#daniel maccabee

[hitchell-mope]

Good film. Incredibly cheesy sometimes. But still. Good film.

[preacherpollard]

Controversial Prophesy Alert

Dale Pollard Daniel 8  Daniel prophesied of the Persian and Greek eras of Israelite history. The angel interpreted that for us, so there’s no mystery there. That mean man of the Diadochi, Antiochus Epiphanes, is described with his persecution lasting 2300 days. It was concluded by the Rededication of the Temple by Judas Maccabee, and that day became the Jewish Festival of Lights (John…

[ultrachoppedpenguinbouquet]

Alexander the Great in the Bible

[short-wooloo]

Jedi Chanukah

An idea came to my mind

I've seen a number of posts which highlight parallels between the Jedi and Judaism, even beyond the more obvious

being that we are around the time of Chanukah, it got me thinking

as I understand the origins of Chanukah in its most basic sense, the Holiday came about from the Maccabean Revolt, where the Jewish rebels defeated the Seleucid Greek empire and kicked them out of Judea

what does this have to do with the Jedi?

well aside from the basic concept of Rebels defeated an empire, there is something else I have noticed

During the Seleucids occupation of Judea, they attempted to quash Judaism in the land, outlawing the faith and trying to enforce Hellenization by converting the Temple of Jerusalem into one for Zeus, while also having pigs be slaughtered for sacrifice there, all and all very petty and cruel attempts to hurt those of the Jewish faith

there are some interesting parallels to this in SW

Now obviously Emperor Palpatine and his Empire made the Jedi faith/culture illegal, murdering and persecuting the Jedi (with help from Jedi traitors Vader/the inquisitors, another parallel as the story goes there were Jews who collaborated with the Seleucids), but it doesn't stop there

in the disney eu canon, Palpatine takes a page right out of the Seleucid handbook in his defilement of the Jedi Temple, not only did his forces assault this sacred place and murder its inhabitants, Palpatine turned this temple-a place of faith, learning, and knowledge-and made it into his personal palace

revolting, and considering how the sith narcissistically see themselves as gods, it nicely lines up with how the Seleucids took the Jewish Temple and made it an alter to their gods, Palpatine made the Jedi Temple into a temple of his own self worship

now what has happened to Jedi temple after Palpatine's death and the empire's fall has not been revealed as of yet (here's hoping for the Rey Jedi Order movie), but I believe there is a chance to further mirror the story of Chanukah here

as the story goes, after the Seleucids were kicked out, the Maccabees went about with some house cleaning, liberating the Temple in Jerusalem, getting rid of all the greek god stuff and rededicating the Temple to its original purpose, and along the way experiencing a miracle which would birth a central part of Chanukah

What if we get something similar in SW with the Jedi? After Rise of Skywalker, Rey and her reestablished Jedi Order reclaim and return to the Jedi Temple of Coruscant, cleansing it of Palpatine's dark influence/stain and rededicating it to its purpose as the Jedi's home and center of learning

and maybe along the way a new tradition develops in the Jedi Order, a commemoration of their return to their ancient home

So in short

Lightsaber Menorah

[pharmaciacatholica]

The Bible is not a historical (compilation of) book(s), it's a theological book. There are some things that cannot be taken literally. They should be read theologically, spiritually.

While reading it, you can see that there are parts that have historical inaccuracies in the Old Testament, I mean, they don't match with other historical events, small details like the names of emeprors. There are things that don't exactly agree within the different books of the Old Testament.

Don't get me wrong. I know and believe God created everything that exists, but there's a reason why the Catholic priest Georges Lamaître made the Big Bang theory, and why the Catholic friar Gregor Mendel made the laws of genetics. Is there something I'm not getting?

Yes, there is a lot you are not getting. Especially based on the follow up ask you sent me while I was getting ready to respond to this.

The Bible is not a historical (compilation of) book(s), it's a theological book.

The Sacred Scriptures are a compilation of book of various genres. The Old Testament consists of forty-six books. Twenty-one historical books, containing the account of the creation of the universe and the history of the patriarchs and the Jewish nation. Seven didactic books, containing collections of psalms, wise sayings, and rules of life. Eighteen prophetical books, containing prophecies as well as instructions or admonitions.

The Historical texts are: the five books of Moses, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, the four books of Kings, the two Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, the two books of the Maccabees.

The didactic texts are: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, Sirach.

The prophetic texts are: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Johan, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

We get these groupings from the collective writings of the Church Fathers and the Tradition (capital T). (x)

here are some things that cannot be taken literally. They should be read theologically, spiritually.

This is a fundamental misunderstanding of what the literal sense of Scripture is. The Catechism summarizes the Church's teaching on the different senses of Scripture in paragraphs 115-119:

115 According to an ancient tradition, one can distinguish between two senses of Scripture: the literal and the spiritual, the latter being subdivided into the allegorical, moral and anagogical senses. The profound concordance of the four senses guarantees all its richness to the living reading of Scripture in the Church.

116 The literal sense is the meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture and discovered by exegesis, following the rules of sound interpretation: "All other senses of Sacred Scripture are based on the literal." (x)

117 The spiritual sense. Thanks to the unity of God's plan, not only the text of Scripture but also the realities and events about which it speaks can be signs.

The allegorical sense. We can acquire a more profound understanding of events by recognizing their significance in Christ; thus the crossing of the Red Sea is a sign or type of Christ's victory and also of Christian Baptism.

The moral sense. The events reported in Scripture ought to lead us to act justly. As St. Paul says, they were written "for our instruction".

The anagogical sense (Greek: anagoge, "leading"). We can view realities and events in terms of their eternal significance, leading us toward our true homeland: thus the Church on earth is a sign of the heavenly Jerusalem.

118 A medieval couplet summarizes the significance of the four senses: The Letter speaks of deeds; Allegory to faith; The Moral how to act; Anagogy our destiny.

119 It is the task of exegetes to work, according to these rules, towards a better understanding and explanation of the meaning of Sacred Scripture in order that their research may help the Church to form a firmer judgement. For, of course, all that has been said about the manner of interpreting Scripture is ultimately subject to the judgement of the Church which exercises the divinely conferred commission and ministry of watching over and interpreting the Word of God.

The entirety of Holy Writ is to be taken literally. Not all of the books are meant to be taken as historical. This I have shown, and it does not contradict.

