Turkey, Another Son of Esau

Recently I gave a sermon entitled The "Palestinians." In it we described that they are descendants of Esau or Edom. We described where they came from, what their attitudes are toward Israel, and what their future will be. It is on our website for those of you who are interested in reading it or hearing it by audio recording.

But Esau (Edom) has other descendants beside the so-called Palestinians. One of them is very much in today’s news. The other descendants include some of the people of Turkey.

Today I want to talk about Turkey; how we know many of the Turks are descended from Esau, son of Isaac, and what prophesy tells us about them.

First of all let’s prove that Esau and Edom are the same person. Let’s turn to Gen. 36 for that.

Genesis also describes the wives and the early descendants of Esau.

(Verse 4) Now Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, and Basemath bore Reuel.

Esau had six wives and many sons and grandsons, none of them reflecting the spiritual values of Abraham’s family. They belonged to a family far gone in transgression and apostasy from God. As Gen 26:35 says, his choice of wives were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah. The choice manifested Esau’s tolerance of carnality, and his indifference to the spiritual values of his family.

But Esau’s tolerance for carnality didn’t stop with his wives. It intensified through his wives to his descendants. We can see God’s warnings regarding his descendants from God’s statements to the Israelites hundreds of years later as they approached their promised homeland.

But these instructions were not followed, especially after the death of Joshua. As a result of the Israelite’s disobedience of God’s instructions, He placed a curse on them.

Some translations use the word "adversaries" instead of "thorns." "They shall be adversaries to you.."

Isn’t that what we see happening in Israel today? Aren’t the Canaanites and their affiliates adversaries, constantly attacking Israelites with bombs, missiles, false accusations, threats to remove all Israelis from God’s covenant land? Aren’t Israel’s neighbors, where the Hittites and Edomites also live today, threatening to destroy Israel?

Aren’t all Moslem nations, especially those where the descendants of the Hittites and Edomites live, using the commonality of their Moslem god to unify their peoples against Israel? The word "snare" is very accurate. We see the heathen god’s snares in use even in our own country, where the Judeo-Christian basis of our constitution is being legally challenged; and in Europe where Muslims are increasing in number.

Some of Esau’s descendants became the Idumaeans who remained in the area of Petra and Mount Seir (Gen 32:3) in the land of Edom, southeast of the Dead Sea. But others moved out of that area. Our purpose here is to trace Esau’s lineage through his son Eliphaz and then to his grandson Teman. The Bible is not specific about the hundreds of years of movement of the migrating descendants of Teman but eventually we read of a people called Temani in Persia and Turkestan. The Edomites named the Persian and Turkestan plateaus "land of Temani." From this point historians can trace these Turkic Temani peoples. In the eleventh century many of these Turks left Central Asia and Turkestan and moved to Asia Minor or Turkey. It is well known that Hittites, the same stock as some of Esau’s wives, were part of the founding people of Turkey. Let’s look at a Biblical reference to the Temani people.

Notice the words "O Teman." It may seem to be a stretch to establish the word "Ottoman" from "O Teman," because "Ottoman"is an English derivation of the word "Osman." "Osman" comes from the Turkish word "as’-man," which is derived from the Turkish name "Othman.," Othman was the founder of the Ottoman dynasty. But Turks and Hittites established the Ottoman Empire.

Obadiah also indicated in verse 14 that they would control the Dardanelles, one of the two straits between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea which separates Asiatic Turkey from European Turkey, the land bridge between Europe and the middle east nations. Let’s look at verse 14.

We’ll visit this verse again later but notice how this verse also predicts how these descendants of Esau will treat the descendants of Israel.

Modern Turkey is comprised of a European section, which is part of the ancient dominion of Thrace, now mostly in Bulgaria, and an Asian section known as Anatolia. Tribes from Mongolia and Central Asia, speaking a Turkish language, conquered the present region of Turkey and imposed their language and cultural features on the inhabitants.

This gave rise to the Turkish people, most of whom descend from the previous inhabitants of Anatolia.

The original inhabitants comprised descendants of Hittites, Togarmah (from Gomer), Lydia (from Shem), Ionian Greeks, Phrygians (Meshech), and Tamannu. The Isaurians were in southern Anatolia, close to the Tamannu.

