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F.M. Riley (12 Sep 2012)
"Egypt, Israel, & Russia"
By Pastor F. M. Riley

September 7, 2012

Text: Jeremiah 46:1-28



Introduction

As I write the government of Egypt, now under the control of the Muslim Brotherhood, is moving troops, tanks, and guns into the Sinai Peninsula along the southern border it shares with Israel. It is no secret that Russia is the principal supplier of military equipment to Egypt. So here we have all three of these nations which are prominently mentioned in Bible prophecy, coming together in one end-time scenario right now! Israel is fearful that Egypt may use their tanks, guns, and military equipment to launch an invasion against Israel.

Israel is correct in their assessment of the situation, but the “timing” is off as we will see…..

This is not the first time these three nations are grouped together. In the prophecies of God’s inspired Word, these three nations are grouped together in The Book of Jeremiah, chapter 46, in a prophecy which is commonly overlooked or ignored by most boasted “prophecy teachers.” A clear understanding of this overlooked prophecy would clear up a lot of confusion about the role that will be played by all three of these nations in the end-time, and would be of immense benefit to some of these “prophecy” preachers and teachers in learning how to “rightly divide the Word of Truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15. This study is being written to point out and emphasize the great prophetic truths set forth in this 46th chapter in the Book of Jeremiah. I invite our readers to join us for an enlightening Bible study……



JEREMIAH 46

This particular chapter is set forth in the framework of historical events which have already occurred in the past, yet nevertheless the chapter contains important prophecy in a book of prophecy. Keep this in mind as you read this study and study this chapter. Right here I would suggest that every reader turn in their Bible and carefully read Ecclesiastes 1:9-10 and 3:14-15, and allow the truths stated in these passages to “sink in” and permeate your soul. With these brief remarks, let’s now go directly to the chapter…..

46:1-2…..Notice that it is explicitly stated in these two opening Scriptures that the Lord God is speaking “against the Gentiles;” specifically “against Egypt” and her armies who in past history were “by the river Euphrates” waging war against the armies of Nebuchadnezzar, the King of ancient Babylon. So this is a prophecy of judgment “against the Gentiles” and “against Egypt.”

46:3-4…..These Scriptures set forth a description of the fierce battle that occurred in ancient times between the armies of ancient Egypt and ancient Babylon.

46:5-6…..These Scriptures clearly indicate that the battle went badly for the Egyptian forces, their armies were defeated and fell “toward the north by the river Euphrates,” 46:6. Keep this location in mind as we continue to study.

46:7-9…..These Scriptures appear to set forth the motivation for Egypt’s invasion into the land of ancient Babylon [modern Iraq]. Notice that it is stated twice in these Scriptures that “Egypt riseth up like a flood.” In other words, the people of the Nile were overflowing their borders and invading lands that did not belong to them. But why? The answer to this question is set forth in verse 8, “…I will go up, and will cover the earth, I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.” I don’t think it takes much intelligence on the part of our readers to figure out that the city and its inhabitants being spoken about in this Scripture, are obviously the city of

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Jerusalem and the Jewish people. It was obviously ancient Egypt’s hatred of Israel [Judah at that time] which motivated the armies of Egypt to invade the holy land.

Now isn’t this interesting? Not much has changed in the attitudes of the Egyptians in the past 2,500 years. Today Egypt is a Muslim nation, seething in its hatred for Israel and the Jewish people. To conquer or destroy Jerusalem would exalt Egypt in the eyes of the whole Muslim world today. This is what motivated Egypt in ancient times, and here we are again today with the Muslim Brotherhood controlling Egypt, and foaming out their wicked hatred and desire to destroy Israel as a nation and a people. Remember what is stated in Ecclesiastes 1:9-10?

Notice that Egypt was not alone in their endeavor. Their armies were allied with the armies of Ethiopia, Libya, and Lydia, 46:9. Is it just “coincidence” that both ancient Ethiopia and Libya are present day nations, and that they are both either Muslim nations or sympathetic to the desire of the Muslims to destroy Israel? Now consult your Bible maps to find the location of ancient Lydia. Well isn’t this interesting? Ancient Lydia was a country located within the borders of the modern nation of Turkey. Now where does the nation of Turkey today stand in relation to Israel? Where else could it stand but in the camp of the Muslim Jew haters, since the religion of the Turkish people is almost 100 percent Muslim? In any war in the Middle East launched against Israel, there is no question about which side Turkey would be on.

