IRAN ~ ISRAEL ~ EGYPT ~ WHAT ARE SOME BACKGROUND FACTS?
The Bible has some clear prophecies about the Nations of the M.E.
[The following notes are a summary only with more details in other articles.]

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>> 1. IRAN in Bible times was called Elam, and later Persia,
(as in the books of Ezekiel and Esther) Persians are a different
M.E. ethnic group, speaking Farsi.

The main Biblical prophecy about Iran is in
Jeremiah 49: 35 - 39 - Only 6 verses... [Please open your Bible there.]

This prophecy is in 2 parts ~ as we now know, because one verse has already happened within the last 30 years ~ in our lifetime!
This is an example of prophecies not fully understood until everything they wrote - actually happens. The amazing fact is that Jeremiah made these prophecies approximately 2, 500 years ago, between 626 and 586 BCE!

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A. IN THE FIRST (fulfilled) PART OF THE PROPHECY the LORD/ ADONAI speaking in verse 36: "I will bring against Elam [ancient name of Iran], The four winds from the four quarters of the Heavens; I will scatter them to the four winds and there will not be a nation where Iran's exiles do not go." *

This was only likely to eventuate in modern times with increased world travel (by air) and fast news and communications like the Internet, and now it has actually happened over recent years! We have even made friends with some in N.Z. Iran's population are not mainly Arabs, but Persians, though most are Shi'ite Muslims. However for many Persians there was a more serious reason for leaving Iran.

The first part (of the Prophecy *) started from 1979, when Iran was made into an Islamic Republic following the return of the strict Islamic Leader Khomenei. Many Persian Iranian people left and now live all round the world, (the records show some 20 Million of them), exactly as prophesied in vs. 36! With a high level of literacy and skills they have settled well in the countries of their choice, though leaving must have been hard, and often meant leaving family and friends behind.

The present population of the Republic of Iran is 74 Mln, which includes a large number of Arabs and other ethnic groups. A large number of Iranians are under 25 years of age. Also they have thousands of refugees from Afghanistan and other places going into Iran. Yet now God's ways can be seen, since many Persian Iranians who are living in Western nations ~ have found the True Saviour and have chosen to become Christians! For a more complete study about the situation for Iran, look for our longer study on: 'Iran - 6 verses of Prophecy.'

Iran and Jews. Historically, the events, (now celebrated by Jews in a holiday called 'Purim') first happened in Persia (Iran) 460BC. [This Feast is not 1 of 7 Main "Feasts of the LORD" as in Lev. 23, but is still celebrated by Jewish people as a victorious event that actually happened in Esther's day, in Persia.]
It is recorded as an exciting true story in the book of Esther, in the Tanakh/ Bible.

An unknown writer wrote the book of Esther - but he was obviously Jewish, and familiar with all events and their implications, so he wrote the book a few years after the events so people would not forget them!
But Bible believers, now understand that God foiled the Satanic plan to eliminate all Jews, so that God's Plan for Jesus / Yasuo to come to Earth as a Jewish descendant of Abraham and King David ~ could actually ~ happen later on. Satan's plan completely failed, so it resulted in great blessing for Jewish (and Gentile) people! So Jesus/ Yeshua/ Yasuo did come, 400 years later ~ as a Jew to the Jewish part of the Roman Empire and ~ He has had a worldwide, loyal, following for 2,000 years even among millions of non-Jewish peoples!

The name of God does not appear obviously - in the Esther story, (but is hidden in the Hebrew.) However all the circumstances of this exciting story clearly show the Hand of El Shaddai - the Almighty God; which is now a great reminder and encouragement to us, as we see "history repeating itself" in the modern day 21st C events, in Iran! This is especially to do with their desire to eliminate all Jews from Israel, which according to Islam (a Religion only started in 633AD) belongs to Islam. Yet historically accurate documents show it has been 'Israel' for 4,000 years.

Prophecy fulfilled. Actually seeing a foretold event happen, is one of the most important proofs that the Bible is true and it really is the Word of the Holy God of the Universe, the Creator and Saviour of the world! Dear reader have you thought what this means for you? Because God has kept His Word in these ways, He has shown you (through His Words in the Bible) that you too, can come to know Him and be part of His loving plans. Please find out more about this, today!
Perhaps start by reading Romans ch 3 in the N.T?

