What is happening in Saudi Arabia has pretty much been lost in the sex allegations in the news. Even so, what happens in Saudi Arabia is very important to the world and is likely to have prophetic implications. Bible prophecy students should be closely following the events now taking place in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Saudi King Salman has decided to step down and give his power over to his 32-year-old son. The crown prince is named Mohammad bin Salman (MbS is what he goes by). The transfer of power is underway and MbS is effectively already in power there. There are creditable reports that King Salman will officially step down as soon as this week.
Some of the Saudi princes are openly hostile toward MbS taking the throne. Many princes and high-ranking men in Saudi Arabia were placed under arrest because they are a threat to the crown prince. We can’t know for sure how this will all play out, because if MbS does not have his ducks all lined up to consolidate power under himself, his enemies will conspire to kill him. They may have even already attempted that.
MbS intends to modernize and liberalize Saudi Arabia. He already announced new freedoms allowing women to drive and he is cracking down on clerics that foster terrorism. The recent visit by Donald Trump and the transfer of power now going on in Saudi Arabia was not just a coincidence. Trump made huge deals with MbS. As a result America will continue to support Saudi Arabia militarily.
It was MbS that recently announced the idea of a $500 billion futuristic mega city on the Red Sea named NOAM. The city that MbS has in mind would have far fewer restrictions on people and business than exists in Saudi Arabia. NOAM would be more like the Hong Kong of the Middle East.
Some are even wondering if this new city will be new Babylon. That also makes some wonder if MbS could be an Antichrist candidate. I doubt it. However, I do think the Antichrist will be young and at his physical peak like was Jesus Christ. And only in nations with monarchs can someone rise to power at such a young age. MbS certainly is the right age, has the looks, brilliance, and wealth to fulfill the role. However, I am doubtful that MbS will turn out to be the Antichrist. Among other things, I don’t see how MbS fits the little horn that rises among ten rulers as prophecy states. Even so, MbS certainly could help shape a new world order that allows for prophetic fulfillment. Of course, MbS also could be killed in short order and then nobody would have to wonder at all.
MbS is friendly with Israel because He sees Israel as an ally against their deadly enemy Iran. It is certain that under MbS proxy wars between Saudi Arabia and Iran will be ramped up. The crack down in Saudi Arabia by forces loyal to MbS are partly being done to consolidate power to prepare Saudi Arabia for a war against Iran.
The Sunni Arab Saudis will not allow the Shiite Persian Iranians to control the fertile crescent. They oppose Iran’s encroachment into Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and the gulf states. The Saudis will become allied with Israel in the quest to contain Iran. They need Israel to fight against Iranian supported Hezbollah and the Persian encroachments into Arab nations.
This alliance could be how Israel expands into Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and why these nations are not mentioned as coming against Israel in the Ezekiel 38 39 war. If Israel occupies and disarms the military in those lands, they certainly cannot come against Israel. It also would explain the security in Israel seen in the Ezekiel prophecy at the time of the Gog invasion.
The three major nations that come against Israel in the Gog war are Russia, Iran and Turkey. One can see how the proxy wars against Iranian expansion supported and funded by Saudi Arabia could eventually bring Russia, Iran and Turkey directly into the conflict.
Israel taking over Lebanon, Syria and Jordan and the conflict with Iran could be the hook in the jaw that brings Gog down against Israel. This becomes even more obvious if America is taken out of the picture for some reason.
The proxy wars in the Middle East can drag on for a number of years before it gets to the Gog invasion. I do not think Iran or Saudi Arabia will want to risk their oil production, so I think they would limit direct conflict with each other. I think the Gog invasion will occur at the peak of the power of the three primary nations mentioned in the Ezekiel prophecy.
Russia is modernizing its military. The Russian military will peak in the mid to late 2020’s. Declining populations in Russia will insure Russia’s power will decline after that. Iran is still ramping up nuclear weapon and ballistic missile development. They need about a decade to further develop these capabilities before they will want to risk it all with an all out invasion of Israel. Erdogan of Turkey is on record as wanting a new Ottoman Empire. He now has the power of a dictator in Turkey but he will need years to build up his military to meet any expansionist dreams.
