World-changing events will profoundly impact much of humanity during the Tribulation. Conflicts between nations, wars, various disasters, and other calamities will define this period. The perplexing aspect is that the trials of the Last Days will innocently commence with the Jewish pursuit of peace and security, along with a desire to restore their national culture. How do their efforts shift from a peace-seeking goal to the distressing events of the Tribulation?

In this blog, we’ll explore the Scriptures, current events, and the geopolitical situation in Israel to gain insight into the perspectives of both the Israeli people and the Palestinians. It’s crucial to compare the contrasting views that have led to the ongoing skirmishes between these two groups in Israel.

The conflicting interests between Jewish and Islamic perspectives must somehow be reconciled for the Jews to reestablish their Temple and its ancient rituals. This is essential because the Bible is clear; during the first half of the Tribulation, the Jews will be sacrificing and offering at the Temple. A shift in geopolitics is necessary for that to happen. (Daniel 9:27) A peace agreement would be required, which is precisely the type of event that will initiate the Tribulation.

“At the beginning of the Tribulation he [the antichrist] will make a covenant, or enter a league, with Israel. This treaty will align the West with the Jewish nation and will guarantee protection to Israel so that she may reestablish the ancient rituals of Judaism. – Charles C. Ryrie [1]

Let’s examine the core of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

Contrasting Traditions

Jews strive to fully embrace their traditions and customs in their homeland. History and prophecy give them a sense of anticipation for a Holy Temple that is vital, the center of their world. For them, the way to fulfill that quest is to build a new Holy Temple in its original location on Mount Moriah in the Old City of Jerusalem. However, the Temple Mount is one of the most fiercely contested parcels of real estate on earth.[2]

Sacred events of Israel’s ancient history have happened at that very location. It’s the same place Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, and the exact spot where David bought land to build an altar for the Lord. It’s also the identical site where Solomon built the first Holy Temple, and the former venue of the Second Temple. Yahweh promised He would always watch over the Holy Temple in that place.

2 Chronicles 7:15-16 My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 16 For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.

However, the Islamic al-Aqsa Mosque compound is currently located there. Yes, there’s a cherished religious forum on the same turf where the new Jewish Holy Temple would be constructed. Additionally, the Dome of the Rock is a commemorative monument and Islamic shrine located at the center of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the Temple Mount.[3]

Yahweh Blesses His People

Again, Yahweh said He would always watch over the Temple.  It’s where the  Jews worshipped the true God of Heaven. No wonder the Holy Temple was undeniably the pride and joy of the Jews. How is it that the Palestinians and other Gentiles have controlled Mount Moriah for many centuries?

To fully understand, a person must comprehend not just the promised blessings God gave, but also His warnings. We’ve discussed this in Part 1 and Part 2 of my blogs about Israel, highlighting the successes and failures of the ancient nation.

Looking at the blessings, King David’s love for the Lord prompted him to build a Holy Temple for the God of Israel. With God’s approval (Duet. 12:5), the king bought Araunah’s threshing floor on Mount Moriah (2 Samuel 24:18-25). He also provided a substantial volume of the materials required to build a Temple, further demonstrating his enthusiasm for providing a house for God on Earth. However, David had shed much blood (1 Chron. 22:8), so God preferred for King Solomon, David’s peaceful son, to build the Holy Temple.

Solomon began construction around 1000 BC, which was 480 years after the Exodus when the Jews gained their freedom from Egypt. During Solomon’s dedication of the Holy Temple, God said He will always watch over it because it is dear to His heart. The Holy Temple remained the center of Jewish life in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas for approximately five centuries.

Yahweh Disciplines His People

However, when the Jews abandoned God and strayed from His ways, a different story began. History clearly shows that King Nebuchadnezzar besieged the city of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The Holy Temple was set on fire and destroyed by Nebuzaradan, captain of the king’s guard. (2 Kings 25:8-9)

“Everything of gold and silver that still remained was carried off as loot by Babylonian soldiers. All the beautiful works of art with which King Solomon had decorated and ornamented the holy edifice were destroyed or taken away. The holy vessels of the Temple that could be found were brought to Babylon. The high priest Seraiah and many other high officials and priests were executed.” [4]

Yes, the Gentiles took over Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. But God said He will always watch over the Holy Temple. This begs the question: Does Yahweh lack the power to protect His people and the Temple that is dear to Him? My question is not rhetorical. The Bible narrative provides a clear answer in the next passage of Scripture.

