Scripture Studies Re Babylon

[JHM]

I would strongly suggest that true christians here and their families get out of the U.S.A. and North America while the getting is good. There is a destruction coming; and North America WILL bear the brunt of it.

Revelations 13 1-3 (Jerusalem Bible)
“Then I saw a beast emerge from the sea: it had seven heads and ten horns, ... the dragon had handed over to it his own power and his throne and his worldwide authority. I saw that one of its heads seemed to have had a fatal wound but that this deadly injury had healed ...â€Â

Revelations 17 3-5 (Revised Standard Version)
“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a wilderness, and I saw a woman (arrayed in purple and scarlet and bedecked with gold and jewels) sitting on a scarlet beast ... and it had seven heads and ten horns ... and on her forehead was written a name of mystery: ‘Babylon the great, ...’.â€Â

Revelations 17 7-8 (Revised Standard Version)
“... the angel said to me, ‘... I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her. The beast that you saw was, and is not ...’ .â€Â

Revelations 17 9-11 (Revised Standard Version)
“... the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other is not yet come, and when he comes he must remain only a little while. As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, ...’.â€Â

Try sticking the seven headed beast on the G7, and see what you get. 7 Heads, = 7 voting members. 5 Heads that are mountains that are kings who have fallen = 5 voting members that are ex world great powers : France, Italy, Germany, Japan, and England. 1 Head that is a mountain that is a king that is = 1 voting member that is a currant world great power : The United States. 1 Head that is a mountain that is a king that has not yet come = 1 voting member that has never been a world great power : Canada. 1 Head that has recovered from a mortal wound = split into four parts and put back together : Germany. The beast that was and is not that is an eighth that is one of the seven = The non voting, (observer status), eighth member of the G7 : Russia, which as the U.S.S.R, was a world great power; but as Russia is not accounted as such.

NOTE : Who is the "Harlot" that rides the seven headed beast ? Who controls the G7 ?

Isaiah 13 19 (Jerusalem Bible)
“Babylon the pearl of the kingdomsâ€Â

Isaiah 47 5 (New International Version)
“Queen of kingdomsâ€Â

Isaiah 47 5 (Jerusalem Bible)
“Sovereign lady of the kingdomsâ€Â

Revelations 17 1 (Jerusalem Bible)
“... the great prostitute who rules enthroned beside abundant waters, ...â€Â

Revelations 17 16-18 (Revised Standard Version)
“...the great city which has dominion over the kings of the earth.â€Â

THE DESTRUCTION OF BABYLON

Revelations 17 16-18 (Revised Standard Version)
“And the ten horns that you saw, they and the beast will hate the harlot; they will make her desolate and naked, and devour her flesh and burn her up with fire, for God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose†... “And the woman which you saw is the great city which has dominion over the kings of the earth.â€Â

Isaiah 47 7-8 (New American Standard Version)
“...you said, ‘I shall be a queen forever’... ‘I am , and there is no one beside me. I shall not sit as a widow, nor shall I know loss of children’.†("The World's Only Superpower")

Revelations 18 7 (New International Version)
(of Babylon) “... in her heart she boasts, ‘I sit as a queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn.

Revelations 18 8 (King James Version)
“Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death and mourning and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire ...â€Â

Revelations 18 4-5
(Revised Standard Version)
“Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.â€Â

Revelations 16 17 (Revised Standard Version)
“The seventh angel poured his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying ‘It is done!â€Â

Revelations 16 21 (Revised Standard Version)
“and great hailstones, heavy as a hundredweight, dropped on men from heaven, till men cursed God for the plague of hail, so fearful was that plague.

Revelations 18 9-10 (Revised Standard Version)
“And the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and were wanton with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning; they will stand far off, ... and say ‘Alas! Alas! Thou great city, thou mighty city, Babylon! In one hour has thy judgement come.

Revelations 18 11 (Darby Translation)
“And the merchants of the earth weep and grieve over her, since no one buys their lading (or Merchandise) anymore,â€Â

NOTE : The Foregoing passage is followed by a list of every luxury know to the ancients.

Revelations 18 15-17 (Revised Standard Version)
“The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, ... weeping and mourning aloud, ‘Alas, alas, for the great city ... bedecked with gold, with jewels, and pearls! ... In one hour all this wealth has been laid waste.â€Â

NOTE : Those who are closer do not survive to mourn

Revelations 18 17-19 (Revised Standard Version)
“And all shipmasters ... and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, ‘What city was like the great city?’ ... ‘Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! In one hour she has been laid waste.â€Â

Isaiah 47 14 (Revised Standard Version)
“...and the fire consumes them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. No coal for warming oneself is this, no fire to sit before!

NOTE : Think Nukes, ("Great Hailstones Heavy As A Hundredweight" that destroy by fire, sent by the beast that is an eighth that is one of the seven), and you will understand why this is no fire to sit and warm yourself by.

NOTE: When the Iraqis set the Kuwaiti oilfields on fire, the temperature in Kuwait dropped 20 degrees Fahrenheit, because the smoke from the fires blocked the sun. This despite the fact that there were massive uncontrolled fires burning; and the fact that the phenomena was local, so there was still warm air being transferred by wind currents from unaffected adjacent countries. This is the same principle on which the “Nuclear Winter†theory put forward by Carl Sagan is based.

Photos of the Kuwaiti Oilfields burning :

Darkness at Midday, March 12, 1991

As Dark as it Gets, Mid-morning, March 24, 1991

Inside the compound at Camp Freedom. There was no daylight visible horizon to horizon.

Other "Broad Daylight" photos

Matthew 24 20-22 (King James Version)
“But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should be no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Question: If the air temperature in Kuwait dropped 20 degrees Fahrenheit because of local oilfield fires, how much would the temperature drop if there were a global nuclear exchange, wherein the whole world was covered in smoke, and there was no warm air from unaffected areas to alleviate the temperature drop? How long would it take for the atmosphere to clear enough for temperatures and growing seasons to return to normal?

Isaiah 13 9-10 (Jerusalem Bible)
“The day of Yahweh is coming, merciless with wrath and fierce anger, to reduce the earth to a desert and root out the sinners from it. For the stars of the sky and Orion shall not let their light shine; and the sun shall be dark when it rises, and the moon shall not shed her light.â€Â

Joel 4 15 (Jerusalem Bible)
“The Day of Yahweh - Sun and moon grow dark, the stars lose their brilliance.â€Â

Amos 8 9 (Jerusalem Bible)
“Prediction of a mysterious punishment: darkness and mourning - ‘That day – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight. ...’â€Â

NOTE : Consider a world which is pitch dark and bitterly cold, where there is no electricity or fuel oil deliveries, because the sources and means of delivery have all been destroyed or disrupted. Consider too, that there is no food grown for a period of months; and perhaps even years; because there is no sunlight for photosynthesis. Consider a world where it is every man for himself. How many people will survive such a catastrophe?

Isaiah 13 12 (Jerusalem Bible)
“I will make men scarcer than pure gold, human life scarcer than the gold of Ophir.â€Â

NOTE : And yet as promised in Matthew 24 22, those days have been shortened. The Americans and Russians at one time had 22,000 nuclear weapons each; but since “nuclear disarmament†they have reduced their stockpiles to 3,000 and 3,500 respectively, assuming neither has been cheating.

NOTE : Were all this not enough, for Babylon, there is more.

