The Shocking Parallels Between King Jehu and Donald Trump

Is History Repeating Itself?

The Shocking Parallels Between King Jehu and Donald Trump

The Shocking Parallels Between King Jehu and Donald TrumpHistory often remembers leaders who rise through upheaval, bringing drastic reform. Some leave a legacy of restoration, while others are marked by unfinished change. King Jehu of Israel and President Donald Trump are two such figures—disruptors who challenged the establishment, waged war on what they deemed corruption and immorality, and took swift action to reshape their nations.

Jehu’s story is one of violence and zealotry, a warrior-king who eradicated Baal worship and the remnants of Ahab’s dynasty. Trump, though not a military leader, returned to office with a mission to undo what he perceived as “immoral” policies, remove entrenched officials, and establish a new order. The parallels between the ancient ruler and the modern president are striking, raising the question: Is history repeating itself?

The Rise to Power

Jehu was not born into royalty. He was a military commander under King Ahab and later King Joram, both of whom led Israel into idolatry and corruption. His rise began when the prophet Elisha, following instructions from God, anointed Jehu as king over Israel (2 Kings 9:1-10). The prophet declared that Jehu was chosen to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, which had led Israel into child sacrifice and sexual immorality.

Trump’s ascent to power also came as an outsider. A businessman with no prior political experience, he entered the 2016 election with a promise to “drain the swamp” and remove corruption in Washington. He won the presidency largely with support from Christians who believed he would restore conservative values, strengthen America’s global standing, and protect religious freedom.

After losing the 2020 election, Trump returned to the political stage, determined to reclaim power. Despite legal battles, opposition from the media, and internal challenges within his own party, he launched a successful reelection campaign in 2024, once again propelled by a base that saw him as a fighter against the cultural and political elites.

Purging the Old Order

Jehu wasted no time in fulfilling his mission. This “madman” rode his chariot to confront King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. In a swift and brutal encounter, he killed Joram with an arrow to the heart and mortally wounded Ahaziah (2 Kings 9:14-29). He then turned his attention to Jezebel, Ahab’s infamous queen, who had led Israel deep into idolatry, sexual promiscuity, and perversion. Jehu ordered two or three eunachs to throw her from a window. Her body was devoured by dogs, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy (2 Kings 9:30-37).

Trump’s second term began with immediate action. On January 20, 2025, he signed an omnibus executive order rescinding 78 policies from the Biden administration. These included regulations on environmental protections, abortion-related funding, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many saw this as a direct attack on the LGBT community. His administration also fired key officials tied to previous policies and dissolved oversight boards filled with Democratic appointees.

Jehu did not stop with the death of Jezebel. He systematically eliminated Ahab’s descendants, ordering the beheading of 70 of his sons and executing Ahab’s officials, priests, and allies (2 Kings 10:1-14). He then turned to the prophets and worshippers of Baal, deceiving them into gathering for a grand religious ceremony before having them slaughtered and their temple burned (2 Kings 10:18-28).

Trump’s policies, while not violent, reflected a similar drive to dismantle what he saw as a corrupt system. He reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, declared cartels as terrorist organizations, and launched widespread deportations. He removed high-ranking intelligence officials, disbanded several diversity-focused programs in federal agencies, and withdrew from international agreements he viewed as threats to U.S. sovereignty.

A Nation Divided

Despite Jehu’s zeal, his reforms did not lead to long-term peace. While he eliminated Baal worship, he allowed the golden calf worship established by Jeroboam to continue (2 Kings 10:29-31). His dynasty lasted four generations, but Israel remained politically unstable, suffering from wars and external oppression.

Trump faces a similar challenge. Though he has aggressively pursued his policies, opposition remains strong. Legal battles continue over his executive actions, bureaucracies resist enforcement of his orders, and protests erupt over immigration, education, and foreign policy. His administration’s efforts to revoke birthright citizenship, ban certain ideological teachings in schools, and restrict federal funding to progressive initiatives face constant court challenges.

The Final Battle?

One of Jehu’s defining moments was his willingness to act ruthlessly in what he saw as a divine mission. He believed his actions were sanctioned by God to cleanse Israel. Trump, too, is often portrayed by supporters as a figure chosen for this moment in history.

Perhaps the most consequential move of Trump’s second term is his foreign policy shift. In his third week in office, Trump proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, suggesting the deployment of troops to stabilize the region and bring peace to Israel. His administration has also escalated efforts to reduce U.S. dependence on China, challenge Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and reinforce alliances with conservative-leaning governments.

