ChatGPT: Is the Use of Nuclear Weapons Prophecised?
One intriguing Chapter in Zechariah has the theme of nations using nuclear weapons devastating the whole world; and that is in Chapter 5.
Here, we’ll inquire from ChatGPT to take a look at the Targum of Jonathan version. The two cities to be wiped out, was identified in an earlier Study as New York City and Washington DC; one who steals, and one who swears false oaths that would be facing swift judgment and be taken off “like an eagle swooping down;” perhaps by nuclear weapons from flying missiles.
1 וְתָבֵית וּזְקָפֵית עֵינַי וַחֲזֵית וְהָא מְגִלָה פִּרְחָא:
Translation: “And I looked up my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll. And he said to me, ‘What do you see?’ And I said, ‘I see a flying scroll, its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.'”
Commentary: This passage is from the book of Zechariah (chapter 5:1-2). The prophet Zechariah describes a vision in which he sees a flying scroll, a large one measuring twenty cubits in length and ten cubits in width (approximately 30 feet by 15 feet).
In biblical symbolism, the scroll often represents a message or decree from God. Here, the scroll seems to represent divine judgment. The vision is interpreted as conveying a message of judgment against those who sin, particularly against thieves and those who swear falsely by God’s name, as detailed in the verses that follow.
The large size of the scroll emphasizes the magnitude of the divine judgment that is about to befall the sinners, and the fact that it is flying suggests that the judgment is swift and inevitable. This vision aligns with the prophetic tradition of conveying warnings to the people of Israel, calling for repentance and adherence to the covenant with God.
2 וַאֲמַר לִי דָא מוּמְתָא דַעֲתִידָא לְמִפַּק עַל אַפֵּי כָל אַרְעָא אֲרֵי כָל דְגָנֵיב וּמְכַדֵיב מִדָא לָקֵי וְכָל דְקַיָם בִּשְׁמִי לִשְׁקַר מִדָא לָקֵי:
Translation: “And he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land, because everyone who steals will be punished according to it, and everyone who swears falsely by My name will be punished according to it.'”
Commentary: This passage continues the vision from Zechariah 5:1. The flying scroll is identified as a “curse” that goes out over the whole land. The curse is directed at two particular groups of sinners: those who steal and those who swear falsely in God’s name. These two sins—stealing and false oaths—represent violations of both ethical conduct (theft) and religious integrity (swearing falsely by God’s name).
The punishment (“לקי” – “will be punished”) is inevitable for those who commit these acts. The emphasis on a curse covering “the whole land” implies a widespread issue within the community, suggesting that these sins are common and systemic. This divine judgment is a warning and a call for moral and spiritual reform.
In ancient Israel, theft and false oaths were serious offenses not only against individuals but also against the community and God. The vision underscores the importance of honesty, integrity, and faithfulness to God’s commandments. The flying scroll serves as a powerful image of impending judgment, highlighting that divine retribution will reach all who are guilty.
3 וַאֲמַר לִי דָא מוּמְתָא דַעֲתִידָא לְמִפַּק עַל אַפֵּי כָל אַרְעָא אֲרֵי כָל דְגָנֵיב וּמְכַדֵיב מִדָא לָקֵי וְכָל דְקַיָם בִּשְׁמִי לִשְׁקַר מִדָא לָקֵי:
Translation: “And he said to me, ‘This is the curse that is destined to go forth over the entire land, for everyone who steals will be punished according to it, and everyone who swears falsely by My name will be punished according to it.'”
Commentary: This Aramaic passage describes a curse that will spread across the land. It specifically targets two types of people: those who steal and those who swear falsely by God’s name. The curse implies divine justice and punishment for these moral transgressions, showing that both actions violate ethical and religious law.
The text emphasizes that both types of wrongdoers—thieves and those who bear false witness—are subject to the same judgment. These sins were seen as not only offenses against individuals but as offenses against the social and spiritual fabric of the community. The message is clear: justice will be served, and divine retribution is inevitable for those who break the commandments.
The mention of “going forth over the entire land” reflects the wide-reaching nature of the curse, implying that no one can escape divine judgment, and it signals a warning for all to adhere to righteousness and truth.
4 אַפֵּיקְתָּהּ אֲמַר יְיָ צְבָאוֹת וְתֵיעוּל לְבֵית גַנְבָא וּלְבֵית דִמְקַיֵם בִּשְׁמִי לִשְׁקַר וּתְבִית בְּגוֹ בֵיתֵיהּ וּתְשֵׁיצִינֵיהּ וְיַת אָעוֹהִי וְיַת אַבְנוֹהִי:
Translation: “The LORD of Hosts has declared: ‘I will send it out, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name. It will reside in his house and consume it, along with its timber and its stones.'”
Commentary: This passage continues with the theme of divine retribution, focusing on a curse or divine punishment being sent out to address the sins of theft and false oaths. The curse will not only affect the person committing the transgression but will invade their very home, symbolizing the pervasive consequences of their actions.
