "And men shall dwell in it" - Ezekiel reveals that both immortal and mortal priests will minister in the House of Prayer for all nations - Ezek.42 to 44.
"there shall be no more utter destruction" - Lit. "a curse". Zion is to become a blessing, not a curse as in the past — Zech.8:13.
"but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited" - Roth. - "but Jerusalem shall abide in security".
THE REFINING OF JUDAH
Zechariah devotes a good proportion of his prophecy to this theme and in so doing reveals the divine method of humbling and refining the faithless and ungodly people who now inhabit the land. Briefly, he reveals that: —
1. Jerusalem is to become the centre of international controversy — Zech.12:2-3.
2. Jerusalem is to be trodden down for the last time by the Gentiles - Zech.l4:l-2.
3. Two-thirds of the population is to be destroyed in the "time of Jacob's trouble" - Zech.l3:8.
4. The people of the land will fight against Gog's army with divine help - Zech.12:6, 14:14.
5. The survivors will be refined by suffering and mourning — Zech.13:9, 12:10-14.
6. The remnant will be morally cleansed and brought into the bonds of the Covenant through baptism into Christ - Zech.13:1-2, 10:6.
THE LAND OF ISRAEL CLEANSED
In the aftermath of Armageddon the remnant of Judah, refined and converted by the events described so vividly by Zechariah, will set about the task of cleansing the land of the relics of the past and the debris of fallen armies. Ezekiel describes this work (Ezek.39:8-20) in detail and depicts
Israelites chosen as "men of continual employment" fully occupied for seven months in cleansing the land of the wreckage of war and the evidence of death. Thus cleansed the land will become a suitable habitation for Christ and the saints, and purified Israel.
THE TRIBAL CANTONS
The Land will again be divided among the twelve tribes of Israel and they will be allocated new areas as enumerated in Ezek.48. These cantons or divisions will be of equal width running parallel east and west, the full breadth of the Land promised to Abraham and his seed.
Over each of the tribes one of the apostles will reign as prince (Matt. 19: 28) subject to the King of kings (Rev.19:16) who will reign from Jerusalem (Luke 1:32-33; Matt.5:35). The northern and southern boundaries are described as from the Euphrates to the Nile (Gen.15:18 - the Hebrew word related to the Nile, and not the brook of Egypt referred to elsewhere where a different word is used), and from "sea to sea" (Ps.72:8) or from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. Thus a greatly extended stretch of territory will be occupied by Israel as the chief of nations.
Israel is to be humbled, disciplined, educated, restored, and elevated to the first dominion (Mic.4:8). Ungodliness will be turned away from Jacob by the Deliverer (Rom.11:26), and the nation revived "as in the days of old" (Amos 9:11; Acts 3:21).
THE SUBJUGATION OF THE NATIONS
PROCLAMATION TO THE NATIONS
Having consolidated his power in Zion and established his government over the remnant of ‘Judah' Christ will seek to extend his power to all corners of the world. This he will accomplish by warfare and judgement upon the unyielding and recalcitrant but not without first providing ample opportunity for nations to consider the events of Armageddon and peacefully submit to his rule.
Dr. Thomas suggests that a period of 10 years may be consumed awaiting the peaceful response and submission of the nations or allowing them to gather their forces in an attempt to overthrow the new power ensconced in Jerusalem. To permit the nations an opportunity to choose is the purpose of the 'mid-heaven prophecy'.
THE MID-HEAVEN PROPHECY - Revelation 14:6-7
V.6 — "I saw another angel" - This angel is identified with the mighty angel of Rev. 10:1 but not in its belligerant manifestation. The saints will carry Christ's ultimatum to the nations.
"fly in the midst of heaven" - The political heavens of Gentile power will still exist even though Christ's government will constitute the development of the political heavens of the Millennial age. The 'angel ambassadors' of Christ fly in the midst of heaven or political air of Babylon into which
the judgements of the seventh vial are to be poured (Rev. 16:17). The implication of this is that their message will be to both governments and peoples of all nations, because they fly or travel between the 'heavens' (ruling powers) and the 'earth' (the common people or subjects of the beast).
"having the everlasting gospel to preach" - The definite article is lacking. R.V. - "an everlasting gospel". 'Everlasting' is AIONION, and denotes "pertaining to the age". It relates to a proclamation that will be adapted to the needs of the coming age. Dr. Thomas refers to it as "Millennial good news". The word 'gospel' is EVANGELION - good news; while the word 'preach' is EVANGELISAI, and denotes proclamation of good tidings. R.V. - "proclaim". This rendering is more fitting in this context than "preach".
"unto them that dwell on the earth" - The expression is used politically for those who previously followed after the beast (Rev.13:3).
"and to every nation....and people" - Christ's message is to the common people as well as to governments. All people will be given the opportunity to submit to Christ or give their power unto the beast. The millennial good-news is a message of hope to any desirous of serving the new king in Jerusalem but constitutes an ultimatum to the rebellious and unheeding.
V.7 — "Saying with a loud voice" — So that all might hear. Symbolically, the idea is that the message will be proclaimed far and wide. None will be able to claim ignorance of Christ's demands.
"Fear God, and give glory to him" - This is the call to submit to Christ's authority to rule on behalf of his Father. A warning of the consequences of failure "to bend the knee" is given - "the hour of his judgements is come".
The nations will in the main not respond well to this ultimatum and will prepare for war against the new power under the spiritual guidance of the Papacy - Ps.2, Rev.17:13,14&17.
THE RESPONSE OF THE NATIONS
The Psalmist presents a graphic picture in Psalm 2 of the nations rebelling against the claims of the new king in Jerusalem. They are seen tumultuously assembling together to take counsel and imagine a vain thing, namely, setting themselves against Yahweh's anointed.
The result of this folly is a foregone conclusion. David describes the victory of Zion's anointed king over the resistance of the nations and witnesses his triumph in receiving the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession.
But what would move the nations to oppose Christ in this manner and which nations are involved? Undoubtedly, the force behind this rebellion is the Roman Catholic Church and its head, 'the false prophet'. The Catholic nations of Europe will confederate under the Pope's leadership to oppose the new power in Jerusalem who they will represent as the 'anti-christ' of Catholic teaching. Many nations will be deceived by the machinations of the 'false prophet' and will join the confederacy of nations arraigned against Zion's king - see Rev.17:12-14,17; 19:19-20.
Not all nations however, will contemplate the folly of those influenced by papal intrigue and political ambition, as is clear from the prophecies concerning the submission of some to Christ's ultimatum.
THE SUBMISSION OF BRITAIN
"The land shadowing with wings" (Isa.18:1-2) which has already played an important part in the regathering of Israel to the land and the establishment of their state, is yet to be more intimately involved in the gathering of the remnant of Jacob's seed following Armageddon (Isa. 18:3,7). This implies an early submission by Britain to the rule of Christ, and such is the clear teaching of a number of prophecies.
1. Britain will use its naval power to transport the remnant of Israel from distant lands to the Promised Land - Isa.60:9, 66:19-20.
2. The British will be among the Gentiles who assist in the building of the house of prayer for all nations, and who will bring their wealth to assist in that project - Isa.60:9-11.
3. These arrangements will follow the visit of the "daughter of Tyre" to pay tribute to the new king in Zion - Ps.45:12. A continuation of the reign of Queen Elizabeth 11 could see a very literal fulfilment of that prophecy.