Ishmael's Future is based on his Past

     The present conflict in the Middle East is basically a war of cultures, i.e. the ‘east’ vs. the ‘west.’  It began when Abram (Abraham) was told by God to leave his home east of the Euphrates River and travel west to a new land that He would show him.

     Throughout the Old Testament enemies of God’s seed would be sent to the east.  The term ‘east’ in the Bible primarily means the land east of Canaan; however, Scripture also reveals Israel’s Promised Land actually extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the River Euphrates.

     The term ‘eastern ways’ when used in the Bible means primarily the culture found in Arabia, resulting from the sons of Ishmael.  However, the term has been expanded to include the culture not only of Arabia but also the culture of nomadic tribes of Syria and Northern Africa.

     Nomadic tribes are described as ‘wanderers.’  The term began when Cain wandered and dwelt east of Eden after he killed his brother.

     “…A fugitive and a vagabond (wanderer) you shall be on the earth.”  Genesis 4:12

     Recall also that Esau migrated to the ‘east.’  Interestingly Esau married a daughter of Ishmael.

    

     Then the New Testament confirmed that the ‘east’ included people east of the Euphrates River.

     “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born king of the Jews?  For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”  Matthew 2:1-2

     The wise men from the East were Magi from Persia, or present day Iran.

     Kings from the East are referenced later in the final Book of the Bible.

     “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared…and they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”  Revelation 16:12, 16

     Therefore, the future great war will be fought between those ‘of the east’ (eastern culture), i.e. those born according to the flesh (the offspring of the bond woman) vs. those born according to the promise (the offspring of the free woman.)

     Many are criticizing America’s president for not being willing to properly identify and vocally acknowledge the enemy.  He cannot bring himself to use the words ‘Islamic Terrorism.’

     He could solve his dilemma by simply referring to ‘the offspring of Ishmael.’  Such enmity was revealed very early in man’s history.

     “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”  Genesis 3:15

     God’s plan for mankind is totally transparent and available for all to see, yet the world, i.e. the majority of mankind, is by choice totally oblivious to what is happening and what is to come.

     The best attempts of this current generation will not settle the problems in the Middle East.  The turmoil will persist until the ultimate Seed of the woman arrives to end it.

     “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse.  And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him…Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet…These two were cast alive into the lake of fire…and the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse…”  Revelation 19:1, 19-21

     In closing this series, consider the first horseman of the Apocalypse:

     “And I looked, and behold, a white horse.  He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out…to conquer.”  Revelation 6:2

     This white horse is an imitation of the white horse that Christ will be astride when He returns to defeat the enemy and establish His Kingdom. 

     By the way, who went to the east and became an expert with the bow?

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