Revelations 18 21 (Revised Standard Version)
“Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘So shall Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and shall be found no more.’â€Â

Revelations 16 18-19 (Revised Standard Version)
“And there were flashes of lightning, voices, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as had never been since men were on the earth, so great was that earthquake, The great city was split into three parts, ...â€Â

Jeremiah 51 41-42 (Jerusalem Bible)
“An elegy for Babylon - What! Is she captured and conquered, the admiration of all the world? What! Babylon become a thing of horror throughout the nations? The sea has risen over Babylon, she sinks under its boisterous waves.

I have also found coded messages which support this interpretation. Please take what I am saying seriously, my IQ is in the 99.99 percentile. That means 1 in 10,000. Not by any means the best in the world, but way better than average; and my reading comprehension has been tested as high as the 99.997 th percentile or 3 in 100.000. So I think I understand it better than most.

The Message

Aftermath

As the gathering gloom of darkness; stole over the evening sky;
Empty streets echoed with rustling leaves; and a lonely seagull's cry;
Here in the land of Lilith1; where never shall wedding bells ring2;
But islands left of Chaldea3; who'd ever have thought such a thing?
Stark skeletal trees; bent to the breeze; that moaned and soughed in the night;
O'er remnants of cars; cold glittering stars; shed pale unearthly light;
With little alive; this crumbling hive; gutted by flames in its fall;
Is left from the days; of men's evil ways; when Babylon’s surpassed them all.

Note : the foregoing verse gives a limited description of conditions in “Babylon “ and “Chaldea†after they have been destroyed. Isaiah 47, whole chapter, is devoted to the destruction of the "Daughter of Babylon" and the "Daughter of Chaldea".

Isaiah 47 1 (Revised Standard Version)
"Come and sit down in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans !"

Isaiah 47 14 (Revised Standard Version)
"Behold they are like stubble, the fire consumes them; they cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. No coal for warming oneself is this, no fire to sit before!

Note : Think “Nukes†and you will understand why this is no fire to sit and warm yourself by.

Note also : No longer the original Babylon, (Iraq), but rather the latter day spiritual descendant i.e. “The Daughter of Babylon†and “The Daughter of the Chaldeansâ€Â. Who might that be ?

1) Note : The Book of Isaiah chapter 34 deals with the destruction of “Edom†which was part of the Babylonian empire; and gives a list of creatures that will live in the remnants of the land as well as describing conditions there.

See Isaiah 34 : Subtitle Jerusalem Bible
The end of Edom a

See Footnote 34 a

34 a : This apocalyptic poem on the end of Edom belongs to the cycle of anti-Babylonian compositions. It is seemingly later than ch. 40-46 on which the author draws. It perhaps forms a whole with ch. 35.

See Isaiah 34 : 8-10 (Revised Standard Version)
Isaiah 34 8-10 For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. And the streams of Edom shall be turned into pitch, and her soil into brimstone; her land shall become burning pitch. Night and day it shall not be quenched; its smoke shall go up forever. From gerneration to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

Note : “Its smoke shall go up forever†Forever is a very long time. Even if all the oil in the Middle East were set on fire, its smoke would not go up “foreverâ€Â. What then would logically explain Isaiah 34 9?

Note : I would point out that Texas is the world's sole source of helium. Scientists say that it somehow, (magically), got trapped there when the planet was formed; and has been there ever since. These same individuals also claim that the bulk of the earths radio-actives are locked up in the crust; basing this piece of "Brilliance" on calculations involving how much heat the earth absorbs of that received from the sun and how much heat the earth radiates into space; thereby concluding that the core is not generating much heat. (At best a very rough set of estimates in my opinion.)

There are however a number of inconvenient facts which make those statements nonsense.

a) Helium is so light that if released, the earth's gravity cannot retain it. It floats off into space.

b) Scientists also say, (correctly in this case), that the core of the earth is primarily molten iron. (Atomic Weight = 107)

c) The earth is approximately 7800 miles in diameter. That part of it which we call the "Crust", (i.e. the part which is solid, as opposed to either heated to "Plasticity" or out and out liquid), is nowhere more than 20 Miles thick. By far the bulk of the planet is either plastic, (i.e. it flows, if slowly), or molten. Given those circumstances, it is ridiculous to claim that the bulk of the radio-actives are in the crust.

d) The major radio-actives, (Uranium 238, (Non Fissile Atomic Weight = 238); Uranium 235, (Fissile Atomic Weight = 235), and Thorium 232, (Non Fissile Atomic Weight = 232), are all far more dense than iron, and would sink in molten iron like a stone sinks in water.

e) If a substance is said to be fissile, it means that it's radioactive decay rate is high enough, (i.e. it is sufficiently unstable), to support a chain reaction. So if 1 atom splits, and in so doing emits highly energetic neutrons, and these neutrons strike two other atoms and split them, and those two emit neutrons which split 4 other atoms, what you get, because of the instability of the fissile material, (easy to split), is a chain reaction of events where more and more atoms are splitting with each new cycle, which results in a massive explosion called the "Atomic Bomb" provided there is a .sufficient amount or “Critical Mass†of the substance in a sufficiently pure state present.

f) When a planet "Differentiates", (i.e. the various components get gravitationally sorted into layers according to density, when there is sufficient heat generated by radioactive decay to cause the interior to become molten), the heaviest components go to the centre and the lighter to the surface. This is because gravitational attraction is stronger between heavy objects than it is between light objects. So since 2 heavy objects attract each other more strongly than say a heavy object and a light object, then the second heavy object being attracted more strongly will push the light object out of it's way to come in contact with the other heavy object.

g) So what you wind up with is a sphere of U238 at the very centre, surrounded by a thin shell of U235, surrounded by a thick shell of T232, all this with very thin layers of rare elements separating them . That ladies and gentlemen is a "Fast Breeder Reactor", which is what keeps the core molten.

Note : Ask a "Scientist" why the core is still molten after 4.6 billion years, and they will say "Pressure"; which is NONSENSE! Pressure does cause temperature to rise, yes, BUT it is a one time phenomena. i.e. Pressure does cause the temperature to rise when it is applied, but it DOES NOT go on causing the temperature to rise, or even maintain the original rise. So with only pressure what you get is a temporary increase in heat which dissipates over the course of time; and you wind up with a solid body like the moon.

h) A fast breeder reactor creates more fuel than it consumes. This is achieved by surrounding the reactor core with a blanket of either non fissile Thorium 232 or non fissile Uranium 238. While the 235 in the core is splitting, it gives off neutrons same as always; and because 232 and 238 don't split easily, when they are struck by a neutron instead of splitting they capture the neutron, thus converting Thorium 232 into Uranium 233 ;or converting Uranium 238 into Plutonium 239. Both of which are fissile, - (even the ancient Greeks knew that "Pluto" was the "God of the Underworld"). In the case of a "Fast Breeder Reactor" like that at the core of the Earth, it does both.

Note : Thus far we have been talking about nuclear fission. Helium comes into existence through "Fusion". When two hydrogen atoms are forced to join together, (Fuse), they create 1 Helium atom. Stars are one example of "Hydrogen Fusion" and Hydrogen Bombs are another. "Fusion" also gives off energy, (10 times as much as "Fission"), and consequently "Scientists" have been working on trying to design a successful "Fusion Reactor" for some time. To date the best they have achieved has been the "Tokamak Reactor" which almost breaks even. That is to say that the "Tokamak Reactor" requires slightly more energy put into it to compress the hydrogen to the point at which it will "Fuse" than it generates in terms of output.