In recent years 1,000s of Iranians have become convinced Christians, - though those still living in Iran, risk death or imprisonment for their new faith!
[See www.prayforiran.com]

This is wonderfully vindicated through Joel C Rosenberg's great book, (after visiting every nation and both Muslim and Christian Leaders of the M.E) ~ "Inside the Reformation", http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/ or look at: www.elam.com

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B. THE SECOND PART OF JEREMIAH'S PROPHECY MAY HAPPEN SOON!

A repeated situation like at the time of Esther is happening in 2009 - 2012, with Iran (Persia) threatening to start * world chaos by attacking the Jews in Israel, perhaps using nuclear weapons.

> Iran is now threatening to eliminate all Jews... as can be read about almost every day. Not only is this a repeated threat, it is a bedrock belief of Muslims that Israel is an 'insult' to Islam, and as such, Muslims have a duty to do away with them, (also all non-Muslim 'infidels' - or 'unbelievers in Muhammad', including Christians.) However they would like to start with Jews in Israel, a Land they claim!

>This is made more serious by clear efforts to produce nuclear weapons.  At the same time they strenuously claim this is not true, and developments are simply to produce nuclear energy to produce electricity for national use. This is seriously doubted by most Western and Arab nations, and the UNO Nuclear inspectors, and Iran's own ongoing actions! By November 2011 there is increasing proof Iran has Nuclear weapons capability, ready to be completed - when the order is given.

> Iran is claiming that: "Israel is preparing for war!" It would suit Iran if Israel hit them first, as the religious concept that Achmadinejad, Iran's President has - * is based on the belief that the Muslim 'Mahdi' (a messianic-type person) has to come when the world is engulfed in war, especially in the Middle East - for Iran's 'glory'.

> This issue of Iran's threats, is not just something vague, but the basis of intense diplomatic activity in 2011, by nations consulting on "how to handle the Iranian threat", especially as since 2010 they have been in league with Al Qaeda, or other anti-Israel groups, like Hizballah, Hamas, and Shia's in other nations.

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OUR GUIDELINES FOR UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE
ARE BASED ON PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES.

> The reaction of many 'Western' nations, especially the USA, Britain, etc, is also a fulfillment of other Scriptures, especially in connection with Israel, which Iran is threatening to attack. Zechariah promised that interfering with Jerusalem/ Israel would be like lifting an impossibly heavy stone and leave those who try - in a bad physical state! See Zechariah 12: 3. In fact it does not matter whether a nation is for 'manipulating Israel' to please their own selfish gaols, or against Israel as nations that support Iran; - like Turkey, Syria, Russia, China or the 52 Muslim nations - the prophecy will stand - they will injure themselves seriously. ADONAI 's Promise to Abraham and His descendants through Isaac, Jacob and the whole nation from the original 12 Tribes to today's 'Jewish State of Israel' is still true: "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you."  
The fulfillment of these words is much closer that most people can imagine!

> Advanced weapons are now available but the threat of nuclear bombs - is a great 'weapon' feared by Israel and other nations! Iran wants prestige from it.
Iran's use of nuclear weapons against Israel - is not a very likely event, as we need to remember that 1.5 million (mainly Muslim) Arabs live in Israel with many mosques. Also Muslim neighbours (Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia) - would be seriously affected! It would make Israel less habitable - which suggests they are not sincere about 'taking the Land for Allah'. Satanic hatred of God is behind it.
Iran is more interested in becoming the leader of the Islamic world, (with the help of the 'messianic' Mahdi), then later on - the leader of the entire world!

But we know he will NOT succeed, because Jesus will be enthroned in the hearts of the People of Iran. See verses 38, and 39 in Jeremiah 49! *
God, Himself will win the war in the M.E and be glorified!
He says: * "I will set My Throne in Iran... I will restore the fortunes of Iran in days to come," we believe - in a leadership role of being "a blessing on the Earth", [along with] "Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork" - [which included Iran in Bible times] -"and Israel, My inheritance." [Isaiah 19: 23 - 25!]
Talk about miracles? That surely will be a big one!
 [If you love Iran, Egypt and nations of the M.E ~ please be encouraged.]

