Introduction
   2,500 years ago, there was a man named Daniel who worshiped the Ancient of Days―the One Who Was and Who Is and Who Will Be―Yahweh the Almighty. Today there are a people who pray to Yahweh and call upon His Name, worshipping Him in His Spirit and in His Truth.
   Daniel was given insight because Yahweh was with him. Yahweh is also with His people today. Daniel was told to close the words of future prophecy that were to be sealed until the time of the end. The scroll has slowly been opening, and we have gained understanding through the Spirit of Yahweh. Today we are granted more and more insight into what Scripture has to say about the future.
   Satan has also been at work instilling false ideas that are putting people at ease and keeping them in the dark. This, too, was foretold.

Sweet Lullaby Lies
   For years now, people have been given the soothing messages that the heavenly Father (or His Son) will be taking His people out of the coming tribulation. They will not be harmed by the punishment which will be forthcoming on an adulterous and immorally corrupted world.
   The messages of the so-called “Pre-Trib Rapture” are liken to lullabies which have put most people in a deep semi-conscious spiritual state. They don't feel a need to think much about the coming trouble because they believe they will be taken out of it. As sweet sounding and appealing as it is, it is nevertheless untrue and the ones who are held in its grasp are in for a rude awakening.

Blinded by the Light
   When fiction has been taught as fact for a long time, people are often solidified in their thinking and cannot believe the truth even when it is clearly shown to them. It's similar to the deer in the headlight’s analogy. Light can be blinding to those in the dark.
   Galileo was confronted with this in times past when he discovered evidence that Jupiter had moons revolving around it. His ideas, the evidence that our moon traveled around the earth and the earth and moon revolving around the sun, was rejected out of hand by most at that time. Even when he showed his critics through the new invention of the telescope, they replied they could not see the moons of Jupiter even though they were clearly there. They were blinded by the light of truth and could not admit to the error of their established thinking and doctrine.
   The doctrine at that time, by the Roman Catholic Church, was that the earth was the center of the universe. Any other teaching was looked upon as heresy and rejected. Many inquisitions took place in which people who openly disagreed or taught contrary teachings of the established law of the "Church" were put to death by being burned at the stake, among other means.

Yahweh's People Helped
   Those close to Yahweh, like Daniel was in the past, will be given help in times of need ahead of us. Yahweh's promise of not forsaking His people is a sound truth that can be relied upon in times of difficulty and stress. We know that the promise of the resurrection and life eternal, even though we are destined to die a first death, is an assurance that can help us to see the figurative calm after the storm.
   Consider the protection and power given to the taught ones of the Messiah, the Son of Yahweh, Yahshua. The 12 disciples were indeed given power. In Luke 9:1-2 we read, And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of Yahweh and to perform healing. (NASB used throughout).
   There were 70 other followers of the Jewish Savior who were also given special authority―those whose names were written in Heaven, having accepted Yahshua. We read, Now after this the Master appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come… Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven, Luke 10:1, 19-20.

Paul's Spiritual Strength
   Paul was no lightweight when it came to knowing the power of both Yahweh's Word and His Spirit. Paul had Yahweh’s Power to give sight to the blind, as well as to blind those who had sight.
   When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-yahshua, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of Elohim. But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of Yahweh? Now, behold, the hand of Yahweh is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of Yahweh, Acts 13:6-12.
   Noteworthy is the fact the proconsul (governor) believed after he saw what happened. The following question comes to mind, "What will it take for those who've been blinded by Satan to see the truth?"
   Certainly, Yahweh is the One who ultimately opens the mind of an individual, and He does it by the power of His Spirit. That was Paul's spiritual strength, especially in his weakness, but what about the future for Yahweh's people in the end times?
   Miraculous signs seemed to have eventually waned for Paul. One of the last miracles we hear about him performing was restoring life to the young man who became tired and fell out of the upper window where Paul had been discussing Scripture that night (Acts 20:8-10).

Early and Latter Rains
   Scripture mentions the concept of "the early and latter rain," as a farmer would wait for each year (Joel 2:23). The spiritual application we find, and the understanding it gives for the future, is profound. This is especially true when considering how powerful the Spirit was in the disciples and in individuals like the Apostle Paul during the 1st century of the Common Era, 2,000 years ago.
   How much of Yahweh’s Spirit will we need to proclaim the message of the coming Kingdom? Will there be a resurgence of Yahweh's Spirit in the last days?

