End-Time Prophet?

Dear Arno Froese,I am a retired pastor in the Wesleyan Church. I have subscribed to your magazine for several years, having appreciated highly your insight on Scripture.Recently, a friend gave me some information which was taken from the internet (article enclosed). This person is very impressed with this literature. I would be very grateful to you or a staff member, if you are willing to read it and give me your honest opinion:Judah Ben Samuel was a legendary and prolific German rabbi of the 12th century who made some astonishing and specific predictions about the future of Jerusalem and Israel that came true.Ludwig Schneider of Israel Today magazine has translated some of his work into English over the last few years, including “The Book of the Pious—Sefer Hasidim” and the “Book of Calculations—Sefer Gematriyot.”Judah Ben Samuel published the results of his biblical calculations (Gematria) and astrological observations, and summarized as follows: “When the Ottomans (Turks)—who were already a power to be reckoned with on the Bosporus in the time of Judah Ben Samuel—conquer Jerusalem they will rule over Jerusalem for eight jubilees.”Ben Samuel was often called “Light of Israel.” Even bishops came to him for advice. If anyone asked him where his wisdom came from he would answer, “The prophet Elijah, who will precede the Messiah, appeared to me and revealed many things to me and emphasized that the precondition for answered pray is that it is fueled by enthusiasm and joy for the greatness and holiness of God.”Judah Ben Samuel also prophesied that during the 10th Jubilee Jerusalem would be under the control of the Jews and the Messianic “end times” would begin. If he’s right, the 10th Jubilee began in 1967 and will be concluded in 2017. -D. Harris, PA


Arno's Answer:


This report, of which we have included only a few excerpts, is fascinating, but there are some dangerous teachings which can lead to the studying of Judah Ben Samuel’s writings instead of the reliable Holy Scripture. In one paragraph it says, “According to the prophecies of Judah Ben Samuel, the Messianic End Times began.” The end times, also called the last days, began with Pentecost.

One also notices that Rabbi Judah Ben Samuel was involved in the occult “astrological observations,” which are part of his fake prophecies.

In one place he insists on the appearance of the prophet Elijah to him. There is no biblical basis for such an event occurring. The book of Hebrews begins by documenting that God spoke in various manners by the prophets, but “in these last days hath spoken unto us by His Son”; that speaking is contained in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

In summary, virtually all sensational discoveries seem to serve one purpose: that is, paying attention to someone or something outside Holy Scripture. That’s why I reject it in the same manner I reject the so-called Blood Moon theory.

Midnight Call - 08/2015

Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.

Read more from this author

ContactAbout UsPrivacy and Safety