In the Ezekiel prophecy, Saudi Arabia is one of the nations that questions the Gog invasion of Israel. They do not join with the nations coming against Israel and at least verbally oppose the invasion. It appears to me that Saudi Arabia must ally with Israel and the West. This more pragmatic new Saudi leader makes that alliance possible.
I suppose it will also take about a decade or so to build NOAM. Maybe all the hype about NOAM will soon give the Iran/Iraq Shiite alliance an idea of their own for a mega city in southern Iraq?
Americans also need to be aware that direct warfare between Iran and Saudi Arabia would bring oil shortages and huge increases in gas prices. The result of that would be economic collapse in the West. I wrote about that threat in my Imminent Danger Series. For that reason, the United States is going to keep supporting Saudi Arabia and will even help take out the Iranian threat if Saudi Arabia and Iran get into major conflict. On the other hand, because of America’s carelessness, Iran or N. Korea might have the opportunity to take out America with an EMP strike. Maybe that is why America is not found in Bible prophecy. I also wrote of the EMP threat over a decade ago.
Things are looking prophetic in the Middle East, so we need to stay alert. Much of Bible prophecy will probably play out within ten to twenty years. Meanwhile us Christians in America need to give thanks for the reprieve from the Obamanities and Clintonites.
Hi Don,
Last sentence you probably meant reprevieve not “retrieve”
On this quote: And only in nations with monarchs can someone rise to power at such a young age.
I disagree with it partially, in that several new European leaders, and prospective new leaders, are in the early to mid thirties, and maybe early forties. A possible challenger in Italy is very young. But, Austria, and another nearby country have just recently elected younger leaders to the top positions there. So I see a growing trend.
The prophetic implications of this new Saudi leader do indeed require a close watch. I would add that Egypt is also mentioned favorably in the end, after the tribulation,also, allied with Israel.
Also, in regards to “Mega-Cities” all one has to do is look at China’s newer cities, mostly ghost towns, because no one can afford to live there. But with mass produced modular building techniques these days, very large buildings can be mass produced in factories, and erected almost over night. I used to build houses from prefabricated panels, and that cut the time to rough frame a two story house in half. Our best time was four & a half days. These were about 2400 square feet homes.
Lastly, I think the threat of loosing oil supplies from the middle east these days might actually help the US, because we can finally export oil & natural gas. Plus, production here could ramp up very easily, and with the near future, completion of that pipeline from Canada, we are sitting in pretty good position now.
Don,
Do the battles between the king of the North and the king of the South from Daniel chapters 11 and 12 fit in with the scenario you’ve written about here or are they separate events?
Hi David L,
I changed it to reprieve.
There is a trend in Western Europe toward younger leaders. It just shows that their “democratic” elections are really just beauty contests. These people are not being elected base on merit.
If Iran and Saudi Arabia warred against each other the U.S. might soon be able to export oil but that would not help countries that do not have much oil. The world shortage would still mean huge price increases and shut down economies around the world. The only way Americans might escape the prices would be price controls but that would be a recipe for domestic shortages. It would be the world oil shortage with the price increases that will bring the economic collapse, not which nation produces the oil.
Hi Caitlin,
The Gog war could be part of it but it depends on when one thinks the Gog war takes place. I have come to the conclusion that nobody knows the timing of the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies. We just know they are going to play out in the latter years at the end of this age. In those days I think people are going to have to have information on current events in one hand and a Bible in the other to understand what is playing out.
I certainly am thankful Trump won the election and that awful corrupt hag got sent packing. I literally felt like a weight was lifted off my chest knowing she lost and Obama was on his way out.