While reading it, you can see that there are parts that have historical inaccuracies in the Old Testament, I mean, they don't match with other historical events, small details like the names of emeprors. There are things that don't exactly agree within the different books of the Old Testament.

I do not have the time to go through and scrounge up all of the answers to any supposed contradictions contained within the Old Testament, at least not right now (typing this at 1 am). I think it is sufficient to point out that, as a Catholic, you are bound under pain of mortal sin to believe in Scriptural inerrancy with divine and catholic faith.

From Pope Leo XIII:

"So far is it from being possible that any error can co-exist with inspiration, that inspiration not only is essentially incompatible with error, but excludes and rejects it as absolutely and necessarily as it is impossible that God Himself, the supreme Truth, can utter that which is not true. This is the ancient and unchanging faith of the Church."

Providentissimus Deus

Reiterated by Pope Pius XII:

“For as the substantial Word of God became like to men in all things, ‘except sin,’ so the words of God, expressed in human language, are made like to human speech in every respect, except error”

Divino Afflante Spiritu

From the Second Vatican Council:

"Since, therefore, all that the inspired authors, or sacred writers, affirm should be regarded as affirmed by the Holy Spirit, we must acknowledge that the books of Scripture firmly, faithfully and without error, teach that truth which God, for the sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the sacred Scriptures."

Dei Verbum

There is much much more but I believe I've made my point on this matter. Next...

Don't get me wrong. I know and believe God created everything that exists

Nice, we agree!

but there's a reason why the Catholic priest Georges Lamaître made the Big Bang theory

I don't really understand the point here. I have known of Father Lamaitre and him being the "inventor" of the big bang theory for a while but I have never read it. Regardless, he is held to the same scrutiny and standard as everyone else is by both what I have already here laid out and what Pope Pius XII lays out in Humani Generis. I cannot say if he does or not, I have not read it, but a singular priest is not really an authority. This is especially true in the realm of the physical sciences.

and why the Catholic friar Gregor Mendel made the laws of genetics

Same principle as before regarding the authority of an individual priest that is not Your (royal you) pastor. I am also not familiar with this particular work, but I don't see a contradiction with the Faith at all on its face. I believe in genetics. I don't think you understand what macroevolution is as a concept.

[the-mercy-workers]

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

1. Counsel the doubtful. "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God"- Acts 20:27

2. Instruct the ignorant. "Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."- Daniel 12:3

3. Admonish the sinner. "Convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching."- 2 Timothy 4:2

4. Comfort the afflicted. "Care for orphans and widows in their affliction"- James 1:27

5. Forgive offences. "When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions."- Mark 11:25

6. Bear wrongs patiently. "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you because of me."- Matthew 5:11

7. Pray for the living and the dead. "Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be absolved from their sin."- 2 Maccabees 12:46

The Corporal Works of Mercy

1. Feed the hungry. "For I was hungry and you gave me food"- Matthew 25:35

2. Give drink to the thirsty. "I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink"- Matthew 25:35

3. Clothe the naked. "I was naked and you gave me clothing"- Matthew 25:36

4. House the homeless. "I was a stranger and you welcomed me"- Matthew 25:35

5. Visit the imprisoned. "I was in prison and you visited me"- Matthew 25:36

6. Visit the sick. "I was sick and you took care of me"- Matthew 25:36

7. Bury the dead. "and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the breath returns to God who gave it"- Ecclesiastes 12:7

[altneuland]

It's Hanukkah in a few days, which means.. it's time to talk about Hanukkah lore.

first, I want you to erase everything you know about hanukah.

Days Of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is known to be the celebration of light, happiness and victory.

But in reality, the story of hanukkah is much darker.

Kingdom of Hashmonai 

Human name: Daniel Ben Yosef

Human age: 18

religion: Cohenity Judaism (early Judaism)

National languages: Hebrew, Aramic, Greek

Independent: 104 BC - 63 AC (but actually 77 years)*

PROLOGUE 

Greek takeover 

When Ancient Greece took over the area, they brought with them Hellenism, which already influenced Daniel. Daniel’s opinion about Hellenism was neutral. Most Jews didn’t mind Hellenism, as long as it peacefully coexisted with Judaism, and it did. 

Cohenity take over 

The Greek empire owed a lot of money to Rome, and the great Cohen’s brother back then, he knew. He offered the king of the areal Hellenic kingdom a lot of money in exchange for making him the Cohen. 

Judaism is highly against such a thing. Since then people noticed that they could buy the great Cohen’s seat and started paying more and more, which led to inside-wars between Cohens, Levians and activists. 

The Cohens who kept taking over the seats happened to be pro-Hellenism, which made Hellenism look bad in the eyes of the radical activists. It didn’t change Daniel’s opinion, though. But he did lose his trust towards his Cohens. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Act i: Hanukkah 

The Hellenic oppression 

The internal wars inside Judea made them not pay taxes to Greece, which made the king very mad. He came to Judea and demanded the Jews to do very sinful things such as eat pig or work on Shabbat, as well as change their names and such things. 

Daniel was mad, and started a revolution. The revolution started from inside, against the current Cohen who brought that on him. 

Maccabee 

Maccabee is a Jewish movement that started at those days, their goal was to liberate the Jews from Hellenic oppression. Hashmonai Family, a well known family of activists, started it. They led the revolution, but it mostly failed. 

Independence 

When the Hashmonai family realized that the revolution failed, one of the members of this family physically went to the king and begged for liberation. The king got convinced and let the Jews have their own country. 

The Maccabees came back to Jerusalem and cleaned the holy temple from all the dirt and sins that the hellenics did. It made them and Daniel so happy they celebrated for 8 days, which is also the same 8 days of Hanukkah. 

Daniel felt like things are getting back to order, he's independent again. but the little he knew about what’s going to happen. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Act ii: Hashmonai 

The civil war continues 

Hashmonai is now an independent kingdom, but the Hashmonai family decided to make Cohenity one with the royal family, the citizens of Hashmonai hate this decision, and revolt once again. 

Daniel started to rethink his own religion, and new groups of new religions started to pop, as an alternative to the current Cohenity Judaism. Christianity is one of them. Groups are starting to rewrite some books and write new books, the Talmud and  the Mishna. 

