What is the Final Affliction in the Bible?
Thayer Definition: Affliction (G2347) 1) a pressing, pressing together, pressure 2) metaphorically oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits.
However, In the King James Bible, they substituted the word “Tribulation”. It means the same thing.
Christian eschatology, says that the Tribulation is a time when everyone will experience worldwide hardships, persecution, disasters, famine, war, pain, and suffering, which will affect all of creation. They will correctly point to:
Mat 24:21 For there will be then great affliction, such as has not taken place from the beginning of the world until the present, nor in any way to be.
Related verses point to an unprecedented period of sustained suffering and troubles worldwide. During which there will be famines, extreme climatic upheavals, wars, and disasters.
Leaders warn of ‘unprecedented’ global food crisis risks
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, and pestilent things, and earthquakes in places.
The Christian will add that this period will usher in JESUS’s second coming of CHRIST to raptured them to heaven. If any of this is true, it would be of utmost importance to examine their merit.
JESUS was not the first to speak of the Final Affliction in the Bible
JESUS was not the first to speak about the Final Affliction in the Bible. The prophets Daniel, Jeremiah, and others also referenced it. The Christians correctly refer this to as “Jacob’s Trouble” We read the following:
Jer 30:7 Woe, for great is that day, and there is not such, and it is a time of severity to Jacob, but from this he shall be delivered. Jer 30:8 In that day, said the LORD of the forces, I will break the yoke from their neck, and their bonds I will tear up, and they shall not work themselves any longer for strangers.
Jeremiah 30:7 says, “That day is great so that none is like it.” The only time that fits this description is the period of the Great Tribulation. An unparalleled time in history. We also notice that this great day is related to Israel (Jacob) and not the world in general. This makes us wonder if the verse is related to the great affliction or Tribulation. But we get clarity from other verses such as:
The word “you” can only be a reference to Jacob (Israel). But athough the world will go through a period of unprecedented hardship, the focus of “Great Affliction” is Israel.
In the Bible, the book of Daniel also refers to the Final affliction
In Dan 12:1 we also read of; “a time of affliction such as has not taken place from of which time there became a nation on the earth, until that time.”
Dan_12:1 And in that time shall rise up Michael the great ruler, the one standing for the sons of your people. And it will be a time of affliction such as has not taken place from of which time there became a nation on the earth, until that time. And in that time your people shall be delivered, every one found being written in the book.
This too references an unparalleled time in history. The focus is on Israel just like the previous verses. The “Sons of your people” must be referencing Israel since Daniel was an Israelite. The reality of diseases, famine, earthquakes, and wars will create unprecedented hard times during the last days. Christian theologians like to refer to that as the first part of the tribulation. But in fact, the tribulation is a whole and is concerned with the true people of Israel, NOT Christians.
Who are the true people of Israel?
Today people like to think of Israel as a geographical entity. Just like the people living over there in the middle east. That however is not the reality of the Bible. The Israel of the Bible is a genealogical and phenotypical entity. Jacob was a real man that lived over 4000 years ago. GOD renamed Jacob, Israel. and promised HE would be the GOD of his grandfather, father, and himself. GOD promised Jacob that his genealogical line would be HIS people and HE be their GOD. They would eventually be scatter them among the peoples of the world.
Dan_10:14 And I came to bring understanding to you as much as shall meet your people in last of the days. For the vision is still for days.
Since Daniel is a son of Israel, then Daniel’s people are the people of Israel. It is abundantly clear from the Bible that the People brought into the “New World” via the transatlantic slave trade are Daniels people. They alsone satisfies the curses of Deuteronomy. We also have proof in science that these people and their kin scattered worldwide represent a common Haplogroup type – E1B1A. For this lesson, we will decline to go into that. Therefore they represent the genealogical descendants of the man named Jacob and renamed Israel by GOD.
The Final affliction of Israel is the central theme of the Bible
Having established the identity of Israel we can explore the events of the Great Affliction during JESUS’s discourse of Matthew 24. We read the following:
Mat 24:9 Then they shall deliver you unto affliction, and shall kill you; and you shall be ones being detested by all the nations on account of my name.
At some point in time, the Gentiles will come to the belief that the severe hard times are because of GOD’s actions on theIsrael’s behalf. As a consequence of that Israel will be singled out for distruction during the last days.. Since Israel is often confused with other “Black” people, they themselves will be caught up in the general oppression meted out to Israel. Read about it in:
Which Gentiles can have Salvation?
