I know that I am really "opening up" an issue but I feel like it is pertinent to the current events in Israel to mention. People who see it the way I do will understand, others will atleast find it interesting. I wish no arguement or "whose right and whose wrong". This is not a contest or a preaching session or a religion bashing party. I'd just like to read everyone's thoughts and comments in a CALM AND RESPECTFUL manner. If it gets out of control and ugly, I will ask the webbie to delete the thread. Please read in your bible Zephaniah chapter 2 verses 4 thru 11. Even if you don't give the bible any significance, just do it. Kind of uncanny........ With respect, God'schild
The Old Testament isn't as clear to me as the New Testament. The book of Zephaniah IMHO is down right scary. Zephaniah, I don't know - just puts a really depressing spin, (more depressing than some of the other books) to the word of God. Over twenty-six hundred years ago Zephaniah recorded God as saying "Near is the great day of the Lord, near and coming quickly..." The 'great day of the Lord' meaning judgment day - the end. As for the verses mentioned, yes the territory (Gaza) flows with the chapter, but it would have in years past as well. If THIS (now/present) is the time that Zephaniah was describing, then we can expect the destruction of the nations surrounding Gaza. . .but that could be another twenty-six hundred years from now. I think Zechariah is recording the same scenario in Zech 13:8-9 - for me Zechariah is easier for me to read/comprehend than Zephaniah. And it shall come to pass in all the Land (Israel), says the Lord, That two-thirds of it shall be cut off and die, but one-third shall be left in it: I will bring the one-third through the fire, (1/3 of Israel will be saved) will refine them as gold is tested. They will call on my Name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'This is My people'; and each one will say, 'the LORD is my God.'" I think when it happens - the way the books intended to record and be understood - there will be no question as to whether God was responding.
