The phrase, “birthpangs of the Messiah,” is a major theme of the Bible.  It is commonly known as the seven year tribulation period.  When the disciples asked Jesus what the sign of His return back to earth would be He replied that these days are the beginning of sorrows (Matt. 24:8).  The Greek word translated as sorrows is “odin.”  This word means “birthpangs.”  They are also spoken of in Jer. 30:4-7 and 1 Thess. 5:1-3, and again in Rev. 12:1-2.

 The scriptures reveal two synonyms:

1.  The birthpangs = the time of Jacob’s trouble. 2.  The time of Jacob’s trouble = the seven year tribulation.

This period of time will be Israel’s most trying time ever.  This period of time is known as the tribulation.  Jacob is Israel.  There shall be great tribulation in Israel such as never was since there was a nation (Dan. 12:1).  It will also be a time when God will ultimately judge sin and all the nations on the earth.  Through it, the nation of Israel will be physically saved from total destruction by God, and will, as a nation, accept Jesus as the Messiah (Jer. 30:7; Hos. 515).

 Israel will face genuine crises during the time of Jacob’s trouble.  The prophet Zechariah prophesied that two out of every three inhabitants in Israel will perish during this time, with a remnant of only one third of the population being saved (Zech. 13:8-9).

The gates of Heaven are opened on Rosh HaShanah so the righteous nation may enter (Isa. 26:2; Psa. 118:19-20).  Because the gates of Heaven are understood to be open on Rosh HaShanah, this is further evidence that the rapture of the believers in the Messiah Jesus will take place on Rosh HaShanah. (cont'd on next page)