NAMED BY GOD!
There are only four people ever named (by God) before they existed.
Significantly, three of them appear in the Book of Isaiah.
The first was Jesus, who was named about 700 years before He was born.
He was named Immanuel (meaning “God is with us”) in Isaiah 7:14.
Jesus is easy: He was God, Himself, the Messiah, disguised as “one of us.” (John 1:10)
The second was Elijah (who was also John the Baptist).
Elijah is easy: he was called “him that crieth in the wilderness” in Isaiah 40:3, Luke 3:4, and he was named (before conception), a second time, by God, (using the angel Gabriel) in Luke 1:13.
Now, the third . . . is not so easy for Christians. The third person was a descendant of Ishmael (son of Abraham): Cyrus the Great, of Persia! Yes, a Persian: a lesson of Isaiah never learned by mankind! Cyrus was named (by God) about 150 years before he was born (and God named him in the Book of Isaiah). This all happened about 1,200 years before the Qur’an (or any Muslim) existed.
The name Cyrus (in Persian) is so old, that it is a bit unclear. Many Muslims believe he is found in the Qur’an as Dhul-Qarnayn. In this Scripture, this Arabic name can mean “he of the two horns” or “he of the two ages (or generations).”
If you care to research this, know that Cyrus is not an Arabic name or a Muslim name. Cyrus is a Persian name (dating to more than 1,000 years before the Muslim faith was created). But Dhul-Qarnayn is a Muslim name (meaning that it is an Arabic name)! While Persians are not technically Arabs, since the inception of the Muslim faith (by the prophet Muhammad), they have clearly chosen to act as one-people, religiously, with the Arabs: who actually received the Qur’an, in Arabia, so they shall be addressed as one-people, here in this letter. Future events, though, could aggravate this difference between Arabs and Persians: the Book of Revelation strongly indicates that future events will, indeed, truly aggravate this difference . . . to the point of a war being declared! Only “time” will tell this story. The fact-of-the-matter is that the Qur’an was originally sent down to the Arabs (meaning, specifically, the Arabian Peninsula and parts of North Africa). The Persians (and other parts of ancient Babylon) were later incorporated into the Arabic Muslim faith because of their common lineage through Ishmael (the first son of Abraham) and their common language. They might come from different nations, but they are all of the same blood: Ishmael’s blood. Meaning Abraham’s blood. This is quite important with all Persians and Arabs: they might have their differences, but their blood line must always be acknowledged at the same time.
Westerners, do know now (and never forget!) that these fine people are all related through the twelve Princes of Ishmael! This is, oh so, important to the Western world today! The twelve Princes of Ishmael are detailed (by God, Himself) in the Bible! But do know also, that the Qur’an was delivered to the Arabs by way of Muhammad: who was an Arab! And the Qur’an was delivered to the Arabs . . . in Arabia! Indeed, the ONLY Holy Place, of God, described in the Qur’an is truly found in Arabia (Mecca, in Saudi Arabia): where much of the Qur’an was delivered. But, for some reason, the Theocratic Center (meaning the religious training center) of the Muslim faith, today, is found in what all Arabs know to be Persia! Meaning Iran! Westerners, never forget this!
Now, in the Bible (and in the Qur’an) there is only one other person who was described in the same manner as Cyrus: that person being Elijah. Elijah fulfilled prophecy, in the Bible, by later returning as John the Baptist. Elijah was described, in the Qur’an, as one “praised by a later generation.”
In Arabic, the name Dhul-Qarnayn (for Cyrus) can translate to “he of the two horns” or “he of the two ages.”
Maybe, just maybe, we Christians (and Jews) should pay attention to what the Bible teaches about Cyrus the Great (a Persian: one of the greatest descendants of Ishmael).
And maybe, just maybe, Muslims should pay attention to what God says about Cyrus, in the Bible!
Strange, how everything always comes back to Abraham, his two offspring (Isaac and Ishmael), and God!
And by the way, who is the only other person named, by God, before being conceived? Isaac!
“He of the two horns” is easy (Daniel 8:20).
Daniel 8:20 (The angel Gabriel speaking:)
The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.
“He of the two ages” is difficult until you understand Daniel 8:17.
Daniel 8:17
So he (meaning Gabriel, the angel) came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
So, the events of Daniel’s vision, and the story of chapter 8, are not yet complete!
