Today let us review scriptures pertaining to Jacob’s trouble. You may ask what is “Jacob’s trouble”? Jacob’s trouble is what the Bible refers to as the troubling times for the nation of Israel during the end times. Jacob, from the Old Testament, was one of the sons of Isaac whose name the Lord would later change to “Israel”.
And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Genesis 32:27-28 KJV
As we read in the passage above Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. This is why the nation of Israel is named so. In the present time we are seeing a lot of hate towards the nation of God’s chosen people. This was prophesied and unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of atrocious acts displayed on the people themselves. The events that were prophesied about them is coming to fulfillment.
It was prophesied the world will hate them, like they hated Jesus, and will want to kill them. Many people, even now, want to annihilate them from the face of the earth. It is a total spiritual influence and blindness to speak this way and not care for a human life. My heart breaks for them. We must also remember that the one who is really at the heart of all this terror and hate is the devil. His spirit has risen up in influence and is spread all over the earth.
Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up. Hosea 13:16 KJV
If you pay attention to the news you will see some of these horrible events mentioned in this scripture have already occurred. It is true this hatred would manifest but one day it will also be destroyed and annihilated from the earth. The events we see these days may seem like there is no hope but we must remember to put our hope in the Lord. Trust in Him and He will direct your path.
In the end times there will be severe tribulation visible. What we should also remember is that these troubles will be mostly focused on Israel. This is what is known as “Jacob’s trouble”. It refers to the trouble the nation of Israel will experience before the Lord’s return. As you may or may not know, they are God’s chosen people. They have not all submitted themselves to the Lord Jesus as their savior. This was also prophesied but there will be a time when the spiritual blindness they are experiencing will cease. This will happen when all the gentiles who will submit to Jesus as Lord has been accomplished. There is not much time left, as we can see the signs written in the Bible about His return. I know, you have probably heard “the Lord is coming soon” many times but it is different now for several reasons. Those reasons are in the fulfillment of prophesies.
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14 KJV
The scripture states as the Israelites continue to read the Old Testament, even today, they have a vail that blinds them to seeing the Lord Jesus. The good news is it will be removed once they turn to Him for salvation. When Israel is overtaken and all the nations will come against them the Lord will descend to save them. Hallelujah! Not only will they be saved but the church will be rescued as well.
* Daniel 11*
In the book of Daniel chapter 11 we are told there are 3 kings who will stir up chaos but the 4th king is the one who will rule with great dominion and people will do according to his will. This 4th king is who will eventually be the catalyst to bring about the Lord’s return. The book of Zechariah chapter 13 states that a 1/3 of Israel will remain. In other words, this 4th king will have killed off many Jews but there will be a remnant. This 1/3 that remains will be the ones who turn to the Lord through faith for salvation against their enemies.
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. Zechariah 13:8 KJV
This chapter in Zechariah ties in with Revelation chapter 11 regarding the 2 witnesses who will display the power of God in Jerusalem. We can view their presence as witnesses to Jesus and God confirming their words with signs and wonders. We could also view their presence as the 2 witnesses ministering the Gospel to the last recipients of the world. Once Israel accepts Jesus there is nothing left but the Lord’s return.
We must always remember that even though there are Jesus followers, the elite and chosen ones are pertaining to the family of Israel. Therefore, Jacob’s trouble pertains to Israel not specifically the church. The church will go through persecutions because it is part of following the Lord. Please meditate on this and check back for the next insight. Blessings!