Daniel thought this situation is just temporary, and Levi soon will get his power in the temple again. But as soon as he thought so, Hashmonai massacred everyone who attempted to stop the royal family, including levians. Levi, the last tribe to exist as a tribe of Israel was killed, and it officially ended Daniel’s hope for the temple, his nation and his religion. 

The changes in Judaism

When Levi Died, Daniel realized he won’t be able to continue in the same path anymore. A group of all groups, called haPrushim, were the leading group of the new Judaism. They believed that all Jews should be able to read, write and own their own Bible copy. Since then only a Levian could, but Levi is now dead. This is temporary, until a new alternative to Levi or if there are still Levians alive somewhere, they could take back their place once they can. 

Daniel preferred this alternative over the others, which helped this one become the main Judaism branch today. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Act iii: Roman Empire 

Roman Empire stepping in

Now Rome is in charge, Rome doesn’t mind most of the wars inside Hashmonai, but when it becomes too brutal they step in. Rome wants quiet in their territory, that’s their strategy. They cross most leaders (Jesus is one of them), and it escalates as the Jews fight back more. 

Daniel wants this to end, so he goes to Rome and asks him to Assassinate the Hashmonai family. Rome is happy to do so, and he does. Hashmonai loses independence as it happens. 

Rome was mad with Daniel for being such a pain in the ass, so he started forcing him to do such things as eat pig and work on Shabbat, again. But this time Daniel was tired. He didn’t revolt.

Bar kochva revolt

Bar Kochva is a radical guy that Daniel, as well as most of the nation, didn't agree with. He worked alone. He required a small army and tried to fight the Romans. Daniel joined him; he thought he had nothing to lose anyways. But his mistake escalated everything really fast. 

End of ancient Israel

As a punishment Rome cut Daniel’s hair. He knew how much Daniel cares about it. He destroyed the temple, and then kicked Daniel away from Judea to Europe, he changed Judea’s name after a nation in the Bible which is Hebrew means “Invaders”. The name that Daniel used to call other ancient nations as a mockery is now against him. Also, Rome stole a lot of things from the temple, including the great menorah. 

The days of Daniel as ancient Israel (before the kingdom of Israel to the after kingdom of Hashmonai) is now officially over. Daniel now started his Exile era, and after the exile era, the Modern era. 

[majingojira]

Hearing the US Speaker of the House...

Talk about how he believes that the law of the United States was founded on Biblical Principles and Bible teachings, I have the urge to ask him: Which Bible? See, not many people know this, but different denominations/sects of Christianity have different books in their copies of the Bible. The biggest difference is that Catholic Bibles have more books in them -- Maccabees 1 and 2, Tobit, Judith, Sirach, Wisdom, and Baruch. On top of that, the books of Daniel and Esther are slightly longer in the Catholic and Orthodox sects in comparison to Protestant Bibles.

That's a lot of differences, and that can alter the meaning of things. So, when a man gets up and says "The United States was founded on Biblical Principles!" Ask him Which Bible.

Because he doesn't understand that the US was specifically founded NOT on a Bible to avoid sectarian violence. Let these fools invite what they sew earlier than they expect.

[thatscarletflycatcher]

an old post but a lot of protestant bibles do include the deuterocanon, they are just labelled as apocrypha so people know they aren't canon

Hi, anon! An old post? Is it even a month old? XD

You are right about this -I did meant the whole thing as a bit of a lighthearted joke. But I also think it is true that because they are labeled as apocrypha, they are not really read, generally speaking, and that's what the "they don't even have Judith" meme was going for. But I'm curious now, so let's make a poll:

*I am aware that there's more books that are accepted as canonical between Orthodox Christians, but that would make the poll much more complicated.

[mariacallous]

Hundreds of Jewish New Yorkers gathered amid beautifully decorated Christmas trees at Gracie Mansion, Mayor Eric Adams’ residence, for a pre-Hanukkah celebration feting several local Jews and charities.

In prepared remarks, the new Jewish commissioner of the NYPD, Jessica Tisch — whose introduction was met with applause by the packed room — referenced the Hanukkah story, calling Adams — who earlier that day lost a bid to reduce the number of charges he faces as part of a federal corruption indictment — “a light in our community.”

Those receiving awards, honors and citations included Lizzy Savetsky, an Orthodox Jewish influencer in Manhattan known for her pro-Israel content, and four Jewish college students from across the city recognized for their work fighting antisemitism and amplifying Jewish pride on their campuses — Tali Dardashti from New York University, Danielle Babaev from Queens College, Maya Gavriel from Baruch College and Noam Woldenberg from Columbia University.

Guests — including actor and pro-Israel influencer Zach Sage Fox, CEO of UJA-Federation Eric Goldstein and Israeli Consul General in New York Ofir Akunis — circulated from room to room, with many opting to enjoy the unseasonably warm December temperatures on the patio. Richie Taylor, the barrier-breaking Orthodox NYPD deputy chief, was among many uniformed police offers at the event.

On the menu? A smorgasbord of Hanukkah fare and kosher bites which, several signs noted, came courtesy of the Mendy’s outpost at the Jewish Children’s Museum. The spread included latkes with applesauce and sufganiyot, beef lo mein, and chicken shawarma. The wines were Israeli, and assorted flavors of seltzer were also on offer.

A mayoral Hanukkah party is an annual tradition that dates back to Michael Bloomberg’s administration — he put on swanky affairs typically held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. But Bloomberg was hardly the first New York City mayor to celebrate the Festival of Lights: During David Dinkins’ administration in the early 1990s, there was a menorah lighting ceremony that took place on the steps of City Hall with a cantor, a rabbi, and students from a Jewish school singing together.

In his brief remarks to the crowded ballroom — where many guests shushed their talkative neighbors in order to hear above the din — Adams recalled his visits to Krakow and Rome’s Jewish ghetto. Saying that hatred cannot simply be willed away, he said that as mayor of the city with the largest population of Jews, he and his administration are going “to do [their] part” to fight antisemitism.

“We’re committed to rid our city of any form of hate, antisemitism, hate against Sikhs, hate against African Americans, Islamophobia — hate against any other group,” Adams said.

“We will stand tall together,” he continued. “I want to be extremely clear on this Hanukkah: Eric Leroy Adams is a modern-day Maccabee.”

Other honorees of the evening included Rabbi Boruch Ber Bender from the Achiezer Community Resource Center, which deals with crisis management; Achim B’Yachad, which provides the services of Chai Lifeline for Hasidic families dealing with serious illness or loss; and Chazaq, which seeks to provide Jewish education to Jews of all ages.

