Seed of the Woman

“So the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”   Genesis 3:14-15. NKJV

As the war between Israel and its enemies goes on, more and more the world witnesses acts of violent antisemitism in the daily news.  Many have expressed surprise at these demonstrations seemingly unaware that hatred for the Jewish people and nation is very much alive and well at this point in time.  I would suggest that it should not be surprising in that it is simply a physical manifestation of the war that began in the Garden of Eden and will conclude with the battle of Armageddon at the end of the Great Tribulation.

In the passage above we find the prophecy describing the hatred Satan will have towards God’s plan for the redemption of mankind which will unfold as history plays out through the coming ages.  Hints of this plan became apparent through time and eventually Satan came to realize that the “seed of the woman” referred to God Himself coming to earth as mankind’s redeemer in the form of the Messiah. He also came to understand that this coming Messiah would be a product of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people.

“Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”   Genesis 12:1-3. NKJV

The following is an excerpt from an article written by Dave Hunt that explains in no uncertain terms the root of antisemitism.

“That vicious anti-Semitism would pursue the Jews worldwide throughout history is one of many prophecies about Israel (Dt 28:37; Neh 1:8; 2 Ch 7:20; Jer 24:9; 25:11; 29:18-19; 44:8; Amos 9:9, etc.) that God points to as proof that He is the one true God, that the Bible is His Word, and that the Jews are His chosen people (Is 42:8-9; 43:10; 46:9-10; 48:5, etc.). From a human point of view, there is no rational ground for such persistent, widespread anti-Semitism; yet this prophecy has come true with a vengeance. The only explanation is found in the Bible: the Jews are God's chosen people and under His judgment for their rebellion against Him (Dt 28:15-68; 29:24-28; 30:17-20, etc.).

There is a further obvious reason for this universal anti-Semitism: hatred of Jews and Israel is inspired of Satan because his only hope to escape eternal doom is to destroy them. This he must do to save himself from God's wrath. Had Satan been able to destroy the Jews before Christ came, he would have prevented the birth of the Messiah, the salvation of mankind, and his own defeat through the sacrifice of the Son of God for mankind's sins. Moreover, for promising a Messiah and a salvation that never came, God would have been proved a liar and thus could not righteously have punished Satan.

Of course, the Messiah came and defeated Satan, "tasting death for every man" (Heb 2:9) and bearing "our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Pt 2:24). Countless multitudes have been redeemed and will spend eternity in the Father's house of "many mansions" because of having received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. But Christ's defeat of Satan through His death and resurrection did not end the battle between God and Satan for the hearts, minds, and eternal destiny of mankind. That battle continues to rage--and Israel is at its center.

The battle over Israel is a battle for survival on Satan's part and a battle for the souls and destiny of mankind.”

https://www.ldolphin.org/huntislam.html

The answer as to why this hatred is becoming more widespread and obvious at this present time is simply because the stage is being set for the beginning of the seven year period of time called the tribulation of which we have been told so much about in the book of Revelation.  As we move ever closer to that period of time, we all should take note of a very important part of God’s words to Abraham that unfortunately, all too many people and nations seem to forget.  “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you;”  There are numerous examples in the Old Testament of what happens to those who fall under God’s curse and those examples should be a strong warning to any who would choose to ignore it.

From all that I have heard, it would appear many are of the opinion this country has chosen to turn its back on the nation of Israel and that because of that, we are ripe to receive the judgment promised by God.  While the decisions of our political leaders may go the wrong direction in regards to the nation of Israel, we as believers can and must choose to support and defend God’s chosen people.  God has, is, and will continue to use Israel to advance His plan for this world, and His stated desire is for all to come to a saving knowledge of the gospel.

I believe the reason behind the rampant antisemitism we are seeing all over the world today is a sign that Satan knows his time is almost up.  That of course, also means the time of the rapture, when God chooses to send His Son to remove all those who have chosen to accept the blessing given to us by the coming of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ.  If you have never made that choice, You can do that by praying a prayer just like this one;

"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen."  