Israel will be fighting against Israel
But we read some disturbing things about how some Israelites would relate to each other.
Mat 24:10 And then many shall be stumbled, and they shall deliver up one another, and they shall detest one another.
During the affliction of Israel, many of them will hate and will join their hands with the enemies against their brothers. This seems to be the focus of the term “many” refers to in verse 10. The answer is in the following verse:
Mat 24:3 And in his sitting down upon the mount of olives, there came forward to him the disciples in private, saying, Tell us when these things will be, and what is the sign of your arrival, and the completion of the age?
But the following verses taken into context proves who JESUS regards as the “many”. It is the people of Israel.
Mat_10:6 But you go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel! Act_5:31 This one -- God, chief and deliverer, exalted by his right hand, to give repentance to Israel and release of sins.
The “many” references in verse 10 can only be Israel. That is, many of them will be stumbled and deliver up each other to their persuers. At this point, we should take a Let us see what the term. stumbled means:
Thayer Definition: stumbled (G4624)
To “scandalize”; from G4625; to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure): – (make to) offend.
It is quite clear many of Israel will go contrary to the path of salvation GOD has instituted. They will hate their brothers and deliver them up to the enemies. They will join arm in arm with the people killing them. That is one of the most troubling facts of the Final Affliction from the viewpoint of the people of Israel.
JESUS would make in personal appearance at HIS Second coming as Christians believe
The Christians have thought that JESUS said HE would make an actual appearance. That is incorrect. They will point to certain verses to show it. But these same verses prove our GOD has not said so. For example:
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself in a word of command by the voice of an archangel, and with a trumpet of God, shall descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ shall rise up first.
This is the Rapture of the dead in CHRIST. This simply says that the LORD, HE with HIS voice and with a trumpet. HIS voice and the sound of the trumpet will descend from the Heavens. NOT Our CHRIST HIMSELF appearing on earth on the Rapture.
Another example:
Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the son of man in the heaven. And then all the tribes of the earth shall beat their chest. And they shall see the son of man coming upon the clouds of the heaven with power and great glory.
Nowhere in this verse does it say JESUS will appear on earth. It says the “sign” of the Son of Man”. Examples of HIS signs will be:
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, and pestilent things, and earthquakes in places.
These signs which HE related to HIS disciples earlier during the discourse.
Christian Theologians incorrectly believe the Tribulation was in 70AD
Throughout the centuries the Christians have mangled some of the foundational doctrines of the Bible. The events of (Mat 24:1-51) confuse them greatly.
A school of thought, Preterist, believes the Tribulation took place in AD 70 when Roman legions destroyed Jerusalem and its temple. That would have meant the Final Affliction of Israel would have been in the past. This would be convenient for them as they also teach there is no judgment day. All are based on the idea of Christian and so-called Jewish salvation. These Ideas come from an erroneous understanding of Matthew 24:3.
Mat 24:3 And in his sitting down upon the mount of olives, there came forward to him the disciples in private, saying, Tell us when these things will be, and what is the sign of your arrival, and the completion of the age?
But let us do a breakdown of the verse. Some people reading this assume the disciples asked JESUS one question. But the verse showed that JESUS answered three questions.
- When these things will be (this might be about the destruction of the Temple and the events of AD 70.)
- What are the signs of HIS arrival (events indicating HIS second coming is imminent)?
- The time of the end of the world after Israel’s Rapture.
HE talked about the events of HIS second coming first
HIS initial response indicates that HE is answering the question of HIS second coming. We read the following:
Mat 24:4-6 And answering Jesus said to them, Take heed lest any should mislead you! For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ. And they shall mislead many. But you shall be about to hear of wars and reports of wars. Look to it! lest you be alarmed, for all these things must take place, but not yet is the end.
He talked about the same thing in Matthew 24:9-12. It is the time of Israel’s great tribulation. The rapture has not taken place yet and therefore the world has not ended yet. This is also the point where HE forewarned Israel that there will be many false prophets among them. This question JESUS completed answering with:
Mat 24:13-14 But the one remaining unto the end, this one shall be delivered. And this good news of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in the entire inhabitable world, for a testimony to all the ones among the nations; and then shall come the end.
Here JESUS just answered the second question? The end will come after all the events HE spoke about took place. The events of the Rapture of the Dead and Living of Israel. The Good News of the kingdom would have being proclaimed in the entire inhabitable world. The Rapture is the preaching of the Kingdom. This serves as a testimony to the Gentiles.
