Who will Help Jacob on the Day of Trouble?
The Final Test of the Church: Israel and the Days of Jacob’s Trouble
What the world witnessed on October 7th, 2023, is only a small glimpse of what Scripture declares will occur on a far greater scale during the Days of Jacob’s Trouble. The atrocities committed during the Hamas massacre mirror the type of global upheaval and intensified conflict that will one day find its epicenter in Israel.
According to Zechariah 12:1–2 and Zechariah 14:2–3, the Lord Himself will gather all nations against Jerusalem for battle. The city will be taken, the houses rifled, the women ravished, and half of the population will be led into captivity. Yet even in such turmoil, God promises that a remnant will remain.
Biblical Prophecy Concerning Jerusalem
Zechariah prophesies:
“I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling… On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations.” (Zechariah 12:2–3)
And again:
“A day of the LORD is coming… I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured… Half of the city will go into exile.” (Zechariah 14:1–2)
This coming day will be marked by fear, terror, and upheaval. Scripture describes men doubled over like women in labor, their faces pale with dread. It will be a day unlike any other for the Jewish people—a time of unparalleled distress. Yet Jeremiah affirms that God will use this season of anguish to turn Israel’s heart back to Him (Jeremiah 30:4–7).
A Remnant Prepared for Intercession
In that hour, the Lord will raise up a corporate expression of biblical figures—Esther, Joseph, Rahab, Moses, Aaron, and Elijah—within His Church.
A Corporate Esther
A royal queen-like people will intercede for Israel just as Esther risked her life to save her own nation. This intercessory company will stand boldly before the throne of grace, pleading for the salvation of the Jewish people.
A Corporate Joseph
A Joseph company will arise with prophetic foresight, preparing physical and spiritual provision for a time of global crisis. Like Joseph stored grain in Egypt, these believers will provide sustenance for Israel during the 1,260 days in the wilderness (Revelation 12:6).
A Corporate Rahab
A Rahab remnant will hide and protect Jewish lives at great personal risk, demonstrating courageous loyalty during intense persecution.
A Corporate Moses and Aaron
Two lampstands—two olive trees—will operate in the authority of Moses and Aaron, performing signs and wonders to confront the spiritual “Pharaoh” of the last days (Revelation 11:3–6). Through their testimony of the Lamb’s blood, they will help break the chains of unbelief, leading Israel into spiritual freedom.
A Corporate Elijah
A prophetic forerunner spirit, like Elijah’s, will prepare the way for the Lord’s return by turning hearts and restoring righteousness (Luke 1:17; Micah 4:5–6).
The Bride Made Ready
In the midst of judgment, a spotless Bride will arise—radiant with the love and light of her Bridegroom. Understanding her end-time purpose, she will partner with God’s plan and reveal the presence of the risen Christ so clearly that Israel will recognize their Messiah dwelling within His ekklesia (Ezekiel 20:35).
The glory and power of Christ manifested through His Church will open Israel’s eyes to behold their Redeemer.
Persecution and the Cost of Obedience
Scripture makes it clear: the Church will play a vital role in Israel’s salvation, but it will come at great cost. Those who choose to stand with Israel will face hatred, persecution, and danger—just as the Jewish people will.
Therefore we must ask ourselves:
Are we willing to pay the price of our calling?
Are we ready to lay down our lives for the sake of the Jewish people?
Are we spiritually, mentally, and physically prepared for the persecution to come?
Will we be the sheep of Matthew 25—those who cared for “the least of these”—or will we shrink back in fear?
Jesus warned that some will respond: “Lord, when did we see You hungry… or in need and not help You?” And He will answer, “Whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for Me.”
The Approaching Day
As global events escalate, we can sense that the Day is drawing near. The Church must decide now where it stands. Will believers become like Esther, Joseph, Rahab, Elijah, Moses, and Aaron? Or will some fall into apostasy because the cost of helping Israel is too high?
The final test of the Church will be its response to Israel. Through this test the Lord will separate true disciples from false, mature believers from those unprepared to suffer for His name. In this context, He will return to avenge His people.
Israel’s Restoration and God’s Judgment of Nations
God has promised that when the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:25). After the Great Tribulation, the Lord will break Israel’s yoke, free them from foreign oppression, restore them to their land, and give them lasting peace.
And He will judge the nations for how they treated Israel. Joel 3:2 declares that all nations will be gathered into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, where God will judge them for scattering His people and dividing His land.
A Call to Decision
So we must ask:
Will we cooperate with God’s end-time plan, or resist it?
On the day of decision, will we stand with God or with His enemies?
Today is the time to settle these matters in our hearts—and to prepare our children’s hearts as well. The time is near. The hour is at the door.
May the Lord grant us courage, strength, and understanding to fulfill His will.