"Syria" and prophecy

This post, though brief, nevertheless is very important for understanding Bible prophecy.  The above photo is intended to give a general impression of the current condition of what formerly was the State of Syria.  But "Syria," as such, is no more.  Although the geographical region is still being referred to as Syria, yet there is no functioning State of Syria.  Why is that important for understanding Bible prophecy?

The reason has to do with two well known prophecies of Scripture, both of which are relevant to discerning the chronology and interrelationships of End-time events.  One of those prophecies (Isaiah 17) foretells the utter destruction of the city of Damascus (the capital city of what remains of Syria).  The other prophecy involves the soon-coming, large-scale invasion of Israel, which many Bible prophecy teachers refer to that war as "Ezekiel's War" (Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39).  Importantly, the Bible explicitly names the major belligerents that will join together to attack Israel; albeit, Syria ~ Israel's ancient and longstanding nemesis, is not among those named.  Nor is there any suggestion in Scripture that Syria is not part of Ezekiel's War due to any prior peace agreement between Syria and Israel.

There is widespread speculation amongst Bible prophecy teachers that the reason Syria is not part of Ezekiel's War may be related to the prophecy concerning the destruction of Damascus.  If Damascus were first destroyed ~ which, Israel doubtless would be blamed for that, regardless of the actual cause ~ then, not only might that answer to why Syria would not be involved in Ezekiel's War but, no less important, that could also serve as the precipitating event to ignite Ezekiel's War.  It may be that future events will soon play out just that way.  Damascus, though very substantially destroyed already, is not yet "utterly" destroyed in the manner as that is described in Scripture.

But here's the point I want to make in this essay.  Damascus need not be destroyed prior to Ezekiel's War.  That prophecy could as well be fulfilled either during or after Ezekiel's War.  Until now, practically all prophecy students and teachers have supposed that the destruction of Damascus must be identified with the downfall of Syria.  Today, however, in light of the widespread destruction that has befallen the erstwhile nation of Syria, throughout the past seven years of civil war in that country, we can now understand how it may be that the destruction of the city of Damascus is not necessarily connected with the fact that "Syria" is not identified in Scripture as being amongst those nations that will attack Israel, in the context of Ezekiel's War.  In other words, Ezekiel's War could very well occur prior to the destruction of Damascus.

Indeed, the stage is already set for Ezekiel's War to begin, any day now.  Lately, there is a growing chorus of voices ~ both secular and religious ~ warning that just such a scenario appears likely to occur very soon.

Why is all of this important to Christians?  It is because the Rapture of the Church appears, in Scripture, to be intimately associated with the time of Ezekiel's War.  I personally suspect that the Rapture may happen during the time of Ezekiel's War ~ which war shall be exceedingly violent, destructive, and probably of short duration.  Perhaps, I will explain, in a followup post, why I am inclined to believe that the Rapture will occur at that time....