Chapter 2:  God Established the Boundaries for each Nation here on Earth and these Boundaries have a Spiritual Aspect as the Boundaries God Established for each nation were According to the Sons of God” (Deuteronomy 32:8), and we know from Job 2:1-2 the Sons of God were Angels

On Earth as in Heaven:  It’s important to note that Deuteronomy 32:8 is one of several Scriptures that makes the “Spiritual Connection” between Heaven and the Boundaries of the nations here on Earth.   

Deuteronomy 32:8 ⁸ When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when He divided mankind, He fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. ESV

In the context of the Old Testament, “the sons of God” is a reference to angels (Job 2:1-2) therefore Deuteronomy 32:8 can also be read as follows to reflect that God established the boundaries of the nations according to “the angels of God”:

Deuteronomy 32:8 When the Most High divided the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God.  Brenton’s English Septuagint Translation

Deuteronomy 32:8 8 When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, when He divided up the human race, He established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number in His heavenly court.  NLT

Deuteronomy 32:8 "When the Most High divided the nations, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the boundaries of the nations according to the number of the angels of God  LXX Version

Luke 4:5-8 Echoes Deuteronomy 32:8.  In Luke 4:5-8 we find that Christ did not deny Satan’s claim that all the kingdoms of the world were his and he could give them to anyone he pleased. However, when Satan offered Christ all the glory and authority over the kingdoms if only Christ would bow down and worship him – Christ replied, The Scriptures say, You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.

1 Corinthians 15:24-26 and 2 Corinthians 4:4 reveals why Christ did not deny Satan’s claim that all the kingdoms belonged to him and that he could give them to whoever he pleased including Christ.  1 Corinthians 15:24-26 and 2 Corinthians 4:4 reveals that until Christ returns and puts all His enemies under His feet that Satan is the god of this world.  However, after Christ puts all His enemies under His feet and Christ destroys His last enemy, which is death, then all things including the kingdoms of the earth will be under His authority – not Satan’s authority.  

Daniel 10 echoes the account of the Spiritual Borders in Deuteronomy 32:8. Like Deuteronomy 32:8, Daniel 10 makes the connection between the Spirit Beings in heaven that are geographical principalities who have authority over the land borders of the nations here on earth. According to Daniel 10 and Deuteronomy 32:8, the boundaries of all nations have a spiritual aspect.  An example of this concept is recorded in Daniel 10 where we find the account of the Spirit Prince of Persia – the principality who was able to detain Gabriel in the heavens for 21 days from delivering a message God gave Gabriel to deliver to Daniel here on earth.  It was only after Michael the Guardian angel over Israel came to Gabriel’s aid that Gabriel was able to reach Daniel here on earth and deliver God’s message to Daniel. 

It’s also important to note that whether Daniel was still a captive of Babylon or in Persian captivity at the time doesn’t matter because after Persia conquered Babylon both Daniel and Babylon were now part of the Persian Empire who had expanded their Borders to include Babylon.  And, like Babylon, Daniel was now a captive of the Persian Empire which meant that both Babylon and Daniel were now under the dominion of the Spirit Prince and Kings of Persia as well.

So it is with Hezbollah and Hamas.  Whether they knew it or not, once Lebanon and Gaza allowed terrorist organizations backed by Iran to set up a stronghold in their countries –they also gave the Spirit Prince and Kings of Persia the authority over their land borders.  And, when Lebanon and Gaza chose these new gods – then there was War in the Gates!

Judges 5:8 ⁸ They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: ….. KJV

The new gods were the Spirit Prince and Kings of ancient Persia – modern-day Iran.

The Spirit Prince and Kings of Persia are Border Principalities who have Spiritual Dominion over the Borders of Iran (ancient Persia) and the Borders of Iran’s Proxies like Hezbollah (Lebanon) and Hamas (Gaza) who protect the interests of Iran:  The people of ancient Persia have all died – however, spirit beings don’t die, they continue to exert their influence over the borders of the nations they have been assigned to throughout the generations.  And in the context of this chapter, the Prince and Kings of Persia are significant because they are the very principalities that continue to exist over Iran (ancient Persia) who are able to operate through Hezbollah and Hamas because they are Terrorist Organizations who are only able to exist because they are Iranian-backed Terrorist Organizations who do Iran’s bidding.  And, that explains why Hezbollah and Hamas continue to attack Israel on the Borders Lebanon and Gaza share with Israel.  Hezbollah and Hamas claim that the borders they share with Israel are on land that belongs within the borders of Lebanon and Gaza.

And, that brings me to May 22, 2000 when I stood in the “Gate of the Enemy” at the Iranian Embassy.

The Iranian Embassy is a Gateway of the Enemy:  Refer to the Table of Contents for the other chapters of the account when I stood in the “Gate of the Enemy” at the Iranian Embassy in Washington, D.C. on May 22, 2000 interceding for the safety of the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) as the IDF “unexpectedly” withdrew from the Security Zone in south Lebanon through the “Fatima Gate” back onto Israeli soil.  This is the same “Fatima Gate” I stood in on October 6, 2023 on the same day Hamas made the decision to attack Israel.