2 Chronicles 7:19-21 “But if you or your descendants abandon me and disobey the decrees and commands I have given you, and if you serve and worship other gods, 20 then I will uproot the people from this land that I have given them. I will reject this Temple that I have made holy to honor my name. I will make it an object of mockery and ridicule among the nations. 21 And though this Temple is impressive now, all who pass by will be appalled. They will ask, ‘Why did the Lord do such terrible things to this land and to this Temple?’

The dedication ceremony Solomon led for all of Israel made it clear that the Jews must remain faithful to God, or He will bring disasters upon them.

2 Chronicles 7:22 “And the answer will be, ‘Because his people abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and they worshiped other gods instead and bowed down to them. That is why he has brought all these disasters on them.’”

According to what the prophet Jeremiah wrote roughly four centuries later, Jerusalem would lie desolate for 70 years while the Jews remained in captivity in Babylon. They had abandoned the Lord.

Jeremiah 25:11 This entire land [Israel] will become a desolate wasteland. Israel and her neighboring lands will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.

The prophet Daniel also recognized (Daniel 9:2) the seventy years Jeremiah had spoken of. However, Jeremiah also indicated that God would permit them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple.

Jeremiah 29:10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again.

In 516 BC, during the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy of the return to Israel that He had given in Jeremiah 29:10. It was at this time that Ezra began reconstructing the Temple in Jerusalem (2 Chron. 36:23). Then, in 444 BC, by the decree of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah returned to Judah to rebuild the city.

More Fulfilled Prophecies

By the time Jesus arrived, the Temple had declined, but it had been renovated and expanded by Herod. It almost appeared to be newly constructed, leading some historians to refer to it as the third Temple. However, despite its beauty, the Jews ultimately abandoned and disobeyed the Lord once more. This time, they would betray God by crucifying His Son. As a result, they would lose Jerusalem again to the Gentiles. Foreseeing this outcome, Jesus warned about the destruction of the Temple.

Matthew 24:1-2 As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. 2 But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

True to Jesus’ words, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple in A.D. 70. God’s plan was to allow the Church Age alongside the Times of the Gentiles (Eph. 3:4-11 and Rom. 16:25-27) because the Jews ignored Him. Jesus made it clear that “Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.” (Luke 21:24)

After AD 70, the Jews were scattered around the world for centuries. However, Israel fulfilled various Bible prophecies and became a nation once more in 1948 (see Israel – Part 2). I realize the mention of it often, but Israel becoming a nation again is like a pop-up window the size of our entire computer screen, flashing at each one of us. This event marked the fulfillment of several biblical prophecies, serving as a sign of the times, indicating that God is preparing the world for End-Time events.

Eventually, the Six-Day War in 1967 changed the geographic borders of Israel. It expanded the country to include East Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula. But the Jews still cannot claim the Temple Mount site because the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is there in its place in the Old City of Jerusalem. With that knowledge, let’s gain an Islamic perspective.

Islamic Traditions

Islamic traditions regarding the Temple Mount are both strong and profound. Palestinian Muslims deem Jerusalem a vital part of their faith as well. Muslims view the site as the third-holiest in Islam, following Mecca and Medina. Regarding their roots and presence, “Abd al-Malik inaugurated great architectural works on the Temple Mount, including construction of the Dome of the Rock in c. 691. A common Islamic tradition holds that Abd al-Malik simultaneously commissioned the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque.”

One can only imagine that Palestinian Muslims experience anxiety due to the aspirations of Israelis. Jews are continuously seeking an opportunity to construct a new Temple. Unfortunately, the presence of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the Temple Mount causes apprehension for both Jews and Palestinians. With Muslims wanting to retain the mosque in its current location and Jews aiming to construct a new Holy Temple, tensions and resentment are likely.

Al Jazeera Article

To provide a balanced perspective of this conflict, here are several selected points published on 6 Dec 2017|Updated: 29 May 2022 08:27 AM (GMT) by Al Jazeera[5], which is consistently regarded as a reputable news agency. It explains why the holy site is a flashpoint for both Jewish and Muslim cultures:

• “Al-Aqsa is the name of the silver-domed mosque inside a 35-acre compound.”

• “The compound lies in the Old City of Jerusalem, which has been designated a World Heritage site by the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO, and is important to the three Abrahamic religions.”

• “The site has been the most contested piece of territory in the Holy Land since Israel occupied East Jerusalem, including the Old City, in 1967, along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip.”