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They Know

“And beside the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, shall be the allotment which you shall set apart, 25,000 cubits in width, and in length like one of the portions, from the east side to the west side; and the sanctuary shall be in the middle of it. “The allotment that you shall set apart to the LORD shall be 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in width. “The holy allotment shall be for these, namely for the priests, toward the north 25,000 cubits in length, toward the west 10,000 in width, toward the east 10,000 in width, and toward the south 25,000 in length; and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in its midst.     Ezekiel 48:8-10  NASB

  

As most are by now aware, one of the largest flashpoints and point of contention between Muslims and Jews is access to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  The movement to rebuild the Jewish Temple seems to grow stronger by the day, and lately it also seems that it has begun to evolve from a solely religious movement to a political one as well.  As more and more Jews begin to express their desire to see the Temple rebuilt, we see anger and violence on the part of the Muslim community grow simply because they know the importance of a rebuilt temple in the minds of the Jewish people. 

Many are yet unaware of the fact that recently a spokesman for Hamas stated that the attack on October 7 was response to the presence in Israel of five red heifers which are needed to complete the purification process necessary for the dedication of a new temple.  The attack on Israel was named “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood by Hamas and their justification for it was to defend their claims of sole possession of the Temple Mount.  Although there are no immediate plans in place to rebuild the temple, the simple presence of five cows in Israel was enough justification in their minds to launch a terror attack on an unsuspecting Israel.

Many scholars believe that the only person capable of solving the conflict surrounding a Jewish temple to the satisfaction of both sides is the coming world leader known as the antichrist.  After the defeat of Israel’s enemies by God revealed in Ezekiel 38-39, it is believed that as part of the peace agreement enforced by the antichrist, Israel will be allowed to rebuild their temple and resume their worship according to Old Testament law.   The generally accepted school of thought is that this temple will be built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem sharing space with the existing Muslim shrines, will be defiled by the antichrist after three and one half years, and eventually be destroyed at the end of the Great Tribulation when the Temple Mount is split in two by a great earthquake.

"And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south."        Zechariah 14:4  NKJV

This destruction will naturally require a fourth temple to be built, which is the one we find described by Ezekiel in chapters 40-48 which scholars refer to as the “Millennial Temple”.  It is a massive structure much larger than the original temple, and according to the description given in the passage above, is located not in Jerusalem but north of the city “beside the border of Judah”.  By studying scripture and comparing the geographical descriptions of the different areas revealed in this passage, many believe that the location of the temple will be where the ancient city of Shiloh was located.  There is historical precedent for this location because this is where the Tabernacle stood for close to 400 years before the Israelites made Jerusalem their capitol.

As I studied the subject of the temple, and began to search the scripture for passages relating to temples past and present, I noticed a few things that made me wonder if there was something we might be missing if we follow the accepted school of thought concerning four temples.  First of all, the Bible only speaks of three temples, not four.  Nowhere are we told of a third temple being built on the Temple Mount, rather it has simply been assumed that one will be.  The only temples revealed in scripture are Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’s or Herod’s temple, and the Millennial temple.  

Now you might think that in itself may not be enough to cause those who advocate for four temples to rethink their position, and I would agree.  So let’s look at something else that might be cause to reconsider.  Most understand that the antichrist will defile the temple after three and a half years have elapsed after the peace agreement, an event referred to as the “abomination of desolation”.

"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. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”      Daniel 9:27  NKJV

We also know that this has happened once before in 167 BC by Antiochus IV Epiphanes.  This resulted in a revolt by the Jews and eventually to a cleansing and rededication of the temple which is celebrated to this day by the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.  So what is my point?  There is a saying by biblical scholars which states; “pattern is prologue”.  The study of typology in the scripture has shown that much of what has happened throughout the Bible was setting a pattern that would be repeated at a later date.  My question is this; if the antichrist defiling the temple is a repeat of the first “abomination of desolation”, wouldn’t it be logical to assume that the future temple will be cleansed and rededicated rather than destroyed?

I want you to look closely at a verse from this same chapter from Daniel, which contains a phrase that I believe may be overlooked by many.

“Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place."      Daniel 9:24  NASB

This verse relates what has come to be known as the prophecy of Daniel’s seventy weeks.  It reveals God’s plan for the nation of Israel from that time until the end when He will return to earth.  It also lists six things which will be accomplished at the end of those seventy weeks.  Did you catch that last phrase?  “and to anoint the most holy  place”.  This phrase in the Hebrew is “mashach qodesh qodesh” , which is translated “to Anoint; to smear, anoint, spread a liquid”.   Anoint what?   Scholars and commentators agree that the most holy (place) is the temple.  If this is the case, doesn’t it seem logical to assume that it is not destroyed, but rather consecrated for millennial worship?   Are we being told here that there are just three temples, not four?  This phrase was used in the book of Exodus as well and was also referring to anointing the Tabernacle.

"And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy."    Exodus 40:9   NKJV

Again, this might not be enough for some to change their belief in how many temples there will be, but I want to suggest that this scenario is a very believable one in light of the current situation that exists between the Muslims and the Jewish people.  It seems much more believable that the antichrist could get the Islamic world to allow a temple to be built in Shiloh rather than on the Temple Mount.  With the authority of the prophecy of Ezekiel, it seems reasonable that the Jewish people would agree as well.  As I have studied this subject, I have found that there are others who have asked this same question and written their own take on this possibility.  One whom you might be familiar with is Jack Kelley of gracethrufaith.com. I would highly recommend that if you are interested in this idea, visit his website and read his conclusions about the temple in Shiloh.

Whatever God’s plans for the temple mount are, it appears that we will know very, very soon just what they are.  Of course, let’s not forget that as believers in Jesus Christ, and having accepted His sacrifice for our sins, we will watch these events from the comfort of our heavenly home.  If you are reading this and have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ into your heart and accept the free gift of eternal life He has offered you, I urge you to do so right now. You can do that by praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered you by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Keep watching.

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Was-the-corner-of-Gods-altar-found-in-Shiloh-West-Bank-606477

https://www.israel365news.com/386438/five-small-red-cows-that-rocked-the-world/

Defending Their Investment

“Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, “and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. “I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army,”Ezekiel 38:1-4   NKJV

One of the more interesting things I have discovered over my years as a believer is just how often you learn something new from a passage in the Word that you have already studied. Many in the body are familiar with this passage and have read or listened to expositions on its meaning and future fulfillment.  Yet I have noticed that there is one particular fact contained in it which many, and myself included, have often failed to notice and that can be found in the word “hooks”.  You see, while many speculate on what exactly causes Magog, known today as modern day Russia, to invade Israel they seem to miss the fact that the word hooks is plural.

In other words, it is not just one reason which provokes this event to take place but several, which combined produce a compelling justification for an attempted invasion of Israel.  I also believe there is another reason God chooses to use the word “hooks” to describe Russia being pulled into this conflict.  Something we can never overlook is that while a fish can be tempted to take the bait, it goes without saying that they regret it immediately when they feel the hook.  Yet there will be no escape in this scenario as it is God Himself who is using the hooks to draw Russia into the conflict.  

Considering all of this, and the fact that many believe this prophecy is about to be fulfilled, we would be wise to investigate if there might be reasons for Russia to unwillingly be drawn into this conflict.  That might be best answered by looking at the verses which follow the passage above.

“Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; “Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you. “Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them. “After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely. “You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.”  Ezekiel 38:5-9  NKJV

Notice if you will, that the first nation listed here is Persia, or better known in our present day as Iran.  Considering how prominent Iran is in the news today, and the numerous reasons for it, I believe if we look closely at the relationship between Russia and Iran we can begin to see a few of the hooks God tells us about.

Iran’s Deepening Strategic Alliance with Russia

http://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/feb/24/iran’s-deepening-strategic-alliance-russia

Russia says it's working on major new agreement with Iran

reuters.com/world/russia-says-its-working-major-new-agreement-with-iran-2023-12-12/

Russia becomes Iran’s largest foreign investor: Iranian finance minister

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/03/23/Russia-becomes-Iran-s-largest-foreign-investor-Iranian-finance-minister

I could go on but the simple fact is that Russia has made a huge investment financially with Iran and as such, they are obligated to protect that investment at all costs.  Much of the news lately has surrounded the recent attack by Iranian proxies on the forces of the United States.  The world is holding its breath while speculating on the US response and if it will attack Iran directly.  Add to that the knowledge of Iran’s involvement with its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon and the ongoing attacks against Israel by them, it seems entirely possible that the US and Israel might well work together to strike Iran proper.  If that were to happen, it follows that Russia would defend its investment in Iran.  

“ ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan: “You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’—“to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land.”  Ezekiel 38:10-12  NKJV

  

Many who choose to study biblical prophecy and apply it to current events in the Middle East are quick to point out that it is evident that not only are we living in the end times as described in the scriptures, the pressure needed to produce the explosion of end-time conflicts described in these verses from Ezekiel is occurring right before our eyes.  Especially intriguing is the fact that all of the countries mentioned in this passage, who in the past have not been on good terms with each other, are now aligned as allies and consider the nation of Israel as a target of opportunity waiting only for a plausible excuse to attack. 

My thought today is that the stage seems to be set for some sort of engagement with the country of Iran which will threaten the investment that Russia has made with them.  When this occurs, Russia will be compelled to defend Iran in order to protect it.  The coming weeks may well see these thing begin to play out before our very eyes.

If the thought of what is to come makes you uneasy, understand that God has provided a way of escape for those who choose to believe that He sent His Son to die for our sins.  If you have never accepted that gift, I encourage you to do that today.  Simply confess to Jesus you are a sinner in need of salvation, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins.  Tell Him you believe that He died for your sins and that He has the power to give you eternal life because you believe.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”         1 John 1:9  NKJV

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Beware of the Medes

“The burden against Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw. “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, Raise your voice to them; Wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger— Those who rejoice in My exaltation.” The noise of a multitude in the mountains, Like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts musters The army for battle. They come from a far country, From the end of heaven— The LORD and His weapons of indignation, To destroy the whole land. Wail, for the day of the LORD is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will be limp, Every man’s heart will melt, And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces will be like flames. Behold, the day of the LORD comes, Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate; And He will destroy its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations Will not give their light; The sun will be darkened in its going forth, And the moon will not cause its light to shine. “I will punish the world for its evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, And the earth will move out of her place, In the wrath of the LORD of hosts And in the day of His fierce anger. It shall be as the hunted gazelle, And as a sheep that no man takes up; Every man will turn to his own people, And everyone will flee to his own land. Everyone who is found will be thrust through, And everyone who is captured will fall by the sword. Their children also will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; Their houses will be plundered And their wives ravished. “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, Who will not regard silver; And as for gold, they will not delight in it. Also their bows will dash the young men to pieces, And they will have no pity on the fruit of the womb; Their eye will not spare children. And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It will never be inhabited, Nor will it be settled from generation to generation; Nor will the Arabian pitch tents there, Nor will the shepherds make their sheepfolds there. But wild beasts of the desert will lie there, And their houses will be full of owls; Ostriches will dwell there, And wild goats will caper there. The hyenas will howl in their citadels, And jackals in their pleasant palaces. Her time is near to come, And her days will not be prolonged.”  Isaiah 13  NKJV

What I want to share with you today is a subject I have shared before but considering some of the events which have occurred lately I have chosen to share it with you again. Many of you will recognize this passage from Isaiah as the prophesied destruction of Babylon which we are told about in the Book of Revelation.  Other references to it can be found in Isaiah 14, and Jeremiah 50 and 51.  When speaking on the end times, and speculating on how close we may be to the events in Revelation, a popular quote we often hear is this; “when you see the Christmas decorations going up, you know that Thanksgiving is near”.  So too, we can recognize the signs of the nearness of the rapture by the preparations going on all around us for the events we are told will occur during the tribulation.

Over time I have found that there are many things taking place that at first glance are so small that they somehow escape notice.  One of those might well be found in this passage from Isaiah, and we could do well to consider it in regards to current events.  I am speaking of the mention towards the end of the passage of the group of people called the Medes which are described as having “no pity” as God uses them to implement His judgment on Babylon.  So how can it be that Isaiah tells us that they are present during the tribulation when they no longer exist today?  Or do they?  While the news this past week focused almost entirely upon the attack on US forces in the Middle East and our response to it, other events occurred which may have an even greater significance.