[hitchell-mope]

It took them long enough.

[manicpixiedreamjew]

jews :

what is your interpretation of the book of Daniel? also, have yoy ever read maccabees 1&2 and what did you think about it?

[angeltreasure]

Hi I have a couple genuine catholic questions that if you don't mind could you answer?

What bible do catholics use?

How do you know that the bible you use is the right one?

And why is the Latin mass in Latin?

Hi! No worries, I love questions. 😊 I am no scholar but I’ll try my best to answer.

What Bible do Catholics use?

The Bible Catholics use is called the canon. The Catholic canon contains a total of 73 books and letters vs the Protestant Bible which only has 66.

The canon Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, Sirach, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Baruch, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

If that’s a lot to process here is a photo to organize that:

The canon New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation.

How do you know that the Bible you use is the right one?

As Catholics, we know any Bible which contains any of the canon books is good to use but also be mindful of translations! For example, I personally stay away from ones that are harder to understand like King James and that one that Joyce Meyer sometimes uses called the Amplified Bible where it adds words that weren’t there before.

How did the canon come about? “In about 367 AD, St. Athanasius came up with a list of 73 books for the Bible that he believed to be divinely inspired. This list was finally approved by Pope Damasus I in 382 AD, and was formally approved by the Church Council of Rome in that same year. Later Councils at Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD) ratified this list of 73 books. In 405 AD, Pope Innocent I wrote a letter to the Bishop of Toulouse reaffirming this canon of 73 books. In 419 AD, the Council of Carthage reaffirmed this list, to which Pope Boniface agreed. The Council of Trent, in 1546, reaffirmed St. Athanasius’s original list of 73 books.” In the 16th century, around the year 1517, Martin Luther established the Protestant reformation. Disliking some of the books found in the canon when creating his new concept of theology and Sola scriptura (meaning by scripture alone), Martin Luther took out Sirach, Wisdom, Tobit, 1 Maccabees, Judith, additions to Daniel, and Esther.

Sooo why do we have the canon as Catholics? Our Catechism of the Catholic Church says:

“105 God is the author of Sacred Scripture. “The divinely revealed realities, which are contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scripture, have been written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.” “For Holy Mother Church, relying on the faith of apostolic age, accepts as sacred and canonical the books of the Old and the New Testaments, whole and entire, with all their parts, on the grounds that, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they have God as their author and have been handed on as such to the Church herself.” - #105, page 36. Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition.

Catholicism is the original church established by Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost. I love the canon and tradition.

Why is the Latin Mass in Latin?

The Latin Mass is in the language of Latin for a few reason. Once widely spoken long ago, it is now a dead language. To this day it is still the official language of the Church. Using Latin preserves the Latin Rite’s words from being changed in error that we can find in changes to vernacular languages especially English. Here is a neat article if you want to read more about it.

[tonikita]

Toothpaste Kisses -The Maccabees lyrics

Daniel

[short-wooloo]

From Jediism to Judaism: Star Wars as Jewish Allegory, by Daniel Perez

A look at some of the Jewish elements – coincidental or otherwise – of Star Wars.

A long time ago in a place far, far away...

It is a period of civil war. A new government has declared the practice of the old faith a crime punishable by death, disbanding an ancient order of sages and sending many into exile. Rebel fighters, striking from a hidden base, have won their first major victory against the evil Empire, stirring a spirit of defiance among the populace. Outarmed and vastly outnumbered, the ragtag band of rebels – aided by an all-powerful, all-permeating Force that binds together all life in the universe – remain the only hope for restoring peace and freedom to their people.

It's one of the greatest epics known to mankind. No, not Star Wars. The above synopsis is actually the story of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival that commemorates a miraculous victory of Israelite insurgents against the tyrannical Seleucid Empire roughly 2,200 years ago.

With Star Wars Episode VII set to premiere in just a few short weeks, I got to thinking about how certain aspects of the Star Wars universe are eerily similar to the history, beliefs, and teachings of the Jews. Now George Lucas did not set out to create a fantasy universe full of Jewish references, but the connections are nevertheless there. So let's put the “Han” back in Hanukkah (Harrison Ford, by the way, technically a member of the tribe) and look at some of the Jewish elements – coincidental or otherwise – of Star Wars.

A Galaxy of Hebrew Names

The heroes of the Star Wars series are members of a “rebel alliance,” basically Maccabees in outer space. It's right there in the name: Jedi. The Hebrew letter yud is often anglicized as a “J,” and syllables occasionally get dropped in translation. Hence, a Biblical name like “Yehoshua” makes its way into English as “Joshua.” It's not much of a stretch to see how “Jedi” can be derived the original Hebrew word for Jew, “Yehudi.”

Remember Luke Skywalker's Jedi rebbe, Grand Master Yoda? Is it just me, or is his peculiar syntax reminiscent of someone whose first language is Yiddish (“Yodish”)? More to the point, his name sounds a lot like “yada,” the Hebrew word meaning “to know.”

And how about those Skywalkers? Luke Skywalker might sound like a gentile name, but that name was clearly chosen to alliterate with his twin sister Leia (Leah). Also keep in mind that their parents were an interfaith couple. The father, Anakin Skywalker, played by the unmistakably un-Jewish Hayden Christensen, tried to convert to Jediism, but as we know he ultimately turned to the Dark Side instead. Their mother was Queen Amidala, portrayed by the beautiful and talented Israeli-born actress Natalie Portman. Suffice it to say their marriage did not end well, and it wasn't until much later in life that their children discovered their Jedi-ish identity.

Learning Academy

When an aspiring Jedi Knight goes to the Academy, he or she must complete what is essentially an apprenticeship with one more learned in Jediism than they are. Similarly, a future rabbi's yeshiva experience will consist largely of chavruta learning (studying with a partner – lit. “friendship”). Fun fact: The name for a young, unmarried yeshiva student, “bochur,” actually means “chosen” (as in “The Chosen People”). The idea of a foretold “Chosen One” who would “restore balance to the Force” was a theme running throughout the Star Wars films, wherein Anakin Skywalker was recognized for his extraordinary potential as a Jedi. As mentioned above, he went “off the derech” and became the villainous Darth Vader. In Return of the Jedi, however, Vader/Skywalker fulfills the “prophecy” when he does teshuvah (our term for repentance, which literally means “return.” Whoa. Return of the Jedi!), thwarting Emperor Palpatine to save his son's life, and ultimately, the galaxy.

