A myriad of prophetic words have been released regarding 2015, which coincide with Shemittah year 5775. While some prophets are declaring that 2015 will be a year of escalating terrorism, war, pestilence and economic collapse, others are declaring that it will be a turnaround year of divine reversals, breakthrough, multiplied grace and new beginnings. On the surface it seems as if these prophetic declarations contradict one another, bringing confusion to some within the body.
However, when these diverse prophecies are prayerfully evaluated, embraced and executed, the bride will be victorious in the season ahead. For instance, prophetic warnings regarding impending global judgments should catalyze the faithful to mobilize prayer and evangelistic relief efforts. Solemn prophetic rebukes to the worldly and lukewarm should lead them to profound repentance. Inspirational prophetic words should renew vision and restore hope among those who have forsaken all to fulfill the Master’s end-time harvest strategies (Ps. 91:5-6, Esth. 9:25).
Regarding the Shemittah year 5775, it is crucial that the remnant church understand and execute all aspects of the divine directives associated with this pivotal year. In Scripture, Shemittah is the seventh or Sabbath year of a seven-year cycle, during which Israel left their fields fallow and released all debts. In fact, the word Shemittah is a Hebrew word meaning “release.”
A Shemittah year is one in which nations honoring Jehovah and Israel experience peace, blessing, freedom and exaltation, while those who dishonor the Lord often reap destruction and hardship. Regrettably, the past two Shemittah years, 5761 (2001) and 5768 (2008), were characterized by terrorism and economic judgment (Deut. 15:1-2).
What is not commonly known about Shemittah is that it is derived from the Hebrew root word “shamat,” which is used nine times in Scripture. In three instances “shamat” is translated “throw down” and is used in the passage where Jehu commanded two eunuchs to throw Jezebel down from a second story window, killing her. Jezebel’s demise at the hands of Jehu ultimately resulted in the obliteration of Baal worship in Israel.
Could it be in this Shemittah year that the preparation of the bride and expansion of the kingdom of heaven on earth are contingent upon the exposition and elimination of the Jezebel spirits among us?
2 Kings 9:33 “He said, ‘Drop her down.’ So they dropped her down and some of her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses. Then he trampled her.”
Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab, who reigned in Israel during the time of Elijah. Ahab and Jezebel were devout worshippers of Baal and Asherah, and led all of Israel into idolatry. Jezebel hated and massacred all of the Lord’s prophets, except for Elijah and 100 prophets of the Lord that were hid in caves by Obadiah, the palace governor (1 Kin. 18:4).