A Legacy of Disruption

Jehu’s story is one of upheaval, a man who carried out God’s judgment but failed to fully restore Israel. His legacy is debated—was he a hero or merely an instrument of destruction?

Trump’s presidency will be judged similarly. He has reshaped the Supreme Court, overturned policies entrenched in Washington for decades, and inspired a political movement that will likely outlast his time in office. As history unfolds, the parallels between the warrior-king and the modern president continue to raise questions about power, justice, and the cost of reform.

Blood Moons 2025

Watching for Jesus' Return

STORY

Blood Moons 2025Blood Moons 2025—He was an old pirate, a weathered man of the sea, sailing solo on a sloop that creaked with the memories of a thousand storms. Swells rolled beneath his vessel in rhythmic intervals, their direction pointing at far-off storms or approaching gales. The man trusted no compass nor sextant to guide him, but only the heavens above and the waves beneath his feet. By day, the color of clouds hinted at rain or days of calm. By night, he plotted his course by the constellations, each star a guide overlaid on imaginary lines drawn from memory.

a light—too brilliant for a starBut now, something had appeared in the sky: a light—too brilliant for a star and out of place for any planet he’d ever mapped. It had first appeared in the northern sky weeks earlier. At first, he’d wondered how he’d missed such a light and asked himself if it might be a shooting star stuck in its orbit. To find a new object above on a ball so small left him unnerved. Stars and planets appeared and moved with formal regularity. If you could not count on the sky to keep its elements fixed in place, how was he to know which way to steer?

With his latitude and longitude noted, the time during the watch added, he considered the other omens he’d seen. Blood moons, their crimson hue staining the night. He recalled how, as a child, when he had seen his first blood moon, terror had filled his heart. Now, only idle curiosity remained. The natives of Isla Luminara spoke of a time when the heavens roiled in chaos and would do so again. They whispered of a sun so blackened and the world swallowed in darkness.

The old pirate found himself adrift—not on the sea. The waves and winds he could prepare for. But this new and distant light left him concerned. Land or sea, in port or under sail—this was his dilemma. What choice should he make? What course to take?

“Perhaps,” he thought aloud, “I should pull out the book and see if there are hints of what’s coming.” But it had been so long since he’d opened the ancient text, he wondered if he could even locate it among the clutter of his belongings stored in the lockers. He resolved to wait one more night to see if the light remained as brilliant. If so, then he’d hunt for his Bible.

2025: Blood Moons 2025 and Signs in the Heavens

Blood Moon 2025The year 2025 presents extraordinary celestial events—two Blood Moons 2025 and two solar eclipses—that align with significant dates on the Jewish and Christian calendars.

These events echo the prophetic imagery found in Scripture, pointing to themes of judgment, redemption, and divine sovereignty.

Biblical Context of Blood Moons 2025

Jesus foretold in Matthew 24:29:

Blood Moon Full Eclipse 2025“Immediately after the distress of those days:
‘The sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’”

Similarly, God declared in Joel 2:30-31:

“I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

These verses align with the events described in Revelation 6:12-14:

“The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth…”

The Four Eclipses in 2025

  1. March 14, 2025 – Total Lunar Eclipse:
    The first Blood Moon 2025 occurs during Purim, which begins at sundown on March 13 and continues through March 14. Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy them (Esther 9:24-25). The eclipse will be visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, symbolizing divine intervention and deliverance.
  2. March 29, 2025 – Partial Solar Eclipse:
    A partial solar eclipse aligns with the anniversary of Israel’s Operation Defensive Shield, launched on this day in 2002 in response to the Second Intifada. This eclipse will be visible in Europe, parts of Asia, and North America, highlighting God’s sovereignty over human history.
  3. September 7, 2025 – Total Lunar Eclipse:
    The second Blood Moon 2025 falls on the anniversary of Jesus’s rejection in Nazareth, where He declared Himself the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Luke 4:16-30). This eclipse, visible across Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and parts of North America, reflects the prophetic imagery of darkness and judgment.
  4. September 18, 2025 – Partial Solar Eclipse:
    This eclipse occurs at the end of the Jewish agricultural and spiritual harvest season, a time of reflection and preparation for the High Holy Days. The shofar blast symbolizes a divine awakening, echoing Jesus’s words in Matthew 24:31.