Temple and the events of AD 70. The Abomination of Desolation
This relates to the events of AD 70. the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. This line of the answer takes on a more imminent tone. It talks about an incident that should occur that was prophesied by the prophet Daniel centuries ago. Historically we know that the Israelites fled Judea when the Romans descended upon them with a murderous rage.
Mat 24:15-20 Whenever then you should behold the abomination of the desolation, the thing having been spoken through Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place; (the one reading let him comprehend!) Then the ones in Judea, let them flee unto the mountains! The one upon the roof, let him not go down to lift anything from out of his house. And the one in the field, let him not turn back to carry his garments. But woe to the ones having one in the womb, and the ones nursing in those days. And pray that your flight into exile should not take place in winter, nor on the Sabbath.
But the following passage should be proof to those reading today that this could only be talking about the events of AD 70.
Mat 24:34 Amen I say to you, In no way should this generation pass away until whenever all these things should come to pass.
That generation never passed because a generation is thought of as 40 years). This happened in 70AD.
The fact of the rapture is a fundamental component of the Final Affliction of Israel in the Bible
The Bible makes it clear that none of the essence of the chosen of GOD shall remain on this earth. There are many verses in the Old Testament that GOD promises to rescue Israel from their enemies on the last day. Therefore, we read:
Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a trumpet of great sound. And they shall assemble his chosen from out of the four winds, from the tips of the heavens unto their tips.
The Rapture of the dead in CHRIST
The following appears to be the first instance of GOD stating that the body of the dead saints will rise.
Dan 12:2 And many of the ones sleeping in an embankment of earth shall awaken, these unto eternal life, and these others unto scorning, and for eternal shame.
But there are many other instances. Especially the New Testament. In Christendom, the belief is that the rapture of the dead and the living is almost simultaneously. From the reading of other text, it appeared the two incidents may have happened days or maybe months apart.
Noteworthy is the fact that these all have their spirits with GOD already. The spirits will rejoin the risen body. We see this expressed in Eze 37:12.
Eze 37:12 On account of this prophesy and say! Thus says the Lord the LORD; Behold, I shall open your tombs, and I shall lead you from out of your tombs, and I will bring you into the land of Israel. Eze 37:13 And you shall know that I am the LORD, by my opening your graves, for me to lead you from out of your graves, O my people
The Living in Christ will rise after the dead in CHRIST
In the New Testament, we learn that the Dead in CHRIST will rise before the ones living. Which strikes me as odd. You would think the living has a more urgent case. See the clarification GOD made through the Apostle Paul:
1Th 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning the ones having gone to sleep, that you do not fret as even the rest, the ones not having hope. 1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose up, so also God will bring with him the ones having gone to sleep through Jesus. 1Th 4:15 For this to you we say by word of the Lord, that we, the ones living, the ones remaining at the arrival of the Lord, in no way should anticipate the ones having gone to sleep. 1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself in a word of command by the voice of an archangel, and with a trumpet of God, shall descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ shall rise up first. 1Th 4:17 Thereupon we the living, the ones remaining, together with them shall be seized in clouds, for meeting the Lord in the air, and thus at all times with the Lord we shall be. So then comfort one another by these words!
Gentile will try to preempt Rapture with a plan of mass extermination of Israel
The timeline of the Great Affliction will be shortened. Israel’s enemies will try to preempt GOD by attempting their mass extermination. This term “flesh” can only mean live persons because the LORD will Rapture those in the graves already anyway.
Mat 24:22 And unless those days were cut short, not even was any flesh delivered. But on account of the chosen ones those days shall be cut short.
This is illustrated as well in an Old Testament verse:
Mic_2:12 In being gathered Jacob shall be brought together with all. In looking out I shall look out for the remnant of Israel. Together I will establish their return, as sheep in affliction; as a flock in the midst of their fold, they leap out because of men
This is the language of the Great Tribulation or Affliction. Notice the urgency of their flight expressed in the words “they leap out because of men.” Even as in the urgency of the cutting short the time of Rapture in Mat 24:22
The Bible teaches the darkening of the constellation signals the end of time after the Final Affliction of Israel
At some point during the Final tribulation, the Bible says that all the light-giving elements will be darkened or withdrawn.
