Ram and Goat

21/03/03

As the U.S. and some of her allies are poised for war, some thoughts have come to mind regarding this present situation here in the Middle East. One cannot help but think particularly about the book of Daniel and end time prophecy. In a sermon given by a brother from the German Christian kibbutz in Northern Israel, a very interesting interpretation of Daniel chapter 8 was offered. This particular chapter presents an intriguing scenario of historical events that have actually been fulfilled (ref. v. 20-21). However, history does have a tendency to repeat itself. The brother pointed out that in verse 17 it says, “understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end” (Dan. 8:17). Thus, the ram with the two horns, that back then represented the Mede- Persian kings, is now representing the area that they had dominated, and is therefore symbolic of Islam which has taken over that region. The two horns seem to be more specifically Iraq and Iran, or the two main factions of Islam: the Sunnis and Shiites.

The ram was defeated by a goat, which came from the west (v. 5). The goat had one large horn and attacked the ram ferociously, trampling it to the earth and in the process broke off its two horns. In the days of the Mede-Persian Empire the goat represented Greece. Presently it does not take too much analysis to figure out that the western world and its super power (the U.S.) is under the influence of the ‘beast’ of ancient Greece. One only needs to look at its form of government of democracy, or at its Hellenistic mindset, which is seen in every aspect of western culture. The interesting thing about this goat is that its feet did not touch the ground as it went over to attack the ram. “Suddenly a male goat came from the west, across the surface of the whole earth, without touching the ground” (Dan. 8:5). Could that be symbolic of the American and British air forces? The American army’s mascot just happens to be a goat. Thus the goat comes against the ram (Islam) through the air. We may not see yet the full extent of the conflict between the ram and the goat, but if indeed it is portrayed by this vision of Daniel, the one large horn (the American-British alliance) will ultimately be broken and four other horns – entities – will arise in its place. This could mean that the western world will divide into four main areas. Already there is a “quartet” that is mentioned often, at least here in Israel, in relationship to the so-called “roadmap” plan for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and its ultimate aim of securing a “safe Israel” and a “peaceful and democratic Palestinian state”. The “quartet” consists of the U.S., the European Union, the United Nations, and Russia.

I’m not going to venture into the rest of Daniel 8, but the Spirit of YHVH will unveil all these end time prophecies, as He Himself brings them to pass. Meanwhile everyone in Israel is counting down the hours and minutes to the start of the invasion to oust Saddam Hussein. May YHVH’s judgments be overridden by His tender mercies.

In light of the situation, this is being sent in place of the Friday letter. We trust that you will all have peace from the Prince of Peace, regardless of the outcome of the war.

21/03/03