Feast of the Trumpet Blast“And he will send out his angels…

with a loud trumpet call…

and they will gather his elect… from the four winds…”

As prophesied in Luke 21:25-26:

“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars…for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.”

What These Events May Mean for Us Today

These celestial events invite us to reflect on the coming of Jesus. The alignment of these astronomical occurrences with sacred calendars underscores the urgency of spiritual preparedness. Jesus warned we are to watch and be ready. Perhaps these four “signs in the heavens” will spur us to know Him more.

Key Takeaways

  • Two Blood Moons in 2025 highlight themes of deliverance, rejection, and awakening.
  • Solar eclipses emphasize divine sovereignty over nations and creation.
  • These celestial signs fulfill prophetic Scripture, reminding us of God’s ultimate plan for judgment and redemption.

Let the Blood Moons and accompanying signs in the heavens be a call to watchfulness, faith, and readiness for the coming of the King.


The old man steadied himself on the deck as the small, brilliant light he had watched for weeks began to expand, piercing the heavens with unimaginable radiance. As the light outshone every star, the constellations he had trusted for years faded into obscurity. Only blinding brilliance remained.

The sea stilled beneath him, its surface shimmering like glass. Suddenly, the heavens split with a resounding trumpet blast, and the light revealed its source—a figure clothed in white, His face shining with the brilliance of the sun and His eyes blazing like fire.

Blinded, the old man fell to his knees, never to be found aboard his vessel again.

The Feast of Trumpets, Jesus’ Return, and the Day and Hour

"No One Knows the Day or Hour so Watch!"—Jesus

Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24) – The first of the fall feasts. “Shall have you a sabbath rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a convocation (assembly) holy.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16 “Because himself the Lord with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel and with [the] trumpet of God, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17 “We remaining together with them (dead in Christ) will be caught away in [the] clouds for [the] meeting of the Lord in the air and so always with the Lord we will be.”

“will be caught away” GreeK: harpazó: to seize suddenly and decisively, catch up, snatch away properly by force—like someone seizing bounty (spoil, a prize); to take by an open display of force (i.e. not covertly or secretly).

1 Corinthians 15:52 “At the last trumpet, the trumpet will sound, for, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

The Feast of Trumpets, Jesus Return, and the Day and HourThe Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and the civil new year. It is observed on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, based on the command in Leviticus 23:24, where God instructs the Israelites to observe a sacred assembly with trumpet blasts. The holiday combines themes of renewal, repentance, and the anticipation of God’s judgment, setting the stage for the Ten Days of Repentance leading to Yom Kippur.

Ancient Observances of Trumpets

In ancient Israel, the “trumpets” referred to the “shofar,” a ram’s horn, which was blown throughout the day to announce the sacred holiday. This blast symbolized both a call to repentance and an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. Trumpets in Israelite tradition also had significance for announcing royal proclamations, assembly of the people, or impending danger, all reflected in Rosh Hashanah observances.

The day they included special sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem. The priests offered burnt offerings, grain, and drink offerings, as specified in Numbers 29:1–6. While there was a festive atmosphere, the focus on repentance and preparation for divine judgment gave the day a serious tone. Ritual purification, prayer, and time in reflection likely accompanied the trumpet blasts and offerings.

Rosh Hashanah continues as a sacred day of rest, marked by shofar blasts, synagogue services, and special prayers.

Traditional and Modern Observances of Trumpets

Shofar Blasts: Central to the observance is the blowing of the shofar. Traditionally, the shofar is sounded 100 times during the service, with varying patterns of blasts, each representing different calls to introspection and action.

Prayer Services: Unique prayers, such as the “Amidah” and “Avinu Malkeinu” (“Our Father, Our King”), focus on themes of repentance, divine kingship, and the hope for a peaceful and prosperous new year. The “Machzor,” a special prayer book for the High Holy Days, contains these prayers and readings, guiding worshipers through the day.

Tashlich Ceremony: On the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, many Jews participate in “Tashlich,” a symbolic act of “casting offsins by throwing pieces of bread or pebbles into a body of water. This act represents the verse from Micah 7:19, “You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea,” reinforcing the theme of repentance.

Festive Meals: Rosh Hashanah meals include symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey to represent the hope for a sweet year, and pomegranates, symbolizing an abundance of blessings and good deeds. Round challah bread, symbolizing the cycle of the year, is also eaten.

Ten Days of Repentance: Rosh Hashanah initiates the Ten Days of Repentance, a period of introspection and reconciliation, ending with Yom Kippur. Observers focus on personal and communal repentance, repairing relationships, and returning to God!

Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) Dates:

  1. 2024: October 2-4
  2. 2025: September 22-24
  3. 2026: September 11-13
  4. 2027: October 1-3
  5. 2028: September 20-22
  6. 2029: September 9-11
  7. 2030: September 28-30
  8. 2031: September 18-20
  9. 2032: September 5-7
  10. 2033: September 24-26

In Parables Jesus Tells us to Watch!

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) Five wise virgins take extra oil for their lamps, while five foolish ones do not. When the bridegroom arrives suddenly, the wise virgins are prepared to meet him, but the foolish ones are not. Jesus concludes: “Therefore keep watch because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)

In the Parable of the Watchful Servants (Luke 12:35-40) Jesus tells his listeners to be like servants ready for their master’s return from a wedding banquet, keeping their lamps burning and staying alert. He ends with: “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Luke 12:40)

In the Parable of the Thief in the Night (Matthew 24:43-44) Jesus compares his return to a thief in the night, where the owner of the house would have kept watch if he knew the time of the thief’s arrival. He warns: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44)

In the Parable of the Doorkeeper (Mark 13:33-37) Jesus compares his followers to a doorkeeper left in charge by the master and commands them to watch. He ends with: “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark 13:37)

A Few Key Points in Interpretation:

Day and Hour as Synonyms for Precise Timing: In biblical Greek, “day” (ἡμέρα) and “hour” (ὥρα) can sometimes function as a literary pair to convey the concept of timing rather than suggesting two distinct time units. Thus, “day and hour” might best be understood as emphasizing the total unpredictability of the exact time of Jesus’ return or general proximity but without a definitive time of day or day of the week.

Cultural Expectation of a Wedding Arrival:  Jewish weddings often include a waiting period for the bridegroom’s arrival, and it is normal for this to happen later than expected. The delay in the bridegroom’s arrival in the parable leads to the foolish virgins running out of oil, showing that, although they anticipated his arrival, they didn’t know the precise moment. The five wise virgins anticipated a lengthier delay and were rewarded for their preparation. Jesus seems to suggest that we should both prepare for his immediate arrival within a general time frame but ensure we do not lose heart (oil) if His appearance seems to take longer than expected.

Readiness Over Knowledge of Specific Time: Jesus’ emphasis in the parables and in Matthew 24:36 is on the need for continual preparation, precisely because no one can predict his coming. (Fall of 2024, Fall of 2025, Fall of 2026 ….) The virgins’ waiting with lamps shows their attempt to be ready, but the distinction is made between those who were fully prepared and those who were not.

Live With Expectation

John the Baptist expected the Messiah to come during his lifetime. He was born for that purpose.

In Luke 2:25-35, we read of Simeon, a ”righteous and devout man,” who was eagerly awaiting the “consolation of Israel.” The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

Based on the prophecy in Daniel 9 about seventy “weeks” or sets of years, many in Israel during Jesus’ time would have had a general expectation of the Messiah’s arrival. This prophecy pointed to a specific period after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem, which scholars and religious leaders interpreted as roughly 483 years, leading to the time around Jesus’ life and ministry. While they did not know the exact day or hour, many Jews would have been looking for signs of the Messiah, expecting Him to appear soon as this timeline approached fulfillment. This anticipation created a heightened sense of expectancy and hope, fueling interest in potential messianic figures during the years of Roman occupation.

Could Jesus come at any time? Yes. But it is instructive for us to consider Jesus’ words regarding his return.

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that the kingdom of God is near, right at the door.” (Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33)

Don’t be like the five virgins. Do not “fall” asleep. Fall forward in anticipation of our Lord’s return.

Lead With Love

Leave Shame, Guilt, and Condemnation to the Enemy

Jesus Loves YouJesus said, “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.” Matthew 11:23

What mighty works did Jesus do that failed to lead those in Capernaum to repent?

Jesus healed a Roman centurion’s servant who was paralyzed (imprisoned in his how body, unable to escape). (Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10).

Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever (burning up on the inside) (Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39).

Jesus healed a paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof by his friends (judged a sinner in his heart). Jesus also said, “Your sins are forgiven!” (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26).

Jesus cast out an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue (controlled by dark voices and thoughts) (Mark 1:21-28, Luke 4:31-37).

Jesus healed the son of a royal official, who was at the point of death (no respecter of persons, death comes to all) (John 4:46-54).

