THE ANTICHRIST ARMILOS
by Jeremy Chance Springfield
5/1/2025
The Messiah’s purpose is staggering in scope. His calling encompasses all creation, affecting restoration from a scale atomic to the most transcendent of dimensions. Messiah’s rectification reorders the world into the perfect expression of the Creator’s plan as the transformative reach of his merit spans all existence. The apostle of all time and space will see to it reality is restored at long last.
Before Messiah completes his calling, however, another arrives and acts in utter contrast to him—known infamously as the “antichrist.” A forerunner of ruin, his position is perverse, his desire demented, and his way wicked from the very root.
Before Messiah completes his calling, however, another arrives and acts in utter contrast to him—known infamously as the “antichrist.” A forerunner of ruin, his position is perverse, his desire demented, and his way wicked from the very root.
This study’s objective is to expose that herald of horror by examining Scripture and Jewish texts to grasp the spiritual bedlam embedded in his agenda. This is done by first recognizing the framework of the true Messiah based in Torah. If the nuances of the Messianic nature are undefined we have no reliable foundation for comprehending his obscene antithesis. It is thus vital to illuminate the nature of Messiah’s role in Scripture before departing for the dark territories of the Devil's jurisdiction.
This begins with the role itself: MOSHIACH is Hebrew for “Messiah,” meaning “one anointed with oil”—one chosen for a special divinely-recognized role.
As for the functionality of this unique role, Scripture presents two special positions that are relevant to the topic which clarify the nature of the calling.
The Levitical priest is the first person Scripture calls a Messiah in Leviticus 4:3. The Hebrew text calls him HAKOHEN HAMOSHIACH “the priest messiah.”
This shows the core concept is spiritual. His role is redemptive—an intercessor between the Creator and the created. He rightly interprets the Word so that worshipers of the Holy One know how to properly approach their Maker.
The Davidic king is the second person Scripture refers to as a Messiah in 2nd Samuel 23:1. This position is presented in Scripture as MOSHIACH “messiah,” but in order to differentiate between the two, Judaism has for millennia referred to this role royal as HAMELECH HAMOSHIACH “the king messiah.”
This shows the secondary concept is physical. He role is representative—an authority to oversee the Kingdom of Heaven upon the earth. He is enthroned as the example of the human expression of heavenly will dictated to the world.
The anti-messiah, then, is the embodiment of these dual holy positions yet personified in a wholly unholy manifestation.
The New Testament provides a few details about the character of the antichrist to help identify him. The title of antichrist is based on the Greek ANTICHRISTOS, and simply holds the concept of “Opposite Messiah” or “Imposter Messiah.”
This is used five times in four verses in the Greek manuscripts [see: 1st John 2:18 & 22; 1st John 4:3; 2nd John 1:7], and in one of those the word refers to the figurehead himself. The others reference individuals with those traits.
In contrast to the Greek term is the Aramaic that is found in those parallel passages of the Peshitta’s text. It is the phrase MESHICHA DEGALA “the False Messiah,” and also in its plural of MESHICHE DAGALE “false messiahs.”
In contrast to the Greek term is the Aramaic that is found in those parallel passages of the Peshitta’s text. It is the phrase MESHICHA DEGALA “the False Messiah,” and also in its plural of MESHICHE DAGALE “false messiahs.”
The title clarifies the antichrist’s nature as the wrong person in whom to place our trust. He does not possess any spiritually reliable authority to be in the position he claims.
The title MESHICHA DEGALA is significant, for while the Greek ANTICHRISTOS appears four times in five verses, the Aramaic appears six times in five verses, potentially providing a clearer portrait of his dark nature. Furthermore, the Aramaic’s initial two references come from the Messiah’s own mouth, which is not so in the Greek, having its version only in the letters of John.
Consider now that initial appearance from the Aramaic of Matthew 24:23-25.