The destruction is thorough, extending to the very structure of the house—both its wood (“timber”) and its stones—showing that nothing will be left untouched by the curse. This suggests that the punishment for these sins will be total and inescapable, affecting both the material possessions and the life of the sinner.
The idea that the curse “resides” in the house indicates that it is not a fleeting punishment but one that persists, symbolizing the lasting consequences of living a life of dishonesty and immorality. It serves as a strong warning to adhere to ethical conduct, particularly in matters of truth and justice.
5 וּנְפַק מַלְאֲכָא דִמְמַלֵיל עִמִי וַאֲמַר לִי זְקוֹף כְּעַן עֵינָךְ וַחֲזֵי מַן דְגָלָן אִלֵין:
Translation: “And the angel who was speaking with me went out and said to me, ‘Lift now your eyes and see who these are that are going forth.'”
Commentary: In this verse, an angel, serving as a divine messenger, instructs the prophet or visionary to lift his eyes and observe those who are going forth. The command to “lift your eyes” is a common biblical motif, often indicating a moment of revelation or insight into divine or spiritual realities.
The phrase “who these are that are going forth” likely refers to the actions or presence of certain individuals or entities—possibly angels, divine agents, or symbolic figures—who are set in motion by God’s will. The vision that follows may reveal something about judgment, mission, or the unfolding of divine plans. The context suggests that the visionary is about to witness something significant that requires spiritual awareness and attentiveness.
This passage highlights the role of angels as intermediaries between God and humanity, guiding the visionary to understand higher truths. It also invites reflection on the importance of spiritual discernment in recognizing the workings of the divine in the world.
6 וַאֲמָרֵית מַן אִינוּן וַאֲמַר אִלֵין עַמָא דַהֲווֹ נַסְבִין וְיָהֲבִין בִּמְכִילְתָּא דְשִׁקְרָא וַאֲמַר הָא אִינוּן גְלָן קֳדָם כָּל יַתְבֵי אַרְעָא:
Translation: “And I said, ‘Who are they?’ And he said, ‘These are the people who have taken and given in the measure of falsehood.’ And he said, ‘Behold, these are the ones going forth before all the inhabitants of the earth.'”
Commentary: In this dialogue, the visionary inquires about the identity of the figures he sees, and the angel responds by revealing that these individuals are associated with falsehood and deceit. The phrase “taken and given in the measure of falsehood” likely refers to those who have engaged in dishonest practices, whether in trade, speech, or behavior. The focus on “falsehood” emphasizes moral corruption, which contrasts with divine truth and justice.
The statement “these are the ones going forth before all the inhabitants of the earth” suggests that these individuals are being exposed or judged publicly for their actions. The image of going forth could symbolize their departure from righteousness or their coming to judgment. It reflects a universal theme of accountability, where those who have lived in deceit will be revealed before the entire world.
This passage serves as a moral warning, highlighting the consequences of engaging in falsehood and the inevitability of divine justice. It also emphasizes that deceit does not remain hidden forever; eventually, it is brought to light, and those involved must face the repercussions.
7 וְהָא עַמְמַיָא קַלִילִין מַגְלַן יַתְהוֹן בְּקַלִילוּ וְאָתוֹ עַמְמִין אוֹחֲרָנִין וִיתִיבוּ בְּאַתְרַיְהוֹן עַל דַהֲווֹ נָסְבִין וְיָהֲבִין בִּמְכִילְתָּא דְשִׁקְרָא:
Translation: “And behold, the nations will be quickly exiled in swift judgment, and other nations will come and settle in their places because they had taken and given in the measure of falsehood.”
Commentary: This passage describes the downfall of nations that have engaged in deceit, as they are swiftly removed or exiled. The phrase “quickly exiled in swift judgment” suggests an immediate and severe punishment for their dishonesty. This divine retribution leads to other nations taking their place, indicating that no power or status is permanent, especially when built on falsehood.
The phrase “because they had taken and given in the measure of falsehood” reinforces the idea that their downfall is directly tied to their unethical behavior, particularly in economic or social exchanges where truth and integrity were compromised.
This vision portrays a moral lesson about the fragility of nations and societies that operate on dishonesty. It suggests that falsehood can lead to downfall, and others will replace those who fail to live up to moral standards. It serves as a warning about the consequences of corrupt practices on both an individual and collective level, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity.
8 וַאֲמַר עַל דָא אִתְחַיְבוּ וּגְלוֹ עַל דַהֲווֹ נַסְבִין וְיָהֲבִין בִּמְכִילְתָּא דְשִׁקְרָא וַאֲתוֹ עַמְמִין אוֹחֲרָנִין וִיתִיבוּ בְּאַתְרֵיהוֹן:
Translation: “And he said: For this, they are guilty and exiled, because they had taken and given in the measure of falsehood, and other nations came and settled in their places.”
