Ask Matt: A reader inquires about Ezekiel and the End Times

A reader from Australia asks:

Question Matt...started reading Ezekiel (Old Testament) last night...(mainly 'cos Shirley Maclane says in her book that it describes UFO's).....got a shock, seems to be about End Times, and that Israel gets destroyed by God....
in other other parts of the bible the 'sign' to look for is when Israel is surrounded by armies....but I didn't realise that it is then that Israel gets destroyed by God.
1.  Have you read Ezekiel?....and if so, in your opinion, is it about End Times?
When I read about Babylon in Revelations I thought "this has GOT to be the USA"...but seeing all the hate God has for Israel in Ezekiel am not sure if Israel is not the "Babylon" in Revelations....

Matt's response:

God speaks in allegories, and delivers them through the prophets. These allegories take a million different forms, but ultimately boil down to the same story:

i) God bestows mercy on a people through revelation, provisions, victory in battle, a home, and a time period in which the people have the choice to believe, follow the instructions, and do good.

ii) The people and their community ultimately fail to do so after deviating from the message given, and face a myriad of punishments. A few do repent, and God spares them temporarily, such as Nineveh to which Jonah was sent.

iii) God destroys the community and replaces it with a new people, who then face a similar barrage of tests..

I find it unfortunate how many people stop by to let us know that God has, for now and ever, "chosen" Israel, that Israel can do no wrong, and that Israel will ultimately triumph no matter what their actions consist of, when all scripture (and I mean all of it) declares otherwise. Temporary covenants with Israel suddenly become infinite contracts and licenses to behave as Tyrants on the Earth, a strange interpretation of what the Torah, Bible and Quran state.

God's allegories permeate the entirety of the scripture. Israel means a place, and also means a group of people, believers doing right, those deviating and doing wrong, and God's mercy and judgement extends to both Israel the nation, and Israel the human corpus of souls.

Curious people, in addition to the the unfortunate minority of fanatics who wield their scripture as a weapon rather than an enlightenment, scrutinize the Bible for every single detail they can find, not realizing that a million minds have translated it, changed the wording many times more, and that the Bible didn't originate as a book at all, but merely represents a codex of documents in a myriad of languages arbitrarily decided upon by a group of powerful (re: rich) men who came centuries after Jesus died, further obfuscating the meaning and the message. In truth, as they approach the Bible they read the same story hundreds of times in hundreds of different ways, and preferential treatment of one community one moment leads to severe punishment of that community the next once the test takes its course, in every single narrative.

Ultimately, all scripture refers to the End Times and takes on an apocalyptic character, because it details this life of ours, a finite life leading definitely to a meeting wherein we have to explain how we've spent our time here on Earth, and why we haven't done as God instructed. If you want a no-nonsense explanation of the process and what will ultimately happen, then I would recommend that you read the Quran, although many, sadly poisoned by the media, their pastors, and mean-spirited opinions will never do so, a tremendous loss.

Armies, many hostile, currently surround Israel the nation. Armies of false, evil ideas, distractions, misdeeds and other roadsigns guiding an unfortunate many down the "wide path" Jesus spoke of when he described the journey towards self-destruction, surround Israel the human collective similarly.

-- Matt

U.S. Sees Syria Prepping Chemical Weapons for Possible Attack

More here:
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/12/syria-chemical-weapons-3/?ww

Has Probe Detected Active Volcanoes On Venus?

Image: Rise and fall of sulphur emissions

Scientists who have been monitoring the European Space Agency's Venus Express probe for the last six years might have found evidence of active volcanoes on the second planet from the Sun.

Data sent back by the unmanned probe has shown large changes in the sulphur dioxide content of the planet’s atmosphere, and one intriguing possible explanation is volcanic eruptions.

A new report from the ESA says: "The thick atmosphere of Venus contains over a million times as much sulphur dioxide as Earth’s, where almost all of the pungent, toxic gas is generated by volcanic activity.

http://news.sky.com/story/1020003/has-probe-detected-active-volcanoes-on-venus

Kim's Christmas Greetings

This holiday season, Kim Jong Eun wants to remind everyone that he's armed and dangerous. That's one message of North Korea's long-range missile test scheduled for the middle of this month. But he also seems to be doing a creditable job of inspiring hope in Beijing and Washington.