Consider now that initial appearance from the Aramaic of Matthew 24:23-25.
|
23 “Then, if a man shall say to you, ‘See! there is the Messiah!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe them,
24 for false messiahs shall arise—and prophets of the lie—and they shall give the great miraculous signs, so as to deceive, if possible, even the selected ones. 25 See! I have told you beforehand!” |
Yeshua cautions against believing MESHICHE DEGALE “false messiahs,” whose perverse purpose is to deceive everyone. While it will be far-reaching, it need not happen to the vigilant believer, who must focus on the will of the Holy One.
The caution need be heeded in unconfirmed reports of Messianic candidates, an idea echoed in Avot d’Rabbi Natan 31:2, by Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, a 1st-century Galilean Torah teacher born not long after Yeshua’s ministry.
The caution need be heeded in unconfirmed reports of Messianic candidates, an idea echoed in Avot d’Rabbi Natan 31:2, by Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai, a 1st-century Galilean Torah teacher born not long after Yeshua’s ministry.
This vital account from Matthew 24 is recorded also in Mark 13:22 but provides in that version a slightly different detail.
|
“…for messiahs of falsehood shall arise—and prophets of the lie—and they shall give the miraculous signs and the marvels, and shall deceive, if possible, even the selected ones.” |
|
Mark’s chronicle reads differently than MESHICHE DEGALE “false messiahs,” being rather MESHICHE DEDAGALUTHA “messiahs of falsehood.” While nearly identical, note the existing nuance, as it shall be returned to later.
These “false messiahs” / “messiahs of falsehood” are convincing in their imposter role. Without clinging to the truth none can hope to escape their wiles.
Judaism has a view on the antichrist that resoundingly aligns with the New Testament, linking concepts only hinted at in those texts. While it may be surprising that Judaism asserts the coming of the antichrist, it is logical considering that Yeshua taught according to the traditions of his Jewish faith.
Judaism refers to the antichrist by titles, and the most common being ARMILOS (or ARMILUS). He is often presented as ARMILOS RASHI’A (Aramaic) or ARMILOS HARASHA (Hebrew), meaning “Armilos the wicked one.”
Judaism refers to the antichrist by titles, and the most common being ARMILOS (or ARMILUS). He is often presented as ARMILOS RASHI’A (Aramaic) or ARMILOS HARASHA (Hebrew), meaning “Armilos the wicked one.”
This title merits attention due to the enduring arcane nature of its meaning and relevancy to the topic. The meaning of Armilos is not certain but is usually viewed as a transliteration of the Greek name ROMULUS—fabled founder of the city of Rome.
This interpretation is favored due to Rome’s sustained antagonism to the Jewish people. The person of Armilos is thus seen as the embodiment of Roman aggression and idolatry.
However, a likelier alternative is suggested in Otzar Midrashim, Sefer Eliyahu 10.
This text claims Armilos is the more common form of a transliteration derived from the Greek Eremolaos. Indeed, only one letter differentiates their spellings.
Two definitions are given from the Hebrew for clarity—a sense-based one (MISHADED ARTZOT “Devastator of Lands”) and a literal one (MASHCHIT AMMIM “Destroyer of Peoples”).
|
|
The purpose in explaining this is due to another person altogether—the false prophet Balaam, who tried to curse Israel during the years of wilderness wandering in Numbers 22:1 - 24:25.
The meaning of Balaam's name is discussed in the Talmud Bavli, Sanhedrin 105a.
This link compellingly hints to the Balaam mention in Revelation 2:14-15.
|
14 But I have concerning you a few slight [complaints]: that there is for you there those holding the teaching of Bel’am—he who taught Balaq to cast a stumbling-block before [the] sons of Eesra’el, [and] to eat the sacrifices of graven images, and to fornicate.
