This is written as a possible coming event – abundant oil discovery in Israel.
The Valley of Jezreel which I once visited is located near Megiddo in Israel. It’s a lush, green valley that has endured wars in the past and will host the greatest of wars in the future. You see, according to the Bible, this is the area where Armageddon will take place. As I think of this location, I ponder what will bring the forces of the world into this area.
Of course, many nations that surround Israel would like to see her cast into the sea, due to ethnic and religious reasons; however, there is another catalyst that many have failed to recognize. That catalyst is oil. Someday, and I believe sooner than many think, a vast amount of oil is going to be discovered in Israel.
Consider the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Could a tremendous explosion blowing tons of rock and dirt skyward, leaving a gaping hole with great width and depth have caused the formation of the Dead Sea? Could it have been the ignition of a huge quantity of underground methane gas and oil? After all, this is in the area, where formerly Sodom, Gomorrah and the Valley of Siddim were located. Throughout this region there were numerous oil pockets and wells that were on ground level, which is proven both historically and biblically.
Genesis 14:10 says, “ And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.” —- ‘slimepits’ are also ‘translated bitumen or tar pits’ in other translations.
Now, consider Ezekiel 16:53, “When I shall bring again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, and the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, then will I bring again the captivity of thy captives in the midst of them:” —- ‘the captivity’ is also translated ‘fortunes’ in other translations.
In 1948, Israel became a nation again. I believe the discovery of oil is not far off. Most assuredly, the ‘fortunes’ of Sodom were not rocks, grains of sand nor pebbles. I personally believe ‘oil’ is involved here.
Much rock that is mined from the Dead Sea is saturated with oil and could feasibly be mined as shale oil. Deep ravines surround this area where oil seeps are quite noticeable. The indicators are there for a potential massive discovery.
One of the greatest preservatives and natural containers known to man is salt. During past years, it has proven to be a trap for oil deposits in many places in the world. A huge salt deposit currently exists in the area of Sodom and Gomorrah and could have trapped enormous amounts of oil for the latter-day use of Israel. I believe time will prove this to be correct. Could I be wrong in my interpretation, or perception? Possibly so, but I don’t think I am.
Consider that, just before the Jews returned in 1948, Israel was primarily swamp, or barren desert. The Jews, through ingenuity and arduous work, have amazingly turned this tiny nation into an exceptionally productive and agriculturally efficient country. Israel is now a big exporter of fruits and vegetables to Russia and Europe. Isaiah 27:6 foretold, “He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.”
Isaiah 45:3 further says, “And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” Although this scripture was spoken to Cyrus, I do believe that the treasures of darkness are not that far off for Israel in the form of oil.
Discovery of a great supply of oil in Israel would have worldwide strategic, geopolitical and economic implications. Be assured, major secular news and media organizations will quickly and pervasively broadcast this discovery. Although much of the secular world will not see God’s hand in this whole affair, many will truly acknowledge the glory and honor of God who keeps His covenant.
The world’s demand for oil is ever growing. It’s a precious commodity that nations fight wars over. Could discovery of oil in Israel be further reason for nations to converge on this tiny country?
I personally believe that much oil will be discovered in Israel in accordance with God’s timetable and fulfillment of His Word (fortunes of Sodom). That said, look for it sometime in the future, and ultimately, to become another catalyst towards the road to Armageddon.
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