First Beijing. We're learning more about the depth of China's support for the fresh-faced North Korean dictator. After an initial drop-off in contacts between Pyongyang and Beijing following his father's death, Kim Jong Eun seems to have won Beijing's backing. On Friday, he hosted a Chinese delegation led by Politburo member Li Jianguo, one day before Pyongyang announced the window for the missile test.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323401904578156742241280084.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Clinton: US will act if Syria uses chemical weapons...No Doubt the Rebels will make a note of this

Quakes, Sink Holes, Salt Domes, Oil Leaks, Explosions and Mysterious Fires: What Gives?

Migrants in Greece held in shocking conditions: U.N.

Migrants in Greece face shocking conditions in detention centers and deepening hostility on the streets as the country goes through its worst economic crisis since World War Two, a top U.N. official said on Monday.

Many of the 130,000 mostly African and Asian migrants trying to enter Europe via Greece each year go short of food, heating and hot water, including children, said the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Francois Crepeau.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/03/us-greece-immigrants-rights-idUSBRE8B210620121203

Israeli soldiers kill axe-wielding attacker

Israel to stick with settlement plan despite criticism

Israel rejected concerted criticism from Europe over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to erect 3,000 more homes in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem after the U.N.'s de facto recognition of Palestinian statehood.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/03/us-palestinians-israel-ambassadors-idUSBRE8B20DN20121203

La. town evacuates; police relocate explosives

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — State police resumed moving millions of pounds of explosives Monday that had been haphazardly stashed in warehouses in Louisiana, prompting hundreds to evacuate from harm's way in case any of it exploded.

The transfer of 6 million pounds of artillery propellant began again at daybreak at Camp Minden, which is in north Louisiana's Webster Parish. It started Saturday. A state police spokesman said the work is suspended at night.

http://news.yahoo.com/la-town-evacuates-police-relocate-explosives-052337453.html

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN - 3rd December 2012

Magnitude
4.6
Date-Time
Monday, December 03, 2012 at 14:29:33 UTC
Monday, December 03, 2012 at 11:29:33 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
28.077°N, 129.456°E
Depth
47 km (29.2 miles)
Region
RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
Distances
31 km (19 miles) S of Naze, Japan

Bicester Murder: Janee Parsons Found Dead, Husband in Custody

A man is being questioned after his American beauty therapist wife was stabbed to death in the family home.

Janee Parsons, 31, was found by police who were called to her detached home on Saturday after neighbours reported hearing a heated argument and screams.

Despite attempts by officers and ambulance staff to resuscitate her, she was declared dead at hospital.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019948/bicester-murder-janee-parsons-found-dead

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake EASTERN IRAN - 3rd December 2012

Magnitude ML 5.0
Region EASTERN IRAN
Date time 2012-12-03 12:53:24.0 UTC
Location 30.47 N ; 57.43 E
Depth 2 km
Distances 39 km NE Kerman, Iran

4.1 Magnitude Earthquake SOUTHERN PERU - 3rd December 2012

Magnitude M 4.1
Region SOUTHERN PERU
Date time 2012-12-03 12:52:12.0 UTC
Location 15.71 S ; 70.60 W
Depth 218 km
Distances 2 km E Santa lucía, Peru

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake OFFSHORE GUATEMALA - 3rd December 2012

Magnitude
4.4
Date-Time
Monday, December 03, 2012 at 12:28:36 UTC
Monday, December 03, 2012 at 06:28:36 AM at epicenter
Location
13.523°N, 90.383°W
Depth
70.9 km (44.1 miles)
Region
OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
Distances
72 km (45 miles) SW (231°) from Ahuachapán, Ahuachapán, El Salvador

Israel Continues with their Peacefull Gestures and withholds Palestinian funds after U.N. vote

Israel said on Sunday it was withholding this month's transfer of tax revenues to the Palestinian Authority, after the United Nations' de facto recognition of a Palestinian state.

Under interim peace deals, which Israel says the Palestinians violated by unilaterally seeking an upgrade of their status at the United Nations, it collects about $100 million a month in duties on behalf of the authority.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/02/us-palestinians-israel-funds-idUSBRE8B108Z20121202

Syria says would not use chemical weapons against its people....Would the Rebels?

Syria would not use chemical weapons, if it had them, against its own people, the foreign ministry said in a statement on state television on Monday.

