History Channel's Nostradamus Effect is a new series in 2009 that looks for evidence of theories that reveal the convergence of doomsday prophecies with today's current events.
The disclaimer at the beginning of each episode is the following:
"We will neither refute nor endorse these theories, but merely present the evidence."
Much is covered in each one-hour episode of the Nostradamus Effect, with quotes from interviews with experts, scientists, theologians, and authors.
In the episode Armageddon Battle Plan, History Channel examines the group of nine scrolls known as the War Scrolls, and asks, “Do the War Scrolls contain a blueprint for Armageddon?”
What is the War Scroll?
The only existing first-hand account of the Essenes, a group of Jewish mystics, was handwritten onto a scroll that was found in the Judean desert in 1947. The scroll dates back 2,000 years and is considered authentic along with the other Dead Sea Scrolls.
Some experts claim that the prophecies contained in the War Scroll are consistent with other prophecies from cultures all over the world.
The relevance of the War Scroll for events of today is disputed. Some experts ask, "Were the Sons of Darkness just Roman foes contemporary to the Essenes, or modern day enemies?" Others claim that the Essenes were an apocalyptic Jewish cult led by a member of the Zaddachites and who called himself the "Teacher of Righteousness."
What Prophecies are Contained in the War Scroll?
"The scrolls are apocolyptic, militant and aggressive," according to Robert Eisenman, author of The New Testament Code. The War Scroll lays out a framework for a violent confrontation between two opposing forces.
The Sons of Darkness will battle the Sons of Light, according to the War Scroll. The Sons of Darkness are those who have violated the Covenant between God and the Jewish people. Some believers claim that the modern Sons of Darkness are the Wall Street executives.
The Importance of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem
The site of the Temple of Solomon is on Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, the most sacred spot for the Jewish people. This is the site where David built the first Temple and where the Ark of the Covenant is housed. This is the only place that the Spirit of God literally dwells here on Earth, according to Orthodox Jews.
This same spot is the third most sacred site for Muslims. According to the Qu'ran, this is the location where the prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven in the 7th century. The Dome of the Rock was completed in 691 A.D. The Muslim religious authorities hold legal possession of the Temple.
Rebuilding the third temple will hasten Jesus’ return, according to evangelical community, however, this act would lead to a religious war of global significance and bloodshed. This would likely be a Third World War, an Armageddon.
Middle East Geographic Location for Armageddon Battlefield
Many experts point to the generations of strife in the Middle East as modern day evidence of the approaching apocolypse. Many claim that there will be seven final great battles, culminating in Armageddon.
The Middle East is certainly a crossroads of civilizations, and a likely place for the final battle, according to this episode of the Nostradamus Effect.
The War Scroll declares that the enemy (of God) will be defeated by a non-human sword. It is not known what the non-human sword means, exactly. Many mysteries still surround the cryptic, ambiguous War Scroll prophecies. Many scholars and experts feel confident that there are some tangible clues in the War Scroll that point to present day events, and was written as a warning to all mankind.
Watch the full episode on History.com, as this is one of the three episodes available to watch online.
Reviews of Other Episodes of History Channel's Series Nostradamus Effect
2012 Extinction episode
Secrets of the Seven Seals episode
Three Secrets of Fatima episode
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