Did the full eclipse of the moon on the 8th December 2011 on the Sabbath (10th December) have any significance? Curiously it coincided with a dramatic event in the politcal 'heavens.'

On the 8th December 2011 Israel National News wondered if the full eclipse of the moon for the Sabbath (10th December) had any significance. A full eclipse turns the moon a dull blood red.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes behind the earth so that the earth blocks the sun's rays from striking the moon, which can occur only when the sun, earth, and moon are aligned exactly, or very closely so, with the earth in the middle.

The Biblical parallel of the natural to political world, is that the 'sun' is the civil political power and the 'moon' is the religious system, and the 'earth' is the ordinary people. An eclipse is where civil political power is prevented by people-power from giving light to the religious leadership. The symbolic 'earth' was a protector of the freedom of the servants of God (Revelation 12:16).

Jewish tradition has mixed views on the mystical and eschatological meaning of lunar eclipses. On the one hand, the Talmud (Tractate Sukkah 29a) says that lunar eclipses are a sign of Divine wrath against the Jewish people for moral failings, while solar eclipses are a bad sign for non-Jewish nations; the Jews date their calendar based on the phases of the moon, while the non-Jews base theirs on the solar year. On the other hand, Jewish tradition repeatedly says that astrological and astronomical signs do not affect the Jewish people, and that the Jews' direct relationship with G-d overcomes any “natural” effects of the movement of heavenly bodies that could affect other nations. INN

Did the movement of 'heavenly bodies' affect other nations? It may be that the events in the political heavens fell in step with the natural, because on the 8th December, for all that night (the evening of the next Jewish day), in Europe there were dramatic events unfolding.

“Euro crisis summit: The night Europe changed” BBC heading BBC

A Times article reprinted in the Australian, December 14 says that night and the next morning, the 9th December, British PM Cameron,

“for better of for worse - permanently changed Britain's relationship with the rest of Europe.

They are still reeling at No 10. “I don't think many people expected this to be the outcome” said a liberal democrat advisor, “There's a genuine sense of 'Christ – what's happened'?” Rachel Sylvester, The Times in The Australian p8

For the 9th December there were headlines such as “UK alone as EU agrees fiscal deal”, “Euro crisis: Europe reacts with anger”BBC.

10 December “Britain angers Europe by blocking treaty change” SMH “Britain urged to rethink EU ties” The Australian.

11 December SMH “Cameron stands his ground as EU feelings run high.” SMH

But the headlines that captured what really happened on the 9th December were,

“David Cameron blocks EU-wide deal to tackle euro crisis” BBC &

“EU leaders agree fiscal pact, falter on treaty change” Jerusalem Post

Britain led by Cameron had vetoed changes to the Euro treaty, and France had forced a pact instead. Analysis written after events were all over on the 13th December,

"Le Monde newspaper, usually an opponent of Sarkozy, tipped its hat to him for solving the problem of the British opt-out, which enabled London to continue to put a brake on the integration in the zone". Its Elysee correspondent crowed: "On Friday, the Europeans kicked the English out of Europe." The Australian

In the analogy of the eclipse, Britain led by Cameron, representing 'the earth' stood between Germany, the 'sun' political power of Europe and their goal for European Union, the lesser light. The blood red colour mirrored the European anger.

But there was no escaping the bad blood from the clash between Cameron and Sarkozy (The Australian)

And it was seen from Australia, all to Europe and America.

The world has seen remarkable events as Britain's century-long romance with France has been interrupted due to France's affair of desperation with Germany.  It seems there has been a sudden change as,

London and Paris spent the weekend trying to play down talk of a Franco-British divorce as each insisted that there were "no hard feelings" and that their defence partnership would steam on regardless. Bremner (The Australian)

Culturally Britain has links with both France and Germany. But Britain will not be slow to seek consolation, led by its people. They will turn to an old sphere of influence. The South and Arabia. These events occur as Arabia is uniting as Europe is. The result of this will change the world.

From before World War One Britain courted France as a balance to a united Germany. Recently in the same way we have seen Britain working very hard on its alliance relationship with France. This was evident in the signing of a defence pact in 2010 and the campaign for Libya.

The "Dear David-Cher Nicolas" honeymoon of this year's Libyan venture is over. The Australian, 'Europe sheds few tears'

Before Bismark, a fragmented Germany was no threat to British interests. Bismark is a similar name to Merkel as she 'marks' the boundaries and with iron will asserts Germany's place.  Merkel is now possibly rightly called the "Iron lady". Bismark was called the "Iron Chancellor".

Either way, Dr Merkel, a champion of austerity and fiscal discipline, seems to have assumed the nickname of 19th-century predecessor Otto von Bismarck: the Iron Chancellor. SMH, eurogeddon looms

Just before the EU summit got underway on March 25, the deputy chair of the Social Democrat's parliamentary group in the German Bundestag, Angelica Schwall-Düren, accused Merkel of opportunism. "You're isolating Germany in Europe," she charged. While the co-chairman of the Green Party, Jürgen Trittin, said Merkel had exacerbated the crisis for failing to rule out the idea of forcing insolvent members of the eurozone to quit the monetary union. A moniker for Merkel, "Iron Lady," started to make the rounds. German Times: Koepf :2010

Notice that Merkel last year was accused of exactly what Cameron is being accused of now.