Of course, if you tell a young rabbi-in-training that he is the “Chosen One,” it sounds cool and dramatic and is technically true, but then, the same can be said of all of his classmates.

While the Star Wars films don't feature Jedi trainees delving into sacred texts (it doesn't make for the most exciting movie montage), some of the greatest rabbinic books of ethics and Jewish philosophy would be right at home in any Jedi library. “Duties of the Heart,” “The Path of the Just”....tell me these don't sound like the reading list for a hero of the Light Side.

The Force

While Jediism isn't a theistic religion per se, its practitioners do teach of a Force that, in the words of Reb Obi-Wan Kenobi "...is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together." That almost sounds like some sort of Chasidic teaching – just replace “energy field” with “entity” or “consciousness,” and “created by,” with “that creates,” and what you have starts to come across less like new age hippie talk and more like an introduction to Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism.

One idea that devout Jews of all stripes share, is that God, the creative “Force” that sustains all, is the source of a Jew's power. “Ein od milvado,” there is none besides Him. The Jew expresses his or her connection to the universe by striving for an ever closer relationship with its Creator.

Another aspect of Jedi belief is the notion of balance, the idea that the Light Side and the Dark Side are both aspects of the same Force seeking equilibrium. The religions that branched off from Judaism tend to show the Creator and Satan, or “The Devil,” in an adversarial relationship, almost a sort of de facto dualistic theology with a God and an anti-God, if you will. Judaism maintains that the Satan (lit. “Accuser”) is the angel associated with temptation, and prosecution in the Heavenly Court. He's basically Slugworth to God's Willy Wonka. He's got a dirty job to do, but in the end, we're both serving the same Boss.

Judaism also teaches that the source of Light and Darkness are One and the same, as it says in the prayer book: “Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who forms light and creates darkness, Who makes peace and creates all things.” The source for this line of liturgy can be found in the Hebrew Bible, Isaiah 45:7: “Who forms light and creates darkness, Who makes peace and creates evil; I am the Lord, Who makes all these.”

Incidentally, one of the traditional names for God – invoked particularly by the Jewish mystics – is HaMakom, literally “The Place.” The deeper idea conveyed by this name is that the Creator does not exist within the universe; the universe exists within Him. It sounds a lot like The Force. The key conceptual difference between the fictitious all-uniting Force of Star Wars and the Shechinah or “Divine Presence” is that the former is impersonal and passive, the latter is an omnipotent consciousness that actively intervenes in human history, speaking with Prophets and working miracles until this very day.

So if you see the new Star Wars movie, directed by Jeffrey Jacob Abrams (who couldn't sound more Jewish if his name was Saul Cohen or Herschel Rosenblatt), perhaps you'll be able to seek out and appreciate the surprisingly Jewish flavor of the Star Wars universe.

Happy Hanukkah, and may the Force be with you!

[biblenewsprophecy]

The Abomination of Desolation

“Bringing you news and analysis of world events in light of Bible prophecy.” This is the mandate of the Continuing Church of God.

The world event Dr. Thiel will focus on today center around the “Abomination of Desolation”.

It seems like everyone that professes Christianity has heard about the abomination of desolation. It is mentioned in both the Old (Dan 11:31) and New (Matt 24:15) Testament.

Jesus Christ, Himself, referred to the abomination spoken of by Daniel the prophet. And He told us it would usher in a time of terrible trouble.

Is the abomination of desolation here right now? Some think so. Has the abomination of desolation already come and gone? Some also think that has happened. Either of those events would certainly be a world event worthy of the light of Bible prophecy.

Where would we look to find the abomination of desolation?

Can the Bible tell us what events have to take place in order for the fulfillment of prophecy of the abomination of desolation to be complete?

Dr. Thiel uses many verses that shine the light of Biblical understanding on the Abomination of Desolation.

You can read the corresponding article to this podcast available here: The Abomination of Desolation

The Abomination of Desolation

COGwriter

The Temple Institute sent the following in its newsletter and an included link today:

Kislev 19, 5785/December 20, 2024

Kislev 15: Antiochus’ Abomination Of Desolation Upon The Temple Altar The ancient book of I Maccabees opens with the rise of Antiochus, one of Alexander the Great’s three generals who survived their leader’s death. Antiochus became sovereign over a large swath of Alexander’s empire, which included the land of Israel. I Maccabees provides a chilling description of Antiochus’ brutal oppression of the Jews and his systematic attempt to eradicate all aspects of the Jewish faith, making the performance of many Torah commandments punishable by death. In addition, Antiochus desecrated the Holy Temple and performed acts of idolatry on the Temple. I Maccabees, verse 54, describes that on the 15th day of the month of Kislev, the Greek invaders performed what would become known as “the abomination of desolation:” “Now on the fifteenth day of the month Kislev, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Judah on every side.” Antiochus was determined to destroy, not the Jews physically, but the Jewish faith and thereby cause the erasure of the Jewish nation. Ultimately, his provocations inspired the Maccabeean revolt, whose victorious return to the Holy Temple and its purification and rededication following the Greek abominations is celebrated every year during the eight days of Chanukah. Chanukah, which begins on the 25th day of Kislev,

Antiochus did that c. 168 BC.

Jesus prophesied something involving an abomination would happen later:

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:15-22)

Has that yet happened?

No.

However, last year, a reader forwarded me a 09/15/23 email he received from Joseph F. Dummond, who is a Sabbatarian. He seems to be somewhat of a Messianic with some type of prior COG background. Anyway, here are some excerpts from the email sent out by Joseph Dummond:

The Abomination That Makes Desolate

Will be set up in just 7 Days.

One Week form today Friday! September 22, 2023.

We have confirmed the construction of the base and it is being readied as I write this.

The Countdown To the Abomination Began on March 11, 2020, when W.H.O. announced a worldwide pandemic!

THE BIGGEST EVENT SINCE THE CRUCIFIXION IS ABOUT TO TAKE PLACE, AND YOU HAVE FRONT-ROW SEATS …

Joseph Dumond gives answers that pinpoint exactly where we are prophetically today. Not only this, he gives us the tools to prove the answers for ourselves. 