"In response to the statements of the American secretary of state, who warned Syria against using chemical weapons, Syria has stressed repeatedly that it will not use these types of weapons, if they were available, under any circumstances against its people," the statement said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/03/us-syria-crisis-weapons-idUSBRE8B20GZ20121203

Harry fear Harassed in Gaza: Internationals Under Threat

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake MYANMAR - 3rd December 2012

Magnitude
4.6
Date-Time
Monday, December 03, 2012 at 11:55:25 UTC
Monday, December 03, 2012 at 06:25:25 PM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
23.238°N, 95.926°E
Depth
16.8 km (10.4 miles)
Region
MYANMAR
Distances
68 km (42 miles) WNW of Mogok, Myanmar

Israel Keyes Kills Himself

The FBI says Israel Keyes may have killed seven other people in three states, in addition to Alaska teenager Samantha Koenig.

A man charged over the death of an Alaska coffee bar worker has been found dead in his jail cell.

Israel Keyes died of an apparent suicide, authorities said on Sunday, without giving further details.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019817/samantha-koenig-murder-suspect-kills-himself

May Defends Plans To Track Crime Online

The Home Secretary has insisted new powers allowing police to monitor emails and internet use will save lives.

Theresa May claimed the powers, which have been condemned by critics as a "snoopers' charter", will help catch paedophiles and terrorists and tackle organised crime.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019836/may-defends-plans-to-track-crime-online

She should concentrate on kicking out the Known terrorists we have on our streets now, claiming benefits and making a complete mockery of our system.

4.9 Magnitude Earthquake ATACAMA, CHILE - 3rd December 2012

Magnitude
4.9
Date-Time
Monday, December 03, 2012 at 09:31:54 UTC
Monday, December 03, 2012 at 06:31:54 AM at epicenter
Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location
28.734°S, 70.181°W
Depth
81.3 km (50.5 miles)
Region
ATACAMA, CHILE
Distances
59 km (36 miles) ESE of Vallenar, Chile

Typhoon Bopha heads towards Philippines

Typhoon Bopha is forecast to strike the Philippines at about 21:00 GMT on 3 December.Data supplied by the US Navy and Air Force Joint Typhoon Warning Centersuggest that the point of landfall will be near7.7 N,126.8 E.Bopha is expected to bring 1-minute maximum sustained winds to the region of around 231 km/h (143 mph).Wind gusts in the area may be considerably higher.

According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale the potential property damage and flooding from a storm ofBopha'sstrength (category 4)at landfall includes:

• Storm surge generally 4.0-5.5 metres (13-18 feet) above normal.
• Curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences.
• Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down.
• Complete destruction of mobile homes.
• Extensive damage to doors and windows.
• Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the centre of the storm.
• Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore.
• Terrain lower than 3 metres (10 feet) above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 10 km (6 miles).

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/typhoon-bopha-is-forecast-to-strike-the-philippines-at-about-2100-gmt-on-3-december

Nigeria Islamists slaughter 10 Christians in north

Ten Christians had their throats slit and militants killed two police officers during attacks on churches and border posts in a fresh wave of violence in northern Nigeria, officials reported Sunday.

The Islamist group Boko Haram was thought to be behind the slaughter of the Christians late on Saturday in the northern town of Chibok, local officials said.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gEYBkWWsd4_3CLMqPR3aBSY7VKUA?docId=CNG.d4cf9b4fc4ea38459efa7921a7f92945.501

Mexican protesters hurl Molotov cocktails at police

Egypt's judges feel heat of Islamist protest

North Korea urged to drop rocket launch plan

Russia and China urged North Korea on Monday not to go ahead with a plan for its second rocket launch of 2012, with Moscow saying the launch would violate restrictions imposed by the U.N. Security Council.

North Korea's state news agency on Saturday announced the decision to launch another space satellite and reportedly told neighbors it would take a similar path to that planned for a failed rocket launch in April.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/03/us-korea-north-idUSBRE8B207Z20121203

Greece to buy back bonds via Dutch auction

Greece said on Monday it would buy back bonds through a Dutch auction as part of efforts to cut its ballooning debt, allowing it to assess the level of demand before setting a final price for the deal.

The bond buyback is central to the efforts of its foreign lenders to put Greece's debt back on sustainable footing, and its success will pave the way for the country to get long-delayed funding to avoid bankruptcy.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/03/us-greece-buyback-idUSBRE8B206A20121203

Egyptian Protesters Scare Away Court Judges

A group of senior judges in Egypt has halted all work after crowds of protesters surrounded their building, delaying what is set to be a controversial ruling on a new constitution.