The British Prime Minister is the lone man of Europe  smh.com.au
He (Deputy PM Nick Clegg) told the BBC's Andrew Marr programme: "I'm bitterly disappointed by the outcome of last week's summit, precisely because I think now there is a danger that the UK will be isolated and marginalised within the European Union." BBC

In October 2011 it was relevant comment to note,

David Cameron gets on better with Merkel than some of his hand-kissing counterparts, who bow and scrape to her face, while sniping behind her back. The German chancellor and the British Prime Minister have come a long way since their first encounters, which were reportedly frosty. Telegraph.co.uk.

Even now the German Finance minister is reported to be open to British negotiation (The Times). The Times reports that Der Spiegel wrote,

“Germany in particular might miss [Britain] as a reliable counterweight to profligate southern EU members” (Sam Fleming, David Charter.)

Germany and Britain had closely related royal families before they escalated World War One.

Before a united Germany at the turn of last century the British might, for example, fight the French (or the Dutch). But the growth of German power brought two very similar and ambitious peoples to vie for the dominance in Europe (and elsewhere). America might have eclipsed both Germany and Britain, but with the waning of American influence, the global power structure is suddenly very fluid. From mid last century there was America and the USSR in a bipolar world, now that picture is not so evident. Now power might seem to go to whoever makes a bid for it, as the weak declare they are strong (Joel 3:10). The Germans have been efficient and have built a manufacturing sector and a solid position of influence in Europe and elsewhere (including Iran), but the British have done something else, they have reached much of the world by their financial services trade. Both have, for different reasons of industry, a position to incur other nations futile wrath.

But Germany is in Europe, whereas Britain is at the edge of Europe.

The European attacks on Cameron and Britain disguise a deeper issue. It is not the issue now that Britain has left Europe. They have not, yet. Read the undercurrents, in this very perceptive comment by Imogen Foulkes

Mr Barroso did his best to reassure them, insisting that European stability must be based not only on austerity and sanctions, but on jobs and growth as well.

A deal to achieve this must be hammered out by March. A key issue for MEPs is how much they, as democratically elected representatives, will be involved in the process.

Many MEPs openly expressed their anger at what they see as a lack of solidarity from Britain just when Europe needs it most. BBC

In other words they fear Britain no longer stands up to Germany for the benefit of democracy. Or they fear Britain will not help them. The events seem to mark a turning point, as France has won a point and will allow now Germany to take over. The BBC's Gavin Hewitt observed without melodrama on the 9th,

Euro crisis summit: The night Europe changed

A major step was taken towards closer integration. It was not as a result of popular demand by Europe's people. It came about because Europe's leaders believed their project had "never been in such danger".

Last night most of Europe's governments gave up a chunk of their sovereignty. In the future, tax and spending plans will be shown to European officials before national governments.

All those governments who join the new treaty gave up sovereignty and freedom to choose what they wish to do economically. Britain could not, and would not as the people value freedom (a characteristic of the 'earth' of Revelation).  Britain has discovered the Euro relationship has gone beyond a point. They could no longer sit comfortably at the edge holding France's hand, and by so doing restrain the European family. 

Remembering, old Punch cartoons of France and Britain, it is worth noting the remarks from France,

Some of France's objections were couched in decidedly undiplomatic language: one source likened Cameron's position to a man attending a wife-swapping party without his spouse.smh.com.au

Cameron is noted to have picked this up,

Eyes glinting with mischief, he insisted that his dealings with Sarkozy had been ''good-natured and reasonable'' at all times. But he added: ''I have not and have no intention of attending any wife-swapping parties.' 'smh.com.au

France did go to the wife swapping party. They were allied with Britain now it's Germany. So much so that the term 'Merkozy' is being used. Britain is left bereft.

Dubbing it "Europe's great divorce", the Economist magazine warned that it could also force euro-denominated transactions to move out of London The Australian, Britain to rethink ties

It has huge consequences. Britain's century old strategy to retain a balance of power in Europe has ended dramatically in one night. It seems as if Britain still wishes to stay around long enough in the relationship to reduce Germany's advantage. But Bible prophecy indicates events will force Britain out. The anger of the red came from those who value the project to unite Europe, and behind them is the dominant religious power of Europe, which might be represented by the moon.

The Euro was formed by 12 nations in the SEA treaty of 1987 including Britain and Denmark, neither who joined the Euro currency. Therefore retrospectively there were 10 founding nations of the Euro (significantly including all the PIGS). It is written that the 10 nations (kings), would seek to have power with the European beast.