Jesus said of His Holy Spirit, “When He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:8

Sin is rebellion against God and His word. Jesus is righteous and in Jesus, we have his righteousness as our own. The devil is judged and defeated. The only power the devil has today is the power we give him and our willingness to believe his lies.

Jesus said to the woman caught in sin, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more (repent) (John 8:11).” Jesus didn’t come to judge but to save (John 12:47).

Paul says, “If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” Galatians 6 1.

We’re All Restoration Projects

Three words jump out: spiritual, restore, gently.  If we are working in the Holy Spirit, with great care, gentleness, and love, restore the individual. In the same way, we might restore a piece of furniture or vehicle we greatly value, restore in this way. If we can’t do that, keep silent and step away.

Add to this attitude of loving restoration, praying for the Holy Spirit of Jesus to convict of sin, convince the individual they are forgiven by Jesus, and confirm in the person that in Christ they are righteous.

Here is the Gospel truth:

  • The Law never led to righteousness (Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16, 3:11, 3:21-22, Philippians 3:9).
  • But the Grace of God will (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3-5, Ephesians 2:8-9, 3:24, Titus 3:5-7).

There are a great many who believe in Jesus and yet continue to live in sin and promote sin. The solution is not more Law, but more Love. We can love others and God at the same time. In fact, Jesus said that is spirit of the Law.

If we feel unloved check the roots. It’s a good bet we feel judged by others and ourselves. Guilt and shame are from the enemy. He’s the accuser, not Jesus — and the accuser certainly should not be Believers.

What does love do? We know (1 Peter 4:8). Here is how we send Jesus to others: pray, obey, love, repeat.

Today bring that person who lives in sin to the feet of Jesus. In prayer, ask His Holy Spirit to do a mighty work in their heart.

If the person is so desperate for love that sin is attractive, imagine how much more they will welcome the liberating love of Jesus when it is hugged into them and prayed over them.

Gog, God, and the Coming of Jesus

Prophesy for Today

Prophesy and say to Gog, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land. 

These countries:

  • Austria
  • Czechia
  • Guatemala
  • Liberia
  • Micronesia
  • Nauru
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay

and half of the citizens in the United States stand with Israel.

The remainder of the world would prefer to see Jews in Israel wiped off the map and the land from Egypt to Lebanon and Syria given to the Palestinians. Sixty-seven percent of Americans ages 18 to 34 support Hamas and Iran in their efforts to eradicate Israel. When God spoke of Gog coming against Israel with the full backing of all the nations in the world, surely he foresaw a time when Western nations turned their back on Jacob.

In South Africa, it is now against the law to support Israel.

JOHANNESBURG — “South Africans fighting for Israel in Gaza could face prosecution at home, the government warns, as South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa once again denounces the conflict as ‘genocide.’ The foreign ministry says it’s ‘gravely concerned’ by reports that some South African nationals have joined the Israeli Defense Forces to fight in Gaza, or are considering doing so. ‘Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making them liable for prosecution in South Africa.’ ”

 WRAL.com, a news station based in Raleigh, North Carolina, characterizes Jews in Israel as the enemy of peace for defending themselves against neighbors who consistently attack Jews.WRAL.com, a news station based in Raleigh, North Carolina, characterizes Jews in Israel as the enemy of peace for defending themselves against neighbors who consistently attack Jews.

Reuters reports,”Fifty-two percent of Gazans and 85% of West Bank respondents — or 72% of Palestinian respondents overall — voiced satisfaction with the role of Hamas in the war.”

To think that Hamas is the only group that seeks the destruction of all Jews in Israel is to reject the will and desire of Palestinians living in Gaza and Israel. If three out of four Palestinians approve of terrorist’s acts against Jews, then even if Hamas is eliminated a new group will rise to take its place

Fadi Quran, a West Bank activist and organizer who works for the progressive advocacy group Avaaz, says he is personally troubled by accounts of Hamas violence against women and children. But he says many Palestinians refuse to believe those stories.

“This idea that Gaza, after 17 years of blockade, was capable of challenging the blockade, challenging the military occupation, was seen as an inspiring act of resistance,” he says.

To many Palestinians, that deal represented another victory for Hamas, another sign of strength. “Hamas is going in the right direction,” says Hanan Barghouti, 59, who was arrested by Israel in September for allegedly aiding Hamas.