Satan is behind events now, as in Esther's day, but God is in control ~ yet we must never forget He chooses people ~ using their sacrificial obedience!
Can He use me to PRAY His Word into reality?
We need to continue to "PRAY for the Peace of Jerusalem."

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>> 2. THE PRESENT SITUATI0N FOR ISRAEL IN RELATION TO IRAN.
From Ezekiel 38, it is clear that a KEY part of Endtime world events - is for
Israel to finally have a time of (false) peace and security for a few years!
 [Please read this chapter, noting verses, 8, 11, and 14!]
However, clearly ~ Israel is not likely to have security while Iran is strong.
This writer believes this is a key to the timing of the 'Magog war'.

WAR? ISRAEL is 1,600Km from Iran, (over Iraq/ Jordan) in a straight line...
(But Egypt reported USA and Israel have been plotting routes to attack Iran - possibly from ships in the Gulf?) USA is torn between wanting to stop Israel from taking 'unilateral action' against Iran by Israel alone, so USA could act alone?  
In Nov. 2011 there are notes about UK joining USA in destroying Iran's nuclear capability in a judicious attack using weapons designed for this, without Israel. Even Germany has been preparing for an attack on Iran's nuclear sites.

There is no doubt the cost will be HUGE!

Another scenario is that USA and UK, will attack nuclear weapons sites in Iran, while Israel will deal with the heavily armed Hizballah and Hamas attacks, expected. Syria has vowed to hurt Israel if Israel attacks any part of Syria.

BUT STOP PRESS!
Think about these words, - in only one verse in Jeremiah 49: 37!
GOD says He will " 'shatter Iran before their foes... I will bring disaster* upon them, even My fierce anger' declares the LORD. I will pursue them with the sword... and destroy 'her king and officials'... declares ADONAI".
 ["Swords = weapons in 21st C]. Interim note September 2011: Achmadinejad has been banned by the Supreme Leader Khamenei from standing in 2012 Elections (or his supporters)! That could be his end.
Maybe God will allow Israel to use her 'swords'
~ plus God's 'natural' disasters * to demote Iran's power?

A NOTE about 'Disasters' * in Iran.
Since 1991 ~ 53,000 have died in 4 big Earthquakes; one in Bam in 1990 when 35,000 died and 70% of homes were destroyed. In 2003, 26,000 died. They have almost daily tremors, it seems. (Perhaps God will use another Earthquake - as the word * 'disaster' is in Jer. 49:37!) Another recent earthquake was near Iran.

WAR - could be what the prophecy indicates - from either Israel or US, but it could be Middle-East-wide, causing great destruction and death with Iran's 'proxies' also involved. Hamas, Hizballah, and Syria are sure to be involved using the huge number of weapons supplied (and even manned) by Iran's men. Hatred of Israel is a serious 'disease', deeply ingrained since childhood in most Muslims! [Though many people do not want this - as much as personal well-being.]
USA may try to protect some nations like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and recently USA has supplied modern equipment to them, and some Gulf States. It is well known that Iran has also threatened USA/ NATO troops, etc, within their reach.
Turkey's reaction is unknown since it is less involved with Syria over the 'civil war'.

About Syria. It does seem the nation of Syria will be part of the Magog War later on, but Iranian soldiers, etc are already stationed in Syria, probably with Lebanon's Hizballah too, so how much SYRIA would be involved in preventing efforts to destroy IRAN'S weapons is unknown. The transfer of the chiefs of Hamas and Hizballah to Egypt and Jordan has weakened the relationship between Syria and Iran, also. President Bashar Assad's future is unknown, but he is unpopular now.
 
 [Notes - Isaiah 17:1 regarding Damascus' total destruction, is not likely to happen yet * till the Magog war, unless (as one writer has suggested), if Syria causes Israel to come under such lethal fire power, it could cause Israel to 'nuke' Damascus, only. This maybe what will give Israel a vital, prophesied time of security, but also isolation. [See Ezekiel 38: 8, 11 & 14 re security and prosperity]
But note: events from verse 2 of the chapter for Israel were completely fulfilled in 732 by Assyria, and will not happen in the future because of Isaiah 60: 1 -3 etc.