Since I found this blog I have felt things have not progressed as quickly as I expected in terms of the end times. If the end is really only 10 to 20 years away then things must take place in a very short timespan. As I said before maybe babylon will desend out of the heavens as a counterfeit New Jerusalem. I feel either we have our timeline a bit off or there will be alot of supernatural events in a very short period of time.
Jim,
The Bible indicates that most of the end time events will occur in just seven years.
There already is a Babylon, it is the satanic world political system and religious system. All it needs is a city to represent it like in the days of Jesus. AT that time both Babylons were centered in Rome. Today Revelation 17 and 18 is likely to be about the religious Harlot at Rome and the Beast headwaters at Rome.
The Beast system is likely to be moved to Babylon on the plains of Shinar in the midst of the last seven years. The reason I think it is located there is because there remains unfilled prophecies about that Babylon.
Don,
Thanks for bringing this up. I was starting to wonder myself what the significance of MbS coming to power might be. Like Caitlin all of this made me think of Daniel’s mention of the Kings of the North and South. Isn’t Egypt a part of the King of the South’s dominion? NOAM would seemingly at the very least set the stage for this Kingdom.
The question then becomes who is the King of the North? I think you may be on to something with Gog here. I also know that many believe the King of the North becomes the Antichrist. Like you say I guess we won’t know until it happens. Barring the Rapture of course. We’re getting close though that’s for sure. What amazing times we live in.
Hi Steve,
Yeah the directions are from Jerusalem. So Egypt would be with the King of the South and the King of the North would be the power north of Israel. Probably Syria and Turkey or even Rome or Russia.
“It appears to me that Saudi Arabia must ally with Israel and the West. This more pragmatic new Saudi leader makes that alliance possible”.
Don, could this be the “covenant with many” that Israel makes ultimately leading to its demise? Or does it have to be with the Antichrist specifically?
Hi Steve,
The confirmation of the covenant with many for seven years is done by the Beast/Antichrist and involves Israel. Who knows what that covenant will turn out to be? I doubt if any agreement that Israel makes with MbS would qualify. Bill Salus theory on this is as good as any I have seen. You might check what he claims out. His book on this is called Apocalypse Road
Hi all,
I visited Bill Salish website, and found he has posted his thesis of which the book is based. I think this is good for those who have studied the whole Bible, but for beginners, the book would no doubt paint a picture for them, and help their understanding. Here is the direct PDF download link for 64 page thesis: http://www.prophecydepotministries.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/APOC-ROAD-FINAL-THESIS.pdf
Hi Don Sir, I have got my own view points related to what you had written, you may be right, but then, Gog Magog War could play sooner than 2024, since Vladmir Putin would be in office until 2024, and he is a mission man, already set his sights on Israel, already has made a deal with Iran, Turkey and soon, Libya, Gomer & Ethiopia would follow, many peoples…. Hezobollah, Hamas, ISIS, Taliban….would join, and other hand Israel is trying and defending its own territory against the Palestine demand for a divided Israel, the probability of Israel gaining more land is low, and vaccum would be filled in by the terrorists or for that matter Iran, Ruasia & Turkey. And Putin is under Pressure, there is no time to waste for him, and thus Ezekiel 38-39 is beginning to fulfilled before our very eyes, Russia, iran and turkey already Hooked, and they would not leave until Ezekiel 38-39 is fulfilled. As you rightly said, Bible prophecy would be fulfilled within next 10 years. The Blessed Hope of Rapture of the Church should be nearer. Maranatha
Hi franco,
Hold your horses. I said much of Bible prophecy will be fulled in the next 10 to 20 years not fulfilled within the next 10 years. There is a difference.
Putin can figure a way to stay in office beyond 2024. I don’t see Putin being under pressure by anyone. If Putin is even Gog I don’t believe he knows that he will be coming down against Israel. According to Ezekiel that thought suddenly comes into the mind of Gog.
Israel will continue to surprise. Few thought she would even survive as a nation.