Both the Isaurians and Tammanu were probably descended from Esau who is also known as Edom.

In addition, the Turkish-speaking tribes who conquered the country may have also included Edomite elements.

In the tenth century the Ottoman Turks came into contact with Islam. About this time, Islam became the principal religion among all their central Asian relatives as well.

The Khazars called the Byzantium Emperor in Constantinople, the "King of Edom." The Byzantine Empire controlled the straits between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. The close linkage between the Turks of Turkey and their ancestors in Central Asia still exists. Will the descendants of Edom come together someday to help form an army of 200 million; a strong alliance or confederacy constituting the prophesied Meshech, Tubal and Magog? We examined that possibility in light of their Islamic religion in our sermon "Where Are We in God’s Master Plan?".

This describes a destroyed Meshech and Tubal who had terrorized Israel. Meshech and Tubal are generally associated with the peoples residing near Moscow and southeast toward Kazakhstan, Iran, Iraq, eastern Turkey and various small nations of the Caucasus Mountains. But just as Kazakhstan extends well to the east, so does Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. The region is nearly all Muslim and might very well be responding to an attempt by Israel to rid herself of the so-called Palestinians by deporting them out of Israel and probably into Jordan. Or, perhaps the recent warning from an arrogant Russia to the U.S. and Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities is an indication of the imminence of the massive invasion from the north described by Ezekiel.

Cush includes people of central Asia such as India according to some researchers. Hodu, an Aramaic translation in Josephus’ Antiquities 1, means India. See Isa 11:11. Magog means "from the land of Gog" which some feel is northern China, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia. This would fly in the face of how we just identified Meshech except that both scriptures seem to describe peoples living along the southern border of Russia.

Let’s turn now to current events involving Turkey.

As of this writing, we have just experienced a major turn in the relations between Turkey and the United States. We have been very close friends and allies since the end of World War 1. But the Turkish government in March 2007 informed the American government that we could no longer plan to use Turkish soil to invade northern Iraq. Currently their decision is being reconsidered because of the potential loss of the huge monetary payment being asked of the American forces, but why did the Turks turn their backs on America? There may be several reasons.

A U.S. House of Representatives committee recently passed a joint resolution condemning Turkey for committing genocide against the Armenians in 1915. Turkey immediately recalled her Ambassador to Washington for consultations and warned that serious repercussions would result if Congress passed the resolution. Deteriorating relations between two longtime friends seems to have begun with a highly incensed Turkish government and an American military desperate to avoid an arbitrary cut-off of supplies. The American-Turkish friendship received a major boost when the two NATO allies fought together in the Korean war of the early 1950s.

The purpose of the Congressional resolution may have been political to force the President out of Iraq but the consequences may be very adverse to American, European, and Iraqi interests. About 70% of western war material, as well as about 35% of the petroleum for the military is taken through Turkish ports, air-space, and airfields to avoid land mines and other hazards in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is not hard to see why both foreign relations and the military were made a function of the President, not Congress.

Turkey has been attacked for years by Turkish Kurd rebels in Iraq, known as the PKK, and now threatens invasion of Iraqi Kurdistan, including the oil-rich area of Kirkuk to capture these internationally denounced terrorists. Recent news reports indicate Turkey and Iran have planned a joint invasion of Iraqi Kurdistan. The U.S. objects to Turkish invasion of Kurdistan because the Kurds are otherwise the most stable and peaceful group in Iraq.

Iraqi and Turkish government officials met immediately and agreed to many but not all of Turkey’s threats to capture the terrorists.

The pro-military Turkish government has been replaced by an Islamic government per the will of the majority of the Turkish voters. The emphasis is now more on satisfying their Moslem beliefs than the military, though the military is always a threat due to their history of overturning civilian governments and their zeal for military actions.

There might be other explanations for their attitudinal change toward support of America:

Were they influenced by the successful Muslim destruction of the Twin Towers in New York? The Turks, like Esau, are a strong, forceful, warrior people. They have huge respect for military successes. Their dead warriors are even guaranteed a direct path to Allah. The United States undoubtedly lost a lot of Turkish respect by the Moslem successes on 9/11.