Folks, we are studying a chapter in God’s Word which was written some 2,600 years ago, and it is describing right to the letter the political and religious situation that exists today in these nations in the Middle East. Where are the dummies who claim that the Bible is an old outdated book of Jewish myths that is not relevant to the day in which we presently live? Hello! The headlines of world events presently occurring, or which will occur tomorrow or in the future, have already been written in the inspired Word long ago. Glory to God! Praise the Lord!

Based on what is revealed in this chapter, we can conclude that at some point in the future Egypt and her allies are going to invade the land of Israel. Count on it!

46:10…..I have already pointed out that this chapter is set in the framework of ancient events, yet it contains prophecy of future events yet to be fulfilled. This Scripture sets forth the PROOF of this truth, 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Notice that this Scripture explicitly states, “For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, that He may avenge Him of His adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord God of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.” Here it is explicitly and emphatically stated that the events being described in this chapter rightly belong to “the day of the Lord.” The expression, “the day of the Lord,” occurs repeatedly in both the Old and New Testaments, and directly refers to the seven year Tribulation period yet to come upon the earth and humanity. Look it up for yourself in your own Bible. So here we have the Divinely Inspired Word of God explicitly stating that the defeat of Egypt being described in this chapter is a prophetic event which will be fulfilled during the coming “day of the Lord” [tribulation period]. We will find further proof of this truth as we continue to study this chapter. Yes you can believe that the inspired Word of God is relevant to the times in which we are presently living and even beyond. But let’s proceed…..

46:11-12…..These Scriptures are a lamentation, with Egypt mourning her defeat and loss. The armies of Egypt, allied with the armies of Ethiopia, Libya, and Turkey will be a formidable fighting force. The whole world will take notice of such a great army. Yet the inspired Word plainly describes the defeat of the Egyptian forces as “the mighty man” stumbles “against the mighty,” 46:12.

It is interesting that the inspired Word tells us that Egypt will be totally destroyed, and cease to exist as a nation for forty years. See Ezekiel 29:2-12. But it is this 46th chapter of Jeremiah which tells us where Egypt will be defeated and and what nation or people will bring about her defeat and destruction. Study this chapter carefully.

46:13-19…..These Scriptures describe the defeat of ancient Egypt by the armies of

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Nebuchadnezzar, king of ancient Babylon. But in view of what is explicitly stated in verse 10, this description obviously typifies a similar but far greater defeat and destruction of Egypt during the future Tribulation period.

46:20…..This Scripture again explicitly states that Egypt’s destruction “cometh out of the north.” This is specifically stated four times in this chapter. See 46:6, 46:10, 46:20; and 46:24.

This latter Scripture doesn’t mince words in saying that Egypt will be delivered into “the hand of the people of the north.” Three times it is explicitly stated that Egypt’s defeat will occur along the banks of “the Euphrates river.” See 46:2, 46:6, and 46:10. Thus the prophecy tells us exactly what nation or people are going to defeat Egypt, and where the armies of Egypt will be defeated. In ancient times it is obvious that Egypt was defeated by the armies of Nebuchadnezzar, king of ancient Babylon. But this prophetic chapter states four times that Egypt’s future defeat is going to come at the hands of “the people of the north.” Now some readers can hem-haw around all they want to, but that won’t change God’s Word one iota. Egypt is going to be defeated and destroyed during the coming Tribulation period by Russia, “the people of the north.” This truth will become more evident as we continue to study…..

46:21…..This Scripture indicates that Egypt’s allies, Ethiopia, Libya, and Turkey, “her hired men,” will desert her when the battle begins going badly, and will either flee back to their own lands, or will switch sides and become confederate with Russia. Read Ezekiel 38:5.

46:22…..Here is a fascinating Scripture. “The voice thereof shall go like a serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against her with axes, as hewers of wood.” The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians certainly did not have radios or telephones for communication. Yet this Scripture indicates that “the voice shall go like a serpent” commanding the forces which come against Egypt. A serpent makes a sound like a “hiss.” So do modern radio and telephone communications. This Scripture is more evidence, in addition to verse 10, that this chapter is describing the destruction of Egypt in the modern times in which we are presently living. Yet consider that this Scripture was given to Jeremiah by inspiration of God some 2,600 years ago. Is God’s Word amazing or not? Is God’s Word relevant and “up to date” or not? Amazing! Glory to God! What a wonderful, supernaturally inspired Book of Divine instruction we have in our possession today by the grace of God. Oh, if men would only give heed to it and seriously study it. The way of salvation is set forth in this Book. Let every reader take heed!

46:23…..Here is a description of the slaughter of the formidable armies of Egypt and her allies. Their armies shall be so large that the inspired word describes them as “grasshoppers, and innumerable.” What an army! And what a slaughter! Read Jeremiah 25:32-33.

