With Iran in the news and acting belligerent, it is appropriate to look at the possibility of the prophecy about Elam being fulfilled soon. Elam is in the southwestern part of Iran along the Persian Gulf. It is where Iran’s main nuclear reactor is located.
Jer 49:35 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
36 And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come.
37 For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them:
38 And I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from thence the king and the princes, saith the LORD.
39 But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.
This prophecy has never been fulfilled, so it is fulfilled before or during the tribulation. Had America already attacked Iran in response to the recent provocations, that alone probably would not have led to the fulfillment of this prophecy. However, since America is restraining itself and is instead trying to build a coalition of nations against Iran the fulfillment seems more likely and is probably not very far off.
The prophecy is clear that the attack against Elam will come from the four winds. The wording sounds like an air attack will be coming against Elam from a coalition of nations. It may be a U.N. approved action because of something that Iran did. The air attack could also be the last phase of an ongoing regional war where the war is finally brought to this part of the Iranian homeland.
Iran is the main aggressor in the Middle East. It is developing nuclear weapons and may already have untested nuclear weapons. The Iranians have given Hezbollah 150,000 missiles to use against Israel. The Iranians have military forces in Iraq and Syria and are actively destabilizing these and other nations. Recently, an Iranian faction attacked a major oil facility in Saudi Arabia using drones and cruse missiles. It is very likely that such belligerent actions by Iran will lead to a regional war that will lead to the fulfillment of the Elam prophecy.
President Trump has telegraphed that he does not intend to attack Iran. He talks about proportionate responses being used if there is any aggression against our interests. The Mullahs thus have good reason to believe that as long as Americans are not killed, America will not do much. The Iranians are taking calculated risks to advance their agenda in the region, but they are keeping their aggression within what they believe to be Trump’s red lines. If Iran really wanted to start a war with America, all they would have to do is attack America’s Fifth Fleet Headquarters at Bahrain. It would be no more difficult to target than the Saudi oil facilities.
The Iranians did a very limited attack on Saudi Arabia to send the Saudis a message and to send the world a message. They showed the Saudis that they can shut down their cash cow anytime they want. Even with this limited attack the Saudi were in total panic. They have no cash reserves for extended outages. The Saudi’s need to keep shipping their oil or they are in big trouble. The Saudis also apparently have inadequate self defense. The Iranians are telling the world that they have the ability to destroy Middle East oil facilities and wreck the economies of the world. They want an end of the sanctions and a deal.
They knew the effete Saudi’s were not prepared to stop the attack and would not have the backbone to get in a war with them over the attack. The Saudi’s have many billions of dollars in American military equipment but the effete Saudi’s are not prepared to use them. Americans now have to send in hundreds of military specialists to protect the Saudi oil facilities.
Under President Trump, America will only get directly involved in attacking Iran if American lives are lost or a coalition of nations is assembled against Iran because of continuing belligerent actions. That coalition is likely to happen if Iran continues to attack oil supplies that the world depends upon or if Iran gets condemned for not complying with UN directives. For example, Iran could openly develop nuclear weapons or actually go to war against Saudi Arabia.
The prophecy about Elam indicates that survivors in Elam will be being scattered to every nation on earth for a period of time. There is only one reason such an evacuation might happen and that is nuclear radiation. Iran’s main reactor is on the Persian Gulf coast. I do not believe it would be directly targeted in an attack, but the reactor might meltdown as a result of an EMP or of an extended power outage. There also are other possibilities such as Israel using nuclear weapons in the area or the Iranians nuking themselves because of a weapon malfunction.
A fulfillment of the prophecy of Elam probably has nothing to do with the prophecy about Persia coming with Gog in the Ezekiel 38-39 war. Greater Iran would still exist and their army could invade across the northern route. The big question is could the prophecy of Elam occur before the start of the tribulation? That becomes doubtful because the fulfillment of obvious Bible prophecies like this one might make those blinded to scripture to see and repent and be saved. The fulfillment more likely occurs in the Day of the Lord when everything becomes known to all on earth.
Contrary to what some teach, all in the world cannot believe and become part of Bride of Christ. Only those the Father draws to the Son can become part of the Bride. Jesus only receives those the Father gives Him. This dispensation of delay of the fulfillment of all promised to Israel mostly only exists long enough to take out a Bride for the King of Israel. The people that God draws do not need signs. The great signs in the Day of the Lord come after the Bride is removed and taken to be with Jesus to accomplish the marriage. Shortly after the Rapture, the gospel of the coming Kingdom is then given to everyone on earth. Because the world rejects the message and rejects God’s Kingdom, they receive God’s wrath. The prophets speak of those events and in the Day of the Lord their prophecies will all be fulfilled.