At the request of the US State Department the Iranian Diplomats had to vacate the Iranian Embassy in April 1980 and return to Iran.  And, any time Diplomats have to vacate their Embassy at the request of the US State Department, the US State Department is responsible for the upkeep of their Embassy.  And, for that reason the US State Department will rent the vacated Embassy to raise money for the upkeep.  Hence, the US State Department rented the Iranian Embassy to a Christian Ministry which opened the door for me to go to the Iranian Embassy on May 22-23, 2000 to pray for the safety of the IDF as they withdrew from the Security Zone.

The Door I am Pictured Standing in at the Iranian Embassy is a “Gateway of the Enemy” This is a picture of me standing in the doorway of the Iranian Embassy on May 22, 2000.  You can see the house number “3003” above my head.  There are pictures of the Iranian Embassy online that will verify that the doorway I am standing is indeed the doorway of the Iranian Embassy. It was not until after I left the Embassy that, along with the International Community, I found out that the IDF had actually and “unexpectedly” began their withdrawal from the Security Zone in Lebanon while I was at the Embassy interceding for their safe withdrawal from Lebanon’s Security Zone. There is a Scriptural basis as to why the Lord had me at the Embassy at that particular time and I explain that later in this study.  Daniel 10 and Ephesians 3  It is a well known fact that when Diplomats are inside their Embassy compound they consider themselves as being on their own countries soil within their own Borders.  An attack on their Embassy would be the same as an attack of their country. One can only imagine the rage of Iran’s Supreme Leader who claims to be the earthly representative of Mohammad at the thoughts of a Christian standing in the Gate of their Embassy interceding for the safe withdrawal of the IDF as they withdrew from Lebanon through the Fatima Gate named Fatima in honor of Mohammad’s daughter back onto Israeli soil.

Refer to the Table of Contents for other chapters where I have included a copy of the formal Invitation I received to the Embassy that includes the date of May 22, 2000 and the Embassy’s address of 3003 Massachusetts, NW, Washington, D.C.

I am also including a copy of the envelope the invitation was mailed in with the Postmark of May 15, 2000 which was eight days before Prime Minister Barak even found out about Hezbollah plans to attack the IDF on July 7, 2000 the official date of their withdrawal.  It was only after the IDF’s Intelligence group came to Prime Minister Barak on the morning of May 22, 2000 and told him of Hezbollah’s plans to attack the IDF as they came through the “Fatima Gate” on what they and the International Community believed to be July 7, 2000 that Barak made the decision to begin their withdrawal that very day while I was at the Iranian Embassy interceding for the safety of the Israeli Defense Forces as they withdrew through the “Fatima Gate,” which was the Official Border Crossing at the time back to the safety of Israel.

Spiritual Warfare:  As the IDF soldiers began their withdrawal, in obedience to the Lord and by His Divine Intervention, I was at the Iranian Embassy in Washington, D.C. engaged in spiritual warfare with the Prince and Kings of Persia (Iran), the principalities operating through Hezbollah the Iranian-backed terrorist organization. 

The Border between Israel and Lebanon and the Border between Israel and Gaza are “Spiritual Borders” as well as Land Borders:  While God established the boundaries of all nations, because of the present-day Border Wars between Israel and Lebanon as well as Israel and Gaza, my focus in this chapter is on the Spiritual Borders as well as the Land Borders God established between Abraham’s sons: Ishmael and Isaac.

Ishmael and Isaac 

These Geographical Boundaries established by God not only separate the 12 Tribes of Israel from the 12 Nations of Ishmael – The Geographical Boundaries established by God between Israel and the Nations of Ishmael separates the Ideologies and Religious Beliefs of Islam from Judaism.

Genesis 17:15-22 gives an account of the 12 tribes/nations of Ishmael and Genesis 49:28 gives an account of the 12 tribes/nations of Israel (Jacob) who was the son of Isaac.

Muslims believe that Muhammad, the father of Islam, descended from Abraham through Ishmael and given that both Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran whose religious leader Ayatollah Khamenei claims to be the earthly representative of Muhammad and the majority of the people living in Lebanon and Gaza are Muslims, the above can be read as follows:

These Geographical Boundaries Established by God between Israel and Lebanon as well as Israel and Gaza not only Separates Israel from Lebanon and Gaza –

these Borders between Israel and Lebanon as well as Israel and Gaza Separates the Ideologies and Religious Beliefs of Islam from Judaism.

Again, according to Muslim beliefs, Islam can be traced back to Ishmael who Muslims believe that Muhammad, the father of Islam, descended from Abraham through Ishmael.

On the other hand, like the Jewish people, Christians believe that the promised son was Isaac whose mother was Sarah – not Ishmael whose mother was Hagar, the handmaid of Sarah who she gave to Abraham as his concubine.

Like the Jewish people, Christians believe that Isaac was the promised son and that Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, descended from Abraham through Isaac.

And, just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, Ishmael’s descendants continue to persecute the offspring of Isaac which includes Christians as well as the Jewish people and will continue to persecute both Israel and Christians until Christ returns.  Galatians 4:22-31is very telling.

Galatians 4:22-31 ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. ²³ But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, ²⁴ which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar-- ²⁵ for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children-- ²⁶ but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. ²⁷ For it is written: "Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband." ²⁸ Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. ²⁹ But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. ³⁰ Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." ³¹ So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. NKJV

 Cast out the bondwoman and her son is a reference to Genesis 21:10 when Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away.