The angel, Gabriel, says so. More on this, later: this story begins with Isaiah.
Isaiah lived about 150 years before Cyrus was born. God taught Isaiah much regarding Cyrus:
Isaiah 44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Yes, it was Cyrus who had the Temple of Solomon (that House of God) rebuilt! Forget the chapter breaks: the original text had no chapters. Continue into the next verse:
Isaiah 45:1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
Follow this conversation. In it, God is speaking to Cyrus: before Cyrus was even born.
Isaiah 45:2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
Isaiah 45:3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:4 For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
Then, later in this conversation regarding Cyrus:
Isaiah 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.
All of this was spoken (and written) by God about 150 years before it even happened.
Well, Jeremiah taught this same lesson about 70 years before Cyrus became a king!
2 Chronicles 36:20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:
2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
Seventy years – the length of time it took from the destruction of Jerusalem to when Cyrus came along and ordered the rebuilding of God’s Temple in Jerusalem:
2 Chronicles 36:22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
2 Chronicles 36:23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.
Notice that this is one of the first things Cyrus did, as king!
All of this referring to Jeremiah 25:11 – 14 (Seventy-years before it happened)
Jeremiah 25:11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.
Jeremiah 25:12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.
Jeremiah 25:13 And I will bring upon that land all my words which I have pronounced against it (through Isaiah also, about 150 years before it happened), even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied against all the nations.
(Italics added by this author.)
Jeremiah 25:14 For many nations and great kings shall serve themselves of them also: and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the works of their own hands.
The Old Testament is FULL of references to this Arab king. (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezra.) The scope of this letter cannot include all of Cyrus’ achievements: he was too great of a man. However, it is important to note that when Cyrus had conquered Medes/Babylon, he allowed all captured peoples to return to their former lands and encouraged them to re-establish all of their former religious practices. This proclamation “included” the Jews. Cyrus even returned to all of the captives, those religious items which Babylon had stolen from their lands. This included many of the treasures stolen from the Temple which Solomon built. It is important to note that Cyrus never considered himself to be a god (as many great rulers have done).
Isaiah 44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Here, many Jews and Christians will say that God was just using Cyrus to get the Temple built. No! God actually spoke to Cyrus and taught him much.
Ezra 1:2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
The Qur’an, also, teaches that God, Himself, spoke to Cyrus (and not by way of the angel, Gabriel). God tested Cyrus and found him worthy of many blessings! This is a great story found in the Qur’an (beginning with verse 18:83) which teaches much about Cyrus’ heart.
Just how righteous was Cyrus? Remember what God said in Isaiah 45:13: I have raised him up in righteousness . . .
Ezra 1:7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;
Ezra 1:8 Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.
Ezra 1:9 And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,
Ezra 1:10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.
Ezra 1:11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.
One could easily argue that Cyrus, himself, paid for the building of the second Temple. No, you say? Regarding the Jews who rebuilt the Temple of Solomon:
Ezra 3:7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
Cyrus also issued this world’s first known proclamation of “human rights.” All peoples/nations under Persia’s authority were to retain these basic human rights for as long as he (and his offspring) were able to protect such rights. His offspring never abated this proclamation of human rights.
PERSIA TODAY
The ancient lands of Persia are hard to describe, today, because they varied greatly through the ages. In the days of Cyrus, they included all of Iran, Syria, Jordan, Judea, and Afghanistan; parts of Iraq and much of Turkey. It never included the Arabian Peninsula (meaning Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, and Oman).
Medes (Media) and Persia were “nearly” the same lands. Medes existed first and then Persia, the greater of the two, followed. (Cyrus conquered Medes, which was mostly today’s “northern Iran.”) The loss, by Medes, was more of a mutiny within the Median army than it was a crushing military defeat by Cyrus. This author will not tell the horrible story of why the Median General had his army mutiny, but the story can be found by clicking here. Scroll down to “In Herodotus” when you get there.
This all left Cyrus with two standing, and very loyal, armies. (You will find, at the end of this letter, the “details” of Daniel’s two horns. Remember that the words of Daniel’s vision already happened once, but the angel, Gabriel, says they must happen again. The “specifics of the details” could change though, for the second event. This is how dual prophecies work.)
Some interesting reading, about Medes, can be found by clicking here. The boundaries of Ancient Medes, were a small area bordering the southern edge of the Caspian Sea. Also, current belief is that the strength of Medes was found in the people and their tribal leadership: not with the impotent government.