Note : Which brings me to the point : Where do you suppose the Helium found in Texas oilwells really comes from ? The answer is obviously : The Core, which is apparently powering an inefficient, (energy absorbing), fusion process generating helium. And apparently there is a plume rising from the core under Texas.

i) The "Halflife" of Uranium 238 is 4.46 Billion Years .

j) The "Halflife" of Thorium 232 is 14.05 Billion Years .

See Isaiah 34 : 8 -10 (Revised Standard Version)
Isaiah 34 8 -10 : For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. And the streams of Edom shall be turned into pitch, and her soil into brimstone; her land shall become burning pitch. Night and day it shall not be quenched; its smoke shall go up forever. From generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever

Note : The lists of creatures that will survive in the remnants of the land, found in Isaiah 34, are useful when attempting to identify “The Daughter of Babylon†and “The Daughter of Chaldea†that are to be destroyed. Unfortunately this is a case where the meaning of the original Hebrew words has been lost according to the translator’s footnotes . Checking seven different versions of the Bible we find seven different lists as follows:

Isaiah 34 : 11
(KJV) = Cormorant & Bittern
(RSV) = Hawk & Porcupine
(NASV) = Pelican & Hedgehog
(Jerusalem) = Pelican & Hedgehog
(Darby) = Pelican & Bittern
(NRSV) = Hawk & Hedgehog
(NIV) = Desert Owl & Screech Owl

Isaiah 34 : 11 (Second part)
(KJV) = Owl & Raven
(RSV) = Owl & Raven
(NASV) = Owl & Raven
(Jerusalem) = Owl & Raven
(Darby) = Great Owl & Raven
(NRSV) = Owl & Raven
(NIV) = Great Owl & Raven

Isaiah 34 : 12
(KJV) = Nobles & Princes
(RSV) = Princes
(NASV) = Nobles & King
(Jerusalem) = Satyrs & Nobles
(Darby) = Nobles & Princes
(NRSV) = Princes
(NIV) = Nobles & Princes

Isaiah 34 : 13
(KJV) = Dragons & Owls
(RSV) = Jackals & Ostriches (Nobles)
(NASV) = Jackals & Ostriches (Nobles)
(Jerusalem) = Jackals & Ostriches
(Darby) = Wild Dogs & Ostriches
(NRSV) = Jackals & Ostriches
(NIV) = Jackals & Owls

Isaiah 34 : 14
(KJV) = Beasts of Desert & Beasts of the Island
(RSV) = Beasts & Hyenas
(NASV) = Desert Creatures & Wolves
(Jerusalem) = Wildcats & Hyenas
(Darby) = Beasts of Desert & Jackals
(NRSV) = Wildcats & Hyenas
(NIV) = Desert Creatures & Hyenas

Isaiah 34 : 14 (Second Part)
(KJV) = Satyr & Screech Owl
(RSV) = Satyr & Night Hag
(NASV) = Hairy Goat & Night Monster
(Jerusalem) = Satyrs & Lilith
(Darby) = Wild Goat & Lilith ( Night Spectre)
(NRSV) = Goat Demons & Lilith
(NIV) = Wild Goats & Night Creatures

NOTE : "Night Hag", "Night Monster" & "Night Creatures" = Lilith (Night Spectre)

Note : With respect of “Dragons†which shows up only in the King James Version, I used to take some comfort from that, (No Dragons here). - But then the Toronto Zoo put up those billboards saying "The Dragons are Here" in reference to the Komodo Dragons they imported. Komodo dragons are pretty ugly customers, with very nasty teeth, - big, sharp, and lots of them. They are big enough to kill people; and I get the impression that they will be among the "survivors". In a primitive society, with no weapons more advanced than spears, they would be a hazard . They are egg layers, breeding fairly large clutches, they have a taste for rotten meat, and consequently would not be short of food in the initial mass die off period, which would see their numbers explode. That in turn would be a considerable hazard in a dark world. I went to zoo and explained about Isaiah, urged them to get rid of their Komodos; but of course they didn't, One way or another the prophesies will be fulfilled.

Note : With respect of “Ostrichesâ€Â, they are now being raised here in North America as a substitute for "Beef", because unlike most birds, Ostriches have "red meat", and they are cheaper to raise than "Cattle"; and we all know how "Capitalism" works, don't we ?

Note : It is in Isaiah 34 that one finds the sole reference to “Lilith†that is in the Bible.

See Isaiah 34 : 14 Jerusalem Bible.
Isaiah 34 14 Wild cats will meet hyenas there, the satyrs will call to each other, there too will Lilith take cover seeking rest.

Note : Although “Lilith†appears but once in the Bible, she appears five times in the Talmud, once in the Dead Sea Scrolls and once in the Gilgamesh epic. So who or what was “Lilithâ€Â? It seems that according to ancient Hebrew legend, she was created from the dust of the earth like Adam; and that she was Adam’s first wife before Eve. Further it seems that she and Adam fought over who got to be “On Topâ€Â. And that she eventually fled from Adam. Apparently three angels were sent after her to bring her back but she refused to come, threatening harm against children if forced to return. She is apparently regarded by modern day feminists as a “Liberated Womanâ€Â, which is one of the reasons why I believe the reference to the destruction of “Edom†does not refer to that part of the Middle East which was the site of ancient “Edom†but rather to the destruction of that part of “The Daughter of Babylonâ€Â, (The modern day Babylon), which corresponds in nature to “Edom†in ancient Babylon. After all, one finds a whole lot more “liberated women†here than you will anywhere in the Middle East.

2) Note : Somewhere in my studies I encountered a reference that indicated that although there would be survivors in the remnants of “The Daughter of Babylon†and “The Daughter of Chaldea†after they have been destroyed; God would ignore them when he returned; and that there would never be any marriages among them. Question : Bearing in mind the judgement accorded Sodom and Gomorrah; do you think God would allow “Marriage†to take place in the remnants of a land that had ruled “Same S-E-X Marriage†to be legal ? (Canada = Chaldea U.S. = Babylon)

See Revelations 18 21, 16 18 -19 (Revised Standard Version), and Jeremiah 51 41 - 42 (Jerusalem Bible)

Revelations 18 : 21 “Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, ‘So shall Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and shall be found no more.’â€Â

Revelations 16 : 18-19 “And there were flashes of lightning, voices, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as had never been since men were on the earth, so great was that earthquake, The great city was split into three parts, ...â€Â

Jeremiah 51 : 41-42 “An elegy for Babylon - What! Is she captured and conquered, the admiratiol the world? What! Babylon become a thing of horror throughout the nations? The sea has risen over Babylon, she sinks under its boisterous waves.

Note : It would appear therefore that the landmass occupied by “The Daughter of Babylon†and “The Daughter of Chaldea†is to be struck by the greatest earthquake in history which will split said landmass into three parts and that some of said landmass will subside underwater. Be it noted that a “Millstone†is not just a term used to describe a piece of rock shaped to grind grain. It is also a term used to describe a “Hindrance†or “Deadweight†as in “A millstone round ones neckâ€Â. Given that interpretation of “Millstone†which country with 6% of the world’s population consumes 53% of the world’s production, and therefore might be considered a “Millstone“ around the neck of the world ? And what other country with a smaller population consumes a similar disproportionate amount per capita ?