Scripture Interprets Scripture:  Deuteronomy 32:8 reveals that each nation on earth has an angel associated with its borders.  In Daniel 10 these Border Angels are called “Princes” and “Kings” and Daniel specifically mentions the Prince of Persia as well as the Prince of Greece who have a spiritual authority in the spiritual realm over their respective nations they have been assigned to.  The Prince of Persia is of particular interest because both Hezbollah and Hamas are Terrorist Organizations both backed by Iran (ancient Persia). 

Going back to the present-day conflict between Israel and Lebanon (Hezbollah) and Gaza (Hamas) – in essence the war is between Israel and Iran.

See Table of Contents for the other Chapters where I make the connection that on October 6, 2023 the day I stood in the “Fatima Gate” located on the Border in Metulla where Israel shares a Border with Lebanon was the same day that after ten years of planning to attack Israel the leaders of Hamas made the decision to attack Israel at the Border Gaza shares with Israel the next day on October 7, 2023. 

The point I want to make is that it could not have been happenstance that on the very day the Lord quickened me to stand in the Gate of the Enemy and speak a creative word into the spiritual realm that would dislodge principalities to the earth at which point they bring their wrath to earth because they know their time is short, is that later on the same day the leaders of Hamas, after 10 years of planning, made the decision to attack Israel on October 7, 2023.  Revelation 12

We know from Deuteronomy 32:8 and Daniel 10 that the war between Israel and Hamas that is being fought on land in the south of Israel as well as Hezbollah’s attacks on the Border towns in the north has a spiritual aspect as well – hence, the reason I was standing in the Fatima Gate on the Border Israel shares with Lebanon.  The Geographical Gateway of the Enemy located on the Border Israel shares with Lebanon is of the utmost importance as it relates to current events and will continue to do so until Christ returns.  Even as I am writing this chapter after five months of the war between Israel and Hamas began, Hezbollah continues its cross-border attacks on Metulla on a daily basis and the war between Israel and Gaza continues to rage.

All throughout this Book I stress the significance of the Gate of the Enemy and for that reason there is no need for me to address the importance of Gateways in this particular chapter other than there is a connection between Borders and the Gates of the Enemy as all Borders have Gates.  Given that I stress the spiritual significance of the Gateway of the Enemy throughout this book – the focus in this Chapter is more so on Borders. 

The Focus of this Chapter is the “Spiritual and Earthly “Borders” that God established for each nation (Deuteronomy 32:8 and Acts 17:26) and how those Biblical Principles are still relevant today on a personal level as well as a national level.  From Deuteronomy 32:8 and Acts 17:26 we know that God Determined the Boundaries of all Nations and Territories and that each nation and man was to stay within their own Borders (Deuteronomy 32:8 and Acts 17:26)

Deuteronomy 32:8 ⁸ When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, He fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. ESV

Again, in the context of the Old Testament “the sons of God” is a reference to angels (Job 2:1-2) therefore Deuteronomy 32:8 can also be read as follows to reflect that God established the boundaries of the nations according to “the angels of God”:

Deuteronomy 32:8 When the Most High divided the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God.  Brenton’s English Septuagint Translation

Deuteronomy 32:8 ⁸ When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, when He divided up the human race, He established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number in His heavenly court. NLT

Deuteronomy 32:8 "When the Most High divided the nations, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the boundaries of the nations according to the number of the angels of God  LXX Version

Acts 17:26 Echoes Deuteronomy 32:8:

Acts 17:26 ²⁶ From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and He determined their boundaries.  NLT

Which begs the question:  if God Established the Borders of each nation on Earth – what happens both “spiritually” and here on earth when men here on earth, like Sykes and Picot who represented England and France, the superpowers at the time, redrew the boundaries of nations in the Middle East as they did after World War I according to the political interests of their respective countries – completely disregarding what Scripture reveals about Borders let alone the interests and welfare of those living within the boundaries they redrew?

The answer is very simple – WAR!  One only has to look at the present-day War going on between Israel and Hamas and the ongoing war between Israel and Lebanon at the Borders they share with Israel to know the answer: War.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement was a Wartime treaty made at the end of World War I solely between Britain and France who were the two super powers at the time, but with the blessings of other nations including the United States.  The Treaty between England and France gave these two nations the authority to determine the post-war division of Middle East lands between England and France. It was named after Mark Sykes of Britain and Georges Picot of France, the two men who were the lead negotiators of this treaty.

What?  England and France thought they had the right to divide the lands of the Middle East between themselves and determine for each of the nations whose boundaries they redrew that England and France were more qualified to rule over them deciding what was best for the people of the Middle East.  Well, we all know how that turned out.

Without a doubt, one of the multifaceted, roots of today’s conflict over the border between Lebanon, Hezbollah and Israel goes all the way back to the Sykes-Picot Agreement reached by England and France at the end of World War I.  And the high-handed politics of Britain and France that led them to establish boundaries between Israel and Lebanon for their own political agenda at the expense of the Israelis and Lebanese has led to years of confrontations between Lebanon and Israel.  And, Hezbollah, who believes that parts of northern Israel, including Metulla, belongs to Lebanon, has let the international community know that it is only a matter of time before they cross the border into Israel and seize land that belongs to Israel. 

