Australia’s Largest Christian News Site

Israel’s upcoming election on 27 October features a candidate calling himself “Yeshua Ben David” (Jesus, Son of David). This unusual political development is raising fascinating questions about the Antichrist, Israel, and the rebuilding of the Third Temple.

Heading up the “Garden of Eden” Political Party, Yeshua Ben David aims to restore the biblical Jubilee system, re-establish the Sanhedrin, and bring back the Temple priesthood.

Most remarkably, one witness reports that he believes himself to be the Almighty Himself.

While these claims require careful verification, they raise important questions for Christians interested in Bible prophecy.

Does the Bible Teach That the Antichrist Will Be Jewish?

Whenever an unusual Messianic figure emerges in Israel, speculation inevitably follows.

Could this person be the Antichrist?

Some Christians assume the Antichrist must be Jewish because of his apparent seven-year covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27) and his demand for worship in the Temple (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

However, a closer look at Bible prophecy brings us to passages that I believe challenge the possibility of a Jewish Antichrist.

“And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary…
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.”
— Daniel 9:26–27

Daniel’s prophecy describes a coming prince whose people would destroy Jerusalem and the sanctuary. The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 is widely recognised as having been carried out by Roman forces, which included troops recruited from surrounding regions.

This points to a prophesied connection between the Roman Empire, the regional forces under its command, and the ethnic origins of this future Antichrist figure.

Another intriguing passage appears in Micah 5:1–6.

The Ruler from Bethlehem

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah…
Out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel…
When the Assyrian comes into our land…
Thus He shall deliver us from the Assyrian,
When he comes into our land
And when he treads within our borders.”
— Micah 5:1–6 (selected excerpts)

After describing the Messiah coming from Bethlehem, Micah speaks about Him bringing deliverance from the Assyrian when he invades Israel’s land.

I believe these passages provide significant reasons to question the assumption that the Antichrist must be Jewish. They instead point toward a foreign ruler emerging from neighbouring regions historically associated with some of Israel’s staunchest enemies.

Jesus Warned That False Messiahs Would Arise

Whatever becomes of this unusual Israeli political movement, Jesus gave His followers a clear warning:

“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.” — Matthew 24:4–5

In recent years, developments around the world have highlighted that this warning is not merely theoretical.

In Russia, a religious leader known as Vissarion attracted thousands of followers who regarded him as a reincarnation of Jesus. Concerned by his growing influence, Russian authorities prosecuted him, and he was reportedly sentenced to twelve years in prison.

In China, the religious movement commonly called Eastern Lightning, or the Church of Almighty God, teaches that Christ has returned in female form. According to estimates attributed to Chinese authorities, this movement has attracted millions of followers, with some estimates reaching three to four million. Its members have also been known to actively promote their teachings among evangelical Christians, both inside and outside China.

Jesus specifically warned that deception would be a significant feature of the period preceding His return, and we can certainly expect more of this in the days ahead.

How Should Christians Respond?

It would be easy to sensationalise the story of Yeshua Ben David or immediately label him the Antichrist.

But I believe our response should be different.

First, we must remain firmly grounded in Scripture rather than becoming captivated by charismatic personalities or extraordinary prophetic claims.

Second, we should pray for discernment within the Church and for the people of Israel.

Finally, we should pray for this political candidate himself.

If the reports concerning his claims are accurate, this man ultimately needs to encounter the true Yeshua, the promised Son of David.

The greatest danger in the last days is not simply that false messiahs will appear, but that people will place their hope in human figures rather than in God.

Jesus warned us beforehand so that we might remain watchful, discerning, and faithful.

As events continue to unfold in Israel, let us examine the Scriptures carefully, refuse sensationalism, and keep our eyes firmly fixed on the true Messiah — Jesus Christ.

___

Image courtesy of Yeshua Israel Ben David/Facebook.