So these are very serious issues for all concerned, and needing Wise Leaders... and our urgent prayers.

Other nations like Russia and China are involved. Russia is trying to walk a fine line of being recognised as a 'World Power' by the West, and yet pleasing the Muslim world of 52 Nations. A frightening development regarding China (that also has the same two goals) - was their effort to bargain with USA about votes in the UNO Security Council. Yet China's biggest interest is in maintaining oil supplies.

This is another aspect of Zech 12. 3 of nations being injured at some time by being against Israel.

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THE NEXT BIBLICAL OUTCOME for Israel and Iran.
USA has been reluctant to be involved - though their troops, etc are in the area. Yet it seems they maybe more ready now, with numerous recent meetings of top-level Military experts with Israel. In both 2010 & 11, USA was trying hard to stop Israel "acting unilaterally" (by themselves) but it seems a war with Iran (by some Nation) is what God will use, to show His great goodness to Israel.

Here is a phrase used over 40 times in the book of Ezekiel:
"Then the world will know that I Am ADONAI ~ the Sovereign God"...

It appears that whether sanctions work or (more likely) a military episode limits Iran, either scenario would ultimately lead to a time of 'false' peace for Israel, and some M.E. nations, which could then restore income through renewed tourism.

It is now clear: God wants Israel to have 'security' and 'peace' [Eze. 38]- but it cannot, while Iran has so much power - esp. over Israel's neighbours...

We believe God will vindicate Israel, and demote Iran in the eyes of the world, until they become part of the 'Magog War' - Eze. 38: 5, (as they are listed 1st in the nations under the leadership of Russia!) This would be a humbling role for them, even if they then become the main part of the Magog Army, from several Muslim nations, (under a Russian leader -'Gog') to eliminate Israel!
This is why we believe that the Jeremiah 49:37 event, to take power from Iran is next, and some 2-3 years before the Ezekiel scenario, which is NOT Armageddon.]

Therefore an attack on Iran could be the next serious event in the M.E. - this year, or next year. Military 'experts' have been working out a 'simulation' of an attack on Iran and think it could last 8 days, or so, as some wars do.

Possibly 100's would die in Iran and other parts of the M.E ~ places where thousands have already turned to Jesus as Saviour! God is reaching out to more people each day, through the Internet, radio and T.V. [See note #1 at end of this.]
Our Part is to PRAY for all - NOW.

The Effect on Other M.E. Nations
Many M.E. Nations are apprehensive, as already they have been involved in the disruptions of the 'Arab Spring' ~ but those that are Sunni's (Jordan, S. Arabia, and most Gulf States) may support Israel if they attack Iran ~ (in a secret way?)
They fear a take-over by Iran/ Shi'ittes.

The tensions between Shi'ite Iran and Sunnis in all the M.E. nations - not to mention militant organisations like theTaliban and the Al Qaeda factions - is great!

Yet these events too, may be used by God as a preparation for the 'Magog War', which will create enormous changes, bringing in a World Government, as well as Israel's position in the future world.

The conclusion is ~ we do not know all the details of when or how God will work HIS Plans out... But we do know that almost every day - Iran or Syria, or Hizballah are making threatening statements as if they are hoping for war.

We need to keep our eyes on God's Word, the Bible!

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>> 3. EGYPT ~ IN THIS THIRD SECTION OF BIBLICALLY BASED THOUGHTS.
From Isaiah chapter 19.  [Please turn there now.]

 1. Isaiah 19: 1 - 4 says that Egypt will degenerate into a very poor nation, first, because the Bible says they have a terrible internal 'civil war' (perhaps the different parts of Islam - the Muslim Brotherhood and the more moderate Egyptians that have managed to hold power, since the fierce protests in March 2011.)
There could be some other issue to cause the civil war, like an uprising of Christian Copts or by many immigrants badly treated in Egypt, perhaps. Poverty follows war.