And, War came to their Gates!

Man-made Boundaries is Man’s Way of trying to exert their Will over God’s Will and Purposes for Mankind.  Psalms 2 reveals that when men like Sykes and Picot tries to break off of them the Righteous Cords that Bind them – that God only mocks them for their vanity.

Psalm 2:1-4 ¹ Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? ² The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. ³ “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” ⁴ But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. NLT

God’s Boundaries will always exist.  Man cannot change God’s boundaries they can only bring war to the nations where they redrew or continue to redraw the boundaries.

Sykes and Picot brought the gods and ideologies of their respective countries to the gates and borders to all the borders that they redrew in the Middle East and when new gods came to the gates there was war (Judges 5).  Judges 5:8 reads in part:  “They chose new gods; Then there was war in the gates.”

Scripture Interpreters Scripture:  In light of Deuteronomy 32:8 and Mark 7:24 when Jesus went into the “Borders of Tyre and Sidon” as well as the many other Scriptures that speak of Borders it’s obvious that there is a spiritual aspect concerning the Borders that Gaza and Lebanon share with Israel.

Mark 7:24 ²⁴ And from thence He arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but He could not be hid. KJV 

Borders not only define the land borders of a nation but they establish a border between the ideologies and religions of a nation.  Hence, the Border between Israel and Lebanon as well as the Border between Israel and Gaza not only separate the two countries on land – however, the Border separates their ideologies and religious beliefs.

Unfortunately, England nor France cared about what Scriptures teaches about the importance of Geography in the Middle East – that just as God gave the Promised Land as defined in Scripture to the Israelites – God gave specific geographical lands to the 12 nations that came through Ishmael!  Genesis 17:15-22 and Genesis 25:11-18

Geographical Boundaries Established by God not only Separates the 12 Tribes of Israel from the 12 Tribes (Nations) of Ishmael. …  Geographical Boundaries Established by God Separates the Ideologies and Religious Beliefs of Islam from Judaism.

The 12 Nations of Ishmael:  For example, Lebanon is a Muslim nation that follows the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad who they believe is the offspring of Abraham through Ishmael – the son of Hagar – the slave woman who bore Ishmael to Abraham.  Hence the “Fatima Gate” named after Mohammad’s daughter Fatima that until 2000 when the IDF withdrew from the Security Zone in south Lebanon was the official Border Gate between Israel and Lebanon located in Metulla, Israel.

The followers of Islam believe that Ishmael was the Promised Son of Abraham – not Isaac. 

On the other hand the Israelites follow the teachings of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and believe God gave them the land they now call the “State of Israel” in accordance with the Promise God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as recorded in the Bible.

Genesis 17:15-22 ¹⁵ And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. ¹⁶ And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. ¹⁷ Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? ¹⁸ And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! ¹⁹ And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

²⁰ And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. ²¹ But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year. ²² And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham. KJV

Genesis 25:11-16 ¹¹ And it came to pass after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac; and Isaac dwelt by the well Lahairoi. ¹² Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham: ¹³ And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, ¹⁴ And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa, ¹⁵ Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

¹⁶ These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations. KJV

We know from Scripture that the offspring of Hagar, the handmaid of Sarah who Sarah gave to Abraham as a concubine who bore Abraham a son named Ishmael persecuted Isaac the Promised Son that Sarah bore to Abraham. 

And, so it is today, the offspring of Ishmael will continue to persecute the spiritual offspring of Isaac,

Galatians 4:28-29 ²⁸ And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac. ²⁹ But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit. NLT

Needless to say, it certainly didn’t help matters when Sykes-Picot added fuel to the fire by redrawing the Ancient Boundaries established by God.

The Sykes-Picot Agreement was based solely on the self-interest of England and France.  When England and France redrew the boundaries between Lebanon and Israel they did not take into consideration the ideologies or religious beliefs of the other nations nor their customs, etc. 

Again, England nor France carried about what Scriptures teaches about the importance of Geography in the Middle East – that just as God gave the Promised Land as defined in Scripture to the Israelites – God gave specific geographical lands to the 12 nations that came through Ishmael!

People like Sykes and Picot who redrew the boundaries between the nations in the Middle East died; however, the principalities, specifically the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia (modern-day Iran), who was able to influence them when redrawing the boundaries didn’t die – they just go from one generation to the next and so on.  The same geographical principalities that ruled over ancient Persia continue to have a spiritual authority over Iran and their proxies today just as they did in the days of King Darius when Persia laid siege to ancient Babylon and Babylon’s Borders became part of the Borders of the Persian Empire.  Daniel who was in captivity in Babylon was now taken into captivity by the Persians which explains why the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia were able to block Gabriel, the angel God sent to deliver a message to Daniel from delivering the message for 21 days – Daniel 10.  Gabriel was only able to deliver God’s message to Daniel after Michael, the Archangel of Israel who protects the interest of God’s people came to Gabriel’s aid.

