The formation of what is called the Union for the Mediterranean States in July of 2008 went largely unnoticed with most of the world’s attention focused on then presidential candidate Barack Obama’s Middle Eastern visit. However, it did not go undetected by many prophecy watchers including myself, who are focused on all major and minor events in that region. Last month the Union celebrated its 10th anniversary with little attention by news sources.
This Union grew out of the European-Mediterranean Partnership also known as the Barcelona Process which was created in 1995 with an aim of strengthening ties among the Mediterranean countries of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The Unions primary goal was to promote stability and integration across the Mediterranean region.
This past week the Gatestone Institute published an article entitled, Why is Nobody Talking about the Union for the Mediterranean?, (https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/12838/union-for-the-mediterranean). That is a great question for those of us that study prophecy and are anxiously watching events leading to the tribulation and ultimately Jesus’s return. Jesus reminded his followers of Daniel’s 70 weeks prophecy when he said: “When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)” (Matthew 24:15). Luke offered more detail of what Jesus said would occur just prior to this abomination: “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.” (Luke 21:20). This was his warning to the Jews in Jerusalem who were told to flee to the mountains when this occurs, signaling the start of the great tribulation.
The final two verses of Daniel nine speak of the prince or leader of those who come to destroy Jerusalem; he shall make a promise or covenant with many for a short period of time. This appears to be some sort of peace agreement or end to hostilities in the region. We know from Daniel 11 that during this period there will be what is described as a king of the north and a king of the south. These two will wage war against one another. Daniel 9:27 suggests there the intentions of neither of them is noble as they speak lies: “And both these kings’ hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.” (Daniel 11:27)
It is likely the king of the south is the head of a confederation which is described in Psalms 83.
Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah. (Psalm 83:1-8)
The peoples mentioned in this confederation make up the North African and Middle Eastern countries that are the member nations in the Union of Mediterranean States although Syria has at least temporarily withdrawn and Libya has observer status. Could it be that the Union comprises the lattice upon which the coalition between Germany (Assur) and these nations will form. I find it hard to believe that this is merely a coincidence!
It should also be noted that specific mention is made in this prophecy from Psalms about Israel no longer being a nation, implying complete destruction of Israel. This is not talking about what we refer to as Israel today which is actually the House of Judah. Recall from “Do You Believe Jesus”, Israel is scattered among the nations of the world (primarily western nations). This is talking about the destruction of everything we hold dear; a sobering thought.
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