I have taken note of the recent news of the dispute between Turkey and Israel. Turkey, and formerly Egypt, have been the closest thing Israel has to a friend in the Muslim world. Israel's relationship both with Turkey and Egypt have brought the littlest ammount of stability to the region. With Israel's Sinai Treaty with Egypt starting to look nul and void the current situation with Turkey means Israel is looking more and more isolated and vunerable.
There is also added pressure on Israel this month as the UN meet to discuss the partition of the land of Israel into two states. The reason these things interest me is that the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, clearly prophecies about the future of Israel and uses the nation as a focal point in the 'signs of the end of the age'. Firstly, the partition of the land by the plurality of nations, and their judgement, is prophecied in Joel 3:2.
Secondly a revived Roman Empire is prophecied in Daniel 2:33. Turkey was a major part of the world of the former Roman Empire and strategically would be an important country within a united European Community.
Thirdly, and most intrestingly, is that Turkey has been identified amongst the nations that conspire and attack Israel in Ezekiel 38-39. Some Bible expositors have identified Meshech and Turbal as two prominant cities within the ancient Anatolia, which takes up the Eastern two thirds of modern day Turkey. The former Ottoman Empire was established from tribes from the Anatolian region. Meshech and Tubal are amongst a confederacy of nations. Other nations involved in this attack on Israel are Persia (Iran), Libya, Gog and Magog (identified as Syria and Russia respectivly). Until recently the only nation that was on friendly terms with Israel was Turkey but now that relationship has gone sour.
I can only guess how the situation will play out in real time, but what I can observe is that three key points that prelude the 70th week of Daniel are looking to be a reality.