Scripture Interprets Scripture:  Further into this chapter, I want to make the connection between the geographical principalities in the account of Daniel 10 that protected the boundaries and interests of ancient Persia (present-day Iran) and Deuteronomy 32:8.  Again, Deuteronomy 32:8 reveals that God established the boundaries of all nations according to the “Sons of God” which Job 2:1-2 reveals is a reference to Angels which would include the Prince and Kings of Persia – the satanic angels who have spiritual authority over the boundaries of present-day Iran just as they did over ancient Persia.

Deuteronomy 32:8 along with Daniel 10 helps us to understand the spiritual authority of principalities over nations here on earth as well in the spiritual realm and how their authority over the Borders of a nation is still relevant today. 

And, consider that when Satan told Jesus that all the kingdoms of the world were his and that he would give them to Jesus if Jesus would bow down and worship him that Jesus did not dispute his claim. 

Matthew 4:8-11 ⁸ Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ⁹ And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' " ¹¹ Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. NKJV

And, 2 Corinthians 4:4 reveals that Satan is the god of this world.

2 Corinthians 4:4 ⁴ In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  KJV

And Judges 5 that reveals the angels came to the aid of Israel and fought from the heavens

Judges 5:18-20 ¹⁹ The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money. ²⁰ They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. KJV

Just as Michael the Archangel who was and is the Guardian Angel over Israel who came to Gabriel’s aid and fought with the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia – Judges 5:19-20 reveals the angels of God came to the assistance of Israel when the enemies of Israel fought against them.

Going back to Deuteronomy 32:8 and Daniel 10 these particular Scriptures will help us to understand why Hamas crossed over the Border and limited their attack to a “Border” community and why I stood in the “Fatima Gate” and the Border that literally butts up to the border Israel’s shares with Lebanon and not somewhere else in Metulla when speaking a creative word into the spiritual realm that dislodged the principalities that brought their wrath to earth at the border Israel shares with Gaza.   

The following screenshot is from a preview pane in Windows File Explorer and documents the eight minute video that I made on October 6, 2023 while standing at the “Border” where the “Fatima Gate” is located.  In the screenshot I am pointing to Lebanon, which can be seen from where I am standing.  This picture shows just how close Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Terrorist Organization, is to Israel.  Hezbollah, if not stopped by the IDF, could cross the border and be in Metulla, Israel within minutes.

In the picture I am standing on the Israeli side of the Fatima Fence and Lebanon is on the other side of the Fatima Gate.  Further into this chapter I include a screenshot of data from Windows File Explorer of the above picture that includes the date and time the video was made, and based on the “Hebrew Calendar,” which is one of the two official calendars of The State of Israel, confirms I was standing in the Fatima Gate on October 6, 2023.

In addition to Daniel 10 and Deuteronomy 32:8 I want to make a connection with both these Scriptures with Judges 5:19-20 and Psalm 78:49-50.

Judges 5:18-20 ¹⁹ The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money. ²⁰ They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. KJV

Just as Michael the Archangel who was and is the Guardian Angel over Israel who came to Gabriel’s aid and fought with the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia – Judges 5:19-20 reveals the angels of God came to the assistance of Israel when the enemies of Israel fought against them.

Psalm 78:49-50 reveals that when the Prince and Kings of Persia were dislodged from the heavens and brought their wrath to earth (Revelation 12) that God determined the path these evil angels of destruction could travel on.  In the context of this chapter the path the Prince and Kings of Persia who were dislodged from the heavens could travel on was limited to their attack on Kfar Aza an Israeli kibbutz located on the “Border” Israel shares with Gaza.

Going Back to the Book of Daniel when Persia Conquered Babylon and Daniel was in captivity:   After Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem, Daniel was taken captive to Babylon only to become subject to the earthly Kings of Persia and the Spirit Prince and spirit Kings of Persia after King Darius of Persia Conquered Babylon and once again Daniel was in captivity – this time to Persia.  Daniel 6:1-3

Daniel 5:30-31 ³⁰ That very night Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed.

³¹ And Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of sixty-two. NLT

From the account in Daniel 10 we find that the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia had a spiritual authority over the geographical area of Persia and this would have included the nations that fell to Persia, for example Babylon, where Daniel was in captivity until Persia conquered Babylon.  When Babylon was conquered by the Persians, Babylon became a part of the Persian Kingdom thereby coming under the spiritual authority of the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia as well as the earthly king of Persia.  Nonetheless, Daniel remained true to the God of Israel – Daniel never prayed to King Darius of Persia, even when threatened to be thrown into the Lion’s Den if he prayed to anyone divine or human except King Darius – Daniel 6.

When Persia conquered Babylon they brought their gods with them – and there was war in the gates.  Among their gods was the spirit Prince and spirit Kings of Persia.

Judges 5:8 ⁸ They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? KJV 

Satan and his angels – Revelation 12:7:  In Hebrew the words “gods” can be referring to an angel and we know that the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia were fallen angels who fell with Satan – Revelation 12.  And, for that reason we know that the Spirit Prince and Kings of Persia were among the new gods that came to the gates of Babylon.