Barghouti told NPR she is heartened by the surge in popularity for Hamas in the West Bank. “Any person under occupation has the right to fight,” she says, during an interview in her home in Ramallah. “Hamas’ reputation has grown, not only locally but even on the international level.”

“Palestine is for Palestinians,” she says. “This is our house, our land.”

npr.org

In less than one hundred years the world has turned from saving and protecting Jews to seeking their destruction. Across the globe, there are two casts of people silently hated by the masses: Jews and Christians. 

“Pray for your enemies.” — Jesus. Pray indeed, for it would appear time is short. Our Lord’s coming is nearer today than yesterday.

The Third Temple

King Who Blasphemies God and the Coming of Christ

Larry the LubberThe opinions expressed by Larry the Lubber on the third Temple in Jerusalem doth not necessarily reflect the views of this pirate’s crew — mostly because Larry be a pompous, sanctimonious authority on Scripture whose pontifications tend ter offend most everyone — even when he be right. – Staff

Matthew 24 initiates Jesus’ Olivet Discourse, also called the “Little Apocalypse.” Jesus’ prophecy of the future wrath about to befall Jerusalem and its Temple extends into chapter 25. In none of these accounts does Jesus mention a third Temple. Rather, when the Samaritan woman acknowledges Jesus as a prophet and raises the issue of worship locations, Jesus asserts that a time is approaching and is now here when worship will not be confined to Jerusalem.

“True worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23)

Jesus’ accounts of the coming destruction and the desolation to follow are also found in Mark 13 and Luke 21. In all three gospel accounts, the authors had in their thoughts a forthcoming event that perhaps seemed imminent, thus they asked:

  • “When will this (destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem) happen?”
  • “What will be the sign of your coming?”
  • “What will be the sign of the end of the age.”

Temple Worship and The Coming of Jesus

Jesus first addressed the “when” with this answer:

“Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” (Matthew 24:4-6)

“When you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Matthew 24:15-16)

In 66 AD, the Great Jewish Revolt erupted in response to anti-taxation protests and conflicts between Jews and pagans in mixed cities. Gessius Florus, the Roman governor, seized funds from the Temple’s treasury and detained numerous prominent Jewish figures. The act of a Roman governor entering the Temple, albeit not its sanctuary, and appropriating funds dedicated to God was deemed blasphemous. This invasion by Rome into the holiest religious institution triggered a widespread rebellion in Jerusalem that culminated with the capture of the Roman garrison by rebel forces, compelling the pro-Roman king Herod Agrippa II and Roman officials to flee.

In this instance, Jesus’ cautionary words resonate: “When you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ flee!” This marked the moment to depart from Jerusalem and seek refuge in the hills of Judea and beyond the river Jordan, for Rome would soon retaliate and with great force.

Much has been made by others regarding the necessary rebuilding of a third Jewish temple in order to fulfill the prophecy of Daniel, but Jesus makes no mention of such a third structure. Rather his words, addressed to his disciples, seem to be the protection of any who might wish to remain when “the king who blasphemies God” — as Daniel predicted would come — storms into Jerusalem.

The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple

Daniel’s forthcoming visage lays out a sequence of kings and kingdoms.

“Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. After he has arisen, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others. (Daniel 11:2-4)

In Daniel 2 and Daniel 7, the prophet foretells the reign of four Gentile Empires over Israel before the establishment of the kingdom of God. From Daniel’s perspective — from one living in exile and dispersed from the land God promised his people — the restoration of Jerusalem, rebuilding of its Temple, and the coming of the Anointed One are his focus.

Like Daniel, when Jesus warns that Jerusalem and its Temple will be destroyed and that he will return and usher in the end of all things, the disciples ask for clarity as to when and how and by whom.

The King Who Speaks Blasphemies Against God

In Daniel 11:36 and 40, we read [in literal Hebrew translation]:

And shall do according to his own will, the king, and he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god. Against the God of gods, he shall speak blasphemies and shall prosper till the wrath for what has been determined has been accomplished; it shall be done.

And at the time of the end shall attack him the king of the south and shall come like a whirlwind against him the king of the North with chariots and horsemen and with ships many. And he shall enter the countries and overwhelm [them] and pass through.

In verse 40, we encounter three belligerent armies: one hailing from the south, another from the north, and the forces of the willful king. The willful king shall triumph over the other two sovereigns and pass through the conquered land.