15 Thus, there is even for you those holding the teaching of the Niqulite, [and] such. |
It is odd to read about a “teaching” of Balaam adhered to by believers in Messiah. Hebrew Scripture never elaborates upon Balaam teaching any doctrines, but his story in Numbers chapter 22 – 24 shows a willingness to mix truth with falsehood in an attempt to wield that for a twisted purpose against Israel.
The Revelation passage continues with the assembly chastised for holding the “teaching” of the Nicolaitans. This term means “Victor Over the People” in Greek.
This term has been debated as to meaning. Christianity’s “Church Fathers” mostly viewed it as a heretical sect begun by the Antiochian proselyte Nikolas of Acts 6:5, yet others reject that proposal since nothing textually suggests his role in any sort of apostasy.
It need not be ignored that the name’s meaning is basically a Greek translation of the false prophet Balaam—NIKOS “victor” + LAOS “people.” This approach means the problem of false teachers in the assembly was being reiterated. The mention of Balaam in Revelation, which later introduces “the false prophet” [see: Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10], should not be quickly dismissed.
It need not be ignored that the name’s meaning is basically a Greek translation of the false prophet Balaam—NIKOS “victor” + LAOS “people.” This approach means the problem of false teachers in the assembly was being reiterated. The mention of Balaam in Revelation, which later introduces “the false prophet” [see: Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10], should not be quickly dismissed.
Another detail concerning Balaam’s parallels to Armilos is that he is often called BIL’AM HARASHA “Balaam the wicked one”—exactly as Armilos is mentioned.
An additional parallel is in their physical description: both are depicted with bodily afflictions in the Talmud Bavli, Sanhedrin 105a, and Otzar Midrashim, Midrash Vayosha 9:1. These are metaphorical, signaling negative spiritual traits.
These parallels reinforce the antichrist’s nature as a usurping authority disrupting the faith of believers. His goal in Jewish texts is identical to Yeshua’s claim about messiahs—deceiving the world by seizing a role he could not earn.
This arrogant endeavor of the antichrist is seen most clearly in the text of Otzar Midrashim, Otot haMashiach 10.
This merits a brief elucidation. Why does Armilos go to Edom and claim to be the Messiah? A hint lay in the phrase EDOM HARESHA’AH “Edom the Wicked.”
This title occurs often in Jewish texts, linking the antichrist character of Armilos and Balaam. This is because in Jewish texts the term Edom is a code word for an enduring opposition to Israel—as seen in the 15th-century Jewish commentator Abarbanel’s words on Obadiah 1:1.
Herein lay uncomfortable truth: the claimed historical link of the NOTZRIM “Nazarenes” is based on the fact that the Roman Empire, while initially persecutorial, eventually adopted Christianity as its official religion in 380 CE when both Western and Eastern emperors ratified the Edict of Thessalonica—affirming in it what they labeled Catholic Christianity as the sole faith expression lacking heresy, and with the canons of the Laodicean Synod of the 4th century, spurred by the virulent antisemitism of “Church Fathers” like Tertullian, Augustine of Hippo, John Chrysostom, and Jerome, forbade the faithful from any shred of spiritual expression aligned with Judaism under threat of excommunication.
The new religion persecuted the Jewish people with unspeakably atrocious acts—a behavior later magnified by former Catholic priest Martin Luther’s serpentine speech in his 1543 work, Von den Juden und ihren Lügen (“On the Jews and Their Lies”) that called for accosting Jews, destroying their property and seizing their wealth, and forbidding them from learning or teaching the Bible. It essentially sanctioned a poisoning of the spiritual atmosphere of Eastern Europe that encouraged the atrocities of which the 20th-century tragedy of the Holocaust was so cruelly composed.
The new religion persecuted the Jewish people with unspeakably atrocious acts—a behavior later magnified by former Catholic priest Martin Luther’s serpentine speech in his 1543 work, Von den Juden und ihren Lügen (“On the Jews and Their Lies”) that called for accosting Jews, destroying their property and seizing their wealth, and forbidding them from learning or teaching the Bible. It essentially sanctioned a poisoning of the spiritual atmosphere of Eastern Europe that encouraged the atrocities of which the 20th-century tragedy of the Holocaust was so cruelly composed.
