The History of Physical Israel and Its Prophetic Fulfillment in Spiritual Israel

As previously discussed, the history of physical Israel, beginning with King David, serves as a type and shadow of the spiritual Israel established through Jesus, who sits on David’s throne. Thus, the period from approximately 1000 BC, during David's reign, to 140 BC, when the Hasmonean Kingdom was established, prophetically illustrates the process of establishing God’s kingdom, beginning with Jesus.

Sealed Prophecies Through Daniel

God recorded Israel’s history after the Babylonian liberation through Daniel, yet He sealed these prophecies in symbolic language until the end of days. According to the Bible, the "end of days" refers to the period when Antiochus IV emerges (Daniel 12:4). Therefore, when the prophecy of Antiochus IV is fulfilled, as seen in the rise of Kim Joo-cheol of the World Mission Society Church of God, the end of days approaches, and the sealed prophecies will be revealed. Just as Antiochus IV established idols in God’s temple and enforced their worship, Kim Joo-cheol indoctrinates his followers to revere Ahn Sahng-hong and Zahng Gil-ja as deities.

The History of Antiochus IV and Its Prophetic Repetition

Around 167 BC, Antiochus IV massacred Jews, desecrated God’s temple, and established altars to Zeus and other idols within it. This period of extreme persecution led Judas Maccabeus and about nine companions to flee to the wilderness, where they prepared for rebellion. Over three and a half years, they fought against Antiochus’ forces, and in December 164 BC, they recaptured the temple and cleansed it, marking the beginning of the Hasmonean Kingdom. However, this historical account foreshadows events in the end times that will unfold spiritually.

Historical Accounts of Antiochus IV’s Actions

• Spring of 167 BC:
  Antiochus IV’s forces attacked Jerusalem, massacring its inhabitants, desecrating the temple, and plundering its wealth. His generals imposed harsh measures, enslaving women and children, and destroying homes.
  (1 Maccabees 1:29-33; 2 Maccabees 5:24-27)

• December 8, 167 BC:
  Antiochus IV set up "the abomination of desolation" on the altar of the temple and instituted the worship of Zeus in place of God. The temple became a center of pagan debauchery and idol worship.
  (1 Maccabees 1:54; 2 Maccabees 6:1-)

• December 14, 164 BC (Hanukkah Origins):
  Judas Maccabeus and his followers rededicated the temple and reinstated proper worship, coinciding with the cleansing of the temple from foreign defilement.
  (1 Maccabees 4:52-56; 2 Maccabees 10:5)

Prophetic Fulfillment in Revelation

Revelation 11 describes the appearance of two witnesses empowered by God, who will battle evil for 1,260 days (three and a half years). This fulfills the prophecy of the Maccabean revolt, where Judas Maccabeus fought against Antiochus IV's forces to reclaim the temple. The opening of God’s heavenly temple after the witnesses’ resurrection signifies the spiritual fulfillment of the Maccabean prophecy through these two witnesses.

[Revelation 11:15-19]
"The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.' ... Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant."

The Two Witnesses’ Spiritual Battle

The two witnesses will not fight in a distant realm but will fulfill the prophecy of Antiochus IV by opposing Kim Joo-cheol and the World Mission Society Church of God. All believers who oppose the false doctrines and practices of this organization are participating in the fulfillment of the Maccabean prophecy.

Conclusion

The spiritual battle against the World Mission Society Church of God mirrors the historical fight of the Maccabees, leading to the ultimate restoration of God’s true temple in the end times.