And the ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet;

but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou saw, where the whore sits, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou saw upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

For God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth. (Revelation 17:12-18)

For a while the nations hated anything to do with religion and Rome (the whore), and made this the basis of their union. It is clearly emerging how the rulers of Europe are beginning to have one mind, as a matter of self preservation, and are happy to give their power to Germany. France clearly is leading those happy to unite and be of one mind with the German-led 'Beast' (including Austria), which is the remnant of the Holy Roman Empire, which came from Rome the 4th 'beast' with 'teeth of iron' (Daniel 7:19). But while this is happening the great city, the whore, begins to reign over those kings and as the lesser light of Europe shining in Europe's power, it was affected by events.

The Economist, contributor by the name of Charlemagne commented,

on December 8th for their summit to save the euro with the news that Pope Benedict XVI was praying to the Virgin Mary for the sake of Italy and Europe. Economist

Even the Pope was praying for the euro
He spoke of the hope of seeing “light through the layers of fog” EU business

Arabia

While Germany has been using legitimate means in a democratic framework to bring about a closer union to create a European superstate (dominated by Germany), there has been moves to form another union which might not have been noticed much by Europe. The union of the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council of Arabia is progressing.

UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia - began actively seeking to expand its membership as the Arab Spring took hold, as a means of creating a strategic ballast against Shiite Persian Iran, its primary rival for regional hegemony.

GCC members have also begun laying the groundwork to transform the joint economic forum into a diplomatic and military confederation - which, with Jordan and Egypt inducted into its ranks, would put the newly forged Arab super-state on Israel's western and southern borders. INN

Jordan is certainly a possible addition after they have sorted out some issues, but Egypt may not be.

Now, Britain's relationship with that area of Arabia is rather defacto, but it is strong. The British had made some progress in Libya, but now they a left with a fragile presence there. There has been a greater attraction to Arabia. Indeed it may be argued even a romance of a distant affinity.

Some 10% of Britons live outside Britain and where they live is interesting. The UAE is 13th and there are many oil workers in Saudi Arabia.  See map

It might seem remarkable to say that Britain will leave the European union arena and from the edge of Europe turn to seek to influence the emerging union in Arabia, but it is not. There are lots of old school ties.

This picture in context says much, while the newspaper speaks of relationships with Europe, and Germany inviting Britain in and Poland acting to smooth relationships, already Cameron is being followed by the king of Bahrain!

The picture reveals a relationship, even as expected in Islam with the lesser part a few steps behind, (even the face of the robed figure is hidden as would be expected of a wife).

While the French built the Suez Canal the British did everything to hinder it for the sake of maintaining influence in Europe, but once it was built, the British almost made it their own until 1956 as it was the fastest way to India and the South. Since then good relations with Arabia have been important to Britain. And with Arabia and Britain's relationship there is no question of losing sovereignty, for Britain. Quite the reverse.

At present Europe seems debt-bound. Britain and Germany were always a bit alike and now are competitors, but France has a lot of debt-ridden hangers-on. Arabia has exotic wealth. It's logical.

But more than that the Bible shows it is inevitable. Gog's great northern confederation including Germany's trading partner, Iran (Persia), is described as being of Magog, or the heart of Europe. A new high speed rail line connects Russia and France, through Germany.

They are to be opposed firstly by Arabia from the South, called 'Sheba and Dedan', indicating the alliance of the GCC which is emerging now, and secondly they are opposed by the merchants of Britain and India.

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Are thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil? (Ezekiel 38:13)

Therefore, despite present appearances, Germany is going to turn their relationship with France and the debt ridden hangers-on to make it the most enviable since the Holy Roman Empire, whether financially prosperous or not. Bible prophecy indicates the merger of Germany and France will continue as the image of Nebuchadnezzar stands as the ten 'toes' (Daniel 2) and also the ten 'kings' of the European 'beast' (Revelation 17) from Rome's empire. Ezekiel 38 shows those confederates of the North of Israel will be opposed by the Arabian Sheba and Dedan, allied with the Merchants of Britain and India, with their commonwealth of young lion nations.

The close alliance relationship across the narrow English Channel of last century between France and Britain has ended, and the distance will become become a vast gulf of division as far as the Franco-German European North is from the South, the nations allied to Arabia.

The queen of Sheba was called by Y'shua “the Queen of the south” (Matthew 12:42, Luke 11:31). Of the six nations who seek to form the new Arabian caliphate, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, five of them within living memory have a connection to Britain,

Kuwait, protectorate 1904, independent 1961

Bahrain, protectorate 1882, independent 1971

Muscat & Oman, Treaty 1798, independent 1971

Qatar, protectorate 1916, independent 1971

Trucial States Coast/Oman, protectorate 1820, independent 1971 (United Arab Emirates)

Until 1971 there was a Queen of the South, the current Queen of Britain.

Of Zion it is said,

Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;

all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. (Isaiah 60:5-9)

For more Merchants ships lost and gained

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