The idea expressed by Judaism, then, is that Armilos makes his messianic claim first to the Christians—an unbelievable amount of whom respond with adoration. The shocking confederacy between Christianity and the son of chaos may well be uncomfortable to consider, yet it is both historical fact and prophetic truth concerning the matter.
This tragic event is even prophesied by Paul in 2nd Thessalonians 2:3.
|
Why let a man deceive you by one of [many] schemes, on account that is there not to come first the rebellion, and the son of man of sin be revealed—the son of destruction? |
|
Often called the “great apostasy,” or “great falling away,” the Aramaic says it plainly: MARUDUTHA “the rebellion.” They revolt against the Messiah identified in Scripture and exchange him for the antichrist. This a messianic mutiny to embrace instead him whose nature is revealed by the titles of BARNASHA DACHTITHA “the son of man of sin” and BEREH DAWDANA “son of destruction.”
|
|
These titles emphasize his iniquitous nature, and the latter is especially revealing in that it is only used elsewhere to refer to someone of a truly unfortunate destiny—as seen in John 17:12 in Yeshua’s garden prayer.
|
While I was with them in the world I guarded them by Your name. Those whom You gave to me I guarded, and a man from among them has not been destroyed—except the son of destruction, that the Scripture should be fulfilled. |
This person who Yeshua references as being "destroyed" is none other than Judas. The situation of Judas is tragic, and yet its context displays a sobering truth about those proving to be false messiahs—they inevitably turn away from their fealty to the truth and compromise everything to achieve a spiritually dark goal.
Those abandoning true faith to follow the antichrist adopt his dark qualities. 1st John 2:18-22 addresses identifying features shared among his ilk.
|
18 My sons, it is the end time, and is according [to] the thing that you heard—that the false messiah comes—and now there are many false messiahs—and from this we know that it is the end time.
19 From us they went forth, but they were not from us, for if they had been with us they would have remained with us. But they went forth from us that it should be known that they were not from us. 20 And you have the messiah-ship from the Holy One, and you discern every man. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but rather, that you do know it, and that entirely no falsehood is from it—from the truth. 22 Who is a false one, except if he who denies—who [says] Yeshua is not the Messiah? This one is a false messiah: he who denies the Father denies also the Son. |
|
Note the reading of verse 18—that it “is according [to] the thing that you heard—that the false messiah comes--…” This claim has no basis if viewed from the Greek side, as it uses ANTICHRISTOS “antichrist,” which is the first usage of it in the Greek text. 1st John 2:18 thus refers to one never before mentioned as such in the text if the Greek is preferred.
However, if the New Testament is read in the Aramaic Peshitta, the position of the antichrist is indeed mentioned by Yeshua himself in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 shared above, completely validating John’s claim in verse 18.
Also, these false messiahs were once among true believers yet completely abandoned their faith, revealing their contrasting character to the Messiah as HAKOHEN HAMOSHIACH “the priest messiah”—a rejection of his intercessor role. This is Messiah’s primary purpose, and to deny him such shows not merely a doubt that Yeshua could be the Messiah, but rather, an educated knowledge that rejects it as being a possibility at all in the person of Yeshua.
However, if the New Testament is read in the Aramaic Peshitta, the position of the antichrist is indeed mentioned by Yeshua himself in Matthew 24 and Mark 13 shared above, completely validating John’s claim in verse 18.
Also, these false messiahs were once among true believers yet completely abandoned their faith, revealing their contrasting character to the Messiah as HAKOHEN HAMOSHIACH “the priest messiah”—a rejection of his intercessor role. This is Messiah’s primary purpose, and to deny him such shows not merely a doubt that Yeshua could be the Messiah, but rather, an educated knowledge that rejects it as being a possibility at all in the person of Yeshua.