He does this by demonstrating in the clearest terms aided by his colourful charts that the major KEYS to understanding END-TIMES’ PROPHECY are the Sabbatical and Jubilee Cycles. Most students of the Bible sadly are wholly unaware of their existence. …

The 1290 Days have already started counting down. Yehshua warned what was going to come next. Get ready!! 

We are here now and no one is prepared.

No, the countdown for the abomination did not begin on March 11, 2020. And no, the abomination of desolation was not set up on September 22, 2023.

And while Jesus (Yehshua) warned about many events, that abomination was not set up last year. And I denounced that at that time (see Sabbatarian falsely asserts: The Abomination That Makes Desolate Will be set up in just 7 Days … September 22, 2023.).

Since Jesus referred to Daniel, let’s see some of what he wrote related to the abomination:

26 “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”  (Daniel 9:26-27)

While the covenant deal of Daniel 9:27 has not yet been confirmed by a “prince” (someone other than the top leader of Europe at that time), we know that the abomination will not be there until after the deal is broken, which is at least 3 1/2 years away (that is half of the prophetic week the deal is confirmed for). (See also The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27.)

Notice also some signs that Daniel wrote with proceed the breaking of the covenant:

29 “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. 30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.

31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

33 “Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. (Daniel 11:29-33, NIV)

The above verses have not happened. And until verses 29-30 happen, the covenant deal will not be broken nor the abomination of desolation set up.

It also needs to be made clear that the 1290 days has not started. Let’s look at the one passage from Daniel that is related to the abomination and the 1290 and 1335 days:

11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. (Daniel 12:11-12)

Notice the tie to the removal of daily sacrifices and the abomination. Well, since the daily sacrifices have not begun, they cannot yet have been taken away. Therefore, those who will believe what the Bible actually says can be assured that the 1290 days have not already begun.

Joseph Dummond is wrong about this and other matters. As is RCG’s David Pack who has again falsely pointed to the 1335 days of Daniel 12 having started (see RCG again wrong on the return of Jesus and the start of the 1335 days).

Notice also the following:

20 But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. (Luke 21:20)

We have not yet seen this happen yet–so no the abomination of desolation is not about to occur!

The Apostle Paul warned about false leaders:

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)

Like many false predictors, Joseph Dummond, David Pack, and many others rely NOT on signs that Jesus/Yeshua said to look at in the Gospels (cf. Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), but instead their own calculations and assumptions.

While some have claimed that the Holy Place that Jesus spoke about is a rebuilt Jewish temple, consider that the Jews simply cannot make any place holy.

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong he taught:

THE TEMPLE CHRIST WILL RETURN TO

Everybody’s wondering what temple is Christ coming to? Are the Jews going to build another temple over there? Oh, poppycock! I’ll show you the temple He’s coming to! YOU, BRETHREN, ARE THAT TEMPLE; and all the rest of us. I had a crowd, just about this size, over in the Philippines just about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I had a crowd about this size in London about (When was that?) maybe two months now. I don’t know. Time flies so fast. We’re all over the world. But I’m going to show you that. Now, let’s go on a little bit further. Well, let’s turn over to the next chapter now; of Malachi, the fourth chapter, beginning with verse five.

Malachi 4:5 Behold, [He’s talking about the time at the very end of the whole world, and the time at the end of the Millennium even; and they’re all part of the fourth chapter. But the fourth chapter, verse five: “Behold,”] I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

Now, here again, just before the Day of the Lord — when the gospel of the Kingdom is to be preached to the world. …

Malachi 4:5-6 …before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. (6) And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

The word “curse” is used in the Hebrew language; otherwise translated as total destruction, utter total destruction. It’s just before lest He does that, and the earth would be in total destruction if Christ didn’t come.

Now then, John the Baptist was asked, “Are you the Elijah that was to come?” He said, “No, I am not.” I have been asked, “Are you Elijah?” And I have said, “No, I am not.” Jesus Christ said one time, “But if you will bear it, the Elijah has already come.” Then they questioned Him a little further. And then Jesus Christ said Elijah in person, the same Elijah, didn’t come. But John the Baptist came in the power and spirit of Elijah. That prophecy meant and referred to John the Baptist coming, but that was only the First Coming.

The prophecy is someone to prepare the way for the Second Coming. The first was physical — the physical Jesus coming to the physical temple, to a physical people. Someone to prepare the way for the Second Coming is preparing the way for THE SPIRITUAL CHRIST to come to HIS SPIRITUAL TEMPLE for the marriage of the Lamb (of Christ) with the Church; and the Church is that temple! …

Ephesians 2:19-21 Now therefore you [You people up at Ephesus, who were born Gentiles. You…] are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. [Now they are citizens. That is like a country. But they are in a household. That is, a family. Notice, they are a family.] (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone [They’re the Church.]; (21) in whom all the building fitly framed together [The Church is a building fitly framed together.] groweth unto A HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD.

“Grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” THE CHURCH IS THAT TEMPLE. The Church is to meet Christ in the air. The Church will be changed from human to divine. We won’t be human beings. We’ll be God-beings. We’ll be God-persons, just like God is. GOD IS REPRODUCING HIMSELF. Now that temple has to be built for Christ’s coming.

ZERUBBABEL AS A TYPE

Now let me show you another prophecy about building that temple. Let’s go back now for just a moment in the Old Testament, to Haggai; Haggai the second chapter beginning with verse three. Now, I want you to notice the time he’s talking about. This is a prophecy; and duality is here again (a first and a latter; a first and a second).

Notice it now.

Haggai 2:3 Who is left among you… This is not a history, but it’s talking about the time when they were building the temple to which Christ came the first time. Zerubbabel was a governor of the colony, and he was sent there to build that temple.

Haggai 2:3-9 Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? [It’s talking about Solomon’s temple that was so glorious as a physical temple.] And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? (4) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel [The second temple was like nothing compared to Solomon’s. It was bigger, but it was not as fine. Now “Be strong, O Zerubbabel”], saith the [ETERNAL]; and be strong, O Joshua, son of [Well, his father; and so on.] …and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD [That is, work in building the temple.]… (5) According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. (6) For thus saith the LORD of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I WILL shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; (7) and I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come [Meaning, peace which will come with Christ.]; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. (8). The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. (9) THE GLORY OF THIS LATTER HOUSE SHALL BE GREATER THAN OF THE FORMER…

The glory of the house he was building was NOT ANYWHERE NEAR as glorious as the former temple of Solomon. But he’s talking about a time when the thrones of nations will be destroyed; when God is going to shake the earth, and shake nations. He’s talking about our time, now. He’s talking about the Second Coming of Christ.