Commentary: This passage emphasizes the moral responsibility that led to the exile of certain nations. Their guilt stems from engaging in deceitful practices, represented by the phrase “taken and given in the measure of falsehood.” The consequence of their dishonesty is exile, a divine punishment for their moral failings. The idea of other nations coming to take their place highlights the transience of power and the fact that those who fail to act justly will be replaced.
This serves as a reflection on justice and the ethical standards expected of nations or societies. The implication is that dishonesty, especially in dealings or transactions, brings about downfall and displacement, making room for others to inhabit the space left by those who failed morally. It reinforces the theme of divine justice and accountability for actions, stressing that nations, like individuals, are subject to judgment based on their ethical conduct.
9 וּזְקָפֵית עֵינַי וַחֲזֵית וְהָא תַרְתֵּין מְדִינָן גַלְיָן לְבֵינֵי מַלְכְּוַת עַמְמֵי אַרְעָא וְעַמְמִין קַלִילִין מִגְלַן יַתְהוֹן בְקַלִילוּ כְּמָא דְמִשְׁתְּדֵי נִשְׁרָא וְאַגְלִיאוּ יַת עַמָא דַהֲווֹ נַסְבִין וְיָהֲבִין בִּמְכִילְתָּא דְשִׁקְרָא לְבֵינֵי מַלְכְּוַת עַמְמַיָא דְאַרְעָא דִתְחוֹת כָּל שְׁמַיָא:
Translation: “And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, two cities were revealed among the kingdoms of the nations of the earth, and the nations quickly removed them with ease, like an eagle swooping down. And the people who had taken and given in the measure of falsehood were exiled among the kingdoms of the nations under the entire heavens.”
Commentary: In this vision, the speaker witnesses two cities being unveiled or exposed among the nations. These cities likely symbolize communities or nations that were prominent or influential but are now revealed for their corrupt practices. The imagery of an eagle swooping down suggests that the removal or destruction of these cities happened swiftly and effortlessly, indicating divine intervention or judgment.
The reference to the people who “had taken and given in the measure of falsehood” reiterates a previous theme: these people or nations engaged in deceitful practices, leading to their downfall. Their exile among the kingdoms of the world signifies a scattering or displacement as a result of their wrongdoing, echoing the biblical motif of exile as punishment for moral failure.
The passage reflects the idea of divine justice being meted out across nations, with those who fail ethically being cast out and dispersed. The eagle, a symbol of speed and power, emphasizes how swiftly judgment can befall those who are unfaithful to principles of truth and justice.
10 וַאֲמָרֵית לְמַלְאֲכָא דִמְמַלֵיל עִמִי לְאָן אִינוּן מַגְלַן יַת עַמָא דַהֲווֹ נַסְבִין וְיָהֲבִין בִמְכִילְתָּא דְשִׁקְרָא:
Translation: “And I said to the angel who spoke with me, ‘Where are those who have been removed and given in the measure of falsehood?'”
Commentary: In this passage, the speaker is inquiring about the location or fate of those individuals or nations that had been previously removed or displaced due to their engagement in deceitful practices. The “angel” represents a divine or supernatural being who provides insight or guidance.
The term “measure of falsehood” suggests that these individuals or groups were characterized by deceit and dishonesty. The speaker’s question indicates a concern or curiosity about their ultimate destination or current state after being judged or exiled.
This passage highlights themes of accountability and divine justice. It reflects a preoccupation with understanding the consequences of moral failure and the fate of those who have acted unethically. The interaction with the angel underscores a quest for clarity and resolution regarding the impact of falsehood and deceit in the world.
11 וַאֲמַר לִי לְאִתְקַנָאָה לְהוֹן אֲתַר בִּמְדִינַת בָּבֶל וְיִתְעַכְּבוּן וְיִתְאַחֲרוּן תַּמָן עַד דְיִמְטוּ זִמְנֵיהוֹן:
Translation: “And he said to me to establish a place for them in the land of Babylon, and they will be delayed and will linger there until their times are completed.”
Commentary: In this passage, the speaker is instructed to create a designated location or provision for a certain group or individuals in Babylon. The directive implies that these individuals will experience a period of delay and prolongation in their stay in Babylon until a specified time or condition is fulfilled.
The use of “establish a place” suggests that there is a need for some form of preparation or arrangement for these individuals, possibly indicating that they are in a state of transition or awaiting a particular event or resolution. The reference to “their times are completed” implies that there is an appointed period or destiny that must be fulfilled before they can move on or their situation changes.
This passage can reflect themes of exile, patience, and the unfolding of divine or predetermined plans. It suggests a period of waiting or enduring as part of a larger, divinely orchestrated process.
From the Masoretic Text: Could Zechariah 5 indicate there would be nuclear war?
Joel
A Prophecy of Esau and Jacob 