John also presents the second major attribute of an antichrist in 1st John 4:3.
|
And every spirit who does not profess that Yeshua came in the flesh—she is not from the Deity, but this [one] is from the messiah—she who is false—whom that you have heard that he comes, and from until now is in the world. |
This subsequent denial that Yeshua ever came in the flesh is an attempt to discredit the idea that he could be even remotely considered as the Messiah. This is because HAMELECH HAMOSHIACH “the King Messiah” must be of the physical lineage of King David. This is important to notice, since during this era in history was a rise of Gnostic concepts like Docetism and more popularly, Marcionism—all teaching sincere believers who were simply trying to understand the details of their faith that Yeshua was a spirit only without physical human form.
The second-century Christian theologian, Tertullian, mentioned previously for his blatant antisemitic attiude, also wrote at length to expose Marcion’s error, and in one of his treatises aptly titled Against Marcion, spoke of that concept which 1st John 4:3 claimed was from an antichrist spirit.
To avow that Yeshua never came in the flesh creates a disqualified Messiah. He must be physically of the Davidic line—a Jewish man. The spirit of the antichrist repudiates the historical truth to annul Yeshua as a Messianic candidate.
Through these two major points of rejection are the antichrist’s attributes distinguished: rejection of Yeshua’s function as both HAKOHEN HAMOSHIACH “the priest messiah” and HAMELECH HAMOSHIACH “the king messiah.”
Through these two major points of rejection are the antichrist’s attributes distinguished: rejection of Yeshua’s function as both HAKOHEN HAMOSHIACH “the priest messiah” and HAMELECH HAMOSHIACH “the king messiah.”
With these views of his traits from a Scriptural foundation, focus can now turn to his actions in the biblical text. 2nd Thessalonians 2:4 presents the clearest portrait, and albeit rather brief, holds incredibly important details.
|
—he who is the enemy, who is exalted above all that which is called “deity” and reverent, so that even in the Temple of the Deity—as the Deity—he shall sit and shall show concerning himself as that he is the Deity. |
|
This shows the antichrist's sheer arrogance. He acts beyond all degrees of spiritual propriety, exemplified in that he shall sit in the Temple. The Talmud Bavli, in Yoma 25a reveals only a specific lineage is permitted to sit in the holy area of the Temple.
For the false messiah to ignore the Temple edict proves his diabolical intents.
He diminishes glory and truth by his blatant actions to instead promote himself over all.
He diminishes glory and truth by his blatant actions to instead promote himself over all.
Interestingly, the Zohar, in Pekudei 258a, symbolically discusses the diminishing of spiritual truths flowing to the Creator’s people from His holy traits when sin abounds in us and likens this gradual waning to Temple worshipers retreating from the innermost holy rooms to the outer common areas. It furthers this link by referring to these Temple areas as if they were human limbs, beginning from the top of a person and moving downwards. The text then discusses the benefit of knowing how to “measure” this successive period of spiritual exile from the inner Temple areas (that is, from interaction with the Presence of the Holy One):
To truly understand this passage, please consider the phrase in it of MESHICHA DEGALUTHA “survey rope of the exile,” for it is cunningly used by the Zohar to hint to an important concept already encountered in this study.
This Aramaic phrase is deceptively clever, for its spelling and pronunciation are nearly identical to MESHICHA DEDAGALUTHA “the messiah of falsehood”—being the singular of the plural form in the Aramaic of Mark 13:22 about the antichrist!
The Zohar hints at the antichrist’s role in our exile and the unknown span of this devilish expulsion from His Presence. This is intriguing based on his Temple link in 2nd Thessalonians 2:4 cited above where his profane claims desecrate it.
True believers must seek the wisdom to recognize MESHICHA DEGALUTHA “the survey rope of the exile”—that is, MESHICHA DEDAGALUTHA “the messiah of falsehood,” to endure the trial and not let the deceit of Armilos overtake us.
