What happened to the rulers who tried to open the Eastern Gate?
Those who attempted to open the Eastern Gate never succeeded. Some died of unknown causes before they could carry out the plan, while others were defeated by military power. The gate remains shut to this day because Scripture declared it would stay closed until Christ returns.
Les explains that when God mandated the Eastern Gate to be shut, Scripture said it would never again be opened until Christ returns. History records emperors and kings who said they would go to Jerusalem and open that gate, but they never succeeded. They either died of unknown causes beforehand or were defeated by military power. The Eastern Gate is still closed today because Scripture said it would be. He uses this as an illustration that Babylon of Revelation will likewise never be rebuilt, since Scripture declares it.