And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south.
Obadiah 1:20
Like earlier studies of Zephaniah in which we spent much time a few months back (A series entitled, "Get Your Thoughts In Order), Obadiah also relates to events that occur as the prophetic Day of the Lord approaches. Consider verses from both books: "The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly." (Zephaniah 1:14) "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head." Obadiah 1:15
If you read the last post, it highlighted news articles that dealt with natural gas and oil discoveries that have been made in the territorial region assigned to Asher. Also, there were disconcerting news articles about a dispute and threats of war over the maritime borders of Lebanon and Israel brought about by these discoveries. The region referred to as Asher in the blessings of Moses and Jacob is in the heart of the dispute and today covers a strip that includes the northern Israeli coastline. Furthermore, it extends along into southern Lebanon. This same region is mentioned in scripture as being controlled completely by Israel after a battle outlined in Obadiah, Zephaniah, Isaiah, Psalm 83, and other books.This last days battle seems to occur very near to the beginning of the Day of the Lord also referred to as the the Great Tribulation and the following Millennial Reign of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus).
Notice the verse above, Obadiah 1:20. Zarephath is mentioned as part of the spoil of this war as well as the cities that will be gained in the south (Negev Desert). So where is Zarephath today? It is the archaeological treasure city known as Sarafand, Lebanon. This city is also known as Sarepta. It is about 30 miles north of the current border of Lebanon and Israel. Interestingly enough, the name of this city roughly translates as "refinery" since it was a center for metal smelting and refining long ago. http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6886&t=KJV
Today, aren't refineries also involved in oil and gas production? That makes it interesting indeed! This is also the city where Elijah increased the bread and oil perpetually of the widow in 1 Kings 17:16. As I write this point, I am reminded of the blessing of Israel and Moses on Asher. "Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties." Bread and fat(a variant of the word used as oil) were the blessing! (See Deuteronomy 33:24 for the blessing of Moses.) I am sure that all of the money made from the oil here would yield many "royal dainties".
If Israel controls from this city, Sarepta, south, there is no more concern as to where the maritime border between Lebanon and Israel is. Are we nearing this being fulfilled? Common sense says yes!
What else is interesting about Sarepta or Zarephath? Author and prophecy teacher, John McTernan, has often pointed out that the region from Sarepta to the southern border of Lebanon with Israel is also the region controlled by Hezbollah. http://johnmcternansinsights.blogspot.com/2011/01/special-attention-lebanon.html
Were Israel to control this region where Hezbollah currently has a stockpile of 50,000 rockets as well as other weapons, there would be much stability for the Jewish people. Cables show Hezbollah has 50,000 rockets: WikiLeaks - Economic Times God, thousands of years ago, outlined all of the regions He will give over to Israel. These same lands are all hotspots in our news today! Pay attention--YOU are about to see much prophecy fulfilled.
This begs the question, are you ready for the return of Jesus Christ? Have you accepted the free gift of pardon found in the work of Jesus? If not, simply confess your sins and accept that He took your penalty for those sins by the atoning work at the cross. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21 Follow Him friend! He is surely near, even at the door.
**John has done extensive study on Obadiah, and I highly recommend his blog. http://johnmcternan.name/
Notice the verse above, Obadiah 1:20. Zarephath is mentioned as part of the spoil of this war as well as the cities that will be gained in the south (Negev Desert). So where is Zarephath today? It is the archaeological treasure city known as Sarafand, Lebanon. This city is also known as Sarepta. It is about 30 miles north of the current border of Lebanon and Israel. Interestingly enough, the name of this city roughly translates as "refinery" since it was a center for metal smelting and refining long ago. http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6886&t=KJV
Today, aren't refineries also involved in oil and gas production? That makes it interesting indeed! This is also the city where Elijah increased the bread and oil perpetually of the widow in 1 Kings 17:16. As I write this point, I am reminded of the blessing of Israel and Moses on Asher. "Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties." Bread and fat(a variant of the word used as oil) were the blessing! (See Deuteronomy 33:24 for the blessing of Moses.) I am sure that all of the money made from the oil here would yield many "royal dainties".
If Israel controls from this city, Sarepta, south, there is no more concern as to where the maritime border between Lebanon and Israel is. Are we nearing this being fulfilled? Common sense says yes!
Were Israel to control this region where Hezbollah currently has a stockpile of 50,000 rockets as well as other weapons, there would be much stability for the Jewish people. Cables show Hezbollah has 50,000 rockets: WikiLeaks - Economic Times God, thousands of years ago, outlined all of the regions He will give over to Israel. These same lands are all hotspots in our news today! Pay attention--YOU are about to see much prophecy fulfilled.
This begs the question, are you ready for the return of Jesus Christ? Have you accepted the free gift of pardon found in the work of Jesus? If not, simply confess your sins and accept that He took your penalty for those sins by the atoning work at the cross. "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21 Follow Him friend! He is surely near, even at the door.
**John has done extensive study on Obadiah, and I highly recommend his blog. http://johnmcternan.name/
Hezbollah Control of Southern Lebanon
Whether the trigger is oil, rockets, borders, terrorism, or the dispute over control Jerusalem which the prophets place so much emphasis on, it is certain that we are nearing the Day of the Lord! Keep looking and watching and praying. Jesus Christ is Soon 2 Come!
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