True believers must seek the wisdom to recognize MESHICHA DEGALUTHA “the survey rope of the exile”—that is, MESHICHA DEDAGALUTHA “the messiah of falsehood,” to endure the trial and not let the deceit of Armilos overtake us.
The disturbing power in the antichrist’s arrival is stated in 2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12.
|
9 For the coming of that [one] is by the performance of Satana, with all power, and miraculous signs, and false marvels,
10 and with all the deception of perversion that is done by the destruction-bound ones, because they did not receive the love of the truth by which they should live. 11 One account of this the Deity shall send to them the performance of the deception, that they shall trust the lie, 12 and shall be judged—all of them—those who did not trust in the truth but had their desire in perversion. |
Paul does not elaborate on this idolatrous advent, yet Judaism does preserve a disturbing account about the miracles accompanying the birth of Armilos.
The perversion of his coming is stated in Otzar Midrashim, Otot haMashiach 10.
The perversion of his coming is stated in Otzar Midrashim, Otot haMashiach 10.
This conveys several details concerning the coming of Armilos. First, this occurs in Rome—within the boundaries of Catholic Christianity. Second, the religion’s proclivity for venerating carved images is exploited in an abominable act where wicked men miraculously impregnate the female image to birth he who is identified not merely as Armilos, but also by the titles Satan and Antichrist!
It may not yet be possible to distinguish whether this language is wholly symbolic or predictive of an actual event, but it can be said that those involved in the act are labeled with the title BENEI BELIYA’AL / Belial “sons of worthlessness,” showing that human participation in some way occurs by the most profane of individuals.
The phrase “sons of Beliya’al” is idiomatic of completely corrupt people, but its connotation in Scripture bears upon this topic, as it appears in Deuteronomy 13:13 about them spreading idolatry.
The phrase is seen again in 1st Samuel 1:10-18, where Hannah prays for a son and the priest intercedes after she allays his presumption that she is a “daughter of Beliya’al” in verse 16. This aligns with the concept of HAKOHEN HAMOSHIACH “the priest messiah.”
The phrase appears in 1st Samuel 25:2-38, where Nabal opposes David, and also in 2nd Samuel 20:1-22, where Sheba opposed David’s right to reign. This aligns perfectly with the concept of HAMELECH HAMOSHIACH “the king messiah.”
The phrase is seen again in 1st Samuel 1:10-18, where Hannah prays for a son and the priest intercedes after she allays his presumption that she is a “daughter of Beliya’al” in verse 16. This aligns with the concept of HAKOHEN HAMOSHIACH “the priest messiah.”
The phrase appears in 1st Samuel 25:2-38, where Nabal opposes David, and also in 2nd Samuel 20:1-22, where Sheba opposed David’s right to reign. This aligns perfectly with the concept of HAMELECH HAMOSHIACH “the king messiah.”
In these traits of “sons of Beliya’al” is clearly seen the root of the antichrist—a rejection of honoring the Creator by abandoning His Torah.
This is confirmed by Sifrei Devarim 93:2 on the meaning of the idiom.
This is confirmed by Sifrei Devarim 93:2 on the meaning of the idiom.
The key feature of the antichrist is an utter disregard for the Torah—the text where the foundation for the position of the Messiah originates.
With this information, consider again the account of the birth of Armilos and his titles of Satan and the Antichrist, and note a clarification about who fathered him in Otzar Midrashim, Sefer Zerubavel 1:4.
This explains that it isn’t just a group of worthless human men engaging in a debauched act with a statue, but rather, it is HABELIYA'AL--the Beliya’al—“the Worthless One” himself who succeeds in actually siring Armilos from the stone!
This title of HABELIYA’AL “the Worthless One” is specific, referring to whom is truly at work, as explained in the text of Tzror HaMor.
