Is the Bible illegal in Japan? Who are the Japanese in the bible? Japan is a country that has been known for its long history and traditions. The country has also been known for its rich culture and diverse religions. It is therefore not surprising that there are many references to Japan in the Bible. Japan appears in the Bible in the book of Revelation. The nation’s name is used to represent “the land of the rising sun,” which is a reference to its location on the map. In Revelation 8:12, it says, “And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.” This verse is referring to an eclipse that occurred during that time period.
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Japan In The Bible
While some may think that the Bible is a compilation of stories from thousands of years ago and has no relevance to modern life, there are actually many examples in the Bible that reference Japan. If you look hard enough, you’ll even find references to Japanese culture, mythology and even geography in the Old Testament.
1. The Rising Sun: Ezekiel 47:18
In Ezekiel 47:18, the term “the rising sun” is mentioned, which is often associated with Japan due to its location in the Far East. This verse symbolizes the country’s strength, resilience, and spiritual awakening.
2. The Land of the Cherry Blossoms: Song of Solomon 2:1-2
In Song of Solomon 2:1-2, the beloved is compared to a lily among thorns and a rose of Sharon. This imagery can be likened to Japan, known as the land of the cherry blossoms, where beauty and elegance flourish amidst challenges.
3. The Land of Wisdom and Honor: Proverbs 3:13-18
Proverbs 3:13-18 speaks about the value of wisdom and understanding, which are characteristics often associated with Japan. The country’s rich heritage of honor and respect towards knowledge is highlighted in these verses.
4. The Peaceful Land: Isaiah 2:4
Isaiah 2:4 mentions the promise of peace, where nations will no longer lift up sword against nation. This verse can be reflected in Japan’s desire for harmony and tranquility, striving for a world free of conflict.
5. The Land of Endless Possibilities: Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:13 declares “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse resonates with Japan’s innovative spirit and determination, where the possibilities seem limitless with faith and perseverance.
- Japan has a unique place in the Bible, symbolizing different virtues and characteristics through various verses and stories.
- The country’s rich culture and traditions can be seen as reflections of biblical principles and promises.
- Through exploring these connections, we can appreciate the spiritual significance of Japan in the Bible.
The Earliest Mention of Japan in Scripture
The earliest mention of Japan in scripture is found in the book of Genesis. In Chapter 10, Adam’s son Noah has a son named Shem, who fathers two sons: Japheth and Ham. Japheth goes on to beget Gomer and Magog; Ham’s descendants go on to become Cush (Ethiopia), Mizraim (Egypt), Put and Canaan.
Japan appears again quite a few times throughout the Bible, most notably in Isaiah 43:18–19. “Do not be afraid; I am with you,” declares the Lord. “I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west… I am going to make you into a great nation.” It sounds like God has some big plans for these people!
Japan in Biblical Prophecy
Does Biblical prophecy state that the nation of Japan will be a major factor in the end time? Will they be an enemy or an ally of the United States? Is it fulfilling its prophetic role right now?
The 38th and 39th chapters of Ezekiel reveal, along with other parts of the Bible, that three blocks of power will exist in the end time. The last of these blocks will include Japan.
The first major power block just before the return of Christ, according to Ezekiel, is Gog, of the land of Magog, who is the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (Ezekiel 38:2). Christian teachers have long identified these things as Russia in the modern world, and they are correct. There is much support for this designation. According to Ezekiel’s prophecy, Russia will lead an attack that will ultimately generate a response from Japan.
Who do Russia and those nations aligned with them attack in the end? They attack a second large global alliance that is called Israel in God’s word. It is also referred to as the House of Israel.
Japanese Ladies Admiring a Screen
Giuseppe de Nittis, 1770
. . . In the latter years you (the global alliance led by Russia) will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel . . .
Thus says the Lord God: “On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. You will come up against my people Israel like a cloud . . .”
“For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them (their enemies), in order to cleanse the land” (Ezekiel 38:8, 14 – 16, 39:12).
History tells us that the ancient “lost” tribes of Israel were not actually lost! After they were taken into captivity by Assyria, they eventually migrated to Europe. They were referred to by several names, such as the Saxons, Goths, Germans, Jutes, Alani (Alans) and others. These peoples continued to migrate and eventually formed the countries known today as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, to name a few.
Ezekiel 38 also discusses a third power block of nations that objects to the Russian alliance attacking the descendants of Israel. This block includes Japan.
The people of Sheba and Dedan and the merchants from the towns of (Tarshish) will ask you, ‘Have you assembled your army and attacked in order to loot and plunder? Do you intend to get silver and gold, livestock and property, and march off with all those spoils?’ (Ezekiel 38:13)
India, the largest democracy in the world, is the descendant of the people of Dedan and Sheba. They are increasingly aligning themselves with the West due to the same concerns about terrorism, China and so on.
Tarshish, who was the son of Javan, is a descendant of Japheth. Ezekiel 38 calls them “the merchants of Tarshish.” The people of Japan perfectly fit the prophecies about Tarshish in the end time.
Japan has created the export-driven model of goods and services to other nations as a national policy. The father of Tarshish is Javan, a name only slightly changed to form the name of Japan.
A close ally of the West?
Japan lives near two world powers which it warred with in the past, the nations of China and Russia. These nations will not become its ally anytime soon. For its own survival it must, therefore, align itself with the other world power which is and will be the United States of America.
America did not harshly rule Japan after the second world war. Rather, it allowed the nation to keep its monarchy and it treated its people with a certain amount of respect. And, more importantly, America helped lay the foundation in Japan for its economic revival.
Two Interpretations
There are two different interpretations of what verse 13 of Ezekiel 38, listed above, means in relation to Japan.
The first interpretation is that a set of Asian nations, including Japan, are allied with the modern descendants of Israel. The second interpretation is that the alliance that includes Japan (Tarshish) is a neutral set of nations between two warring alliances.
It seems likely Japan will be a military ally of the United States in the world’s last war, even if they are not the initial targets of Russia, China and others. There is no doubt that they, India and other Western-type nations are fully aware that if America falls, they will fall next. This end-time war is called in the Gospels the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21–22).
The prophecies of Ezekiel show that God will intervene in mankind’s last war. He will fight with and for the modern-day descendants of the tribes of Israel and their allies, such as Japan. Those who oppose them will be destroyed.