On Earth as in Heaven:  And, these new Persian gods who came to the gates of Babylon, the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia, now had authority over earthly Babylon as well as over Persia in the spiritual realm.  So, whether Daniel was within the Borders of Babylon or Persia when Gabriel tried to deliver the message that God gave Gabriel to deliver to Daniel the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia had the spiritual authority to withstand Gabriel from reaching Daniel here on earth – that is until Michael, the Guardian angel over Israel came to Gabriel’s aid, which speaks volumes regarding Michael’s authority over the angels who fell with Satan.  In fact, we know from Jude 1:9 that Michael the archangel even contended with Satan over the body of Moses.  And, in Revelation 12 we find that it was Michael and his angels that went to war with Satan and his angels casting Satan and his angels to earth.

Daniel 10 reveals that the spirit Prince of Persia was able to block the archangel Gabriel for 21 days from entering the borders of Persia and territories here on earth that Persia had conquered (for example Babylon was now under the rule of the Persians) to deliver a message to Daniel who was now subject to the King of Persia.  It was only after Michael, the Guardian Angel of Israel came to the aid of Gabriel and pushed the Prince of Persia aside that Gabriel was able to deliver a message to Daniel that God had given Gabriel to give to Daniel.  Daniel 1:21, Daniel 6:10-23, Daniel 8:1-2, Daniel 10

Daniel’s vision as recorded in Daniel 8:1-2 occurred while Daniel was still in Babylon and before Babylon fell to Persia.  However, this vision would have come to pass after Persia conquered Babylon as visions from God come to pass.

Whether Daniel was in Persia or Babylon – after Babylon fell to Persia the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia would have authority over both areas both in the spiritual realm as well as here on earth.

Daniel 8:1-2 ¹ During the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, saw another vision, following the one that had already appeared to me. ² In this vision I was at the fortress of Susa, in the province of Elam, standing beside the Ulai River.

As a note, Susa was the winter capital of the ancient Persia Empire in the Persian province of Elam now located in Iran and the river Ulai was a river located near Susa.

Again, it was only after Michael, the Guardian Angel over Israel, fought with these particular principalities that after 21 days of being blocked by the “Spirit Prince” of Persia that Gabriel, the Archangel was able to reach Persia and deliver a message from the Lord to Daniel who was now in captivity in Persia after Babylon fell to the Persians.

New gods, specifically the spirit Prince and Kings of Persia, came to the “Fatima Gate” which was the “Official Border Gate” between Israel and Lebanon during the Lebanon Conflict: When Lebanon allowed Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Terrorist Organization establish their stronghold in south Lebanon just north of the Border Lebanon shares with Israel – the Persian gods came to the gates, specifically the spirit Prince and Kings of Persian.  These new gods brought war to the Fatima Gate and to this day Lebanon and Hezbollah are officially at war with Israel.  Judges 5:8

And, now after Hamas attacked Israel Hezbollah in support of Hamas is terrorizing the border communities in the Galilee with their constant rocket attacks.

Needless to say, the “Fatima Gate” was not just a gate – however, the Fatima Gate was and is a Gate of the enemy that Israel shares with Lebanon.

However, the spiritual significance of the border gate that Israel shares with Lebanon brings to mind the time when Jesus left Israel and crossed over into the borders of Tyre and Sidon in present-day Lebanon.  In essence, we can liken the border where Jesus crossed over into present-day Lebanon to the “Fatima Gate” that the Israelis called the Good Gate – a gate of the enemy that God used for good.

Scripture Placed a Spiritual Significance on the Borders of Tyre and Sidon located in Present-day Lebanon.

Scripture Placed a Spiritual Significance on the Borders of Tyre and Sidon

Located in Present-day Lebanon –

just as they were when Jesus Entered into the Borders of Tyre and Sidon

Jesus went into the Borders of Tyre and Sidon (located in present-day Lebanon):  It’s important to note that Scripture placed a spiritual significance on the “Border” between Israel and Lebanon even in Biblical times.  Mark 7:24 reveals that Jesus went into the “Borders” of Tyre and Sidon, located in present-day Lebanon.  Scripture is silent as to the exact location that Jesus crossed over into Lebanon – however, given that Tyre is only 12 miles from Metulla, Israel and Sidon only 20 miles from Metulla, Israel, it is very likely that Christ crossed over into Lebanon at the border that present-day Metulla, Israel shares with Lebanon.

Mark 7:24:  ²⁴ And from thence He arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid. KJV

Mark 7:24:  ²⁴ Jesus got up and left there and went to the region of Tyre [and Sidon, the coastal area of Phoenicia]. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know about it; but it was impossible for Him to be hidden [from the public].  Amplified Bible

The Apostle John reveals that even if all the things that Jesus did were written one-by-one that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written – John 21:25.  I said that to say this, if Scripture places such an emphasis on the Border of Tyre and Sidon (present-day Lebanon) – then the Border Crossing between present-day Israel and Lebanon must be really important – and it is!

And, that brings me back to Deuteronomy 32:8

that reveals how God determined Boundaries.

Spiritual Borders according to Deuteronomy 32:8:  Deuteronomy 32:8 reveals that borders were determined according to the number of the “sons of God.”  And, we know from Job 2:1 that the sons of God were angelic beings!