The Two Witnesses
   We find in Scripture the two witnesses will receive power from Yahweh. It will be a spiritual power this world has not seen for quite some time.
   And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.' These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before Yahweh of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire, Revelation 11:3-6.

   There are some essential points to consider about the two witnesses:
         •   They will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days: 3 ½ years (42 months).
         •   They are clothed in sackcloth, figuratively showing they've shed everything worldly and are in a complete attitude of prayer and humbleness toward Yahweh through Yahshua.
         •   They are the two olive trees and the two lampstands (menorahs) that stand before Yahweh.
         •   They have the power to shut up the sky so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying.
         •   They have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.
         •   They are not actually said to be "two individuals" or "two persons."

   Enoch and Elijah are often mentioned as being the two witnesses, or alternatively, Moses and Elijah. For example, Moses turned Egypt’s water into blood, Elijah brought fire down from heaven and also caused drought and rainfall. The fact is, though, they’ve died and are not currently living. All these died in faith (Heb. 11:13a).
   They will be resurrected just as all the dead will be; they've not already been raised. They were only transferred out of harm's way, evidently to live out their lives in peace because Yahweh was pleased with them. It's important to note the two witnesses will be living. We know this because the prophecy is that they'll die, but only for a short time (3 ½ days) due to the beast/anti-messiah (Rev. 11:7-8).

Two Houses of Israel
   Could the two witnesses be the two houses of Israel at the end of the age? The House of Judah and the House of Israel (the lost ten tribes) that are fully submitting themselves to Yahweh in the Messiah?
   In Zechariah chapter 4, we find two olive trees and two anointed ones spoken of:
   He said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it; also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side...” Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing by Yahweh of the whole earth,” Zechariah 4:2-3, 14.
   Dr. Ryrie, in his Study Bible, notes that two olive trees and the two anointed ones are "Joshua and Zerubbabal," because of the priestly office they hold. Yet, interestingly enough, he also mentions that "Israel is [Yahweh's] witness."
   We should keep in mind that all of Yahweh's people today, in Messiah, are called a "royal priesthood, a holy nation," (1 Pet. 2:9). We are literally being grafted into Israel today (Jer. 11:16-17; Rom. 11:17-18) through our elder Brother, Yahshua, Who Himself is also an Israelite through the line of Judah.
Understanding that we must go through one of the 12 gates to enter into the coming Kingdom helps with understanding many other areas of Scripture. Each of the 12 gates are named after the 12 tribes of Israel (Rev. 21:12-13).
   Throughout Scripture we find a common theme, Israel. They are referred to as not only the two houses, but also the two nations, two sisters, two branches, two sticks. The two loaves mentioned in Leviticus chapter 23 are also most likely figuratively representing both houses of Israel, Judah and Ephraim. That is, all twelve tribes.

Jacob's Trouble
   As more and more prophecies are revealed, it is as if the scroll of Daniel is being opened more and more to us today. But with its opening, we find we are getting much closer to the time of Jacob's trouble (distress). Is it to be equated with the great tribulation of three and a half years? It appears to be so. A time that is coming upon the whole earth and will affect Yahweh's people, because they will not be "Raptured" out. Rather, they are protected and saved in the end.
   Yahweh does promise protection (Jer. 30:7). Will this make Yahweh’s people stand out from the others in the tribulation? Did the disciples and apostles stand out with the initial outpouring of the Spirit being given to them? We find the answer is an emphatic, "Yes."
   There are seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls in the book of Revelation which describe a period of judgment to come. And, make no mistake, the descendants of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel) will not be taken out of it―at least not completely.
   Keeping in mind that Yahweh's people are sealed in the forehead with not only the Father's Sacred Name, but also that of the Son (Rev. 14:1); notice, during the fifth trumpet blast, what is says:
   They [locusts] were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of Yahweh on their foreheads, Revelation 9:4.
   Verse 5 goes on to say this period of time, during the tribulation, will last five months.
   Being the fifth seal, we know this will be sometime during the tribulation, perhaps near the mid-point or immediately after the mid-point. Nevertheless, if one is wanting to know whom Yahweh's people are at this particular time, this type of filter will show just who is who.
   Yahweh’s people are not removed, but neither do they have to suffer from the plague. They are protected. This was also true of ancient Israel when in the land of Goshen. Initially they suffered the things that came upon Egypt, Yahweh then started putting the plagues on Egyptians only. The people of Israel were protected and were blessed to be distinguished from the other people. A similar situation is prophesied for the future time of tribulation.