Why is this interesting?
(The original copyright date for this letter is 2006. The names can possibly change, but Scripture dictates that the true facts will NOT change.)
Because the current leader of Iran (Mahmoud Ahmadinejad) was born near the center of that Homeland (in Garmsar) and rules from the center of that Homeland (in Tehran). The political make-up of Iran today (and the powers of Ahmadinejad) closely match the political make-up of ancient Medes. In theory, the President of Iran (the highest state authority) is supposed to obey the Supreme Leader (an Ayatollah) who is appointed and/or removed by the Assembly of Experts (also Ayatollahs). Well, none of this works: each division of government truly has no control over its lower division. Just as ancient Medes, today’s Iranian government truly is an impotent (and out-of-control) entity.
A great many Muslim nations, today, truly grant Israel their right to exist. But the one Muslim nation (Iran), that is supposed to be governed only by the Qur’an, is incapable of obeying God’s Qur’an:
The Qur’an 2:62 Those who believe in the Qur’an, and those who are Jews, Christians, and Sabeans: all who believe in God and the Last Day and do good in their lives, will find their reward with God. No fear will come upon them, neither shall they grieve.
The Qur’an 5:44 We (meaning God) revealed the Torah which has guidance and light, whereby the prophets who had given their lives to God, judged the Jews. The rabbis and priests judged by that Scripture which they were told to use and by this Scripture, they were witnesses. Children of Israel, do not fear people, fear God. Do not sell My messages for a token price. Whoso does not judge according to what God has revealed is a disbeliever.
Well, Iran today, clearly does not judge according to what God has revealed! Iran, today, believes that Israel should be made extinct! (Did you just read this from the Qur’an, above? No, you did not.) This author could quote hundreds of verses; regarding the complete failure of Iran, today, in following God’s Qur’an.
Notice that the ram in Daniel 8:4 behaves very much like Iran today.
This probably has nothing to do with prophecy, but the lesser horn (Medes, in Daniel’s prophecy) did come up before the greater of the two (Persia). All of this is merely a “possibility” that does fit Scripture. If history is to repeat itself, then Iran shall be defeated from within, only because another Persian or Arab nation shall then take control. No Persian/Arab has a problem being ruled by another “legitimate” Persian/Arab leader. Persians and Arabs know they are all “brothers through Ishmael!” Persians and Arabs know they are all “brothers through Muhammad” also! They all truly revere their history, lineage, and Scripture: and, at all costs, desire this all to prevail in Persia and Arabia! (Regardless of what Westerners believe.)
2016 side note:
Western Governments, today, always desire democratic governments (everywhere in this world!): because this is all they understand. But the above details illustrate exactly how Western Governments fail (and shall always fail!) to understand how Persians/Arabians (meaning the common folks) must be governed! Westerners always desire democracies: while Persians/Arabians can ONLY ACCEPT a descendant of Muhammad, or one of the twelve Princes of Ishmael (detailed in the Bible!), to govern them! Their Scriptures demand this sort of government! Their history demands that this 4,000 year old tradition (dating back to the Biblical Princes of Ishmael) be observed! Later, Muhammad was told, by GOD, to introduce a peaceful form of government based upon Islam (this word meaning, only, a total devotion to GOD, in their lives).
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Know now, that the word “Islam” was created by God, Himself! Truly! (A Christian author is telling you this!) It was sent down to Muhammad, in the Qur’an. But please do also note that any term such as “Islamic this-or-that” is a man-made term! This is a perfect example of how the “vanities of mankind” continue to find their way into religious practices. (Christians are guilty of this regarding some not obeying the Pope, or some not being “born again.” Jews are guilty of this regarding keeping a refrigerator “Kosher,” which is found nowhere in the Bible.) Just know that the word “Islamic” did not come from God: but rather was created by mankind, so that “some of mankind” might promote their vanities in this world.
And realize now, that any time you see/hear a phrase such as “Islamic anything,” that you should run away from these people as fast as you can!
Because it IS NOT FROM GOD! It is a man-made term coming from man-made vanities! And it is an abomination to God!