2. Isaiah 19: 5 - 10 gives a second reason for poverty - partly because of the drying up of the Nile River, (which has always been a 'life-line' to their economy), so the "workers and wage-earners will be sick at heart." Then the leaders will be blamed and God says He will 'make them like drunkards - and completely useless'.

We have not said this ~ and feel sad it is written in this chapter, at least 2,500 years ago, but as God allowed it to be written, then it will happen, in a way that it will yet be actually seen. It is not the only nation where Leaders act unwisely against their own people!
Our prayers for the Church and many fine Christians in Egypt are urgently needed!

3. Verse 17 says the people will panic, because of some awareness of the power of Israel's God, especially when they hear some news about Israel... or even the mention of 'Judah'.  We can't be sure what this is, but it could be when they hear about Israel getting a victory over Iran, or Syria or even Hizballah, or Hamas in Gaza. [Hamas is - a thorn in Egypt's side.] Perhaps one or more of these events will be what makes the Egyptians "shudder with fear... and terror"?

4. BUT Verse 19 - 21 TELLS THAT THE GOOD PART IS - that God is going to send people with the message of the LORD GOD of Israel. "God will send them a saviour and defender and He will rescue them. So the LORD will make Himself known to the Egyptians." [Vs. 22 is simply a summary of the previous 21 verses - not a second event.]

This must be through the LORD Jesus/ El Massih/ Yesu -
as He is the only way, isn't He?

So then verse 21 says, "In that Day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them." This means they will come to God ~ HIS way, only through El Massih/ Yeshua/ Jesus, by repentance and faith, just as we and Israel must.

ALL THESE EVENTS, HOWEVER THEY FINALLY HAPPEN ARE PART OF GOD'S PLAN FOR "HIS GOSPEL TO BE MADE KNOWN IN ALL THE WORLD!' [Matthew 24: 14.]

5. Finally! The Day will come as it says in Isaiah 23 - 25: "In that day there will be a Highway from Egypt to Assyria... The Egyptians and the Assyrians will worship together. In that Day, Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a BLESSING on the Earth.
"The LORD Almighty will bless them, saying, 'Blessed be Egypt My people, Assyria My handiwork, and Israel, My inheritance'."

[At the moment these nations are seen as a 'curse' on the world.
Talk about God's POWER - and we'll see it!!!]

We don't know about you ~ but we long for that Day ~ before Jesus Returns - so that many Muslims and others will turn to Jesus by faith alone ~ as their Savour from sin and with absolute assurance that because God makes them free from sin ~ they really will be sure of being in a perfect, beautiful Heaven with a holy, loving God!

We also believe - regarding the timing - the Day described in the verse above will happen before the Antichrist takes over the horrific control of all the world.
By then Israel will be the exception as a Spiritually revived Nation by faith alone, as in Isaiah 60: 1 -3 - a time of God's Light shining in them and on them!
You can read more from one of our 'Endtime Time Line' articles', or ask for our books  'Your Future in God's End Time Plans' and - 'Israel's Glorious Future'.
(Or articles on our web site if you have the Internet, www.watchmanspost.com

For us ~ our part is to stand true to God's Word
and pray urgently for all God's people in the Middle East.

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EXTRA NOTES

1. You can read about an Iranian Persian Christian Preacher, Hormoz Shariat at http://www.iranaliveministries.org/ where you can find out and all that is happening there right now. God has been preparing over the last 30+ years for these events.

2. God is also reaching out to Arab Muslim people right now!
If you have not already heard about the son of a top Hamas leader who has come to Jesus, please look for info about Mosab Hassan Yousef. You can also find out a lot about him by putting his name in Google. His story is now in a book, 'Son of Hamas' and through the world (even Jewish) media. - He could influence many Arabs and other Muslims to investigate Christian teaching and turn to Jesus!

3. Another ex-Muslim is an Iranian man who actually hid in the Revolutionary Guards in Iran and was a spy for USA for years. Now safe in USA he also has become a definite Christian Believer. His name is Reza Kalili.

This is our prayer. Please show this article to your Christian or M.E. friends.
We will try to update it as the situation develops. Last updated November 2011.

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