Unleashing the Beast

252 / U NLEASHING THE B EAST

prophecy. After America's moon landing in the late 1960's, some suggested this verse could refer to a war on the surface of the moon between America and Russia. Again, an understanding of Jewish beliefs may help explain the possible meaning of this unusual prediction. In 1996, Israel celebrated the 3,000 th -year anniversary of Jerusalem—from King David's conquest in 1004 B.C. to A.D. 1996. On Passover, April 3, 1996, a full lunar eclipse appeared over Jerusalem. A photograph of this eclipse appeared in the Jerusalem Post with the caption, "The Moon of Blood." This phrase caught my attention. When a full lunar eclipse appears, the moon takes on a reddish, almost bloody appearance. On September 26 of the same year, a second lunar eclipse created a blood-like image and was visible in Jerusalem on the eve of the Feast of Tabernacles. A third lunar eclipse (90%) happened six months later during Purim, the celebration to remember how the famed Jewish Queen Esther defeated the wicked plans of Haman. Thus, three lunar eclipses occurring within one year on or near three Jewish celebration days is almost unheard of. These three "blood moons" caused excitement among the rabbis in Israel. The fact that a blood moon appeared twice the same year and fell on the first and last feast of Israel indicated to them that this was a cosmic sign from God of impending trouble in Israel. The ancient belief was that a blood moon (lunar eclipse) could symbolize bloodshed and war. Since 1996, thousands of Israelis have died in their own land from the suicide attacks of Islamic radicals.