Were they concerned about the Kurdish people gaining their own country? If so, could that be an indication that the Kurds might have come from the ten tribes of Israel at some time? If so, perhaps their concern would be born out even without Turkish participation in an occupation of Iraq by non-Muslim Americans using their ports, air-space, and airfields.

Were they unduly influenced by the Germans and French in the United Nations opposing the American invasion of Iraq? There’s been a long-standing alliance between the Germans and Turks. It didn’t end at the end of World War 1. The Turks are determined to be a part of the European Union even though many in the European Union really don’t want a Moslem nation in the Union. The EU is predominately Catholic but becoming more Muslim.

But the Turks and Germans have more than a long friendship to hold them together. Esau intermarried with Hittites and others. The Hittites lived in pockets in the land of Israel, in Syria, and in Turkey. Turkey is a mixture of peoples. German scholars in the time of the Kaiser (and the Kaiser himself) believed Germany descended from the ancient Hittites. Why? Because they share similar traditions, ancestral names, an insatiable war-lust, a desire to rule other people, and inherent "superior" qualities that make him think HE is better than other nations.

Having touched on the subject already, let’s now look at prophesies regarding Turkey. As we have already found, the book of Obadiah is all about Esau/Israeli conflicts. But let’s start at the beginning of Esau’s history. Please turn to Genesis 27.

Fulfilling this prophesy, the Ottoman Empire (Ottoman Turks) reigned in south-eastern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East for over six hundred years. In fact, they fought at the gates of Vienna for over two hundred years - a lesson for those who want the U.S. to quit after fighting a few years in Iraq. And they ruled mercilessly by the sword, which is a prophesied characteristic of Esau as we just read. But it is even more characteristic of the German mind..

Now, let’s turn to Ezekiel 25.

These scriptures probably describe God’s vengeance on the Edomites in modern day Jordan. As I have pointed out in other sermons such as "The Palestinians," I believe these Edomites to be the so-called Palestinians of today. But interestingly, Dedan is also the name of an island in the Persian Gulf, possibly indicating that the migrating descendants of Esau passed by there too.

But by addressing the words Teman and Dedan, these verses can also describe the defeat of Turkish Ottoman troops in Jerusalem at the close of World War 1 by British General Allenby. This defeat of the Turks ended the Ottoman Empire. To truly understand these scriptures one must understand that "Judah" refers to the Jews. "Israel" refers to all the tribes of Israel including those in America, the countries of Britain, and other western nations. The identification of who is Israel is another subject altogether and we won’t go into it in this sermon. However, if you are interested in this subject, you might want to read some of the books on this subject written by the Jewish author, Yair Davidi.

Let’s return to the book of Obadiah which is all about Edom and talks about him as a major world power, not a tiny people. It’s also about how he destroys Jerusalem, but, as we will read later in verse 15, he comes to his end.

The term "allied with you" implies a confederacy. Let’s look at Psalms 83 to see the probable meaning.

Prophesy is often dual. In my opinion, this prophesy is not only dual, it is triple. If these verses are referring to the days of David, Assyria is Assyria. If these verses refer to today’s so-called Palestinians, "Assyria" probably refers to the Iraqis. If these verses refer to the Turks, these verses might include the Germans. How can Germany possibly be Assyria? Part of the reason is because ancient Assyria included much of the present-day land of Turkey. On page 802 of the Companion Bible, the statement is made that Psalm 83:5-8 connects the past confederacy of enemies with the future ones, the ten kingdoms of the beast power described in Revelation 17. The Holman Bible Handbook writes: "The psalm is not a mere cry for vengeance. Rather, it is a plea for the righteous God to demonstrate His sovereignty by defending His chosen people."

Psalm 83:5-8 lists ten nations that will confederate together against Israel. Assyria (Germany) and Edom (Turkey) is among them. The question arises: Is "Germany" just Germany or might "Germany" represent a European Union headed by Germany? My suspicion is the latter. Daniel 2 also describes a ten nation Roman confederacy. Notice that the ten nations, the toes, are part of the feet. Similarly, I believe the European Union will not only include Germany, but also that through Germany, the Union will be allied with Turkey, perhaps not as a member of the Union but as an ally to them.