The word, Islam, was an Arabic word: newly created by God, Himself! It was first spoken to Muhammad, by way of Gabriel, the angel. God defined the word as meaning “total devotion to God!” PERIOD! END OF DISCUSSION! For any person to “add” to this definition, or to “change” this word to “Islamic anything” is an abomination to God. Any person, today, using the phrase “Islamic” is no part of being a true Muslim. Any changes to this word, Islam, have only come from Satan and every true Muslim fully understands this. They might not like admitting this truth, but they do understand this Truth of God. Mankind has no authority to change God’s Word, here on this Earth.
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Returning to our 2016 side note: the two above-mentioned forms of government (taught in the Qur’an and the Bible — this should mean something to this world!) are the only two forms of government acceptable to Persians/Arabs/Muslims in the Mid East and northern Africa. While these folks currently have no idea how to handle the obvious “cancer” found within their faith today . . . they do know what course they ARE REQUIRED to follow! (And as a historical side-note, did Christians do any better while trying to “handle” the Spanish Inquisition? Did the Jews do any better while trying to “handle” Jesus??? The Muslim faith WILL handle this “cancer” . . . given time.) But we Westerners still insist upon introducing our “300 year-old ways” upon them? Seriously? Our mere 300 year-old ways . . . to be forced upon a society which, to them, is successfully based upon 4,000 years of proven (and Scriptural) history???
The point of this entire 2016 side note is that any “true” Muslim, today, MUST live according to the laws that God prescribed in the Qur’an. If they forsake these laws, sent down through the Qur’an, then they do not follow Islam (total devotion to God!) and they will be punished by God . . . on Judgment Day!
Um . . . Europe . . . are you learning anything here?
Um . . . America . . . do you see your future here?
Leave these fine, GOD loving, people . . . ALONE . . . over there . . . in Persia/Arabia . . . where they want and need to be!
Their laws are different (and yes, BETTER!) than your laws!!!! A Christian is telling you this! (“Better” meaning . . . in God’s Eyes! – and this should say something to all Jews and Christians today: regarding this world abandoning the principles of Abraham, the laws of Moses, and the truths sent down by Jesus.)
But now, this author apologizes for digressing! Please continue:
Author’s critical note: Scripture (and dual prophecies) do not require that history repeats itself. But the end-results shall truly shall repeat: because this world only exists according to God’s Word and God’s Will.
WESTERNERS! You must understand the Arab way! You need to understand what Arabs desire “in their life.” Not the young ones, but the old ones: those who know best “what is good for Arabia.” You might not like this, but you must understand this! Set your western ways aside and allow God to have His Way for His children. And no, this does not mean to just sit back and say a little prayer! It means to give these fine folks what they need to defeat the cancer found within their faith. According to all of God’s Scripture, the descendants of Ishmael know that they shall either be ruled by “a prince of Ishmael” (Genesis 17:20, Genesis 25:16) or they shall be ruled by a true leader of Islam who follows the ways God outlined in His Qur’an (meaning God’s peaceful teachings through Muhammad). These “two choices” create “shades of gray” for Arabs; and hence, their dilemma. The Muslim faith is facing this very issue today: and the West is, truly, not helping! Were the West to understand this single “shade of gray” today, then the West would know how to set aside their “vanity driven – democratic ways” and then act toward certain Arab leaders (not delineated through Ishmael) and who do not follow God’s Qur’an. End of discussion! . . . as far as Arabs today are concerned. If the West never understands this dilemma, then Arabs can never trust Westerners. Again . . . end of discussion! (From the Arab/Muslim point-of-view.)
A FINAL NOTE TO WESTERNERS! Your Scriptures never, but ever, teach that you should inter-mingle (meaning co-exist) with the children of Ishmael. Furthermore, your Scriptures never, but ever teach that you should interfere with the lives of the children of Ishmael. Every Christian should carefully note that after the death of Jesus, God/Christ never sent a single Apostle to the children of Ishmael! God obviously had plans for these folks and HIs plans were just a few hundred years away from happening. (Oh, but there is one, named Satan, who desperately wants the children of Ishmael and Isaac to inter-mingle!) So just leave these fine people (the descendants of Ishmael) alone in their lives and then deal with the “few” who wish to bring their vanity (cancer-ridden) ways to the west. SIMPLE!