Armilos is sired by the Beliya’al--Satan—who is clarified to be the evil inclination of man called ‘abomination.’ This adds an important supplemental insight to Mark 13:14.
|
Yet, when you see the defiled miraculous sign of desolation—she that was spoken of by Dani’el the prophet—that stands where it is not proper (he who reads should perceive!)—then those who are in Yehud, they should escape to the mountain! |
|
The Peshitta’s reading is revelatory in contrast to the Greek. The Aramaic emphasizes that the “sign” is miraculous, and even more so—it is a “defiled” miracle! It is not comprised of some event that is otherwise normal in nature. Rather, it involves a miracle that is spiritually unclean!
The Peshitta's Mark text also has a detail omitted in Matthew 24:15—for here it uses HA—the feminine form of the word “it,” but which is also used as the feminine pronoun “she,” a detail I have reflected in the above translation of the Aramaic. The Peshitta’s text shows that a miraculous sign will somehow become defiled—a sign feminine in nature! This affirms the previously quoted Otot haMashiach 10, which told of a female statue made by the Creator for judgment that would be perversely adored, impregnated, and give birth to Armilos.
The Peshitta's Mark text also has a detail omitted in Matthew 24:15—for here it uses HA—the feminine form of the word “it,” but which is also used as the feminine pronoun “she,” a detail I have reflected in the above translation of the Aramaic. The Peshitta’s text shows that a miraculous sign will somehow become defiled—a sign feminine in nature! This affirms the previously quoted Otot haMashiach 10, which told of a female statue made by the Creator for judgment that would be perversely adored, impregnated, and give birth to Armilos.
These details reveal why the former passage referred to Armilos also by the title of “the Satan.” He is the “son” of Satan himself—that is, the product of a perverse miracle, just as 2nd Thessalonians 2:9-10 that was cited previously stated.
Understanding these matters in the Jewish accounts of Armilos gives context for the antichrist’s decreed demise. This is seen in a passage typically understood to be about Satan’s schemes among the nations and his subsequent divine punishment--Isaiah 14:12-15 is the part about he who thought to improperly exalt his throne over the Creator's own rightful seat. However, the passage of interest here is in Isaiah 14:21.
Understanding these matters in the Jewish accounts of Armilos gives context for the antichrist’s decreed demise. This is seen in a passage typically understood to be about Satan’s schemes among the nations and his subsequent divine punishment--Isaiah 14:12-15 is the part about he who thought to improperly exalt his throne over the Creator's own rightful seat. However, the passage of interest here is in Isaiah 14:21.
|
You must arrange his sons to be butchered in the iniquity of their fathers, that they do not rise up and possess [the] land, and they fill the face of the world [with] cities.
|
The text says Satan has offspring in the earth—the antichrists whose allegiances are to sin. The passage demands their death, and such a death that is in all opposition to the Torah’s prohibition in Deuteronomy 24:16 [see also: Ezekiel 18:20 and 2nd Chronicles 25:4].
|
Fathers shall not die for sons, and sons shall not die for fathers. A man, by his own sin, shall die.
|
|
Why are the Torah’s words ignored in Isaiah 14:21? It is because these are spiritual sons—the false messiah and those confederate with him. They all must be eradicated. The reason is clear: “they [will] fill the face of the world [with] cities.”
It is not that building cities is evil, but rather, we must learn from the precedent set by the first city-builder—Cain, who murdered his brother then built a city [see: Genesis 4:17]. Cain’s account is mirrored in Rome’s origin, which was built by Romulus after murdering his brother Remus. The link of Rome to Edom and the antichrist has been established in this study, and so the decree to slaughter Satan’s “sons” for fear they fill the world with “cities” shows the wisdom inherent in the harsh sentence proclaimed upon them.
