For behold, the kings assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they marveled; they were troubled, they hastened away. Fear took hold of them there, and pain, as of a woman in birth pangs. (Psalm 48:4-6)
The Bible declares that, at the end of days, nations will gather against Israel and Jerusalem in particular. In fact God, who is Master over angelic hosts as well as earthly legions below, is the One who allows these armies to assemble against Jerusalem. For example, one of the most anticipated wars among those who study Biblical prophecy is the war of Gog of Magog (see Ezekiel 38 & 39). The prophet Ezekiel describes a massive assault upon Israel comprised of many hostile nations intent on taking a spoil and decimating people who have been “gathered from the nations” and who “dwell in the midst of the land” (Ezekiel 38:12).
However as the psalmist says, all nations who come against God’s people will be astounded and troubled and will ultimately fail in their objective. They will be struck with fear and dread so intense that it will cause them to be as a woman in the pains of travail. This outcome is because, as the previous verse said, “God is in her (Jerusalem’s) palaces; He is known as her refuge.” The may not have believed in the God of Israel before mounting their attack, but when all is said and done, they will develop a newfound belief and respect for the God of Israel. As He says to Gog of Magog: “I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes” (Ezekiel 38:16).
This last day scenario is reminiscent of what happened to Pharaoh when he pursued Israel into the sea. He deceived himself into thinking he could gain victory over God’s people even though, time and again, God had shown himself mighty. In his arrogance, he thought Israel had been led into a trap saying, “the wilderness has closed them in.” In reality, he was the one who had been led into a trap that he could not escape from. Likewise it will be so for those end time nations who delude themselves into thinking that they can overcome Israel and her God.
So what does mean for you and me presently? The promises God has given to Jerusalem, the place where He set His Name, applies to all who fear His Name and who serve Him faithfully. Just as He promises to defend Jerusalem, He will defend us as well. That doesn’t mean there won’t be threats because there will be; there will be those who assemble against us in a menacing manner. However, if we are serving His purpose in the earth, those who think they have us trapped, may find they are the ones who have stumbled into the trap God has set for them. So be encouraged!
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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