Can you see that? He’s not… It’s a prophecy. It’s not a history.

Malachi 2:9 …and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

He hasn’t given that yet; but He will, at the time He’s talking about. Now, He’s talking of a time of building the temple for Christ to come to. That temple is a spiritual temple. Zerubbabel was a TYPE. He built the physical temple to which Christ came the first time. Someone has got to be, not in the physical wilderness of the Jordan River, but amidst the spiritual wilderness and Babylon of religious confusion of our twentieth century, who is paving the way for the Second Coming of Christ to HIS GLORIOUS TEMPLE, a spiritual temple; and not to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God, but TO SET UP THE KINGDOM OF GOD and to rule it right then and there. …

Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the[ETERNAL].

And, anyway, it says that… (Armstrong HW. Building the Temple. Sermon: February 14, 1981)

Each individual is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will come in each one of us and our bodies become a temple of the Holy Spirit. But on the other hand we speak collectively as a church. The whole church of many members becomes a temple to which Christ is going to come in His second coming. He’s not coming to one single body but the collective temple. I will dwell in them. (Armstrong HW. Bible Study on 2 Corinthians. 1981)

The Jews cannot make a place holy, hence the holy place is NOT a building that the Jews are about to build. (As far as Zerubbabel matters go, we have the following article available: Zerubbabel and Prophecy and a related sermon: Zerubbabel and Joshua for 21st Century? We also have a related sermon in the Spanish language: Zorobabel y la profecía).

The Holy Place Jesus spoke with would have a Christian connection. It is only God who can make a place holy. Jesus said:

20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)

Isaiah wrote:

15 For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, (Isaiah 57:15)

God’s presence made the old Jewish temples holy (2 Chronicles 7:1-3; cf. Psalm 5:7). It takes God’s presence to make anything holy. Therefore, in the Christian church era, since the presence of the resurrected Jesus could make a place holy, the holy place Jesus referred in Matthew 24:15 would seem to be a place where Christians would have met. This could be a place in either the 21st century or perhaps the first Church of God building in Jerusalem which was built in the late 1st century–if God places His presence there for some time if true Christians were to meet there again (see also Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill). Regarding that latter building, anciently it was called a/the holy place/church.

When citing Acts 1:12, Eusebius also wrote about the building and he called it the “Holy Church of God”:

“Then they returned from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is opposite to Jerusalem.” The Mount of Olives is therefore literally opposite to Jerusalem and to the east of it, but also the Holy Church of God, and the mount upon which it is founded…(Eusebius. The Proof of the Gospel: Being the Demonstratio Evangelica of Eusebius of Cæsarea, Book IV, Chapter 18. John W. Ferrar, editor. Society for promoting Christian knowledge, 1920. Original from the University of Michigan, Digitized July 2, 2009, p. 30)

Although the Greco-Romans have built their type of church around it, some few of the original bricks, also called ashlars, continue to be part of it. You can see the some of the original building bricks by looking at the front cover of the Jan-March 2013 edition of Bible News Prophecy magazine; a more recent photograph is shown on the back cover on the pdf booklet: Continuing History of the Church of God. Here is a photo I took on October 2013 of some of the original bricks of the Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill:

The ashlars, which look to have came from the second temple, also are the foundation of the ‘Cenacle’ building. Notice also something written by Anglican curate Stephen Sizer:

Even though many Jews and Christians believe the Temple must be rebuilt, there is one small problem. It is essential that any future Temple is built on the same foundations as the previous ones. (Sizer S. Will the Jewish Temple be Rebuilt?  http://www.stephensizer.com/2014/02/will-the-jewish-temple-be-rebuilt/ accessed 03/05/19

Curate Sizer does not believe that a future Jewish temple is required by scripture, nor do I (see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?).

After rebellions by the Jews against the Romans, Jerusalem was mainly destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Roman General Titus. Many fled to Pella, then many of them came back. “Later witnesses describe them in their former residence in Mt. Zion” (Briand, p.13).

In 333 A.D. this building was observed by someone called the “Bordeaux pilgrim” and called the holy place by Bellarmino Bagatti:

In 333 the Bordeaux pilgrim found there a basilica erected “by order of Constantine”.  By then the holy place had passed from the hands of the Judaeo-Christians, who had held it until then, to those Gentile Christians. (Bagatti, Bellarmino.  Translated by Eugene Hoade.  The Church from the Gentiles in Palestine. Nihil obstat: Ignatius Mancini, 1 Februari 1970. Imprimi potest: Herminius Roncari, 26 Februari 1970. Imprimatur: +Albertus Gori, die 28 Februarii 1970.  Franciscan Printing Press, Jerusalem, 1971, p. 61)

The “holy place” mentioned above had been a meeting place for the Christians.  This is the place that has been called Sion and the Cenacle. The Greco-Romans eventually added a shrine and a variety of relics (Ibid, pp. 27-28,69)–that is not holy.

Theodosius in the 6th century referred to the building as, “holy Sion, which is the mother of all churches” (Travel And Travellers of the Middle Ages European civilization Volume 45 of The history of civilization / general editor C.K. Ogden. The history of civilization. European civilization Editors Arthur Paul Newton, Arthur Percival Newton Translated by E. D. Hunt. Psychology Press, 1996, p. 48).

A Roman Catholic scholar wrote it was basically constructed by what we would call Church of God Christians (which he calls Judeo-Christians):

The Judeo-Christians probably built their church, at that time called a synagogue, sometime in the decade after 73 A.D. For its construction, they could have used some of the magnificent ashlars from Herod’s destroyed citadel, not far away. Or perhaps they used the stones from the ruins of the Temple itself…with the intention of transferring some elements of the Holy Temple to a site becoming a new Mt. Zion (Zion III).

If that is so, the event may in fact be referred to in one of the apocryphal Odes of Solomon composed about 100 A.D. by a rival sectarian Judeo-Christian group. The fourth ode begins:

“No man can pervert your holy place, 0 God, nor can he change it, and put it in another place, because [he has] no power over it. Your sanctuary you designed before you made special places.” (Charlesworth, Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, p. 736.)