Hi Don Sir, thanks for your opinion, I will believe that your opinion is based on the assumption that the psalm 83 war is yet to take place, but with Russia, Iran and Turkey in Syria and Arabia & USA on the other side watching the developments, it looks like a Psalm 83 was never intended to prophetic, it is a prayer of Asaph for deliverance which was applicable for his day. He Prayed for deliverance from the Ishmaelites, who are located in Saudi Arabia today & Syria does not exist today. Hence, the Next war on the horizon should be Ezekiel 38-39, 2015.. Russia In, 2016.. Iran In, 2017 Turkey, the next 2 to 7 Years should all the other players ready, as for the evil thought you had mentioned, it has already occurred, but that may take time to put into action, as Israel is a superpower, and invading her would require meticulous planning, the groundwork is been laid slowly, but Russia would not attack until the Rapture of the church, because, after all the believers are taken up, there will be much chaos & confusion, & Since the groundwork would already been laid, Russia seizes the perfect opportunity to attack, and GOD intervenes, this is just my opinion. Since you are very well versed with the bible prophecy and the scriptures, I would like to know your opinion. Thanks Franco
Hi Franco,
I said nothing about Psalm 83. One of the points that should be taken from my article is that the stage is now being set for the Ezekiel 38 39 war, not Psalm 83.
I don’t think the thought put into the mind of Gog has occurred. The wording suggests that the thought to invade Israel occurs during an already ongoing invasion of the Middle East by a great alliance.
I do not think Russia is now making plans to invade Israel.
I think it’s possible that the Psalm 83 war, if it is one, could have been referencing all of Israel’s wars of the 20th Century. Maybe even specifically the 1967 war. I just see the main point being that it is here. We are living in the times spoken about. Whether it’s 10,20,30 years, doesn’t matter. Should we all survive life’s hazards, I believe we will be raptured! Hallelujah!
Hi Steve,
That might be the answer or the prayer in Psalm 83 could be answered in the big picture because all of Israel’s enemies will be defeated in this age.
I can’t speculate on Saudi Arabian Politics but I can touch on the oil issues. I have been trading oil futures for years. Saudi Arabia only contributes 11% yearly or about 1.1 million barrels a day of oil(2016). America has 80% of the oil shale reserves which is in the trillions of barrels. America has enough oil to last it anywhere from 60-100 years without anything from anyone else. We actually export 5.2 million barrels a day now. The oil market is highly manipulated. Last year we imported 10 million barrels a day but exported 5.2 million. As mentioned early only 1.1 or (11%) million come from Saudi Arabia. Just merely cutting them out and eliminating our exports would put us ahead of the game. If you want the exact breakdown, here is the site. https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=727&t=6
Hi Klaus,
5.2 million barrels exported minus 10 million barrels imported = -4.8 million barrels each day.
The bottom line is that we import millions of barrels of oil each day more than what we export. If oil output in the world fell by just 10 percent the price of oil would go up to be about 5 times what it goes for now. That would wreck the world economy and we are part of that. If America does not support Saudi Arabia militarily, Israel will have to nuke Iran. Otherwise Iran will take over all the oil producing gulf states.
