Just ten months ago, I reported on a remarkable development: Jewish prayer—long restricted—was beginning to be allowed again on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. For decades, the Mount was a flashpoint of religious tension, with Jewish visitors only permitted to walk the grounds in silence, usually escorted by police and forbidden to pray. Yet now, we’re witnessing something truly unprecedented.
At that time, I noted how Jewish visitors would be guided counterclockwise around the Mount, starting from the southwestern corner to the eastern side. Jewish prayer, even in whispers, was often met with police intervention. And yet, we observed something astonishing: Jewish worshippers—not just visitors—were bowing down toward the west, in the direction of the ancient Holy of Holies. Even more surprising, this was taking place in full view of police officers.
Prostration during prayer—an act of deep reverence—was being seen during afternoon services. Reports from The Times of Israel documented gatherings where rabbis gave short lessons aloud before police instructed the group to conclude. Public teaching and out-loud worship on the Temple Mount was already a major shift. But now, things have accelerated beyond imagination.
Worship Unleashed
Within the past two weeks, under the direction of Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount were openly singing and dancing across the entire compound.
Let that sink in. For the first time since the destruction of the Second Temple nearly 2,000 years ago, open Jewish worship, singing, and dancing took place on the most contested religious site in the world.
The Jewish News Syndicate reported: “The move reverses a long-standing status quo under which Jewish worshipers were regularly detained or removed for quietly praying or even mouthing words… Under new instructions from Ben-Gvir, the Israel Police have been directed to allow open Jewish prayer and singing throughout the holy site.”
On June 29, over 110 Jewish worshippers, under police protection, entered the Temple Mount. Restrictions were even placed on Muslim worshippers during this time. These Jewish visitors didn’t just walk the grounds—they sang and danced freely throughout the entire area. This is monumental!
Why It Matters Prophetically
For decades, Israeli police tightly controlled all forms of Jewish or Christian religious expression on the Temple Mount. I’ve personally been there multiple times. I can tell you Christian visitors were not allowed to wear religious clothing, carry a Bible, or even whisper a prayer. Now, open celebration and praise by Jewish worshippers is being tolerated and even protected.
And yet, perhaps the most surprising development? Arab nations are largely silent. One might expect outcry from neighboring Islamic governments, but instead: near-total quiet!
Could this signal a shift in the regional spiritual atmosphere? One question looms larger than all the rest: How much longer before a Third Temple is built?
The Temple and the Timeline
Scripture leaves no doubt that a Third Temple will exist in the Tribulation:
- Daniel 9:27 reveals that the Antichrist “will confirm a covenant with many… but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of the temple will come the abomination that causes desolation.”
- Matthew 24, in Jesus’ own words, echoes this prophecy.
This implies several truths:
- A treaty or covenant involving Israel is coming.
- Sacrifices will resume.
- A temple must exist for sacrifices to take place.
- The Antichrist will desecrate that temple.
Many speculate that the Abraham Accords could play a role. We don’t know for certain, but we do know this: the groundwork for the next temple is rapidly taking shape.
Where Will the Third Temple Be Built?
Some of my dearest friends in the Bible prophecy world believe the Dome of the Rock must be removed to make room for the Third Temple. I respectfully hold a different view, and here’s why. In 1969, a young archaeology student named James Fleming fell through the rain-softened ground outside the Golden Gate on the eastern wall of Jerusalem. He found himself standing in an ancient grave beneath the modern gate, and there he discovered the original Eastern Gate, the one that would have led directly into the Second Temple.
This gate, which many believe Jesus will enter during His return (Ezekiel 44:1-3), lies directly beneath the current one, and it is north of the Dome of the Rock. That location offers enough room for a new temple to be constructed without removing the Dome.
In fact, Revelation 11:2 offers a stunning hint: “But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample the holy city for 42 months.” Could this mean the Temple will be built adjacent to the Dome, allowing Jews and Muslims to worship side by side, at least temporarily, during the first half of the Tribulation?
The Awakening in Israel
Historically, the “status quo” in Jerusalem meant no disruption, no change, and no talk of building a temple. But that attitude is shifting—and in a surprising way. It was October 7, 2023, that accelerated it. When Hamas launched its attack, one of the stated goals was to “stop Israel from building the Third Temple.”
Though that claim may have been propaganda, it planted seeds. The idea of a Third Temple began spreading into mainstream Israeli conversation. What was once a fringe belief is becoming a national curiosity. Currently, Jews are officially allowed on the Temple Mount only four hours in the morning and briefly in the afternoon. And yet, during those brief windows, they are now worshipping, singing, and dancing—things once unimaginable!
The Final Countdown?
Admittedly, there are still many questions:
- Will the political climate allow for actual construction?
- Will Muslim nations push back?
- How will the world respond?
We don’t yet have all the answers. But one thing is certain: we are living in prophetic times. What’s happening in Jerusalem is not just a shift in policy; it’s a shift in spiritual atmosphere. It’s as though the stage is being set, piece by piece, for something momentous. The pace is picking up. The players are taking their places. And the prophetic clock continues to tick.
Maranatha, Lord Jesus!
Thanks for the current update and the perspectives.