A FINAL NOTE TO MUSLIMS AND ARABS! Your Scriptures never, but ever, teach you to spread your faith across this world (meaning to the children of Isaac). Indeed, your Scriptures only teach how you are to govern yourselves in your own lands! Truthfully, it is only “this cancer” found within your faith, today, that fails regarding this great Truth of God, spoken in your Scriptures. (Oh, but there is one, named Satan – the whisperer, who desperately wants the children of Ishmael and Isaac to inter-mingle!) Just leave these fine people (the descendants of Isaac) alone in their lives and do not, under any circumstances, support those “few” who desire to bring your faith to the West! THE BEST SOLUTION FOR ALL MUSLIMS (REGARDING THE “CANCER” FOUND WITHIN YOUR FAITH) IS TO KEEP ALL WESTERN VANITIES OUTSIDE OF YOUR LANDS . . . AND THEN . . . HELP THE WESTERNERS TO DEFEAT THOSE CANCER-RIDDEN VANITIES (OF YOUR FAITH) THAT DESIRE TO SPREAD INTO THEIR LANDS.
A FINAL NOTE TO THIS WORLD! When Muslims help the West to defeat this current “Muslim Cancer” found in their lands (and this world), then, and only then, will Muslims will find true peace in their own lands. ALSO, when the West helps the Muslims in defeating this current “Muslim Cancer” found within the Muslim faith, then, and only then, will Westerners find true peace in their own lands. God’s Truth is this simple! God, Himself, teaches this through all Scriptures upon this earth. Muslims understand this Truth of God, Christians understand this Truth of God, and Jews understand this Truth of God! But quite honestly, this entire world is waiting for the Muslims to “help” with this problem! Know now, that the West is willing to act! Know now, that the entire world is willing to act! This entire world is currently waiting for the Muslim faith, of this world, to join in the defeat the current “cancer” found within the Muslim faith of today. This world . . . cannot do this by itself!
JUST ONE MORE NOTE . . . AND THIS ONE COMES FROM GOD! This world needs to understand the Muslim Caliphate. THERE IS NO SUCH THING! The prophet Muhammad delivered God’s Qur’an to this world. And then, Muhammad died. Everything that comes after the death of Muhammad is utter nonsense. All Muslim Scriptures ended with the death of Muhammad. Yes, when Muhammad died, the Muslim faith needed a leader. There were, in fact, four Caliphs (meaning leaders) that led the Muslim faith in the crucial years following Muhammad’s death. All of this was a manmade leadership concept. The Qur’an teaches nothing about who was to lead the Muslim faith after Muhammad’s death. The point of this lesson is that many “wannabe” Muslim leaders (and they are usually radical in their beliefs) desire to be the next Caliph of the Muslim faith. In this belief, they seek to sidestep God’s Scriptures. God’s Scriptures dictate that Muslims shall only be led by a descendant of one of the twelve Princes of Ishmael, or a direct descendant of Muhammad. Most “wannabe” radicals do not fit either of these criteria, so they invoke the manmade term of “Caliph.” (Again, the position of Caliph is found nowhere in the Qur’an: it is entirely a manmade term.) Through this artificial belief of a Caliph, certain folks within the Muslim faith seek to SIDE-STEP God’s Scriptures on this Earth.
NEVER, BUT EVER, SUPPORT ANY SELF-APPOINTED (OR SELF-DESIRING) CALIPH IN ARABIA. Yes, every religion needs a leader, but the West should never, but ever, support anyone claiming to be the next Caliph. The Muslims know their Scriptures! Trust them in following God’s Will upon this earth.
Returning to the point of this letter,
Daniel saw his vision of Chapter 8 during the third (and final) ruler of Babylon’s days (Belshazzar). And true to God’s Word, Babylon was destroyed (and possessed) by the king of Medes and then Cyrus of Persia took control of everything. But the angel, Gabriel, taught Daniel: “Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.” (Daniel 8:17)
You see, in the story of Daniel 8, the ram with two horns exists at the beginning of the vision. Sometime during this vision, the daily sacrifices begin again, presumably at the Temple in Jerusalem. Then, the he-goat (from the west) comes and puts a stop to the daily sacrifice. Not all of this has happened yet, but it will: according to prophecy.
Read Daniel’s vision of Chapter 8 carefully. It is entirely possible (indeed, prophecy states!) that a “Cyrus” will once again return and that the daily sacrifice (at the Temple) will once again take place. All of this happening “before” the he-goat comes from the west. The first time this prophecy occured, God used Greece (meaning Alexander the Great) as the he-goat. It does not have to be Greece (as the he-goat) the second time this prophecy occurs.