• “In 1947, the UN drew up a partition plan to separate historical Palestine, then under British control, into two states: one for Jews, mainly from Europe, and one for Palestinians. The Jewish state was given 55 percent of the land, and the remaining 45 percent was for a Palestinian state.”

• “Jerusalem, which houses the al-Aqsa compound, belonged to the international community under the administration of the UN.”

• “Palestinians in Jerusalem, who number around 400,000, hold only permanent residency status, not citizenship, despite being born there – in contrast with Jews who are born in the city.”

• “For Muslims, the Noble Sanctuary hosts Islam’s third holiest site, the al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock, a seventh-century structure believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.”

• “Jews believe the compound is where the Biblical Jewish temples once stood, but Jewish law and the Israeli Rabbinate forbid Jews from entering the compound and praying there, as it is considered too holy to tread upon.”

• “Referring to Trump’s intention to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Saudi Arabia’s king said: ‘such a dangerous step is likely to inflame the passions of Muslims around the world due to the great status of Jerusalem and the al-Aqsa Mosque.’”

• “Since 1967, Jordan and Israel agreed that the Waqf, or the Islamic trust, would have control over matters inside the compound, while Israel would control external security. Non-Muslims would be allowed onto the site during visiting hours, but would not be allowed to pray there.”

• “But rising Temple movements, such as the Temple Mount Faithful and the Temple Institute, have challenged the Israeli government’s ban on allowing Jews to enter the compound, and they aim to rebuild the Third Jewish Temple in the compound.”

• “In 1990, the Temple Mount Faithful declared it would lay a cornerstone for the Third Temple in place of the Dome of the Rock, leading to riots and a massacre in which 20 Palestinians were killed by Israeli police.”

Here’s a random YouTube video tour of the Old City of Jerusalem for those who haven’t been there.[6]

Seeking a Holy Temple

 Let’s consider that various conditions and/or desires inspire the will among nations to negotiate settlements or agreements between different groups of people. The hope is typically for all parties to obtain a more rewarding lifestyle that is both safe and peaceful. Leaders thrive on the opportunities to facilitate progress for motivated constituents, and they seek to cooperate with one another.[7]

For the Orthodox Jews, there is a solid desire among them to build a third Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Having such a place of worship in Jerusalem would satisfy a great longing for the Jews.

On the Jewish Voice website, on October 07, 2022, Dr. Randall Price provided an update on building the Third Temple. He states, “Since 1987, when the Temple Movement began preparations for the rebuilding of the Third Temple, efforts to see this become a reality in the 21st century have been slowly progressing.” [8]

Gershon Salomon, the director of the Temple Mount Faithful, an organization that has been trying to prepare Israeli society to accept and promote the building of the Temple, has said: [Building the Third Temple] “is an act which must be done to complete the redemption of the people of the Bible in the Land of the Bible. I cannot imagine an Israeli State or Israeli life in this country without the Temple Mount in the center of this life.” [9]

It’s obvious the Jews have a deep desire to build a temple on the Temple Mount, and they have the will and motivation. In the future, might a covenant of peace and privileges be proposed by an influential and powerful man who can move it forward? Could the nation of Israel influence this scenario due to its longing for a Holy Temple? [10]

Signs of the Times Awareness

We’ve discussed the signs of the times in Part 2 – Israel’s End Times Restoration blog, but let’s delve a little deeper here. Granted, the watchfulness of signs must be honestly assessed, and emotions curbed to keep ourselves grounded. We must “not look for a demon behind every bush,” so to speak.

Conversely, Jesus had harsh words for His audience on several occasions because they did not look for the signs of the times. He said we can predict the weather ahead, to be prepared. We can likewise be prepared by looking for signs of the times. That’s an essential insight from our Savior. Matthew and Luke were both led by the Spirit to include the concept in their Gospel books.

Luke 12:54-56 Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, “When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, ‘Here comes a shower.’ And you are right. 55 When the south wind blows, you say, ‘Today will be a scorcher.’ And it is. 56 You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times.

Matthew 16:2-3 He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; 3 red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times!

People Who Were Aware of Signs

Let’s consider a few diligent and faithful “weather-watchers” from the Bible.

Simeon, Anna, and the Wise Men were all individuals who paid attention to signs so they could interpret their historical times. At His first coming, God revealed the sign of young Jesus to them according to their own personal, appropriate moments and places.