Mark of the Beast
   There is another significant filter we can use to see the truth. This one helps identify the people who have not taken the mark. We read in Revelation 16:2, the first bowl judgment,
   So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.
   We know those that take the mark of the Beast will not repent and be saved.
   And they [those that received the mark of the Beast] blasphemed the Elohim of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds, Revelation 16:11.
   Notice verse 15, Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.
   This figuratively goes back to the Armor of Yahweh. The helmet and breastplate protect the mind and Spirit, but figuratively they also speak of putting on Messiah. Think of Paul in jail looking at the guard in all his physical defensive and offensive equipment. Having his own mind focused on spiritual things, Paul applies it to himself and us in Messiah.
   Those during the tribulation who are in Messiah, will not walk in shame, but will at times be readily identifiable as they are protected. They will also not be thrown into the lake of fire, like those who follow and receive of the mark of the Beast.
   Revelation 14:9-12 says, Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of Yahweh, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the Commandments of Yahweh and their faith in Yahshua.”

Studying Prophecy
   The reasons for understanding what is to come is to be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually prepared now for that time. Will those who believe they'll be "Raptured" be prepared?
   Something else also to be understood is the idea of duality, as well as singular and literal meanings, in Scripture. Just like with armor, there are layers of understanding in the Word of Yahweh.
   Duality of prophecy is where something happens at one point, but then happens later at another point in a slightly different way. This is similar to the early and latter rains concept Scripture mentions.
   Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig on the altar of the temple in the 1st century. We see another example of this happening in the future when the man of sin goes into the Holy of Holies and defiles it:
   And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week [7 years], but in the middle of the week [3 ½ years] he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate, Daniel 9:27.
   Things go further with the Man of Sin as we read on in Daniel, but with the added insight of what Yahweh's people will be doing and what will happen to them at that time.
   Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation. By smooth words he will turn to unrighteousness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their Elohim will display strength and take action. Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time, Daniel 11:31-35.

   Things to note:
         •   The people who know their Elohim will display strength and take action.
         •   Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many.
         •   They will be granted a little help.

   After the Man of Sin enters the Holy of Holies, the people knowing Yahweh will stand strong. They have a relationship with Him (1 John 2:3-6). Some will fall to the wayside (weakened for a time) by fire, sword, and even held prisoner to help them to grow spiritually.
   Then they’ll be given extra spiritual help from Yahweh. Make no mistake, a little of Yahweh's Strength is a lot! In fact, many will flatter them when they see that strength in action.
   There is nothing pleasant about going through hardship, but we see there is a benefit for those that have Yahweh in their lives. Yahweh's Spirit is strengthened within. It is likened to what Yahshua told the Apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness," (2 Cor. 12:9a).
   The Beast, it is revealed, will also have strength (empowered by Satan) to do his damage for 3 ½ years. False teachers are also said to have some evil powers (Matt. 24:24). How will people be able to tell the difference between the evil and good messages being proclaimed? The two witnesses will have other confirming witnesses overhead, as the angels proclaim truth from Yahweh (Rev. 14:6-13). This same 3 ½ year time period is likely when the two witnesses will be strengthened with Yahweh's Spirit power. They will be able to prophesy/teach fully (Rev. 11:3).
   However, the Beast is able to overcome the saints (Rev. 11:7) at the end of the time period of forty-two months. There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months (3 1/2 years, i.e., 1260 days, prophetic months of 30 days each) was given to him (Rev. 13:5; Rev. 11:2).