Was this passage in condemnation of the effort of the Judeo-Christians who built the synagogue on Mt. Zion to transfer some of the holiness of the destroyed Temple to their place of worship on the new Mt. Zion by constructing it in part with stones from that Temple?

From this time on, the western hill of Jerusalem was referred to by Christians as Mt. Zion (Zion III). Very few places in Jerusalem can point to such an enduring tradition as Zion’s claim to be the seat of the primitive church. No other place has raised a serious rival claim …

By this time the Judeo-Christian synagogue on Mt. Zion had become known as the Church of the Apostles. It became known as the Church of the Apostles not only because the apostles returned there after witnessing Christ’s post-resurrection ascent to heaven, but also because the building was built, as we have seen, under the leadership of Simon son of Kleophas. Kleophas was known as a brother of Joseph of Nazareth, therefore Simon was a cousin of Jesus. Simon was later considered one of the apostles, outside the circle of the 12. For this reason, the house of worship built by Simon could rightfully be called the Church of the Apostles.

(Pixner B. Church of the Apostles Found on Mt. Zion. Biblical Archaeology Review, May/June 1990: 16-35,60. Also found at http://www.centuryone.org/apostles.html –yet that site and others who seemed to have copied it have left out important statements on page 26, which are included above and italicized by me as they are left out of the that online version)

The original bricks seem to have come from the old Jewish Temple. I personally examined some of them on October 24, 2013. The original bricks physically constitute a type of “temple” in the sense that this seems to have been the closest thing to a physical church building (and actually more closely resembled a synagogue) where early real Christians attended for services. That or something used in the 21st century look to be the holy place that Jesus spoke of.

Now, related to the abomination and its timing, notice something from the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong‘s sermon that was titled Mission of the Philadelphia Church Era and was given on December 17, 1983,:

Jesus … He said, “Take heed that you be not deceived (now, at the very beginning). For many will come in My name, saying that I am Christ, and deceiving . . .” Here He says, and He’s speaking to them, “Many false prophets shall arise, and deceive many.” Well, they did! And they did come in Jesus’ name, saying that they were His ministers!

Matthew 24:13-14 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (14) And this GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM [That’s the gospel He was preaching to them—the Kingdom of God.] shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and THEN shall the end come.

The end of the world, and the Second Coming of Christ! That was the only sign He gave of His Second Coming.

You know, Jesus was asked by the Pharisees for a sign that He was the Messiah; and He said only one sign would be given; and that was the sign of the prophet Jonah—that as Jonah was three days and three nights in the great fish’s belly, so Jesus would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, or the tomb, which was hewn out of rock in the heart of the earth.

Now He continued:

Matthew 24:15 … “When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand).

And you find in Luke 24 and verse 20 that that refers to the same thing, and “the abomination of desolation” there spoken of was Jerusalem being surrounded by armies. Now that applied to 70 AD. It is going to apply again, because so many things happen in a dual manner. Sort of a one-two punch, as I sometimes call it. And Jerusalem will again be surrounded by armies. …

Matthew 24:16 Then let them which be in Judea [Of course, He was speaking locally there.] flee to the mountains…”

And so on. Then He comes down to that terrible time that happened in 70 AD as a type of what is going to happen at the latter time—the Great Tribulation (verse 21).

Anyway, until Matthew 24:14 is fulfilled to God’s satisfaction, the end will not come and the abomination of desolation Jesus said Daniel referred to will not be set up.

While the end is coming soon, the end is not yet (Matthew 24:6).

Because we do rely on the Bible, in the Continuing Church of God, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).

The end is not yet, but is relatively soon.

Rely on the word of God and His true servants, not on improper calculations or other arguments that do not fully align with scripture.

Video coming soon.

Those who wish to know more about the truth about end time prophecies may wish to study the following:

Why Be Concerned About False and Heretical Leaders? There have been many false leaders–here is some of why you should be concerned about them. Here is a related article in the Spanish language ¿Por qué estar preocupado acerca de falsos y heréticos líderes?

Messianic Judaism Beliefs Differ from the Continuing Church of God Both groups keep the seventh-day Sabbath, but have important differences in doctrines and practices. Here is a link to a related sermon: Messianic Judaism beliefs.

Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from lower level leaders? Two related sermons are available The Work per HWA and the Bible and Priority of the Philadelphia Work.

Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill Could this building, often referred to as the Cenacle, which is located on a Mount Zion, possibly have been the oldest actual Christian church building? There is also a video titled Might the oldest church building have prophetic ramifications?

Preparing for the ‘Short Work’ and The Famine of the Word What is the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28? Who is preparing for it? Will Philadelphian Christians instruct many in the end times? What about modern censoring, censorship, and shadow banning? Here is a link to a related video sermon titled: The Short Work. Here is a link to another: Preparing to Instruct Many.

There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?

Zerubbabel and Prophecy Who was Zerubbabel? Was another Zerubbabel prophesied for the 21st century? What about Joshua? What did Herbert W. Armstrong teach? Here is a link to a related sermon video: Zerubbabel and Joshua for 21st Century? We also have a related sermon in the Spanish language: Zorobabel y la profecía.

Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18? Does any church have the confirmed dream and prophetic signs of Acts 2:17-18? Should one? Here is a link in the Spanish language: ¿Tiene la CCOG confirmadas las señales de Hechos 2: 17-18? Here is a link in the French language: Est-ce que l’Église Continue de Dieu confirme les signes d’Actes 2:17-18? A related sermon in the English language is also available: 17 Last Days’ Signs of the Holy Spirit.

21st Century Church of God Prophets Are there any true prophets in the 21st century? What about false prophets? What are scriptures and fruits to identify the true from the false? You you prove all things and test the spirits?

Church of God Leaders on Prophets Have there been prophets throughout the church age? Are any supposed to be around in the last days? What have COG leaders stated or written about prophets? Here is a link to a related sermon: Church of God Leaders on Prophets.

How To Determine If Someone is a True Prophet of God There are many false prophets. How can Christians determine who is a true prophet? There is also a sermon-length video titled How to determine if someone is a true prophet of God. Here is a related link in Spanish/español: ¿Cómo determinar si alguien es un verdadero profeta de Dios?

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2025, 2026, or 2027? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? A short video is available titled: Great Tribulation Trends 2025.

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