Many years ago, I read a book by J.R. Church titled “The Hidden Prophecies in the Psalms”. In this book, the author points out that the Psalms besides being recognized for their poetic beauty and supplication to the Lord in times of trouble, are also highly prophetic in nature and are part of the astounding one third of the Bible that makes up Bible prophecy. Take for instance, the 22nd psalm which references the crucifixion in several of its verses “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” … “All who see me mock me, they hurl insults, shaking their heads” … “I am poured out like water and all my bones are out of joint” … “I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”
It is the contention of Mr. Church in his study, that the prophetic nature of the Psalms also correspond with years having to do with end time events beginning with 1948 when the Jewish people were re-established in Israel in fulfillment of God’s promise to bring them back to the land of their inheritance. Interestingly, the placement of the book of Psalms itself, in the order it appears in scripture testifies to the significance of this date as Psalms is the 19th book from Genesis and the 48th book counting back from Revelation. This is important, because the events of 1948 with the re-birth of Israel (the budding of the fig tree) began the count down on God’s prophetic time clock. In Matthew 24, Jesus makes reference to this when he says in verse 32, “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all of these things have happened.” A biblical generation is known to be “three score and ten years” in other words, seventy years. When the number 70 is added to 1948, you get 2018. If the Psalms are indeed prophetic, as they appear to be, then what can be learned from looking at these seventy Psalms as they correspond to our current time frame beginning with the 48th Psalm and ending with the 118th Psalm.
As I pondered the possible connection, I remembered the extreme importance of Psalms 113-118. This set of Psalms is known as “the Hallel” and date back to Temple times when it was mandatory for every Israelite male to appear before the Lord at the temple for the Feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. These Psalms were recited as the worshipers made their ascent in to the temple for worship. These Psalms continue to be important today and are recited at every Passover as they have been for the past 2,000 years.
With this brief frame work in mind, I want to share what I find to be an astonishing confirmation that the seventy year period starting in 1948 and ending in 2018 indeed corresponds with Psalm 48 and ends with Psalm 118. When I began to read these Psalms with their prophetic nature in mind, the 118th Psalm virtually jumped off the page at me. From what is implied in these very precise scriptures, in the year 2018, is that, the seven year tribulation will be over and the Messiah will begin his reign from Jerusalem in the Messianic kingdom. How do I know this? Three verses tell me without a doubt, this is so.
(1) Psalm 118:22 “The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone”.
(2) Psalm 118:25-26, “O Lord save us…Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”
(3) Psalm 118:27, “…with boughs in hand, join in the festal procession”.
The fulfillment from these verses from Psalm 118 are found here:
First of all, Jesus the stone the builders (Israel) rejected, has now been made the chief corner stone – we find a reference to this by Jesus himself in Matthew 21:42 and numerous other passages.
Secondly, Jesus said, in reference to his rejection by Israel at his first coming, ” For I tell you, (Israel), you will not see me again until YOU say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.'” This reference from Matthew 23:39 will be fulfilled, when Israel who has their backs against the wall at the Battle of Armageddon, will, willingly call out for help from their Messiah, Yeshua, in their day of trouble and welcome him as King of Israel.
And thirdly, the festival in which boughs are waved is the Feast of Tabernacles, the Kingly Feast, the feast that looked forward to the time when Messiah will reign as King. You can find a description of the waving of these boughs in Leviticus 23:40. This tells me, Yeshua (Jesus) who was rejected by Israel will at this time be welcomed as King and the Messianic age will begin.
This is but a thumbnail sketch of what I am studying right now, there is SO much more that tells us the time of our redemption draweth nigh. The picture I am getting from this study and others is that the course of events that are now unfolding will be culminated by 2018 – which may in actuality be the Feast of Tabernacles of 2017, because the Jewish calendar changes before ours does (theirs change in Sept, ours in January). The tribulation of seven years duration, then, would in my humble opinion, begin in the year 2010 which in actuality begins next weekend at Rosh Hashanah, when the Jewish calendar changes to the year 5770. With that in mind, will we who are waiting and watching for the soon return of the Lord still be here after that???? The Feast of Trumpets next weekend is highly symbolic of the bridegroom coming for the bride, so, we may well be gone – we’ll talk about that in my next post. Until then, keep looking up! Jesus is coming soon!
*** Be sure to take a moment to check out my daughter Kara’s blog “Seven Stars” – she has posted some beautiful photos from the hubble telescope that also tell us Jesus is coming soon!
