As we survey the landscape of the middle east today, we find the nation of Israel an island in an ocean of hatred. Many in power throughout the world, including in our own government, view Israel as the problem. And why is Israel a problem; because it exists. Many believe that if Israel did not exist as a nation, there would be no issues among the Arab countries that surround Israel, and their would be peace in the middle east. All of the concessions seem to be aimed at Israel, with none of the Arab countries asked to give up land for the formation of a Palestinian state.
Ancient Enemies
As we look at the hot spots that are the biggest concern for the safety and preservation of Israel today, they are the same territories from where Israel's enemies of the past were headquartered. In the south in the Gaza strip, where Hamas has established a stronghold, is the same territory once occupied by the Philistines. In the north in the Golan heights, where Syria and Lebanon and Hezbolah are today, is the territory once inhabited by the Ammonites.
Funding and supporting these terrorist organizations is the nation of Iran, formerly Persia, from which an ancient plan was once enacted to eradicate the Jewish people. In the book of Esther we read the account of a man named Haman who convinced the Persian king Ahasuerus to issue a decree to "destroy" the Jewish people(Esther 3:8-9). Why was the decree issued, because the Jewish peoples laws were different from the laws of Persia, and they kept their laws over the kings. Why is their conflict today, because Islamic countries such as Iran seek to impose their ways and laws upon the entire middle east, and Israel stands in direct contradiction to those laws.
Today we can easily view Iranian president Manmoud Ahmadinejad in the same role as Haman. His stated goal is to destroy Israel, and just as Haman did, he intends to use the surrounding people groups to accomplish his goals. Ahmadinejad views his role from a prideful standpoint, believing he is the one who will usher in the Muslim Messiah, whom they call the 12th Iman, through a bloody war against Israel. Haman's hatred of the Jews stemmed purely from pride, as Esther's uncle Mordecai had refused to bow to Haman.
Prophetic Irony
Islamic prophecy states that their Messiah will rule the earth and judge it through war for 7 years. Ironically, the bible prophesies that the Antichrist will also reign for 7 years before Jesus Christ's second coming defeats the enemy and He establishes His millennial kingdom here on earth. Does this mean the Antichrist will be a Muslim? We simply do not know. Differing interpretations of scripture say that he could be, others that he will arise from the reformed Roman empire, that some speculate is the European Union. We take the view of prophecy that their will definitely be an Antichrist as the bible is clear on that. But that we cannot be dogmatic on how God will bring that about. Both "theories" are plausible, as near the end of the Roman empire there were 2 capitals, Rome and Constantinople, with the eastern capital Constantinople residing in the Muslim territory of today. This division in the Roman empire of the past could be represented in the 2 legs of iron that represent the Roman empire in the image King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about in Daniel chapter 2. Also within the European Union today are Islamic nations such as Turkey.
What we can be sure of is that at some point in the future, according to the bible, that the Islamic nations of today will attack Israel. Beginning tomorrow we will look at 2 prophecies from the Old Testament, Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38-39, that tell us of the nations that will gather against God's people. In the book of Esther through God's providence of having Esther as queen Haman is exposed and defeated. In these future wars we will also see the hand of God as He comes to the defense of His people. Until then, God bless and hope that you will be in church tonight.
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