Simeon was eagerly watching for the Christ, so the Holy Spirit led him to the temple and revealed Jesus to him. He said Jesus was sent as a sign from God. (Luke 2:34) Anna was also there in the temple and praised God because of Simeon’s words. (Luke 2:38) She talked about the Child to everyone, letting them know of this “sign.”

Also, the Wise Men saw a star and began diligently looking for Jesus. Realistically, their visit could have been days, months, or even years later, because Jesus was in a house by then. (Matt: 2:11)[11] But they were on it, diligently tracking down the Child so they could be in tune with God’s leading.

Unfortunately, many of the Jews were not looking for a sign of the times and therefore, never believed Jesus was our Savior. As Simeon said, He’s a sign from God, and it was significant. History is timed according to the birth of Christ, from which we are now about 2025 years.

Just as the Wise Men saw a star in the sky, we will see and hear of signs before the Tribulation begins. Based on some of the signs of the times we observe in our world (red sky in the morning), we could very well begin to experience foul weather all day. However, to maintain a balance, even though the signs of the times seem to indicate that the Tribulation is near, Jesus warned us that no one knows the day or the hour. Signs of the times tend to provide a general trend.

Matthew 24:36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

With that perspective, if a future Western leader negotiates a peace agreement for Israel, empowering them to construct a Holy Temple and begin sacrifices and offerings again, it’s a sign. It’s a shadow of foul weather ahead.

Watching for the Signs of the Times

Let’s take a look at some of the signs of the End Times that the Bible suggests. In this first example, one has to wonder: Did Daniel have a vision about modern transportation and artificial intelligence (AI)? If not specifically, he knew there would be a high transmission of information in the end times.

Daniel 12:4 But you, Daniel, keep this prophecy a secret; seal up the book until the time of the end, when many will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase.”

Here’s what Matthew had to say…

Matthew 24:3-14 (Selected verses) Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world? 4 Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. 9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.

Consider what Luke wrote…

Luke 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

Paul enlightened Timothy about the last days…

2 Timothy 3:1-5 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

Peter was inspired to write the following…

2 Peter 3:3-4 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

Lastly, Matthew told us that people will act as they did before the Flood – they will ignore what God is doing, leaving them unaware and ignorant when the floodwaters arrive.

Matthew 24:37-39 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

Start of the Tribulation

At some point in the future of this Earth, a reunited Roman Empire (either a European or Western Alliance) will rise before the Tribulation, which describes a European or Western League of Nations.

The Bible warns that a covenant will be established between a future Roman Empire ruler (likely a Western leader) and the Jews. This leader will “see that the Arab-Israeli dispute threatens world peace. He will make a covenant with the Jews, guaranteeing their independence in the land of Palestine, and he will give Palestine to them.”[12]

A Future Major Sign of the Times!

The date of the agreement described above will be the beginning of the Seven-year Tribulation.

1 Thesalonians 5:3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

At first, the agreement will seem wonderful. At some point shortly after that, the Jews will build a new Holy Temple and institute their rituals. (Daniel 9:27) However, in the long run, this man will prove to be the Antichrist, a ruler against God. The circumstances of his rulership will turn sour. According to one Bible scholar, within a fairly short time after the agreement, the ruler will gain a spot within the Holy Place…

“But he [the ruler] will break this covenant and move into Palestine and set up a false religious system. Revelation 13:11-18 further describes this abomination of desolation.”[13]

Matthew 24:15-16 The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place. (Reader, pay attention!) 16 Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.

Suggesting that a future European or Western leader will make a pact with Israel, and that it will begin the Tribulation, is a critical claim. Therefore, I’ll quote two more Bible scholars below, who also agree about the start of the 7-year Tribulation.

“The Tribulation actually begins with the signing of a covenant between the leader of the “Federated States of Europe” and the Jewish people. This treaty will set in motion the events of the 70^th week (or seven years) of Daniel’s prophecy,”[14] which describes the Tribulation.

“The seven-year Tribulation begins when the Antichrist signs a covenant with Israel, bringing peace to Israel and Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; Ezekiel 38:8, 11).”[15]

The book of Daniel gives us insight into the treaty and the events that the pact initiates. The ruler will help them establish a new Holy Temple where they will actively make sacrifices and offerings. The Jews will revel in peace and security for a time, but disaster will happen when the ruler reneges.

Daniel 9:27 The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.”

After 3 1/2 years, this man will break the treaty he implemented. Not only that, but he will begin to desecrate the Holy Temple that the Jews built. In other words, he’ll defile the Temple by taking it over and treating its objects or worship disrespectfully. Here again is my timeline summarizing the events.