Job 2:1-2 ¹ Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.  ² And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. KJV

Job 2:1-2 ¹ One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the LORD, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them. ² “Where have you come from?” the LORD asked Satan. Satan answered the LORD, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” NLT

Job 2:1 1Again there was a day when the sons of God (angels) came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (adversary, accuser) also came among them to present himself before the Lord. Amplified Bible

Scripture Interpreters Scripture:  In light of Deuteronomy 32:8 and Luke 7:24 as well as the many other Scriptures that speak of Borders it’s obvious that there is a spiritual aspect concerning the Borders that Gaza and Lebanon share with Israel.

Spiritual Borders:  The Biblical Basis for “Spiritual Borders” is found in Deuteronomy 32:8 and Acts 17:26.  And, those Scriptures along with Daniel 10 will help us to understand “why” the wrath of Hamas, an Iranian (modern-day Iran is Ancient Persia) backed Terrorist Organization, was manifest as they crossed over the “Border” that Gaza shared with Israel.

I want to take a Deeper Look into the Spiritual Significance of “Spiritual Borders”

and how that relates to the Land God gave Israel

and the Present-day Boundaries of The State of Israel

Again, according to Deuteronomy 32:8 the Boundaries of all nations were determined according to the number of the “Sons of God” – a reference to the number of angels.  And, according to Daniel 10 there are Geographical Principalities that Guard the Borders of all Nations here on Earth. 

That God established the boundaries of the nations according to the number of the angels of God is profound.  The understanding would be that each nation has its own guardian angel (Daniel 10:13, 10:20-21, Revelation 12:7-9) and they will go to war with one another.  Revelation 12 reveals that there is a war going on in the heavens between Michael, the Guardian Angel over Israel and his angels with Satan and his angels.

In fact, Ephesians 6 reveals that the Believers’ battle is not with flesh and blood however we wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Both Ephesians 6 and Revelation 12 reveal that there is a spiritual war going on in the heavens.

Spiritual Borders can be likened to Air Traffic.  Quite often the Lord would use ideas and circumstances that people could relate to in everyday life for the purpose of conveying a spiritual truth.  For example, all airlines are required to have the permission of the countries they are traveling to for permission to enter their air space; otherwise, they will be denied entry and possibly shot down.

In Conclusion:

The Borders of a Nation here on Earth were to Correspond to the Spiritual Borders as defined in Deuteronomy 32:8 and Acts 17:26 because God Determined the Boundaries of all Nations and Territories were According to the “Sons of God” which is a reference to the “Angels of God.”

War in the Heavens:  Daniel 10:10-21 and Revelation 12 reveals there is a “War in the Heavens” between God’s Angels and those that fell with Satan.  Daniel 10:20 reveals that Michael the guardian angel over Israel is at war with the “Prince and Kings of Persia” who are the guardian angels over Persia (modern-day Iran), which is interesting because both Hezbollah and Hamas are Iranian-backed Terrorist Organizations.  In other words, the geographical principalities that were dislodged on October 6, 2023 were from the dominion of “the prince and Kings of Persia” – the same principalities over Hamas and Hezbollah both Iranian-backed terrorist organizations.

Daniel 10:20-21 ²⁰ Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. ²¹ But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. KJV

Revelation 12:6-7 ⁶ And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.  ⁷ And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, KJV

On Earth as in Heaven:  When Hamas attacked Israel there is no doubt that Michael the Guardian Angel over Israel was and is at war with the Prince of Persia in the spiritual realm.

And, Revelation 12 reveals they Rejoice in the Heavens when Principalities are Dislodged from the Heavens – but Woe to the Earth because they Bring their Wrath – hence Hamas’ attack against Israel – Revelation 12.

Why do the Angels in the Heavens Rejoice?  One of the reasons is recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:20-34 because Christ will return after all His enemies are dislodged from the Heavens and placed under His feet.

Christ will Return after all His enemies are Dislodged from the Heavens and placed under His Feet – 1 Corinthians 15:20-34:  Revelation 12 reveals that after Michael and his angels have forced Satan and his angels out of heaven and they are cast to earth these evil Principalities bring their wrath to earth because they know their time is short – hence the war along the border Israel shares with Gaza.  They know their time is short because after all Christ’s enemies are dislodged from the heavens and placed under His then Christ will return and establish His Kingdom.

The Goal of Michael the Guardian Angel over Israel:  Michael is among the angelic beings that are faithful to God and his goal is the same today as it was in Daniel 10 when Michael stood up to the Prince and Kings of Persia.  Michael will continue to protect God’s people from those nations here on earth and their geographical principalities who want the destruction of both Israel and God’s people. 

On the other hand:

The Goal of the Prince and Kings of Persia:  On the other hand, the devil and his angels are among the angelic beings who rebelled against God and want the destruction of Israel and God’s people (including the Church) just as they did in Daniel 10. 

Michael is always Associated with Spiritual Warfare:  It’s significant and worth noting that every time Michael is mentioned in Scripture, it is in the context of a spiritual battle in the heavens – specifically the Prince and Kings of ancient Persia, Greece and Satan.  The point I want to make is that Michael the Archangel is only mentioned in the spiritual fights with the Prince and Kings of Persia, Greece and Satan – meaning that the principalities over Iran (ancient Persia) and Greece are more powerful than other geographical principalities.  The Principalities over Persia (present-day Iran) and Greece would be the more powerful principalities within the Kingdom of Darkness.

