What's Your Problem? - Oct 1980

by Joseph Hunting

Q. Why are the various embassies in Israel located in Tel Aviv and not in Jerusalem?

A. In 1948 when the state of Israel was reborn, Jerusalem was under siege. Not only were the embassies located in Tel Aviv in those days, but so was Israel's Parliament (Knesset).

After the War of Independence the Knesset was moved to its present location, a new building in West Jerusalem. However, following the Six Day War of 1967 when the Old City was integrated with modern (or West) Jerusalem, there has been increasing international pressure upon Israel to hand the Old City and surrounding areas of East Jerusalem back to the Arabs.

In the political arena of world affairs the rules are made and changed according to expediency. As the Arab nations hold the trump card (oil) in their hands the rest of the world feels obliged to play the game according to Arab rules. Hence it is not politically expedient to recognize Jerusalem as the national capital of Israel.

Israel's insistence on retaining Jerusalem (including the Old City) as its national capital will of necessity alienate her from her friends should the Arabs use their trump card in a bid to gain control of Jerusalem.

The prophet Zechariah foretells a time when Jerusalem will be the focal point of world hostility. His words make interesting reading in the light of present developments. "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it." (Zechariah 12:2-3).

Q. Would you throw light on the prophecy outlined in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39?

A. This will be the subject of an article shortly to appear in this journal. However, the following points highlight interesting facets of the prophecy:

1. The 38^th longitude upon which Jerusalem is situated also cuts through Moscow.
2. The invasion of Israel originates in the (literally), hindmost or uttermost north.
3. The invasion of Israel is to take place in the 'latter years', or 'latter days'.
4. At that time Israel will be regathered and dwelling safely in the land.
5. The nations confederate in the invasion are: (a) the land of Magog located in the uttermost north of Israel, and obviously Russia; (b) Persia (modern Iran), Ethiopia and Libya — these are three Islamic states which are bent on Israel's destruction; (c) Gomer, now communist-controlled East Germany; (d) Togarmah, possibly Armenia or modern-day Turkey.
6. In spite of overwhelming odds Israel will survive this onslaught due to Divine intervention by means of an earthquake which causes panic and confusion "with every man's sword against his brother". This is followed by pestilence, floods, great hailstones, fire and brimstone.
7. Only one-sixth of the invading forces survive the wrath of Almighty God who fights for Israel using the elements as He did in Joshua's battle with the kings of Canaan.
8. Israel employs special work-parties burying the dead for seven months and the massive piles of war debris are burned for seven years.
9. Note the absence of Israel's immediate Arab neighbours, Syria and Jordan, as well as Egypt from the list of nations named by Ezekiel.

10. So completely devastating will be the destruction of the invading armies that the nations of the world will recognize that God has fought for Israel and "The house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward". (Ezekiel 39:22).

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