Heaven Bound 
[…] Church “Hidden Prophecies in the Psalms“, check out my blog here for a synopsis – https://cindybythesea.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/psalm-118-and-the-year-2018/ Psalms 110-118 known as “the Hallel” are recited at every Passover to this day, and […]
By: the ninth plague « Cindy by the Sea on February 12, 2010
at 7:24 am
[…] There are some who believe Psalm 110-118 are prophetic of the time period we are living in, and if this is so, then Psalm 110 corresponds with our current year and Psalm 118 corresponds with the year 2018; the start of the Messianic kingdom. From the many prophecies being rapidly fulfilled, I think this is quite likely. For additional information on this, check out my previous post titled “Psalm 118 and the year 2018.” https://cindybythesea.wordpress.com/2009/09/12/psalm-118-and-the-year-2018/ […]
By: Lift Up, O You Gates « Cindy by the Sea on March 8, 2010
at 7:16 am
From my brother Ken who wrote this to me,
In regards to psalm 111-118 here is what I found so far in addition to what J.R. Church has pointed out. I hope this blesses you.
Psalm 111: 9 states that the Lord sent redemption for his people and commanded or “confirmed’ his covenant forever. Notice how Hebrews 9 speaks at length about Jesus the mediator of the new covenant on our behalf, then in verse 28 he will confirm it forever by appearing a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Psalm 112 speaks of the righteous not being afraid of evil tidings or evil men, then in verses 8-10 it states that the righteous will be exalted over his enemies and the wicked shall see this and be grieved and gnash there teeth. This is what will be happening on the Earth with the wicked after the Rapture. In Psalm 27 we see the same sequence of events. Notice in verse 5-6 that it is when the Lord takes David to his dwelling to escape the day of trouble that his head is exalted above the enemies that surrounded him. Thank you Jesus!!
Psalm 114 describes the mountains and the sea fleeing and the earth trembling at the presence of the Lord. This also correlates to Ezekiel 38:19-20 and the invasion of Gog and Magog,
Psalm 115:2 states ” Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?” This is also quoted in Micah 7:10 and corresponds to the wicked mocking Israel when the Antichrist is given authority over the saints and starts his persecution of them. Psalm 115:4-8 speaks of the idols of the wicked and their trusting in them. This corresponds to the false prophet making the image of the Antichrist and the people worshiping it Rev.13:15. Verses 9-11 are a call for Israel and gentile believers to still trust in the Lord even though the persecution will be very severe. See Rev 14:12
Psalm 116 very accurately describes what it will be like for the saints during this time of great persecution. Verse 15 ” Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” This is also spoken of in Rev. 14:13 ” Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from now on”.
Psalm 117 seems to correspond to the praises given by all God’s servants for the judgment of Babylon and the marriage supper of the Lamb. See Rev 19:1-7
Psalm 118 is the Second Coming!!
I started to read the info you sent me and will also check out the link you just sent tonight and get back with you.
Maranatha,
Ken
[ Hi Ken, what a great summary of these verses! I had intended to work my way through them and probably still will, although, I’m not sure how much more I can add to the fine work you have presented here. One thing for sure, I am enjoying all that is being gleaned from this very important set of Psalms. Grace and blessings! C]
By: mark on June 12, 2011
at 2:42 am
[…] blogger loyal to JR’s theory wrote the following in 2009. “Cindybythesea” was inspired by his work to come up with her own dogmatic explanation […]
[For my response to this blog, please, see the comment section of the post *pending approval by the author, of course – C]
By: Prophecy Boutiques | Prophecy Panic Button on January 21, 2012
at 4:41 pm
i am presently reading J. R. Church’s book you refer to as well as Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg. I am fascinated as I am also a 75-year-old Theology student at Ames Christian University online. Could you give me an update on your thoughts since you last read Church’s book and also your thoughts on Dr. Rosenberg’s book, Epicenter if you have read it. I would be most grateful for your time and thoughts.
By: Elizabeth S. Williams on April 26, 2015
at 6:15 pm
Hi Elizabeth, I’m really impressed that you are still learning and challenging yourself in areas of Christian growth and knowledge. No matter our age, we are always students at the feet of Jesus, no retirement in God’s program, is there – praise God!
It’s been many years since I read JR’s book but, I still think he is on to something and that the Psalms are indeed prophetic. Some of them seem a little obscure but Psalm 118 has so much in it that I can’t help but think that he is right. It is an amazing Psalm and chock full of rich symbolism regarding the Kingship of Jesus and the start of the Messianic age. And, the way things are going, I think we are still on track to see that become a reality in 2018 …. of course, that would mean a three and a half year tribulation and not a seven – which is something I’m not really dogmatic on …. so, we shall see.
As for Joel Rosenberg’s book, Epicenter, yes, I have read it and I find great value and insight from anything Joel writes. Jerusalem of course, is the epicenter of the world – all of history rising and falling around that one not so very large city – amazing isn’t it – that alone, you would think, would give people pause for thought.
Well, Elizabeth, thank you so much for writing. I really appreciate hearing from you. Continue your good work and study, you are an inspiration, my friend. Many blessings to you and yours, Cindy
By: cindybythesea on April 27, 2015
at 4:21 am