46:24…..This Scripture explicitly states for the fourth and final time in the chapter that “Egypt shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north. How much plainer does it need to be stated? Egypt and her allies will be destroyed by the invading armies of Russia and her allies coming south. Compare Ezekiel 38:5-6, 38:15, and 39:1-2.

46:25-26…..These Scriptures are a pronouncement of God’s intention to “punish” Egypt and whoever is the “pharaoh” [ruler] of Egypt at that time, and “all them that trust in him.” Notice carefully the exact wording of 46:26, ”And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives [modern times], and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar [ancient times] king of Babylon, and into the hands of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited [after the 40 years of exile…Ezekiel 29:10-16], as in the days of old, saith the Lord.”

Who else but Almighty God could, or would even think of, intertwining both the ancient and the modern facts about a nation into one verse of Scripture or one chapter, as has been done here? What an awesome God we who are true believers have the privilege of serving! Glory to God! Praise the Lord Jesus! Thank you Blessed Holy Spirit for bestowing upon mankind such a wonderful Book of Holy Treasure and instruction, Proverbs 2:1-7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Summation

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What this wonderful chapter in Jeremiah 46, and other related prophecies teach, is that at or near the middle of the Tribulation period [Ezekiel 38:8; Daniel 9:27], the government of Egypt is going to launch a surprise military attack against Israel. This will most certainly come as a total surprise to Israel, because Egypt is one of the two Middle Eastern nations with which Israel presently has a Peace Treaty. As I write, there has been no indication that Egypt intends to withdraw from or abolish the Treaty. So Israel will be taken by complete surprise.

The Egyptian army and their allies will suddenly invade Israel and take control of and occupy Israel and the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be regarded as their great “prize.” This truth is confirmed in Revelation 11:8, “And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” Here is the only place in all of God’s Word where the city of Jerusalem is referred to as “Egypt.” Why? Could it be because Jerusalem will be occupied and under the control of the the Egyptian military and their allies at that time? Compare Isaiah 33:1-8 and Jeremiah 6:22-25. Think about it!

However, Egypt will not be satisfied with having conquered Israel. Even today, the Muslim Brotherhood, who is in control of Egypt is highly incensed against Iraq and Iran; a case of the ****e Muslims hating the Sunni Muslims. Egypt, puffed up with “pride” in themselves that they were able to defeat the armies of Israel and conquer Jerusalem, will likely imagine themselves to be “invincible,” and so will push on northward and eastward. Now look at your Bible maps or a modern map. Egypt and her allies will likely sweep through Jordan or a part of it, and possibly through a part of Syria, and then on into Iraq, pushing all the way to the “Euphrates river.” Thus they will temporarily occupy a great area of the Middle East. They will not realize it at the time, but this will bring about their downfall…..

It is no secret that Russia has long desired to add the Middle East to her own territory. Remember Russia’s fiasco in Afghanistan? It is also no secret that Russia and Iran [ancient Persia] are allies, Ezekiel 38:5. Now Israel has discovered one of the largest oil fields in the world. This gives added incentive to Russia to cast her greedy eyes on the Middle East. When Egypt invades Israel, and then begins her push into Iraq, Russia, inflamed with jealousy and greed, will no longer hold back on her own plans to extend her empire to include the nations of the Middle East. Russia will mobilize all of her military forces and move southward…..

What this all amounts to, is that when Egypt and her allies push their forces all the way to the Euphrates river, they will meet the Russian military “head on” pushing towards the south. Now read Ezekiel 38:10-12 again and let the truth stated there soak in. Egypt and her allies will suffer an ignominious defeat on the banks of the Euphrates river at “the hands of the people of the north.” You can spell that R-U-S-S-I-A.

Russia will apparently not only destroy the invading armies of Egypt and her allies, but will likely nuke the major cities of Egypt, contaminating the entire land of Egypt with nuclear radiation, so that Egypt will be totally deserted by its people for 40 years. Notice that Ezekiel 29:11 explicitly states that “No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.” I have personally visited some of the great desert areas here in the United States, and while very little vegetation grows in the desert sands, there is a large assortment of animals dwelling in and passing through the deserts. What then would cause men and even the animals to avoid passing through the land of Egypt for 40 years? The only thing I can even remotely think of which would cause this condition, would be that the very sands of Egypt will be so contaminated by nuclear radiation that neither man nor animals will even dare to enter that land for 40 years.