 

[JHM]

The Four Horses

A white horse armed with a bow1 let loose; one red with a giant sword2;
The white received the victors crown3; for such was the will of The Lord;
Black horse of famine4 and pale horse of death5; made up the four deployed;
To bundle the tares and gather the grain; before the tares were destroyed6.
As black and pale fed; white fought against red7; and uprooted tares accrued8;
Taking spoil of theft; from lands they left; fleeing though none pursued9;
With ill gotten gain; to cities they came; throughout all Laodicea10;
It seemed such a sin; the worst were let in; but that was the whole idea11.

The Nicolaitans and Laodicea

God hates the Nicolaitans deeds; yet doesn't say who they are;
Research it in Strong's, if you'd like to know; one needn't look very far;
Adherents of "Nick", "victorious city"; "Laodicea" one and the same;
For extortion, by fraud and warfare; he reckons them most to blame.
Seven churches he sent; his call to repent; for Laodicea harsh words it seems;
So come follow along; in your copy of Strong; what Laodicea means:
To these people not own; God's vengeance was shown; an example he made to the rest;
Of what happened to those; who foolishly chose; to put his will to the test .


During the course of my scriptural studies to date, I have found three hidden messages in the bible; and no doubt there are others. The message which pertains to the Nicolaitans, (See Revelations 2 1-7 Jerusalem Bible), employs an etymological code. If you do an exhaustive root trace in Strong's, you will find it.

Revelations 2 1-7 : ' Write to the angel of the church of Ephesus and say, "Here is the message of the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who lives surrounded by the seven golden lamp-stands: I know all about you: how hard you work and how much you put up with. I know you cannot stand wicked men, and how you tested the impostors who called themselves apostles and proved they were liars. I know, too, that you have patience, and have suffered for my name without growing tired. Nevertheless, I have this complaint to make; you have less love now than you used to. Think where you were before you fell; repent and do as you used to at first, or else, if you will not repent, I shall come to you and take your lamp-stand from its place. It is in your favour , nevertheless , that you loathe as I do what the Nicolaitans are doing. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches: those who prove victorious I will feed from the tree of life set in God's paradise."

Note: The King James Bible , which in this case I regard as more accurate , renders the statement as : But this thou hast , that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans , which I also hate.

Being curious as to whose deeds God hated , I did a little research , beginning by looking up “Nicolaitans†in Strong’s.

Nicolaitanes (nic-o-la’-i-tans) Re 2 : 6 thou hatest the deeds of the N, * 3531

1) Nicolaitans: see Strong's Greek dictionary entry 3531 - Nikolaites
Strong's 3531: From 3532; a Nicolaite; i.e. an adherent of Nicolaus.

2) See Roget's Thesaurus: "Devil".
Roget's Devil: The Devil, archenemy, archfiend, Beelzebub, Belial, Diabolus, Pluto, Satan, Hades, Lucifer, Mephistopheles, Old Nick, demogorgon, fiend, demon, daemon, imp, evil spirit, devilkin.

3) From 1) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 3532 - Nikolaos
Strong's 3532: From 3534 and 2994; victorious over the people; Nicolaus, a heretic.

4) From 3) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 3534 - Nikos
Strong's 3534: From 3529; a conquest, (by implication) triumph - victory.

5) From 4) (internal) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 3533 - Nikopolis
Strong's 3533: From 3534 and 4172; victorious city; Nicopolis, a place in Macedonia.

6) From 4) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 3529 - Nike
Strong's 3529: Apparently a primitive word; conquest, (figuratively) the means of success - victory.

7) From 6) (internal) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 3528 - Nikao
Strong's 3528: From 3529; To subdue; conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.

8) From 7) - See Strong's Main Concordance: conquer; conquering.
Strong's conquer: Re 6 2 : He went forth conquering and to conquer. 3528

9) From 8 ) - See Revelations 6 1 - 8 (KJV)
Revelations 6 1 - 8 : “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see . And I saw , and behold a white horse : and he that sat on him had a bow ; and a crown was given to him : and he went forth conquering (3528) and to conquer (3528). And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red : and power was given onto him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another : and there was given to him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say , Come and see . And I looked , and behold a pale horse : and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Note : Strong’s is keyed to the King James Version, which differs from other Bibles, in that the Greek word “Nikao†is translated in Revelations 6 : 2 as “Conquering†and “To Conquerâ€Â, whereas in all other passages where the word “Nikao†appears it is translated differently, alternately appearing as : “Overcame, Victory, Prevailed,†and “Overcomethâ€Â. This curious coincidence originally had me believing that Revelations 6 : 2 was the sole appearance in the Bible of the Greek word “Nikaoâ€Â; but such is not the case. It also appears in numerous other passages, either in reference to Christ himself or to those of the “Church of Laodicea†who “Repent†and “Buy salve to anoint their eyes that they may seeâ€Â.

Further Note : That with respect of the meaning of the foregoing passage, in terms of the four horses, I regard the Jerusalem Bible as a more accurate translation. “victory to victory†is I believe a more accurate rendition than “conquering and to conquer†; and I feel that the statement that the rider of the white horse was given “the victor’s crown†provides a better connection to the fact that the rider of the white horse went away “to go from victory to victory†than saying of the rider of the white horse “a crown was given to him and he went forth conquering and to conquer.†Finally, with respect of the rider of the black horse, I feel the statement : “A ration of corn for a days wages, and three rations of barley for a days wages†far better reflects the reality of “The Latter Days†wherein in much of the world a days wages is only enough to buy one days worth of good meals, (for oneself), or one days worth of poor meals for a family of three people.

See Revelations 6 1 - 8 (Jerusalem Bible)
Revelations 6 1 - 8 : "Then I saw the Lamb break one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four animals shout in a voice like thunder, 'Come'. Immediately a white horse appeared, and the rider on it was holding a bow; he was given the victor's crown and he went away, to go from victory 3528 to victory. 3528 When he broke the second seal, I heard the second animal shout, 'Come'. And out came another horse, bright red, and its rider was given this duty: to take away the peace from the earth and set people killing each other. He was given a huge sword. When he broke the third seal, I heard the third animal shout, 'Come'. Immediately a black horse appeared, and its rider was holding a pair of scales; and I seemed to hear a voice shout from among the four animals and say, 'A ration of corn for a day's wages, and three rations of barley for a days wages, but do not tamper with the oil or the wine'. When he broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth animal shout, 'Come'. Immediately another horse appeared, deathly pale, and its rider was called Plague, and Hades followed at his heels. They were given authority over a quarter of the earth, to kill by the sword, by famine, by plague, and by wild beasts.â€Â

Note that these are the "Four Horses of the Apocalypse", and that the "White Horse" whose rider is "armed with a bow", (A weapon that strikes from the air), and has been given the "victor's crown", "to go from victory* to victory*", has been connected with the "Nicolaitans"; (who's deeds God hates).

* Examining the root trace beginning with "Nicolaitans", the "victor's crown" can be seen to equate with, if not trace from, Strong's entry 3529, "the means of success". Additionally through the same trace, the "white horse" is identified with the"victorious city" Strong's entry 3533.

10) See cross reference to Zechariah 6 1 - 3 ; (found at Revelations 6 2).