Judah, then Ephraim
   It seems strange to many people today to think of Israel as any people other than Judah. Judah is more readily identifiable today, but Yahweh indicates that not one kernel of Israel is going to be lost (Amos 9:9). In other words, Yahweh knows where everyone is and whom He will be bringing (both a physical and spiritual peoples) into the coming Kingdom.
   Yahweh also will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah. In that day Yahweh will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like Elohim, like the angel of Yahweh before them. And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem, Zechariah 12:7-9.
   "It is not by [human] strength or by [human] might, but by My Spirit says Yahweh," (Zech. 4:6b). It's interesting to note that Judah here is saved first, just as the message went to the Jews first in the 1st century. Yahweh will intervene in a strong way for Judah, but what will then happen to the rest of Israel? See our mini-study called, The Hope of Israel.
   The anger of Yahweh will not turn back until He has performed and carried out the purposes of His heart; In the last days you will clearly understand it, Jeremiah 23:20; 30:24.
   How will we understand His wrath? Fact is sometimes stranger than fiction. Could it be that the rest of Yahweh's people will have a part in pouring out wrath? Jacob’s trouble is mentioned in between these two statements, with the message that Jacob will be saved out of it (Jer. 30:7). This looks to be speaking of the last 3 ½ years time period, but we should take a closer look at the overall period of the tribulation to confirm it.

Tribulation Timeline
   Many scholars think that there is a seven-year period for the tribulation. They speak of a mid-point in-between. Basically, they say there is a three-and-a-half-year period before, and a three-and-a-half-year period after the mid-point.
   However, from what we've already seen from Scripture, there is a peace agreement for a seven-year period, and it's in the midst of it that the tribulation starts. That time period is not going to be pleasant for anyone.
   The Man of Sin, himself, intends to make his own laws, and will wear down (oppress) the saints for 3 ½ years.
   He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints (the chosen) of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him, Daniel 7:25-27.
   The wording, "he will intend" literally has the meaning of, "he will try" or, "he will plan," but as we know, plans don't always work out.
   There are a couple of questions that can arise at this point. Don’t we hear that Yahweh's people will be protected on two wings of a great eagle (Rev. 12:14)?
   How many times has Yahweh already stepped in to help Israel, specifically Judah, since 1948. However, the prophecy is deeper and more complex in its scope and reach.
   We must understand the former exodus was out of Egypt, and the future exodus is also out of Egypt, but in a figurative sense. Right now, there is a movement of people coming out of the world and drawing close to Yahweh through His Son. They are following that symbolic pillar of smoke by day and pillar of fire by night. This can be done by paying attention to the Word of Yahweh day and night. Also, by following Yahweh's Spirit that has been placed within those in Messiah and allow it to grow to have influence.
   There is, however, another form of the exodus. And, believe it or not, it's actually out of the physical land of Jerusalem.

Judah Protected First
   Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by Elohim, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days... And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent, Revelation 12:6, 13, 14.
   Who is it that gave birth to the male child in verse 13? Shouldn't the male child be noted as actually speaking of the Messiah? Didn't He come through the line of Judah? It is submitted, for your consideration, that it is Judah who is nourished and protected from the Beast for the later 3 ½ years after being brought out from the land of Israel on great wings of an eagle.
   Then the Dragon goes after the rest of the obedient children of Israel (from among the northern 10 tribes of Israel, having been dispersed into the nations from ancient Assyria), those now holding to the faith in Yahshua and who have recognized and are moved within to be law keepers of Yahweh's Commandments. It is the fruit of true repentance, in line with the fruit of the Spirit of Yahweh.
   This will no doubt give Judah more time to examine the Messianic prophecies. It may be that this will also happen so they learn Yahweh's Name and the fact that it is in the Savior's Name, Yahshua, meaning Yahweh is Salvation; literally, Yah's Salvation (Joel 2:32; Acts 4:12).
   The Apostle Paul (Saul) evidently learned similar things by going away for three years to study. He says in Galatians 1:17-18, Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days.
   Acts 9:22 says, Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Yahshua is the Messiah.
   He would have done it by proclaiming the Old Testament prophecies alluding to the Messiah, like Isaiah chapter 53. He had to study the Scriptures and consider the faith that he had previously been fighting against.
   There are other additional reasons to think Judah is the one going to a place of safety. Matthew 24:16 says, Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
   There is also insight from the book of Joel:
   It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days (Joel 2:23 early and latter rains). I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke [volcanoes?]. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood [just] before the great and awesome day of Yahweh comes. And it will come about that whoever calls on the Name of the Yahweh will be delivered; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as Yahweh has said, even among the survivors whom Yahweh calls, Joel 2:28-32.