Daniel 10:13 ¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. KJV

Jude 1:9 ⁹ Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" NKJV

Revelation 12:7-9 ⁷ And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, ⁸ And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. ⁹ And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. KJV

Iran’s Goal is the Goal of the Prince and Kings of ancient Persia:  Iran’s goal is the encroachment and destruction of the State of Israel which would explain “why” Iran is setting up proxies in other nations:  to enforce the same radical ideology – the destruction of the State of Israel! 

On Earth as in Heaven – the Goal of the Prince and Kings of ancient Persia is to expand their spiritual authority on earth as well as in Heaven – hence the Iranian-backed Proxies!

Iran’s Proxies: 

1. Hezbollah in Lebanon,
2. Hamas in Gaza and
3. the Houthis in Yemen

Like Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis want the destruction of Israel!

And, like Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas want to expand their Borders to include the Borders of Israel as their own!

The “Historic Maritime Agreement” – a Maritime Border Agreement Signed by both Israel and Lebanon that established the Borders between Israel and Lebanon in the Mediterranean Sea:  Before leaving this chapter I want to include a picture with a date stamp that confirms on October 11, 2022 when Israel and Lebanon signed the “Historic Maritime Agreement” which established where the Borders were in the Mediterranean Sea, I was in Metulla, Israel standing in front of the “Border Fence” that separates Israel from Lebanon.

October 11, 2022:  On October 11, 2022, the day Israel and Lebanon unexpectedly signed the “Historic Maritime Agreement,” which was a Border Agreement, albeit, a Border located in the Mediterranean Sea, the Lord opened the door for me to literally go to Metulla, Israel located in the Galilee and stand at the Land Border that Israel shares with Lebanon.  And, according to an article in the “Jerusalem Post” on October 11, 2022, a war between Israel and Hezbollah was thwarted.  See Table of Contents for other chapters for more details as this Agreement thwarted a War between Israel and Lebanon.

Following is a copy of the above mentioned News Articles: 

Refer to the Table of Contents for chapters with more details as this Agreement thwarted a War between Israel and Lebanon.

Metulla, Israel is located on the Middle East's most Dangerous Border

In Conclusion, in the Context of this Chapter:  Metulla, Israel is located on the Middle East's most Dangerous Border

The following is an excerpt from an article published by BBC in February 2024.

BBC

https://www.bbc.com› world-middle-east-68231543

'We are surrounded': Guarding the

Middle East's most dangerous border

February 2024

By Jeremy Bowen

International editor, Metula

Barbed wire fencing and cameras run along the border at the Israeli town of Metula

Barbed wire fencing and cameras run along the border at the Israeli town of Metula

It is a lonely drive to Israel's most northern town, Metula, along a spur of land that is surrounded on three sides by Lebanon. That means it is also surrounded on three sides by Lebanon's most powerful armed group, Hezbollah.

The soldiers at the checkpoint on the edge of Metula were all local men, mostly middle-aged reservists with no illusions about the force on the other side of the border.

As the rain lashed down on a miserable, foggy night, one of them, who did not want his name to be published, used his finger to traverse the compass, pointing to the border and Hezbollah's positions.

"To the west a quarter of a mile, to north half a mile and another half mile to the east. So, we are 300 degrees surrounded by the Hezbollah." The other 60 degrees, he said, included the steep road back down to the rest of Israel.

The Gaza war that started after Hamas attacked on 7 October, killing around 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, has been devastating. The Israeli offensive that followed has, so far, killed well over 27,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and inflicted severe damage on Gaza.

Reservists in Metula, Israel's northernmost town, are on high alert for attacks from Hezbollah

The border conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that followed has steadily intensified, but all sides know how much worse it would get if it exploded into a high-intensity war. It was stark and clear to the men on guard on the edge of Metula.

The Israeli reservist continued: "Yes, it definitely can turn into a big war and a big war with Hezbollah is not like Hamas, they are a real army, very trained, greatly equipped and they have a lot of experience, real experience in Syria." Hezbollah intervened in the war in Syria, fighting for the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

The following article is from Al Mayadeen Net published on February 10, 2024 and the picture shows just how close Metulla is to the Border:

'Metula' mayor: 80K settlers are displaced, no prospect of return

ByAl Mayadeen English

Source: Al Mayadeen Net

Today 21:45

The mayor of "Metula" has revealed that for four months, settlers have been away and cannot return amid governmental neglect and Hezbollah's attacks.

Lebanese soldiers stand on a hill that overlooks the Israeli settlement of "Metulla,” background,

as a man waves the Palestinian and Hezbollah flags in Lebanon, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023 (AP)

David Azoulay, the mayor of the "Metulla" settlement in the occupied north, revealed on Saturday that around 80,000 settlers have been away from their houses for four months, with no regard as to when they would be able to return.

Azoulay told Israeli Channel 13 that "all we [settlers] are asking for is to live in our houses, but we are not a free people in "Israel,” adding that "Hezbollah dictates the intensity at all times in the North."

Azoulay also claimed that over the past four months, Hezbollah had been firing and attacking northern settlements, while the Israeli occupation forces fought inadequately and in a manner that would not allow settlers to return to their houses, amid the silence and neglect of the occupation government.

This comes several days after the mayors of Israeli settlements addressed Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant in a letter demanding a heavier presence of forces in the North.

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