However, the victorious Russian Confederacy will continue to push south and east to the Mediterranean and occupy, not just Israel as is commonly believed, but rather the entire Middle East. Read it for yourself in Jeremiah 25:9. This is yet another Scripture in Jeremiah where both ancient and modern events are combined into one prophetic passage. Isn’t our God and His Word amazing? The nation of Russia will then occupy the land of Israel and most of the Middle

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East during the last half of the Tribulation period.

Yet when the confederated armies of Russia invade Israel and the Middle East, the Lord God explicitly states that “And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against

the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that My fury shall come up in My face,” Ezekiel 38:18. This is a fantastic Scripture, for it contains both a statement and a “time marker” if those reading it will pay attention to what is being stated. This Scripture literally states that God’s “fury” will come up in His face at the same time when Russia invades Israel. It doesn’t require a lot of knowledge of The Book of Revelation to understand that the time period specifically assigned in Revelation for the anger, rage, fury, and wrath of God begins at the middle of the Tribulation and extends through the last half of the Trib. Read it for yourself in Revelation 14:6-7, 15:1, and 15:8. Our readers might also want to request my study entitled “The Two Hours.” It will be sent to any reader upon request.

Here is then Scriptural verification that the Russian invasion of Israel will not occur before the middle of the Tribulation period. Hello! This is in perfect harmony with Ezekiel 38:8 which plainly indicates that Russia’s plan is to invade Israel and the Middle East when Israel is dwelling safely and in peace. See also 1 Thessalonians 5:3. This condition of “peace and safety” for Israel cannot and will not happen until they have made their “covenant” [peace agreement] with the Anti-christ as clearly stated in Daniel 9:27. According to the prophecy in Daniel this covenant will be broken by the Anti-christ and/or those under his command at the middle of the Tribulation, thus giving us another “time marker” as to when these prophesied events are to

occur. Are some pieces of the prophetic picture beginning to fit together?

Therefore, Jeremiah 46 makes it glaringly obvious that Egypt will invade Israel at or very near the middle of the Tribulation. This will provoke Russia into putting into action the plan they have had for many years to annex the Middle East to their own Russian empire. The Russian armies and Egyptian armies will then meet head on at the Euphrates river in the modern nation of Iraq [ancient Babylon] on or shortly after the middle of the Tribulation. The Egyptian armies will be destroyed and the nation of Egypt will also subsequently be destroyed and will become non-existent for forty years. Yes, this forty years does extend into the time of the Millennial Kingdom. After forty years Egypt will be restored as a nation as clearly stated in the Scriptures, Ezekiel 29:13-16.

Almighty God has a long memory! It appears from this chapter that He has not forgotten the injustices perpetrated upon Israel and the Jewish people by the Egyptians across the many centuries of human history. Thus this 46th chapter of Jeremiah sets forth “payback time” for the nation and people of Egypt.

However, the Lord God has also not forgotten the insult to Him perpetrated by the Russian people when they established the first nation in human history whose official governing policy was “atheistic Communism.”

Therefore at the end of Russia’s occupation of Israel and the Middle East during the last half of the Tribulation period, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will return to the earth to settle the score with the Anti-christ, and with Russia, and with all of the wicked still alive on the face of the earth. See Ezekiel 39:17-20 [carefully read the whole chapter], Revelation 16:12-14, and 19:11-21. By careful Bible study and comparing “spiritual things with spiritual” as 1 Corinthians 2:13 instructs God’s people to do, it is glaringly obvious that each of these Scripture passages are describing the exact same battle; what men commonly refer to as “Armageddon.” Then, when this final battle is concluded, Praise God, finally…..

“Men will learn war no more,” Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:1-5.

It is my sincere hope that every reader of this study has been truly saved by the wonderful

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“grace of God” [Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5] and is ready to meet the Lord, for as the Scriptures clearly and explicitly teach, the Lord Jesus Christ is first coming “in the air” at the “parousia” for His New Covenant believing saints [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18], and then at the “erchomai” [end of the Tribulation] seven years later “with all His saints,” 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Galatians 1:4; Revelation 3:10; Zechariah 14:5, Revelation 19:11-16. Are YOU ready to meet the Lord? If not,

why not? The God of Heaven has made every provision necessary for your salvation, and “the way” of salvation is clearly stated in the inspired Word of God, John 3:16; 5:24; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 16:30-31; Romans 10:8-13. Study the Word, believe what it says, and be saved TODAY!


“Even so, come, Lord Jesus,” Revelation 22:20.

Permission is granted to any true believer or Bible believing Christian ministry to reproduce this study to share with others, or to quote from it in context as written.


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Zechariah 12:3,9:
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people; And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

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