Will his name be “Cyrus” when he returns? No. Elijah did not use the same name when he returned as John the Baptist. Also, this entire story (of Scripture) may well be a strong influence regarding Muslim beliefs, today, that a “twelfth Imam” shall return and make everything right for Muslims. The Qur’an teaches NOTHING regarding the twelfth (or any) Imam! In the earliest days of the Muslim faith (indeed, well before this), Arabs knew what the Old Testament spoke of them because the Jews at Yathrib (in Arabia) taught them much of the Old Testament: especially what the Old Testament said about the Arabs (and Muhammad) in prophecy. After the Jews in Yathrib betrayed Muhammad (because Muhammad refused to be their obedient puppet), the Arabs allowed all who desired, to flee; and then destroyed those who remained. The city was then named Medina (where much of the Qur’an was sent down to Muhammad). Indeed, Muhammad was buried in Medina.
Regardless of the name used, according to the angel, Gabriel, in the book of Daniel, the Muslims are, at least, partially right. In the Bible, Cyrus was never a religious leader: but he was very much so, a man of God. It is important to note that Cyrus was a true leader of his nation and people: and a strong argument could be made that this world has not seen such a leader since, but Cyrus never considered himself to be a religious leader. He considered himself to be a leader of his people and a leader who followed the Will of God.
God does not require mankind’s efforts regarding the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, today. If God so desired, He could raise up another Cyrus from stones! (As taught by Elijah in Matthew 3:9. Elijah would know best.) Today’s Jews believe it was “they” who built the second Temple in Jerusalem. No! It was God who caused it to be built; and He did it by way of Cyrus! The Jews merely placed one stone upon another (there at the Temple site). So many people today (Jews and Christians) fret over how to get the third, and final, temple built. When the time has come, God will make all the arrangements! You see, it is not our House of God; it is His House.
If you care to learn more, about Persia today (and what God says about Persia today), please find the entire eighth Chapter of Daniel below: (words placed in bold have already been discussed here, in this letter)
After you read of this vision regarding our end-time, ask yourself some questions:
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Will God, once again, use an Arab king to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem?
Once the lesser king (horn) of Medes (northern Iran) has had his time expire, will the greater king immediately follow?
Is there such a leader, as Cyrus, somewhere in Arabia today? The Bible indicates, in many places, that such a leader does exist and shall come forth.
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For those interested, here is the entire Eighth Chapter from the Book of Daniel:
Daniel 8:1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.
Daniel 8:2 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.
Daniel 8:3 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.
Daniel 8:4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.
Daniel 8:5 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.
Could this mean the “air power” of a superior military in today’s world? Possibly. The first time this prophecy was fulfilled, the “he goat” (meaning Greece) destroyed Persia when the grandson of Cyrus invaded Greece. (Reference the story of the 300 Spartans.) This entire story (of Daniel) was about the prophetic defeat of the Persian army. True to God’s Word in Daniel 8:5, Persia was destroyed while its army was on Greek soil. The Greek army (the “he goat”) never set foot upon Persian soil.
Daniel 8:6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.
Daniel 8:7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.
Daniel 8:8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.
Daniel 8:9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. (See the Book of Enoch 90:20 to reference “the pleasant land.” It is a free download on this website. For now, suffice it to say that “the pleasant land” is that land that “surrounds” Jerusalem.)
Daniel 8:10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
Daniel 8:11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down.
Daniel 8:12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered.
Daniel 8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?
Daniel 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
Daniel 8:15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.
Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
Daniel 8:17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.
Daniel 8:18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.
Daniel 8:19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.
Daniel 8:20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.
Daniel 8:21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.
Could this mean “that nation” which shall control the now-bankrupt Greece? Using Greece’s proximity to position the military who’s feet “touch not the ground?”
Daniel 8:22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
If this rough goat takes away the daily sacrifice in Jerusalem, will this Arab king be destroyed attempting to defend God’s House in Jerusalem? Or will the Arab House of God be in danger too? Or will it all be over the oil?
Daniel 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
Daniel 8:24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
Daniel 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
Daniel 8:26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
Daniel 8:27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.