Mat 24:29 And immediately after the affliction of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its brightness, and the stars shall fall from the heaven, and the forces of the heavens shall be shaken.
Therefore, the statement “the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its brightness” is a fact of the Bible. It cannot be avoided as it is repeated multiple times in both Old and New Testament scriptures alike. It describes a cataclysmic event that will be observed by anyone living at that time. The Christians have sought to spiritualize it away, claiming It is a metaphor for something else. But this is referring to an observable incident. It could not be mistaken for anything short of an act of GOD.
Space only permits me to list only a few more of these occurrences. but it references the same thing. For example:
Ezekiel 32:7 "And when I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud And the moon will not give its light. Isa_13:10 For the stars of the heaven, and Orion, and all the cosmos of the heaven shall not give of their light; and the rising of the sun shall be made dark, and the moon shall not give her light.
These references don’t show the reason for this. However, it may be a signal that time has ended since the rapture of Israel has taken place. This is referenced in Matthew 24:29 above.
The early destruction of Babylon (America)
We read of the destruction of Babylon in verses of Revelation and others, including:
Rev 18:9-10 And the kings of the earth shall weep for her and beat their chests over her, the ones committing harlotry with her, and living indulgently, whenever they should see the smoke of her burning fire, standing from far off on account of the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe to the great city, Babylon, the strong city, for in one hour your judgment came.
This incident is referring to America as I have outlined in another post and YouTube video. Read: Proof America is Babylon of the Bible
Considering current events, we can see that America’s hegemony over the rest of the world is in serious contention. The war in Uk***ne illustrates that this world is now going bi-polar. Many countries realize their existence is severely challenged by America’s control over the world. It makes sense that they all want to put an end to it. If your eyes are on current events, you will have heard the buzz about nuclear war and World War III a lot. Most of America’s enemies are nuclear-armed. Russia, China, North Korea, Pakistan, and India. While others such as Turkey and Iran are seeking them. These countries could easily initiate preemptive strikes to achieve the destruction of America under cover of darkness which GOD spoke of in Mat 24:29, Ezekiel 32:7, Isa 13:10, and other verses.
Interestingly, A Third of Americans Would Risk Nuclear War with Russia Over Uk***ne: Poll
The Bible teaches after the affliction of Israel comes the rapture then the world is transitioned into the Final lake of fire
It is important to know that the great tribulation does not end after the Rapture. it is transitioned into the lake of fire and the end of this wicked world.
Isa_13:11 And I charge evils to the entire world, and to the impious their sins; and I shall destroy the insolence of lawless ones; and I will abase the insolence of the proud.
The Final affliction for Israel ends with the Rapture. Therefore, the fact that GOD turned off the lights of the Heavenly elements, signals that the world effectively ended, and judgment day is at hand. It is expressed in the following statement. “And I charge evils to the entire world” Just the same as saying: “I declare judgment on the entire world!”
There is no going back to the normal state of the light-giving heavenly bodies. This is already a catastrophic situation seeing that the world will be in darkness as the statement of Ezekiel 32:8 declares: “and I will appoint darkness over your land”. The power plants of the world will be heavily taxed to retain some semblance of illumination. There is nothing left for GOD to do but transition what remains of this world into the “Lake of fire”
Rev_21:8 But to the timid ones, and unbelieving ones, and sinful ones, and ones being abhorrent, and murderers, and fornicators, and dealers in potions, and idolaters, and to all the liars, their part is in the lake burning with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.
The Bible shows that Israel will hope for their GOD’s rescue during their Final Affliction
There are many verses in the Bible that theologian considers to be future promises of GOD to Israel. But these are in fact post Rapture converses. GOD is talking to the rescued of Israel right there in Zion. Time and space only permit me to mention a few.
Isa_51:11 and the ones being ransomed? For by the LORD they shall be returned, and shall come unto Zion with gladness, and an everlasting leap for joy. For upon their head praise and gladness shall overtake them. Grief and distress and moaning ran away Eze_39:22 And the house of Israel shall know that I am the LORD their God, from this day and beyond.
Israel will be filled with gladness in their land—Zion!; which is the entire recreated Heavens and earth. The sinners were annihilated and Israel will no longer face distress. They will recognize their SAVIOUR the LORD and HE will explain their Final Affliction to them.
This day and beyond is in the present to future tense. Therefore, GOD is present with Israel in Zion.
Eze_39:28 And they shall know that I am the LORD their God in my appearing to them among the nations, in my gathering them upon their land. And I shall not abandon them any more -- not one there.
