IRAN is currently a key player in the politics of the Middle East. Bible prophecy shows that it will play a significant role in future events.
Iran is the modern name for the ancient country called Persia, whose vast empire dominated the Middle East, having conquered the Babylonians and taken over their empire in the 6th Century bc.
Earlier the Babylonians had taken the southern part of Israel, called Judah, and exiled to Babylon a significant proportion of its population, especially those with skills and education. The duration of their exile was foretold through Jeremiah’s prophecy.
For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place (Jeremiah 29:10)
The Jewish prophet Daniel, in Babylon, was aware of this prophecy, and knew that the time for its fulfilment was imminent.
In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years (Daniel 9:1–2).
Cyrus the Great
The name of the king who would initiate the return had been foretold before the exile had begun.
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself… who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose’; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid’ (Isaiah 44:24, 28).
The fulfilment is recorded.
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel”
(Ezra 1:1–3).
Iran is proud of its ancient past, but many overlook the details. There is a sharp contrast in the current regime’s attitude towards Israel. In the past, Persia sought the welfare of God’s chosen nation, and made contribution towards rebuilding the city which the Babylonians had devastated. Now, Iran is one of those nations hostile to Israel’s very existence, and has stated its intention to “wipe Israel off the map”. The country will be part of an alliance coming against the land, as shown in Ezekiel’s prophecy.
Invasion of Israel
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet
(Ezekiel 38:1–5).
Gog is a superpower in the far north of Israel, which is often identified as modern Russia. Note how the land of Israel is described: In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them. You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you (vs.8–9).
The Romans destroyed and exiled the nation of Israel in 70 ad, and during their absence the land was poorly cultivated and deteriorated. Since the re-establishment of the nation in 1948 and immigration from many nations the land has blossomed, and Israeli produce is exported worldwide. This part of the prophecy is being fulfilled.
The prophecy ranges into the future. The chapter goes on to describe the invasion of Israel, and how God Himself will defeat the northern invader and its allies.
How far in the future is the fulfilment of this prophecy we cannot tell, but world events seem to be moving very rapidly towards the situations described here. We need to pay attention to the Word of God, and be ready.
Peter Banyard