They had been due to decide on the legitimacy of an Islamist-dominated panel that drafted the disputed constitution last week.

But the ruling has been delayed "indefinitely" after several thousand supporters of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi gathered outside the Supreme Constitutional Court in Cairo.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019499/egyptian-protesters-scare-away-court-judges

Taliban Suicide Bombers Attack US Base

Taliban suicide bombers have attacked a US base in Afghanistan, killing at least five people, and sparking a two-hour battle with American forces.

Militants drove two vehicles packed with explosives at the gates of Jalalabad Airfield before American helicopters fired on the attackers.

A guard said that after the initial explosion the airport had come under fire from rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and small arms.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019408/afghanistan-taliban-suicide-bombers-hit-us-base

M1 Car Crash: Two Men Killed In Collision

Two men have been killed in a crash on the M1 which forced a section of the motorway to be closed, police say.

The collision between two black BMW cars happened shortly before 2.40am on the southbound carriageway between junctions four and five, near Watford in Hertfordshire.

The driver and his front seat passenger were killed, while another two male passengers in the car were taken to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, central London, with "serious injuries", a Hertfordshire Police spokeswoman said.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019768/m1-car-crash-two-men-killed-in-collision

Norfolk Shooting, 2 Dead

A man and woman have been found dead with gunshot wounds outside a Norfolk housing estate.

The body of the woman, believed to be in her early 40s, was discovered in the front garden of a property in Compit Hills, Roughton, near Cromer.

The man, believed to be in his late 50s, was found in a rear garden close by.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019678/norfolk-shooting-two-found-dead

Japan Tunnel Collapse: Nine People Dead

Nine people are now known to have died after a tunnel collapsed on a busy highway west of Tokyo, officials have said.

The bodies were found in three vehicles crushed by concrete slabs which fell from the roof of the Sasago Tunnel in Yamanashi prefecture.

A fire broke out soon after the cave in and a number of survivors fled to safety on foot.

Rescue work has been suspended while the roof is being reinforced to prevent more collapses.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019746/japan-tunnel-collapse-nine-people-dead

Drivers Freeze In 120-Mile Traffic Jam, Russia

Tens of thousands of vehicles have been stuck - some for three days - in a huge traffic jam on a motorway northwest of Moscow.

The length of the queue on the M-10 highway, which is one of the busiest in the country, was put at up to 120 miles (200km), according to media reports.

Heavy snow has been blamed for the gridlock - with one driver reported as saying he had travelled just "one kilometre over 24 hours".

http://news.sky.com/story/1019710/russia-drivers-stuck-in-120-mile-traffic-jam

UK considering Withdrawing Ambassador To Israel

The Government is expected to decide later today how to respond to Israel's plan to allow further settlement building in the controversial E1 area of East Jerusalem.

Sources have told Sky News that the Foreign Office is considering what action to take saying "all options are on the table".

This could include withdrawing the British Ambassador to Israel and the suspension of trade agreements.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019832/uk-mulls-withdrawing-ambassador-to-israel

Dolphin Attack: Girl Bitten At Seaworld

Jillian Thomas was holding out fish to feed to dolphins at Orlando's SeaWorld when she got an unexpected surprise.

While she was feeding the usually friendly mammals, a dolphin lunges at her and nips her hand.

http://news.sky.com/story/1019790/dolphin-bites-girl-at-seaworld-theme-park

Global Giants 'Immorally' Dodging Tax In UK

Starbucks, Google and Amazon have been accused of "immorally" avoiding paying their fair share of tax in the UK, as the Chancellor prepares a blitz on tax dodgers.

MPs on the Public Accounts Committee criticised the companies for the "unconvincing and, in some cases, evasive" evidence they gave on why their corporation tax payments are so low.

Starbucks told the committee it had made a loss for 14 of the 15 years it has operated in the UK, a claim the committee said it found "difficult to believe".

http://news.sky.com/story/1019683/tax-starbucks-google-and-amazon-immoral

Orb Triangle UFO in Princeton, Indiana November 26, 2012

If Iran tries to attack, Israel will reportedly target its missiles before they get off the ground

With the help of the US-made X-band radar, Eitan drones stationed in Azerbaijan will attempt to hit the missiles ‘the moment their engines are ignited,’ Sunday Times reports.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/if-iran-tries-to-attack-israel-will-reportedly-target-its-missiles-before-theyre-fired/