The Biblical Great Tribulation
The biblical Great Tribulation is a spiritual topic that all of humanity must hear and understand using the proper contexts of the Bible. First, the Great Tribulation was recorded in the Old Testament: “At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of Your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time Your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book…” (Daniel 12:1). Second, the great tribulation was also recorded in the New Testament: “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.” (Matthew 24:21). Yes, the prophet Daniel and the Savior of mankind Himself, Yahshua the Messiah, spoke very powerfully about the coming Great Tribulation. But this Bible prophecy is specifically stated to happen on a definite time in the future—“the time of the end” (Daniel 11:40). There cannot be two such times, as it is a superlative—meaning, the “worst time of trouble” in all of human history! We are not in it yet, but we will be, in the last days just prior to Yahshua’s return to this earth! As always, we’ll let the Bible interpret itself as we humbly ask Yahweh’s Holy Spirit to guide us and help us discuss this topic. May you have the eyes to see and the ears to hear this holy message.
Before we go deeper on the subject, what is the Great Tribulation spoken of by the prophet Daniel and Savior Yahshua? Listen! In Bible terms the Great Tribulation is a time of horrible suffering, disease, famine, starvation, and the grisly death of millions of people around the world and entire earth as a result of a terrible warfare using the ghastly weapons of modern technology intended for the mass destruction of humanity! Now, the great tribulation comes not only upon the Jews in the modern nation of Israel, but it will also impact the whole world, especially the Israel-descendant nations of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and several countries of northwestern Europe. Notice that at this modern time Israel and its descendant nations have not yet fully experienced the elements of the great tribulation mentioned above, but it will come to them, according to Bible. Virtually all 12 of the books known as the Minor Prophets in Bible have something to say about the end time. The prophet Joel (Joel 2:1-2, 11) and prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 14:1-3, 9) are examples. The theme of the great tribulation in the end time figures so prominently in the book of the prophets that apostle Peter told the Jews they should believe in the Messiah because of these testimonies. Peter admonished the Jews to repent and be converted via Yahshua until the time of the restoration of all things which Yahweh has spoken to His prophets since this world began (Acts 3:19-21).
Furthermore, the Great Tribulation will feature the role of the “king of the south” who will “push at” the “king of the north,” who is the same person as the beast of Bible prophecy. The expression “push at” seems to fall short of armed aggression. Will it come as a political affront, an oil embargo, or threatened disruption of energy to Europe and the world? The reaction of the king of the north is not protracted economic embargo, or warfare, but a lightning-like attack into Israel, and many other countries in the region, including Egypt (Daniel 11:40-42). Now, when does this northern military power come storming into Israel? At the time of the end, says the prophet Daniel. So the Great Tribulation starts at the same time this king of the north invades Israel. Yahshua’s prophecy pointed out events to take place in the Middle East in Israel, specifically in Jerusalem. But the Great Tribulation will be global in its utterly devastating effects that not a man, woman, or child would be left alive if Yahweh did not cut short this very horrific time! (Matthew 24:22). Therefore, while events in Jerusalem provide a positive sign that the Great Tribulation is beginning, the tribulation is not confined to Israel, and the city of Jerusalem. From Savior Yahshua’s warnings, we see it is obvious the great tribulation begins first in Israel; in Jerusalem, by the setting up of an “abomination,” which causes desolation first in Jerusalem, then sudden unspeakable destructions will then follow in all of planet earth!
The Great Tribulation is the fifth seal of Revelation (Revelation 6:9-11). It speaks about the time of the end. It acknowledges the past persecution and martyrdom of Yahweh’s servants and announces they will have to wait “a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed,” before Yahweh avenges their deaths. Yahshua the Messiah tells His followers this will be a time when “they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). Yahshua also describes it as a time of “great tribulation” unlike anything the world has ever experienced (Matthew 24:21). Now, who does this persecuting—what power, or government, is responsible for the martyrdom of Yahweh’s true servants? “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and Laws: and they (the saints) shall be given into his hand until a time (one year) and times (two more years) and the dividing of time (six months, or one half year; three and one half years in all). But the judgement shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end” (Daniel 7:25-26). This shows a period of relentless and terrible persecutions and martyrdom of saints for three and one-half years! Yes, this cunning, influential person is a leader who sits in a position very powerful enough to assay to change the times and the Laws (Ten Commandments) of Yahweh. He will be given much power by Satan in end-time and will perform great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth on the sight of men (Revelation 13:13). It’ll happen at the time of the end, from the beginning of the Great Tribulation until the return of Savior Yahshua!
But is that really the end of it all? Take heed, people! The Savior of humanity stated very unequivocally: “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved (or left alive); but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:22). Did you catch it? We repeat: The days of Great Tribulation are to be cut short! Why? For the “elect’s sake!”—The sake of true Christians who really worship Yahweh and faithfully obey His Spiritual Commandments! However, before Yahweh’s merciful intervention, He will allow Israel and its descendant nations to experience a time of unparalleled national anguish. It will be a time of national punishment for those nations. The blessed survivors from this brief but devastating period—especially those descended from ancient Israel and Judah—will be primarily people whose hearts have softened and been humbled by their experiences (Isaiah 2:11). Through their trauma Yahweh will prepare a humbled people who will willingly accept Yahshua the Messiah’s leadership and teaching when He returns. Through the prophet Zephaniah, Yahweh explained that He uses catastrophes to humble people: ” My determination is to gather the nations to My assembly of kingdoms, to pour on them My indignation, all My fierce anger; all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy…for then I will take away from your midst those who rejoice in your pride, and you shall no longer be haughty in My holy mountain. I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people” (Zephaniah 3:8-12). Though this Bible passage is specifically directed toward the end-time remnant of Israel and Judah, it clearly illustrates how and why Yahweh humbles all the proud and arrogant.
In closing, what you have just read about the biblical Great Tribulation is a true and faithful message coming from heaven. Yahweh have inspired us to share this holy message. The Bible tell us these things will definitely happen whether we agree to it or not, or whether we believe in it or not. Now, in light of this Bible prophecy about the end of the age, what can you do? What should you do? When informed about a recent grisly tragedy of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices, Yahshua the Messiah powerfully responded by saying to those around Him: “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they have suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:2-3). Genuine repentance is of very paramount importance to forgiveness of sin! There is no salvation and gift of eternal life without repentance! It is sin that prevent us to have relationship with our Creator. Yahweh “now commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). We must turn from our wicked ways, which are bringing the world to the brink of disaster, and to turn to Him. Savior Yahshua also tells us that “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:33). Realize that “now it is high time to awake out of sleep” (Romans 13:11). And last but not the least, consider and follow Yahweh’s words written by the prophet Isaiah: “Seek Yahweh while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to Yahweh, and He will have mercy on him; and to our Elohim, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7). We hope you’re blessed by this true and faithful Kingdom message. May Yahweh protect you from Satan the devil and all of his false prophets. May love, truth and peace be with you all who genuinely serve Yahweh and faithfully obey Him. These things we pray to Yahweh through His Son our Savior, Master and King, Yahshua the Messiah, Amen. Halleluyah, Shalom!