See Zechariah 6 1 - 6 Jerusalem Bible.
Zechariah 6 1 - 6 : "Again I raised my eyes, and this is what I saw: four chariots coming out between the two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second chariot had black horses, the third chariot had white horses and the fourth chariot had (vigorous) piebald horses.* I asked the angel who was talking to me, I said 'What is the meaning of these, my lord?' The angel answered,'These are going out to the four winds of heaven after standing before the Lord of the whole world. The red horses are going out to the country of the East; the black horses are going out to the country of the North; the white are going out to the country of the West and the piebald* are going out to the country of the South.' "

* Note: The Jerusalem Bible calls the horses of the fourth chariot: "(vigorous) piebald". Other Bibles call them as follows:

Jerusalem Bible : ............................ (vigorous) piebald
King James Bible : ........................... grisled and bay
Darby Bible: ..................................... grizled strong (vigorous)
Revised Standard Bible : .................. dappled grey (uncertain)
New American Standard Bible : .... . strong dappled
New International Bible : ................ dappled, all powerful

This is clearly a case where the meaning of the original Hebrew word has been lost. I suspect that "deathly pale", (in line with Revelations 6 7 ), might be a more accurate translation.

Note: Only the Jerusalem Bible has in my opinion given the correct translation of which direction the various horses go in. Other Bibles give directions as follows:
Jerusalem Bible : ................................ red east, black north, white west, piebald south.
King James Bible : .............................. black north, white after, grisled south.
Darby Bible: ........................................ black north, white after, grizled south.
Revised Standard Bible : ..................... black north, white west (after them), dappled south.
New American Standard Bible : ......... black north, white after, dappled south.
New International Bible : ................... black north, white west (or after them), dappled south.

11) From 3) - See Strong’s Greek dictionary entry 2994 - Laodikeus
Strong's 2994 : From 2993; a Laodicean, an inhabitant of Laodicea.

12) From 11) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 2993 - Laodikela
Strong's 2993 : From a composite of 2992 and 1349; Laodicea, a place in Asia Minor.

13) From 12) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 2992 - Laos
Strong's 2992 : Apparently a primitive word; a people, (in general; thus differing from 1218, which denotes ones own populace) : people.

14) From 11) - See Strong's Main Concordance: Laodiceans.
Strong's Laodiceans: Re 3 14 : angel of the church of the Laodiceans write .. 2994

15) from 14) - See Revelations 3 14-22 Jerusalem Bible.
Revelations 3 14-22 :'Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea and say, "Here is the message of the Amen, the faithful, the true witness, the ultimate source of God's creation: .I know all about you: how you are neither cold nor hot I wish you were one or the other, but since you are neither, but only lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth. You say to yourself, 'I am rich, I have made a fortune, and have everything I want', never realising that you are wretchedly and pitiably poor, and blind and naked too. I warn you, buy from me the gold that has been tested in the fire to make you really rich, and white robes to cloth you and cover your shameful nakedness, and eye ointment to put on your eyes so that you are able to see. I am the one who reproves and disciplines all those he loves: so repent in real earnest. Look, I am standing at the door, knocking. If one of you hears me calling and opens the door, I will come in to share his meal, side by side with him. Those who prove victorious (3528) I will allow to share my throne, just as I was victorious (3528) myself and took my place with my Father on his throne. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches." '

Note: So now we have the “Nicolaitansâ€Â, (The people whose deeds “God loathesâ€Â), (and bear in mind that Revelations pertains to the “latter daysâ€Â), connected not only to the “white horse†which went “westâ€Â; that fights with weapons that strike from the air, and was given the “victors crown†to go from “victory to victoryâ€Â, (the “victorious cityâ€Â); but also directly (3531 from 3532 from 2994) connected to the “church of Laodiceaâ€Â, “a people other than ones own peopleâ€Â, neither “hot nor coldâ€Â, (religiously), which thinks itself “richâ€Â, (materially), but is in reality “pitiably poorâ€Â, (spiritually); and in line to be “spit out of my mouth†says God.

16) From 5) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4172.
Strong's 4172 : Probably from the same as 4171, or perhaps from 4183; a town (properly with walls of greater or less size) : city.

17) From 16) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4171.
Strong's 4171 : (to bustle); warfare, a single encounter or a series; battle, fight, war.

18) From 16) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4183.
Strong's 4183 : Composite of 4118, and 4119; Much (in any respect) many; largely; often, mostly, abundant, common.

19) From 18) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4118.
Strong's 4118 : Irregular superlative of 4183; The largest number or very large; very great, most.

20) From 18) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4119.
Strong's 4119 : Comparative of 4183; More in quantity, number or quality; the major portion, etc.

21) From 20) (internal) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4121.
Strong's 4121 : From 4119; To do, make, or be, more; increase;
superabound; make to increase, have over.

22) From 20 (internal) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4123.
Strong's 4123 : From 4119 and 2192; Holding (desiring) more; eager for gain (avaricious hence a defrauder); covetous.

23) From 22) (internal) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4122.
Strong's 4122 : From 4123; To be covetous, (by implication) to overreach; get an advantage, defraud, make a gain.

24) From 22) (internal) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 4124.
Strong's 4124 : From 4123; Avarice, (by implication) fraudulency, extortion; covetous practices, greediness.

25) From 22) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 2192.
Strong's 2192 : A primitive verb - to hold - used in very various applications. i.e. possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition. ), accompany, + begin Be (able, x hold, possessed with , do to amend, can (+ not), x conceive, count, diseased, + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, return, x sick, take for, + tremble,+ uncircumcised, use.

Note : To summarise: As I see it the Nicolaitans are the Laodiceans ; further they are also the White Horse which went West. They are also a people that anyone can say are not their own people, which would suggest that they are a polyglot group. They fight with weapons that strike from the air; and they do it often, - (much, many, often, mostly, altogether common, etc.). They are also materially wealthy, yet greedy, covetous, and prone to make gains through warfare, fraud, and extortion.

I have come to the conclusion that : “The Church of Laodicea which thinks it is rich and has everythingâ€Â, that is , - “a people other than ones own peopleâ€Â, who are neither “hot nor coldâ€Â, but rather “lukewarm†towards religion ; - is the Continent of North America ; while the “White Horse which went West, whose rider is armed with a bowâ€Â, (a weapon that strikes from the air), to whom was given “The Victor’s Crownâ€Â, (the means of success), to go from “victory to victory†; and the “Victorious City†that is so frequently engaged in wars, - is the United States. Note that all of the foregoing may be traced from the “Nicolaitans - adherants of Nicolaus†whose deeds God hates.

The “Red Horse which went East, whose rider is armed with a giant swordâ€Â, I believe was the U.S.S.R., which at one time could field 40,000 main battle tanks, as compared to the Americans 5,000.

26) From 12) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 1349.
Strong's 1349 : Probably from 1166; Right (as self evident), justice (the principle or its execution) : judgement, punish, vengeance.

27) From 26) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 1166.
Strong's 1166 : A prolific form of an obscure primitive; to show.

28) From 27) (internal) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 1164.
Strong's 1164 : From 1166; A specimen (as shown); an example.

29) From 28) (internal) - See Strong's Greek dictionary entry 1165.
Strong's 1165 : From 1164; To exhibit; make a show.

Note: From the immediately foregoing four entries , (26 through 29), it would appear that the fate of the (Nicolaitans / Laodiceans), is to serve as an example to others of the nature of God's (Judgement / Punishment / Vengeance). Exactly what form that vengeance will take, is the subject of another coded message which I have found; but not had time to work on as of yet; but anything that makes a continent disappear from the face of the earth is "totally awesome".

