I have a question regarding recent events in Jerusalem. An online news source is reporting that plans are being drawn up by MK Uri Ariel for the construction of a synagogue on the southeastern corner of the Temple Mount. In fact, Ariel is meeting with rabbis and other public officials later this week in this regard. Today, November 6, Sheikh Raad Salah, head of the Islamic movement in Israel promises bloodshed (and also refers to the synagogue as the “holy temple”) and violence.
While is not the Third Temple, it is nevertheless proposed in order to allow Jews to pray on the Temple Mount. It’s a first step, if it happens, and I wonder if something such as this attempt at a place of worship in that location could be the “spoil” spoken of in Ezekiel which would bring the Islamic nations against Israel?
There is a move afoot to build a synagogue on the Temple Mount, but I don’t think it will ever come to fruition. Moslems view the entire Temple Mount and the land three feet outside its walls in all directions as a mosque.
The term “spoil” means bounty or treasure and was the currency in which conquering armies were paid in ancient times. Defeated countries were looted of their wealth and the “spoil” was divided among the victors.
When those on the sidelines ask the Moslem coalition if they’ve attacked Israel to take spoil, (Ezekiel 38:13) they’re asking if they intend to plunder Israel, in other words to seize their gold, silver, and other valuables.