During the Battle of Actium on September 2, 31 BC, Agrippa, the son-in-law and lieutenant to the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus, strategically severed Antony and Cleopatra’s primary force from their sea supply routes. Simultaneously, Caesar Augustus himself landed on the mainland, opposite the island of Corcyra (modern Corfu, situated off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea,) and proceeded southward. Trapped both on land and at sea, desertions from Antony’s army to Augustus’ side became a daily occurrence.

It was precisely at this juncture that the willful king, Caesar Augustus and Rome’s first emperor, directed his focus toward the Land the Glorious.

He shall enter Land the Glorious, and many [countries] shall be overthrown, but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, and Moab, and the prominent sons of Ammon. (Daniel 11:41)

Since the Roman Republic’s conquest of Judea in 63 BC, Jerusalem and the nation of Israel had experienced a state of semi-autonomous governance. Even with the defeat of Judea and Egypt, though, Edom, Moab, and the prominent sons of Ammon escaped Roman rule. The incorporation of Judea as a Roman province was enacted by the first Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus. It is he who of whom Daniel writes when he says:

And shall do according to his own will, the king, and he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god and against the God of gods. Shall speak blasphemies and shall prosper till has been accomplished the wrath for what has been determined shall be done. (Daniel 11:36)

  • Caesar Augustus was the first Roman emperor worshiped as a living god in the Imperial Cult.
  • Augustus Caesar ruled at the time of the birth of Christ and lived from 63 BC to AD 14. He was the first Roman emperor to use the title “son of a god.” In fact it was his favorite title. 
  • Caesar Augustus praised his grandson Gaius for not offering prayers to God when he visited Jerusalem.
  • Caesar Augustus publicly paid homage to Roman gods, but his personal beliefs remain uncertain.
  • In A.D. 70, during the burning of the Temple in Jerusalem, the Roman army worshiped Roman ensigns in the Temple.
  • Titus Caesar Vespasianus was declared Emperor on 1 July 69 AD. Titus was placed in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion. In 70, he besieged and captured Jerusalem, and destroyed the city and the Second Temple. As such he received divine praise and worship as customary when one god defeats another.
  • Titus Caesar Vespasianus issued blasphemous words challenging the God of Israel.
  • Titus Caesar Vespasianus fulfilled 2 Thessalonians 2:4 by setting himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

The [one] opposing and exalting himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so as for him in the temple of God to sit down, setting forth he himself that is God (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

From Daniel’s perspective, the king who exalts himself are the Augustus: (Caesar, Tiberius Caesar, Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus). Nero, the final ruler, held sway until June 9, 68 AD, and during his reign, Titus Caesar Vespasianus was dispatched to Jerusalem to vanquish the Jews and break their spirit and power.

In 70 AD, Jerusalem fell, the Temple lay in ruins, and the Gentiles, now in complete command of the holiest site for Jews, desecrated all that held sanctity for the Jewish people.

“Lord, What Will Be the Sign of Your Coming?”

Jesus warned his disciples to ignore any who claimed to be he: that his appearance would be visible from horizon to horizon and none would miss his coming.

“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:30-31)

Later, while his disciples looked intently up into the sky as Jesus departed into the clouds, suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11)

According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18)

Jesus admonishes his disciples in Judea to seek refuge in the mountains when they see the desecration of the Temple. He advises those in Jerusalem to evacuate and caution those in the countryside against entering the city. He declares that the destruction of the Temple marks the era of God’s wrath, fulfilling what has been foretold by Daniel. He describes how grievous it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers. The land will be engulfed in great distress, and wrath will be unleashed upon this people. They will succumb to the sword and be captured, dispersed to nations far and wide. In 70 AD all of this occurred exactly as Jesus predicted.  

The Time of the Gentiles

Jesus then gives his disciples the closure of this “time of wrath” against his people.

“Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:21-24)

In 1967 the Jews reclaimed Jerusalem. The Gentiles still control the Temple Mount. Will there be a third Temple?

Where Is God’s Temple?

Jesus said of the Temple:

“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” The temple he had spoken of was his body. (John 2:19, 21) 

Paul said of God’s Temple:

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. (Acts 17:24)

You yourselves are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in your midst. If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple! (1 Corinthians 3:16–17)

John said of God’s Temple:

God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. (Revelation 11:19)

The arrival of Christ does not hinge on the construction of a Temple. Jesus could come for his own at any given moment. As Jesus stated, “Watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). Our Lord’s arrival is unpredictable, akin to the days of Noah and Lot.  Should he come, are we prepared?