 

[Shilohsfoal]

I have but one word to say,Jerusalem.

 

[JHM]

Shiloghsfoal : You are right, Jerusalem is best; but Israel is good enough. This post was too large to enter in one post because of the 30,000 character limit imposed by the board so I have had to enter it in 3 installments. (68,000 characters total). Still don't have all of it in.

As regards, where to go, anywhere is better than here; but the best place is Israel.

The Gathering

From Pergamum, Gog, and Sheba 1; to his keep he gathered the grain;
But the reapers sent to Babylon found; the chosen chose to remain;
And worship "Almighty Dollah"; as Baal was known in those days;
For wealth, once flocks and fertility; was measured in other ways.
His chosen he called; they slept and they stalled 2; in the end but a remnant returned;
Giving others a place; in receiving God's grace 3; when those in Babylon burned 4;
As it came time to leave; one’s tempted to grieve; all the beauty and wealth left behind;
Soon destined for hell; for neath crustal shell; fire's lake awaits they'll find.

Note : Further assistance in identifying the Babylon which is to be destroyed can be gained through examination of the nature of the exiles of the Israelites. The Israelites were three times exiled from the Holy Land. Once by the Persians, from which exile they returned in mass when they were allowed to do so. Once by the "Babylonians", from which exile only a remnant returned, because ancient Babylon practised freedom of religion, and the Jews living there were free to worship whom they chose. The result was the bulk of them abandoned the worship of their God; and took up worship of the Babylonian Gods instead. The third exile was by the Romans in AD 70 from which exile they are still returning.

From Pergamum, Gog, and Sheba 1; to his keep he gathered the grain;

1) Note : Now the Jews left Europe, (Pergamum), pretty well in mass to return to Israel at the end of the second world war. More recently many of them left Russia, (Gog), to return to Israel. Further, the Israelis airlifted the Jewish people living in Ethiopia, (Sheba), back to Israel; and though it is not widely known, the bulk of them have returned to Israel from South Africa. Where then, in the world today, does their behaviour correspond to that of their counterparts in ancient Babylon, who rather than return from exile to Israel, chose to remain in exile where they were; and why did they stay there ?

Answer : Because just as ancient Babylon was the wealthiest country of its day, and it was easier to make a living there than it was in other countries; there is a modern day counterpart to that too. Additionally, ancient Babylon was the "worlds greatest power" of its day. Who would correspond to that these days?

His chosen he called; they slept and they stalled 2

2) See Matthew 22 Revised Standard Version
Matthew 22 1 - 6 : And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.’ But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.

Note : I believe the term “Marriage Feast†given by the “king†for his “son†would refer to the celebration of the union of Christ with his “Bride†, - the “Christian Churchâ€Â, which if I understand things correctly will occur only after Christ has returned, which in turn will only occur after Babylon has been destroyed. Taken in conjunction with Matthew 13 24 - 30 it would seem to indicate that said “Feast†will take place in Israel.

See Matthew 13 24 - 30 (King James Version)
Matthew 13 24-30: The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Note : I Take God’s “Barn†to be Israel.

3) See Matthew 22 8 - 10 (Revised Standard Version)
Matthew 22 8 - 10 : Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

4) See Matthew 22 7 (Revised Standard Version)
Matthew 22 7 : The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.

See Matthew 13 36-43 Ryrie Study Bible.
Matthew 13 36-43 : Then he left the multitude, and went into the house. And his disciples came to Him saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares in the field.†And He answered and said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man,a and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.†“Therefore just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age, “The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks and those who commit lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.†.†“Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.â€Â

Note : It is therefore my understanding that the “end of the age†and the “Destruction of Babylon†are coincident in time with the destruction bringing about the “end of the ageâ€Â.

See Matthew 22 11 - 14 (Revised Standard Version)
Matthew 22 11 - 14 : “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there was a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, ‘Friend , how did you get in here with no wedding garment ?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen .

Note : A full scale nuclear war would undoubtably bring on a nuclear winter scenario, wherein the smoke caused by the destruction would cover the entire world, bringing on darkness by blocking the sun, and thereby causing temperatures to fall radically. This concept was put forward by the American scientist Carl Sagan.

Note : Matthew 22 11-14 would seem to indicate that for reasons unknown Israel will be spared the "Darkness", since those "Cast out" will be "Cast into the OUTER DARKNESS"

See Notes on “Nuclear Winter†.

The Warning

Come out of her, you my people; share not in her sins or her plagues;
When the Bridegroom, has left her, she'll suffer; the heat of Satan's rage;
T'was hail, he sent, that destroyed her; every stone, a talent or more;
In a terrible storm, of fire spawning ice; as Sagan had known before.

The Apocalypse

Rose twilight of dawn, lit western skies; to herald the end of an age;
And all, the world's, merchants wept; As Babylon left the stage;
Bathed in the glare, of starfire; scores of cities, pyres in the night;
Her bundles of tares, all burning; cleansed by searing light.
A world they'd raped; yet they could have escaped; if ever they'd read that book;
Instead they stayed; and desperately prayed; as her mighty shield shuddered and shook;
Warding blow after blow; age starting to show ; as vast tremors began to awake;
T'was hotter than hell; when came her death knell; Oceania's stupendous earthquake;
To doom's horrible crack; her shield broke its back; and split in two neath the bay;
While mid thunderous roar; like none heard before; Lalaland drifted away;
As freeing her slaves; she sank neath the waves; an ancient promise fulfilled;
When the harlot at last; paid for her past; and all the blood she had spilled.

Nuclear Winter

When the kings of the north; in battle set forth; ill befell many kings of the south;
Those who’d sat on the wall; and not answered the call; soon died with their dung in their mouth 1.
For the sun hid its face; of the moon not a trace; as a terrible winter set in 2;
When there grew not a thing; and long before spring; even Jacob was hungry and thin 3.
For again The Lord chose Jacob; more survived of him than the Bride;
And Jews outnumbered Christians; so many false Christians died 4.
When Earth’s cities lay battered; fallen and shattered; survivors were scattered and few;
All ragged and tattered; he’d not thought it mattered; the harlot had hailfire too 5.

1) Those who’d sat on the wall, and not answered the call, soon died with their dung in their mouth;

See 2 Kings 18 : 26-27 (RSV)
2 Kings 18 : 26-27 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Pray, speak to your servants in the Aramaic language, for we understand it; do not speak to us in the language of Judah within the hearing of the people who are on the wall.†But the Rabshakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to speak these words to your master and to you, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are doomed with you to eat their own dung and to drink their own urine ?â€Â

2) For the sun hid its face, of the moon not a trace, as a terrible winter set in;

See Isaiah 13 : 1 (RSV)
Isaiah 13 : 1 The oracle concerning Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw.

See Isaiah 21 : 9-12 (RSV)
Isaiah 21 : 9 -12 “... And, behold, here come riders, horsemen in pairs!†And he answered, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the images of her Gods he has shattered to the ground.†O my threshed and winnowed one, what I have heard from the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, I announce to you. The oracle concerning Dumah. One is calling to me from Seir, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman what of the night?†The watchman says: “Morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire; come back again.â€Â

See Isaiah 24 : 21-23 (RSV)
Isaiah 24 : 21-23 On that day the Lord will punish the host of heaven, in heaven, and the kings of the earth, on the earth. They will be gathered together as prisoners in a pit; they will be shut up in a prison, and after many days they will be punished. Then the moon will be confounded, and the sun ashamed.

