Death by cop is a tragic form of suicide. Desperate people goad the police until the law is forced to take their life. I have learned that if I share my thoughts on Bible prophecy, I’m going to get shot at from multiple directions. I call it “death by prophecy.” This is because almost everyone has an opinion—and we all think we are right. So, it is with a little fear and trembling that I give my opinion. But I do so in the hope that these thoughts reach out to those who are seeking truth.
See what the apostle Paul spoke to his hearers in Athens: “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:26-27)
Notice the words “that they might grope for Him.” Until we fall at the feet of Him who said, “I am the light of the world,” we are in darkness. My purpose in pointing to prophecy is to show that the Bible is a credible lighthouse. Not only does it warn us of danger, but it also points us to the safe haven of the Savior.
If you are seeking a peg upon which to hang your intellectual hat, it’s Bible prophecy. As Islamic nations threaten to annihilate Israel, it’s causing many to turn with renewed interest to one particular chapter in the Bible. More than 2,500 years ago, this portion of Scripture actually named the nations that would attack Israel “in the latter years.”
Here are the key verses from Ezekiel 38: “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal…Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them…Gomer and all its troops…Togarmah from the far north…. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people…brought out of the nations…'” (Ezekiel 38:3,5-6, 8)
Look at how specific Jesus was about the fate of the Jews: “And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24).
After 2,000 years without a homeland, in 1948, they were gathered back to Israel and became a nation, perfectly fulfilling the words of Jesus. They were indeed “brought back from the sword” and “brought out of the nations.”
Let’s now look at the identity of those who will attack Israel. Most Bible commentators interpret “Magog” as Russia, as it is directly north of Israel. Meshech and Tubal are modern-day Turkey. Persia changed its name to Iran in 1935 and further changed it to the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979. Ancient Ethiopia is the land south of Egypt known as modern-day Sudan, and Gomer is said by some to be part of modern Turkey. According to the Bible, the nations that would attack Israel in the latter days are Russia, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Libya, and Sudan.
Is the war between Iran and Israel the start of World War III? It’s a question many are asking. If it isn’t, it certainly feels like the lighting of a fuse on a global powder keg—one that could easily explode into worldwide conflict.
For years, Iran has openly expressed its desire to wipe Israel off the map. And Israel’s greatest concern? That Iran might acquire nuclear weapons to turn that threat into reality. That concern isn’t irrational. While most nations view nuclear arms as a deterrent, Iran’s objective appears to be much more sinister. It aims to eradicate Israel, echoing the genocidal ambitions of Hitler.
The world is watching. Oil prices have skyrocketed. Global markets are shaken. For students of the Bible, these events resonate with prophetic familiarity.
Could this be tied to Bible prophecy?
Many believe so. In Ezekiel 38 and 39, Scripture speaks of a future attack on Israel by a coalition of nations. A key player mentioned is Persia—modern-day Iran: “Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them…” (Ezekiel 38:5)
Some believe we are witnessing the unfolding of these ancient prophecies in real time: a hostile Iran, a threatened Israel, and a world on edge, fearing nuclear war.
But for Christians, Jesus gave this comforting reminder: “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” — (Luke 21:28)
Prophecy shouldn’t just fuel curiosity—it should inspire urgency. It serves as a reminder that God sees the future, is in complete control, and calls us to maximize the time we have left to share the gospel. Prophecy is concrete evidence that the Scriptures are inspired by the Creator (as they claim)—because only God knows the future. That gives very real credibility to the Bible’s promise of everlasting life.