It is not that building cities is evil, but rather, we must learn from the precedent set by the first city-builder—Cain, who murdered his brother then built a city [see: Genesis 4:17]. Cain’s account is mirrored in Rome’s origin, which was built by Romulus after murdering his brother Remus. The link of Rome to Edom and the antichrist has been established in this study, and so the decree to slaughter Satan’s “sons” for fear they fill the world with “cities” shows the wisdom inherent in the harsh sentence proclaimed upon them.
|
|
The term “cities” in Isaiah 14:21 has an additional nuance in the Hebrew directly impacting the topic. The term is ARIM, and stems from the singular word IR “city.” A similar term is AR, meaning “enemy.” The plural of AR “enemy” also happens to be ARIM—identical in every way to the rendering of “cities” in Hebrew.
Thus, the text of Isaiah 14:21 that destines the devilish spiritual offspring to death also reads as “…they [will] fill the face of the world [with] enemies.”
Destruction is meted out to all opposing righteousness, as stated in Isaiah 66:6.
Destruction is meted out to all opposing righteousness, as stated in Isaiah 66:6.
|
A voice of recompense from the city; a voice from the Temple: a voice of YHWH delivering retribution to His enemies!
|
Note that this occurs at the Temple—where the antichrist will exalt himself above all else. Intriguingly, the Aramaic Targum Yonatan to this verse has an alteration that aides in understanding how this judgment actually occurs.
The enemies seeking to usurp the Messianic hope in this world for perverse intents shall hear judgment pronounced by Messiah—the Creator’s living Word!
The Targum Yonatan to Isaiah 11:4 clarifies that it is indeed Messiah who ends the antichrist.
This truth is almost identically echoed by Paul in 2nd Thessalonians 2:8.
|
And then shall be revealed the perverse one—he whom our Master Yeshua shall end with the breath of his mouth and shall cease by the revelation of his coming. |
|
Armilos falls by the Word made flesh voicing the truth that there is no place for perversion in a world meant for perfection. The Peshitta uses the term AWALA “the perverse one” to describe the core trait of the antichrist.
Armilos is an aberration within existence: the epitome and son of idolatry itself, and his self-centered soul must be extinguished from the earth for the complete plan of the Holy One to arrive. Messiah’s goal is the repair of every atom in reality, and that means making an end of all that is twisted and wrong in the world.
Yeshua cannot sanction wickedness to run amok in this lowest of realms, for he must redirect the focus of all to proper faith. Nahum 2:1 (1:15 in most English versions) prophesies of that glorious time.
|
See! upon the mountains the feet of the Good News Bringer—the Proclaimer of peace! Hold a feast—your feasts—Yehudah! Perform your vows, for furthermore Beliya’al shall not pass through you—he is entirely cut off!
|
Beliya’al--worthlessness—will one day be a distant memory. In the Aramaic Peshitta version of this Hebrew passage, the term “Beliya’al” is rendered as AWALA “the perverse one”—the same term used for the antichrist in the Peshitta’s later text of 2nd Thessalonians 2:8—confirming the synthesis of wickedness working in Satan and mankind.
The eradication of the Creator's enemies allows His people to worship without doubt and deception distracting from a pure expression of faith. The message of hope will be heard as intended, and every commandment and oath will be kept without fear of the enemy appropriating our allegiance to an undeserving idol.
The eradication of the Creator's enemies allows His people to worship without doubt and deception distracting from a pure expression of faith. The message of hope will be heard as intended, and every commandment and oath will be kept without fear of the enemy appropriating our allegiance to an undeserving idol.
Any trace of the satanic rebellion that has seized man’s ways will be wiped from this world when Messiah stands triumphant. The false messiah will fail and all the efforts of evil in this earth will fade into the irretrievable abysses of history. Let us have no doubt: the true Messiah will stand victorious over every enemy and lead his people in a Kingdom no longer able to be usurped by Armilos or anyone else acting in the spirit of antichrist.
All study contents Copyright Jeremy Chance Springfield, except for graphics and images, which are Copyright their respective creators.