Iran Executes Four Kurds Accused Of Bomb Plot Allegedly Linked To Israel's Mossad

https://menafn.com/1107779832/Iran-Executes-Four-Kurds-Accused-Of-Bomb-Plot-Allegedly-Linked-To-Israels-Mossad

In the region of the Middle East where the countries of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey co-join, there is a relatively small group of people known as the Kurds.  These people number approximately ten million or so, and at present find themselves in much the same position as Israel was before 1948 in that they have no country of their own and desperately desire one.  Also, much like the Jews, they have been persecuted in every country in which they have tried to live.  Yet unlike the Jews, the vast majority of Kurds are Muslim, which begs the question; why are they being persecuted in the Muslim part of the world?

In fact, it appears that the Kurds are descended from the ancient Medes, who at one time partnered with the Persians to form the Medo-Persian Empire, which was revealed by Daniel to be the second of the four great empires which were to rule that part of the world.  Cyrus the Great, whom we meet during Daniels’ time, was part Mede and part Persian.  He captured the city of Ecbatana (the modern day city of Hamadan in Iran) which was the capital of Media, and created the greatest empire to rule in the sixth century before Christ.

Eventually Alexander the Great arrived on the scene and defeated them as part of his campaign to conquer the known world at that time, and slowly the Medes disappear from the annals of history.  Yet many of today’s Kurds believe they are descended from the ancient Medes, and although there is some disagreement among scholars as to the validity of this claim, the important point is that God tells us they will exist at the time of Revelation.  The obvious conclusion then is that they are alive and well today, and considering the venom of their revenge on Babylon, they must believe they have a serious ax to grind.

As I have studied this prophecy, that is essentially the conclusion I eventually arrived at; it is revenge which motivates these people to destroy Babylon in the way that they do.  The Kurds of today wish desperately for a homeland they can call their own, but neither Iran, Iraq, Syria, Russia nor Turkey will allow that to happen.  You see, in order to do so the land would have to come from one or all of these countries and none of them is willing to allow that to happen.  So the situation as it exists today is that there are ten million ethnic people descended from the ancient Medes who desperately wish to have a land they can call their own.  However, not only is that dream being denied, they are under the threat of extinction because of the hatred of the countries surrounding them.

You could make the point that the total destruction of Babylon during the tribulation period is one of the most significant events to occur in those seven years.  The book of Revelation tells us that this city will be Satan’s capitol on earth and the center of the anti-Christ’s power.  Although its destruction is at the hands of many nations, only the Medes are mentioned by name.  I believe that this is God’s way of telling us that this is personal for them.  It is a logical assumption that revenge is a very good motivation for the total lack of compassion and extent of destruction which this passage describes as not being seen on this earth since God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Kurdish army goes by the name Peshmerga, a term you will often find in the news today.  They are excellent, determined fighters as opposed to many other so called armies in that region and would fight to the death for their country.  They have a history of fighting as professional soldiers and mercenaries, and a reputation as the fiercest fighting force in that part of the world.  Are the seeds of their desire for revenge being sown right before our eyes?  Will the persecution they are receiving from the surrounding countries provoke their desire to strike out at the center of the anti-Christ’s power during the tribulation?  According to Isaiah it will, and if God said it, I believe it.

To me, the simple fact that the Kurds are being mentioned more and more in the news suggests God is putting all the pieces in place in preparation for His coming time of judgment. Since He has promised to remove believers before this judgment takes place, now more than ever the decision to be included in that event is the most important one you could ever make. If you have never taken the step of accepting His gift of eternal life, I urge you to do it right now.  Simply pray a prayer like this one and confess to God your need for salvation, and accept the gift He provided for you by the death and resurrection of His own Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus I know I am a sinner. I have sinned against you, but I know you loved me enough to send your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins and then rise from the dead so that I may live forever with You. Lord forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to begin to live for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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