After Mid-Point in Peace Treaty
   It says in Joel 2:31a, "before the great and awesome day of Yahweh comes." This is, as we understood, the tribulation. The latter 3 1/2 year period within the seven year peace treaty. This 3 1/2 year period is called the "Day of Yahweh," and it will be a very great and terrible time yet ahead of us.
   It is evidently immediately after the "Man of Sin" goes into the yet to be built Temple. It is noted by some scholars that the rebuilt Temple could actually be a tent-type structure set up as the tabernacle was originally in the wilderness.
   We know that the Temple implements, such as gold bowls, laver, menorah, etc., along with the training of using them, has already begun. Of recent, the altar has been built and a unblemeished red heifer has been identified (see the January 2019 issue of YAIY News)
   Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house. Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect (those in Messiah) those days will be cut short, Matthew 24:15-22.

Armageddon
   The following sections of Scripture, as tied in with the previous, speaks of a battle known as Armageddon, which will take place in the valley of Jezreel toward the end of the tribulation period. It also initially tells of the restoration which may have some duality in it because of Judah already being restored into the land in 1948. But ultimately, it has its fulfillment with the going into the promised land of the coming Kingdom of Yahweh.
   For behold, in those days and at that time, then I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land, Joel 3:1-2.
   Now this will be the plague with which Yahweh will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth. It will come about in that day that a great panic from Yahweh will fall on them; and they will seize one another’s hand, and the hand of one will be lifted against the hand of another. Judah also will fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered, gold and silver and garments in great abundance. So also like this plague will be the plague on the horse, the mule, the camel, the donkey and all the cattle that will be in those camps. Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths," Zechariah 14:12-16.
   Dictionaries point out that the neutron bomb (1959) is a nuclear bomb designed to provide lethal neutrons but without as much blast power and fire as a standard nuclear bomb. It is a way to save the buildings, but waste the people; something that the enemy would most likely consider in their strategy to wipe Israel (the people of) off the face of the map. Something that can certainly blow up in one’s face. The Scripture above, however, specifically says plague. It is Yahweh’s supernatural power which will accomplish His will in this matter.
   Speaking of spiritual power, we also read of Judah fighting. How can this be, if they escape to a place of safety? We have to note it will be Messianic Jews who acknowledge the B'rit Chadashah (New Covenant/Testament) writings as accurate who will take seriously Yahshua's warning to flee to the mountains. There will also be non-Messianic Israeli military forces that stay in the land of Israel and will fight any and all nations that come against her.

The End of the Age
   Are the words given to Daniel still completely sealed? Or is the scroll opening up to us today? For more details, download for free, the entire book of Daniel from our Scripture Reading and Commentary (video series) section at our website.
   It has been said we are closer to the end of the age now than at any other time, or at any other previous generation. It is certainly a true statement and it does look like we are fast approaching a destiny that has been foretold thousands of years in advance by Yahweh, through His faithful prophets.
   Will we who are here at this time in history, heed their warning? There is a blessing, if we do.
   I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My Master, what will be the outcome of these events?” He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!” Daniel 12:7-12.
   The phrase, “they finish shattering the power of the holy people" seems to be a reference to the end of the age, as it continues to say, "all these events will be completed."
   Why would the one who waits until 1335 days, a full month and a half later, be blessed? Most likely because the Kingdom will then be firmly established and under Yahshua's complete and absolute rulership. The Law will be taught and people will be turning their weapons into implements for planting (Isa. 2:1-4). There will finally be a firm and eternal peace and prosperity that has long been desired of many from ancient times until now.

In Conclusion
   We find insight and understanding today with the help of Yahweh's Spirit and men like Daniel who have related prophecies even for our own time. As knowledge increases, we should be preparing more fervently to be spiritually ready for Yahshua's return and the tribulation that precedes it. We are reminded of Yahshua’s own words in Luke 21:34–36, which says, Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.
   Not everything is completely clear concerning prophecy and it is not up for private interpretation (2 Pet. 1:20). A foundation, however, has been laid and Yahweh's people will be given further insight as world events continue to unfold. Because He loves us, He has promised to disclose what will happen before it happens (Amos 3:7). Let us therefore prepare and give praise to the Ancient of Days, He Who has revealed the end from the beginning.
   HalleluYah! Praise, O servants of Yahweh, praise the Name of Yahweh. Blessed be the Name of Yahweh from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Name of Yahweh is to be praised, Psalm 113:1–3.