See Amos 8 : 9 (RSV)
Amos 8 : 9 “And on that day,†says the Lord God, “I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight. ...â€Â

See Joel 3 : 15 (RSV)
Joel 3 : 15 The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

See Matthew 24 : 29 (RSV)
Matthew 24 : 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; ...â€ÂSee

Matthew 24 : 20 - 22 (KJV)
Matthew 24 : 20 - 22 “But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should be no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Note: When the Iraqis set the Kuwaiti oilfields on fire, the temperature in Kuwait dropped 20 degrees Fahrenheit, because the smoke from the fires blocked the sun. This despite the fact that there were massive uncontrolled fires burning; and the fact that the phenomena was local, so there was still warm air being transferred by wind currents from unaffected adjacent countries. This is the same principle on which the “Nuclear Winter†theory put forward by Carl Sagan is based.

3) When there grew not a thing, and long before spring, even Jacob was hungry and thin;

Question: If the air temperature in Kuwait dropped 20 degrees Fahrenheit because of local oilfield fires, how much would the temperature drop if there were a global nuclear exchange, wherein the whole world was covered in smoke, and there was no warm air from unaffected areas to alleviate the temperature drop? How long would it take for the atmosphere to clear enough for temperatures and growing seasons to return to normal?

See Isaiah 13 : 9 -10 (Jerusalem Bible)
Isaiah 13 9-10 “The day of Yahweh is coming, merciless with wrath and fierce anger, to reduce the earth to a desert and root out the sinners from it. For the stars of the sky and Orion shall not let their light shine; and the sun shall be dark when it rises, and the moon shall not shed her light.â€Â

See Isaiah 17 : 1 - 4 (RSV)
Isaiah 17 : 1 - 4 An oracle concerning Damascus . Behold Damascus will cease to be a city, and will become a heap of ruins . Her cities will be deserted for ever; they will be for flocks, which will lie down, and none will make them afraid . The fortress will disappear from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus; and the remnant of Syria will be like the glory of the children of Israel, says the Lord of hosts . And in that day the glory of Jacob will be brought low, and the fat of his flesh will grow lean.

And yet as promised in Matthew 24 22, those days have been shortened. The Americans and Russians at one time had 22,000 nuclear weapons each; but since “nuclear disarmament†they have reduced their stockpiles to 3,000 and 3,500 respectively, assuming neither has been cheating.

4) For again the Lord chose Jacob, more survived of him that the Bride;
And then Jews outnumbered Christians, so many false Christians died;

See Isaiah 14 : 1 - 2 (RSV)
Isaiah 14 : 1 - 2 The Lord will have compassion on Jacob and will again choose Israel, and will set them in their own land, and aliens will join them and cleave to the house of Jacob. And the peoples will take them and bring them to their place, and the house of Israel will possess them in the Lord’s land as male and female slaves; they will take captive those who were their captors, and rule over those who oppressed them.

See Isaiah 54 : 1 (RSV)
Isaiah 54 : 1 “Sing O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in travail! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her that is married, says the Lord. ..â€Â

Note : If the Christian Church can be said to be “The Bride of Christ†i.e. “Marriedâ€Â, then who is the “Desolate One†?

See Matthew 8 : 10 - 12 (Jerusalem Bible)
Matthew 8 : 10 - 12 When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those following him, ‘I tell you solemnly, nowhere in Israel have I found faith like this. And I tell you that many will come from east and west to take their places with Abraham Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven; but the subjects of the kingdom will be turned out into the dark where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.

Note : Have you ever been so cold that your teeth chattered ?

Note : Some people will apparantly be thrown out of Israel, Not Jews methinks.

Note : It would appear from the foregoing quote of Matthew 8 : 10 - 12 that God will provide food to those in Israel during the period of darkness when the rest of the world is starving ; - Per Isaiah 13 9 - 10 “to reduce the earth to a desertâ€Â

Note : I believe the Israelis will withhold their nuclear weapons from the war to come; and use them in the aftermath of the war to provide a source of energy for heat and light which will enable them to achieve a much higher survival rate than found elsewhere.

5) When Earth’s cities lay battered, fallen and shattered, survivors were scattered and few;
All ragged and tattered, he’d not thought it mattered the Harlot had Hailfire too.

Note : Consider a world which is pitch dark and bitterly cold, where there is no electricity or fuel oil deliveries, because the sources and means of delivery have all been destroyed or disrupted. Consider too, that there is no food grown for a period of months; and perhaps even years; because there is no sunlight for photosynthesis. Consider a world where it is every man for himself. How many people will survive such a catastrophe?

See Isaiah 13 : 12 (Jerusalem Bible)
Isaiah 13 : 12 “I will make men scarcer than pure gold, human life scarcer than the gold of Ophir.â€Â

Satan

He’d chosen his moment with care; having found the Master asleep;
Once having disposed of the harlot; he meant to level the keep.
For he knew he was lost; and whatever the cost; he vowed he’d kill all the grain;
Though the price wasn’t cheap; for to get at the keep; t’was first his own children he’d slain.
While the keeps walls were strong; they couldn’t last long; the Archfiend’s fire was so hot;
Yet midst deafening din; with walls caving in; the Lions of Judah still fought!!
Being not for nothing called chosen; fearless they faced the end;
When the Almighty Arm of Yahweh Sabaoth; in fury arose to defend!!

One of the days; or nights, there isn't going to be two of them. There will be hundreds, and there will not be enough fighters to stop them.


NOTE : The remainder of what I would have liked to have posted is all in the form of photo files of full page documents. Unfortunately the 600 by 800 pixel limit on photo files here prevents me from posting them. Sorry about that.

 

[Vic C.]

I have but one word to say,Jerusalem.

Totally agree. It all revolves(ed) around Jerusalem, the real "mystery Babylon".

Shiloghsfoal : You are right, Jerusalem is best; but Israel is good enough. This post was too large to enter in one post because of the 30,000 character limit imposed by the board so I have had to enter it in 3 installments. (68,000 characters total). Still don't have all of it in.

The best way to deal with this is either break it up in much smaller segments and present it as a type of Bible study over time. Or, blog it and post a link to it.

Most people just aren't going to read the very long posts and will skim through it, wasting all the time you put into the presentation. This site also urges against long posts for this very reason. We want all members to be able to post their beliefs and opinions and do it effectively.

 

[JHM]

I am afraid there isn't much time left. As far as Jerusalem is concerned, that is the best place in the world to be; but it is MOST CERTAINLY NOT the "HARLOT" holding in her hand a cup full of abominations. I shall leave this posted here for a while and see if I can get any better responses than this.

 

[samuel]

Don't hold out for it being the Roman Catholic Church. That idea started somewhere around the Reformation, and is still held on to by some. But that interpretation is so obvious, there is no mystery. A mystery in scripture is something not yet revealed, but there are enough clues to pretty well figure it out. But you have to read a lot of the Bible to connect the dots.

 

[Vic C.]

I am afraid there isn't much time left. As far as Jerusalem is concerned, that is the best place in the world to be; but it is MOST CERTAINLY NOT the "HARLOT" holding in her hand a cup full of abominations. I shall leave this posted here for a while and see if I can get any better responses than this.

Not a problem. I've been studying all this long enough to understand that definitive beliefs about End Times are anything but definitive and current prophecies and date setting don't always pan out. Jesus will came back and restore all things for sure, this I truly believe.

Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

I also believe that if you were a first century believer reading John's book of Revelation, you would no doubt come to a much different conclusion. The book of Revelation is very Jewish in nature and contains many OT references. I believe our harlot is revealed there.

Plus, I don't just look at it as a city, but I see it as talking about the inhabitants of the city, both past and future. It has been trampled over by many apostate religions and it currently inhabited by Islam, who have their Temple of the Dome tight there in it's midst. All three major religions want their part of the city, which would divide it into three. Another prophecy would be fulfilled.

Rev 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

I could go on and on with many more Biblical passages, but this is your thread and I'd like to read what others have to say.

http://www.bibleprophesy.org/rev1718.htm

 

[JHM]

I realize it is boring; but considering that your life might depend on it, perhaps you should read what I posted. How many others here have had their reading comprehension tested at the 99.997th percentile or 3 in 100,000 ? How many others here have found a coded message which includes among other things "TAKE FOR, (TREMBLE), UNCIRCUMCISED USE" ? Not too many I suspect.

 

[samuel]

Understanding the Scriptures does not depend on education, or your reading comprehension, of course it does help to understand the language you are reading.
But understanding scripture, is based more on your Spiritual comprehension.

 

[Shilohsfoal]

I realize it is boring; but considering that your life might depend on it, perhaps you should read what I posted. How many others here have had their reading comprehension tested at the 99.997th percentile or 3 in 100,000 ? How many others here have found a coded message which includes among other things "TAKE FOR, (TREMBLE), UNCIRCUMCISED USE" ? Not too many I suspect.

Sounds like you really think highly of yourself for sure,but revelation doesnt come from having good reading skills.God can give even the simplest of men an understanding of his word .At one time in my life I looked at the US as Babylon but thank God ,Im past that now.

So again, I have but one word-Jerusalem.

 

[Shilohsfoal]

Matthew 24 20-22 (King James Version)
“But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should be no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to read just a few verses ahead of this insted of taking them out of context.That ways you can get a better understanding of where Jesus is saying to flee from.
Mt 24;16
The let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains;

 

[JHM]

I realize we all have our own pet theory re Babylon. I also realize that if someone posts something which runs contrary to our own pet theory we usually don't bother to read it. Nonetheless I believe my pet theory does a much better job of encompassing a wide range of scriptures than any other out there.

Re those in Judea fleeing to the mountains, that might be a very good idea in the event of a nuclear war. After all it is the cities that will get hit. As far as Jerusalem being the Great Harlot that rules enthroned beside abundant waters, try again. You might also try to apply the "Nicolaitanes Code" which I discovered to Jerusalem and see how well it fits as compared to what I posted. Read it all first, then pass judgement.

 

[XTruth]

It's all about to happen. But getting out of America isn't the best answer. The studies I've done for the timing of the Rapture puts it at April 8 of this year (Passover). Could be totally wrong, I know it could happen anytime; but the evidences point to this day. I would recommend repenting of all sin you may still be in and live in complete obedience to the Word of God. Without holiness, you won't see the Lord (Lev.11:44; Heb.12:14; 1 Pt.1:15-16).

Everything is lined up perfectly for the Tribulation to begin (Isa.17; Eze.38-39). Don't leave America, though I do believe it will be unrecognizable this time next year, just leave sin and follow Christ. This is the only means of escape (Lk.21:36).

 

[JHM]

Revelations 18 4-5
(Revised Standard Version)
“Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, ‘Come out of her my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.â€Â

 

[Shilohsfoal]

. As far as Jerusalem being the Great Harlot that rules enthroned beside abundant waters, try again. You might also try to apply the "Nicolaitanes Code" which I discovered to Jerusalem and see how well it fits as compared to what I posted. Read it all first, then pass judgement.

Rev 17;15
And he saith unto me,The waters which thou sawest,where the whore sitteth,are peoples,and multitudes,and nations,and tongues.

Israel has two official languages, Hebrew and Arabic.[2] Hebrew is the primary language of the state and spoken by the majority of the population. Arabic is spoken by the Arab minority and Jews who immigrated to Israel from Arab lands. Most Israelis can communicate reasonably well in English, as many television programs are in English and many schools begin to teach English in the early grades. As a country of immigrants, dozens of languages can be heard on the streets of Israel. A large influx of people from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia have made Russian and Amharic widely spoken in Israel. Between 1990 and 1994, the immigration of Jews from the former Soviet Union increased Israel's population by twelve percent.[221] Over the last decade, immigration flows have also included significant numbers of workers from countries such as Romania, Thailand, China, and a number of countries in Africa and South America; gauging precise numbers is difficult because of the presence of "undocumented" immigrants, but estimates run in the region of 200,000.[222] Retention of Israel's population since 1948 is about even or greater, when compared to other countries with mass immigration


Perhaps you should learn alittle more about Jerusalem.

 

[JHM]

Well like they say, you can lead a horse to water; but you cannot make it drink. Jerusalem is a "Millstone" which shall be cast down into the sea. Yeah sure. And it is full of abominations, Uhhuh. And it shall be splits into 3 parts by the greatest earthquake since man has been on the earth, Oh so obviously right. Jerusalem could be split into 3 parts by a relatively minor earthquake, BUT North America ? Try again.

Did you know that the largest single unbroken slab of rock in the world is the "Canadian Shield" ? Did you know that is what protects North America from earthquakes generally ? Did you know that the tectonic plates are "Locked" on both coasts and that pressure is building up here for a major earthquake ? Did you know that "Rockbursts" are increasing in Canadian mines ? Do you know that a "Rockburst" is the term used to describe what happens when rock that is under enormous pressure relieves some of that pressure by litterally EXPLODING into a mining tunnel ? Did you know that sattelite measurements by scientists have shown that Canada as a whole is bulging upwards with the greatest rise being measured in the centre at the weakest point Hudson's Bay ? Did you know that the same scientific mneasurements show that the United States is slowly sinking as molten rock beneath it flows in under the "Canadian Shield" where it is bulging upwards ? Try again. Read it first, then pass judgement!!

 

[Shilohsfoal]

Did you know the USA is not a city that sits on seven hills?
But since you insist it is I have one question for you.If you can answer it I would consider what you aer saying.It is written that Israel will serve the king of Babylon for 70 years then they will be visited.
In what year did the 70 years begin and when should be the time of thier visitation?

 

[JHM]

Re a "City" sitting on seven hills. Don't recall that the Bible says that. What I do recall is that it says Babylon rides a "Beast" with seven heads which are also seven mountains and seven kings. Read what I said and I think you will find a better explanation of the seven heads than either Jerusalem or Rome; bearing in mind that 5 are fallen 1 is; 1 has not yet come; and one is recovered from a mortal wound. Mountains in this case equals "Countries".

Re Israel serving the King of Babylon for 70 years, that is open to more than one interpretation, depending on where in scripture that appears. (I am not familiar with that one.) It could concievably apply to the period when the Israelites were exiled to Babylon in ancient history; and it might apply to modern day Israel which has been beholden to the United States for support from the time of its founding in 1948, (and possibly even earlier in the sense of helping to see it founded), which would make the date difficult to determine. Nonetheless re the visitation you refer to in that case it would be no later than 2018. But I suspect that given the currant situation there will be a nuclear war before that.

 

[Shilohsfoal]

oros means a mountain or hill.It doesnt mean a country.
The greek word most often used for country is chora.