Earlier Israel was on the verge of annihilation. How could they not know? Now GOD is appearing to them after gathering them upon their land–Zion. I believe this is JESUS appearing in their likeness.
GOD explains the Final Tribulation and Rapture in Zion
Listen to GOD explaining to Israel their affliction amidst the calamity they faced before the Rapture. This is a post-Rapture converse. HE demonstrate HIS might and excellency in Israel’s affliction and eventual rescue.
Isa_51:12-13 I am, I am he, the one comforting you. Know who is being! that you should be fearful from mortal man, and from a son of man -- the ones who as grass were dried up. And you forgot God, the one making you, the one making the heaven, and laying the foundation for the earth. And fear continually all the days in front of the rage of the one afflicting you! in which manner he planned to carry you away. And now where is the rage of the one afflicting you?
This is GOD present with Israel. It is not a future promise. It is part assurance and part rebuke of Israel. Here GOD is acknowledging to them that HE is the GREAT I AM. They should know that HE is the ONE creating them. HE reminds them that HE is the ONE creating the Heavens and the earth. Despite this knowledge, they were so fearful of mortal men. They earned the rebuke of GOD. But we can understand the fright and consternation within the camps of Israel before the Rapture. The Gentiles would be crazy mad because they wood have witnessed the Rapture of the dead earlier. But here GOD is telling Israel, that the affliction is through which HE brings (Rapture or rescue) them to HIMSELF. “in which manner he planned to carry you away”
GOD created Affliction for Israel to seek after HIM
The following verse clearly shows that Israel will only seek after the LORD with all their heart and soul in their affliction
Deu_4:29 And you shall seek after there the LORD your God, and you shall find him whenever you should seek after him with your entire heart, and with your entire soul in your affliction. Hos_6:1 In their affliction they will rise early to me, saying, We should go and return to the LORD our God, for he snatched us away, and he will heal us. He shall strike, and he shall dress our wounds.
That is the only time Israel will seek after GOD. That is why affliction and particularly the Final Tribulation is such an important doctrine.
The Bible explains great quake upon Israel(Eze 38:19) and its application to the Final Affliction
A lot of people read this verse and believe it is talking about the middle eastern country called Israel. But we learned something else. It is the condition of the mind of Israelites at that time. We read: Assuredly, on that day there will be a great quake upon the land of Israel.
Eze 38:19 And my zeal in fire of my anger I spoke. Assuredly, in that day there will be a great quake upon the land of Israel.
There are two reasons why this could not be the piece of real estate over in the middle east. First the people or land of Israel is a people. Never a geographical land. Secondly, the term Quake here is not talking to an earthquake. It means terror of fright! When the nations come against Israel there will be utter terror and fright among them.
Thayer Definition: G4578
1) a shaking, a commotion 2) a tempest 3) an earthquake
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G4579
Thayer Definition: G4579
1) to shake, agitate, cause to tremble;
1a) to be thrown into a tremor; to quake for fear;
1b) metaphorically to agitate the mind
Just imagine! What an opportune time to call out to GOD for help!
“Narrow is the gate and being afflicted”
Affliction is paramount to Eternal life. This is the one great takeaway from this lesson. Being afflicted is the way of Salvation for Israel.
Mat 7:14 For narrow is the gate, and being afflicted is the way, the one leading unto the life, and few are the ones finding it.
On the other side of the coin, many of Israel’s things that are part of a physical covenant makes them party to its conclusion. That’s not true as JESUS explains:
Mat 7:13 Enter through the narrow gate! for spacious is the gate, and broad is the way leading unto the destruction, and many are the ones entering through it.
Most Israelites when faced with affliction will turn their back. JESUS explains below that when many hear the gospel of affliction, they have no root. They are temporary. Affliction will test their resolve (Faith) seriously. They will stumble and fall back from the straited way. These are the negroes that JESUS spoke of in Mat 24:10
Mar_4:17 and they do not have root in themselves, but are temporary; then when affliction happens or persecution because of the word, immediately they are caused to stumble
This verse indicates that not all Israel will be delivered. Most will die the death of the Gentiles. They would have sought the “broad way leading unto the destruction.”
But for those who seek the straited way, the future is glorious:
1Co 2:9 But as it has been written, That which eye saw not, and ear heard not, and into the heart of man ascended not, which God prepared to the ones loving him.