We already see this European alliance forming. Belgium and France under the Chirac government have placed themselves in a pro-German, anti-Israel and anti-Anglo position. Germany has discontinued supplying Israel with currently contracted tank supplies. Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has had a life-long dislike for Americans and obviously for Jews. France, reminiscent of the traitorous Vichy French government of the early 1940s, has recently been supporting the anti-Israeli Germans. France under its new president, Sarkozy, does hold a much better attitude toward America and Israel. France under Chirac seemed to be playing the envy card against American and British interests, perhaps in an attempt to rebuild the prestige France held in the world fifty years ago. Former French President Jacque Chirac has publicly stated his admiration for Saddam Hussein, dictator of Iraq, perhaps to assure a dependable source for oil and French exports. In addition, he was a prime mover in the French construction of Iraqi nuclear installations. It is reported that as recently as January, France has been illegally supplying Iraq with military hardware. France now has a $4 billion debt owed to it by Iraq. A similar amount is owed Russia by Iraq. Is it any wonder why France and Russia are opposed to American and British intervention in Iraq? Belgium is not only taking a pro-German position but also plans to try the previous Israeli Prime Minister on trumped up war crime charges if he ever recovers from his coma.

The most familiar scriptures regarding the European Beast power’s end time assault on Israel and adjacent countries is in Daniel 11. Let’s look at them.

These scriptures describe a major war. It is generally understood that the king of the North will be the European Union. One clue as to the identity of this king is in the statement in verse 40 that he shall have many ships. At this time the major navies are possessed by, in descending order, the United States, Britain, Germany, and Japan. Might this indicate American association with the Beast power? We know from Revelation 17 that an influential religious leader will head the Beast power. As we read, only the European Union, including Germany with its larger navy, has an influential religious leader. Does Daniel 11:40 indicate there will be a major war between Islam and Catholicism such as currently exists in the Philippines?

But then where does that leave Turkey? They are Islamic but want to be part of the European Union. To answer that question, let’s return to the book of Obadiah

It looks like Esau, both Palestinian and Turk, will be allied with the Beast power of Europe against the House of Israel and will be involved in the sacking of Jerusalem. That could indicate that there will be a return from a religious government to a military government in Turkey before long.

Let’s read the preceding verse:

Again, verses 10 and 11 could be interpreted as applying to both the so-called Palestinians and to Turkey.

Now that we’ve identified Turkey and Edom, let’s go up to the beginning of the book of Obadiah. At the beginning of this book, God expresses why and how He will judge Edom:

Now the rest of the European Union and its associates will turn on Edom:

So even their friends in the European Union will forsake them completely. The Lord will destroy the wise out of Edom so even the wise among them will not be able to help them. And, as we read in verse 10, God judges Esau because of the "violence against your brother Jacob." Remember that Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, so verse 10 is referring to all of Israel, not just Judah – the Jews.

"The day of the LORD upon all nations is near; as you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head." These words were written to Esau but "all nations" applies to every nation. Yes, even to America whose President and Secretary of State now publicly plan to pressure the Israelis to give parts of Jerusalem to Edom. What did Zechariah have to say about that?

Are the huge natural disasters the U.S. has suffered recently only a prelude to even larger disasters the U.S. will soon suffer for its anti-Judah, pro-Moslem policies? The President also claims that all gods are the true God. These beliefs are leading his nation to disaster.

Back to Obadiah: They drank the cup of wrath against the House of Judah when they attacked and occupied Jerusalem and God’s "holy mountain", which holds the Temple Mount. But Judah’s calamity shall be temporary. The foes of Judah shall never regain their former position.

God will allow Israel, both Judah and the house of Joseph (the British nations and America) to punish Esau because of the innocent blood that they spilled against Israel and all the other crimes against Israel that Obadiah lists in his prophesy.

Regarding Obadiah 19, The Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary explains these areas near Israel as:

In Hebrew, the word ‘South’ represents 'they of the Negeb.'

And finally, the conclusion:

The Saviors will be God’s chosen people; the Saints; the elect. God’s Kingdom will rule not only the sons of Esau but all the earth.

Studies in the Word of God
 

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