Greetings all,
I pray everyone has a safe, and,…
Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow (-:
Hi Don Sir,
A Big Thanks for your Reply, I got it, the evil thought in the mind of Russia & her allies would not occur until they are fully entrenched around Israel. And what we may be seeing today could simply be the beginning of stage setting of the Prophetic War of Ezekiel 38/39. After your Reply I reread the Ezekiel 38/ 39, and found out the first 9 verses of Ezekiel 38/39, actually speak of Russia & her allies getting entrenched around Israel, what bought them was not an evil thought against Israel, the ISIS threat or Russia’s economic woes may have brought them there, nevertheless they are slowly gathered there as if with a hook, and Iran is building bases & increasing military size, Turkish military in northern Syria, and soon others could follow, V7:- And Russia Stands Guard……..against all who would her & her allies. It is only in V10 to 12, the evil thought comes in the mind of Russia. V10:- Thus saith the Lord God ; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought, I noticed that God is saying at the same time, when all of them are present, a time could 1 year, Ref Daniel 12:V7, time, times, and a half – Referring to the duration of the 2nd half of the tribulation period. That means once Russia and all her allies are gathered around Israel, within 365 days of their gathering, once all their players are in, the evil thought comes and Invasion attempted. But before all this attempted invasion, the rapture of the church would already have occurred. The Rapture of the Church would Shock the earth, and the failed attempt of the Russian Invasion would shake the earth, all the Russian military assets build underground in Syria could evaporate underground. Ezekiel 39:V21 states GOD would be glorified among all the heathen, meaning to say the church is not here, the GOD’s lampstand is taken. So, what we should expect these last few years of our stay in this world would be more Russian military build up and troops in Syria, simultaneously as the World is falling apart due to natural calamities, changing of laws, Strong Demonic Delusion, the Rapture of the church would take place, and thereafter the Ezekiel 38/39 War. Once again, Big thanks, Don Sir. Remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, Surely I come Quickly: Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Franco,
I am glad you think you have it all figured out but you’re saying a lot of things that the scripture does not even suggest in proper context. It would be wise to stay with what is written. Wild conjecture is for end time TV preachers.
Anyway, I hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving day.
Hi Don Sir
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Russian and Iranian troops are already close to the Israeli-Syrian border and Turkey can easily mobilize troops to join them.
It just takes Russian nukes to explode above the USA and Israel constituting EMP attacks that would neutralize all electrical and electronic systems. The invasion force can then march into Northern Israel with no fear of Israeli and America nukes.
Hi Leo,
Yeah, but you must consider what Ezekiel 38 and 39 actually says about the Gog invasion. Iran Russia and Turkey could not possibly fulfill all that is said in Ezekiel before a great confederacy is formed to come against an Israel that is living securely. By the way, an EMP would not take out our nukes or Israeli nukes. These weapon systems are hardened against EMP’s.
Hi, Don. Thanks for your comments. I’m a staunch pre-tribber, however I do watch pre-tribber turned post-tribber Irvin Baxter from time to time. Baxter has been to Israel many times and he assured viewers that not once has a tourist been injured or killed in Jerusalem implying that Israelis dwell relatively secure in the Land.
As for EMP attacks, can Israeli and American nukes still be launched even if the launching mechanisms are neutralized by such attacks?
Some have speculated that the Ezekiel 38/39 invasion will occur after Daniel 9:27 confirmation of the covenant with many for seven years has occurred. A major concession by Israel will be the giving up of all her nukes in exchange for an international peace keeping force protecting Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
Hi Leo,
I am not a Irvin Baxter fan. He claims strange stuff like we are already in the Trumpet Judgments. Look at what is said about him here. http://www.soundchristian.com/prophecy/who/
Israel clearly is not living securely. There would be no need for a peace deal if there was no threat to Israel.
The nuclear weapons systems have been hardened against EMP’s that includes the delivery systems.
Israel may give up her nukes in exchange for security promised by the false messiah but we are not anywhere near Israel giving up their nukes yet. The Ezekiel 38/39 fulfillment cannot be imminent right now just because Russia, Iran and Turkey have a few troops in Syria. When Gog comes down it will be with one of largest collation of armies ever assembled. It will take time to build up that great army.
It is quite interesting that MbS was born on August 31, 1985 and on September 18, 2018 when Trump’s Peace Plan is to be unveiled to the world, MbS will be 33 years old (the same age as Jesus when He went to the cross). An Islamic Antichrist anybody?!
Reports have it that MbS did an effective arm twisting of PA’s Mahmoud Abbas to get him to grudgingly agree to Kushner’s and Greenblatt’s proposals.
The Beast will claim to be above anything named God. That includes the god of Islam. All who reject Jesus will follow the Antichrist not just Muslims.
Could MbS be the Beast? Not until Satan gives him or someone else that position. I am sure Satan always has a couple of candidates in training but he does not know the time and it can only happen after He that hinders is taken out of the way.