A further note to WCG’s
To the many residual WCG’s — who make false prophecies today, fail to understand God’s Scriptures, and merely follow the false teachings of a “supposed prophet” who is now dead (Herbert Armstrong)! This author sees your false prophecies and false teachings. (To ordinary folks, know that WCG means “Church of God” and there are many splinter-groups, today, from the original WCG which Mr. Armstrong built. Indeed, even the “original” can no longer be found!) Mr. Armstrong was about half-right: however it is his “half-wrongs” that will get many Christians in trouble on Judgment Day!
Before these false teachers (of the residual WCG’s) can understand ANY prophecy, they must learn the difference between the king of Persia, described in the above letter, and the prince of Persia found in Daniel 10. They must also learn that it is the “rough goat” which takes away the daily sacrifice in Jerusalem. Persia/Arabia/Muslims will NOT take away the daily sacrifice! Persia/Arabia/Muslims will be destroyed by the “rough goat,” but only AFTER Persia has helped Jerusalem. Any preacher/teacher who cannot understand that Persia will have no part of the powerful (and various) kings mentioned in Revelation, or Daniel, likewise knows nothing about prophecy.
Furthermore, Daniel 11 explains the details of Daniel 8: regarding end-time events. Daniel 11 shows how there will be just “one” strong king (soon) who develops in Persia. This one strong king shall stand up (for God/Allah) which clearly means he shall stand up for Jerusalem. When his work regarding Daniel 8 (above) is finished, he shall be destroyed and the infamous “king of the south” shall arise from the rubble. This future “Cyrus” of Persia shall have no further part regarding any prophecies. (And this is why the words of Daniel 11 were delivered to . . . Darius!)
CAN YOU PEOPLE NOT SEE?
But oh, how these WCG ministers only preach doom-and-gloom regarding Iran/Iraq today! They hate all Muslims, they hate the Muslim faith, and they especially hate the Muslim God, Allah.
(Um, that would be the Muslim God who often goes by the name of Christ! You know that Christ! In the Gospel of John, He explained, fully, how He had to leave that region so as to bring in “other sheep” who were not of that “fold:” meaning the Jewish/Christian fold. His work “with them” was now complete.)
These WCG ministers all teach that everything in today’s news, regarding Iran or Iraq, is prophesied in the Bible, by way of their doom-and-gloom beliefs! My friend, these people know nothing! Good things are to come from Iran/Iraq/Persia (in the coming years). It will last for a little while, and then, only then, Satan shall perform his works (using another “government power” who uses the land of Greece as a launching area!) and Iran/Iraq/Persia shall be destroyed (meaning “taken over” by Satan: as Scripture dictates). Do not dwell on the negative, and false, prophecies spewing forth from the residual WCG’s today (or any WCG, for that matter!). They skip past the “good” which will come (according to the Word of God) and go straight to the bad things that Satan will accomplish, later, in that part of the world. Now, WHY would these religious folks skip past the good things that are prophesied from Arabia, Cyrus, and the Muslims? Could it be? Could it be that they place their Christian beliefs at the center of God’s Universe: just as Herbert Armstrong did, so many years ago? Could it be that they are only trying to line-their-own pockets with money while attempting to “prove” that they (and they only!!!) understand how God’s Scriptures are playing out in this world of ours, today? Learn your Scriptures, my friend, and dwell only upon the life you live today! When you finally stand before God, one day, He will not give “extra credit” because of the prophecies you thought you understood. Today’s WCG’s fail to understand this, in their teachings.
No! When you ever stand before God, on Judgment Day, you will only be questioned about the life you lived, here on this earth: during the short time that God allowed you (to show Him just “who” you are/were). The Torah teaches this! The Gospel teaches this! And the Qur’an teaches this!
Imagine that! All three Scriptures of God, sent down to this world, teaching the TRUTH of the last paragraph! And the Buddha and Confucius teaching these same truths to their side of God’s world! Add to this . . . the SEVEN Holy Spirits of God sent to the four corners of this Earth, (found throughout the Book of Revelation!) teaching these same truths to all of the various native peoples of this world, who were not otherwise sent a Scripture, nor a messenger: but who were definitely taught God’s Truth by way of their Great Spirit that exists in this world. (Reference Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, and especially 5:6.)
Honestly, the original intent of this letter was to address all of the false teachings that these residual WCG’s are currently putting forth in this world. Fortunately, this letter grew well-beyond our original intent! (Or it never would have been posted on this website.)