I suppose I could be wrong and the Elam prophecy might play out before the Rapture before our eyes. Whatever the case, with all the belligerence coming from Iran and the nuclear development, it is getting hard to see how Iran will not be dealt with very soon by America and Israel. Having said that, there could be changes in Iran that could bring about a delay of the fulfillment of this prophecy until the tribulation. For example, a revolution in Iran could occur very soon. The Iranian economy is in collapse and the young people of Iran want nothing to do with the ruling Mullahs. If the Iranians revolt, and overthrow the Mullahs that could delay the fulfillment of the prophecy until the tribulation.
One thing is clear, something will radically change Iran very soon. The prophecy of Elam could even have implications for the prophecy about Babylon. If the Persian Gulf region becomes radioactive, many people around there will have to rapidly relocate. Millions of them could emigrate to the plains of Shinar just a short distance away.
Don, I want to question your 3rd to last paragraph. I do agree with you that only those called by the Father will come to Christ. God’s mercy is great and it is what delays the end so that all who He has called come. Do you not see the possible fulfillment of this prophecy as a “final” call so to speak… to wake up those He is calling? To hit the other side of the point, God will obviously fulfill prophecy all the way through the tribulation and people will still rebel! Those who are not called don’t come in the face of obvious. Appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Luke,
I don’t think so. Obvious signs would also be seen by those God is not drawing to Christ. For example, the unbelieving Jews did not get signs even though they asked Jesus for signs.
God does not need to wake up those He is calling. They are already woke.
I think people in the tribulation will willfully rebel against the God of heaven. It won’t be that they won’t know. They will be taught about the coming Kingdom by the 144,000 and the two prophets. They will rejoice when those giving the message are killed. After that, even an angel will preach the everlasting gospel to all. Those that reject the message of the coming King and Kingdom do so because they love their sins and their separation from God. Revelation implies as much.
Hi Don,
Isaiah 17:1 as well they go together for sure. Wow is all I can say seeing all this come together. People say the world is falling to pieces but we say all the pieces are coming together.
I hope we are out of here by 2025 that would so awesome!
I am actually suprised Iran is being as belligerent as it is. I would of thought their actions would of lead to a military strike against them already. Good for Trump for having a level head.
A nuclear disaster in the region sounds reasonable especially since the reactor is smack dab in the middle of where Elam once was.
Hi Don, a really appropriate time to post about Elam. Iran seems to be pushing hard, the sanctions seem to be causing real hardship in the country and the dictatorship may try to rally their people in Holy War to keep their power. They also think starting a big war will bring back their Madhi, which, to me at least, is an Islamic description of the Antichrist. A biological, chemical, or nuclear attack against just about anyone would rally the western nations to some solution to the dictatorship. My OPINION is that there will be a problem/core melt and release at the Bushehr nuclear plant and the problems will affect Elam, leaving ancient Persia little affected, probably due to wind direction. It could be caused by a virus, long installed, like Stuxnet, long term power loss due to attacks on the electrical infrastructure of Iran, or even a fire in the correct place which could cause a meltdown and release (nuclear plant fire is one area that I have had long expertise). I doubt a direct missile attack on the plants.
My OPINION is that the event causing the distribution of the population occurs prior to the tribulation and probably prior to the Rapture. My reasoning is that the UN infrastructure and ready acceptance of refugees worldwide will collapse during the tribulation. I also think it will happen prior to the Ezekiel War. Persia is a big player in that event, Elam, which was a country Ezekiel would have known, more so than many he mentions, is not mentioned. So, I think Persia is available to support the invasion. That said, good article and timely. We may get to see more Biblical prophecy performed before our eyes.
Read article today:( https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values/worlds-fastest-growing-church-women-documentary-film ) quote from article “What if I told you the mosques are empty inside Iran?” he continues. “What if I told you no one follows Islam inside of Iran? Would you believe me? This is exactly what is happening inside of Iran. God is moving powerfully inside of Iran.” This would support your thoughts on over-throwing of the mullahs. Ezekiel 38 can only occur if Democrats are in power or after the rapture since Israel is left to fend for herself and God will show His holiness and power. God showing Himself in the destruction of Gog seems to point to after the rapture or many would turn to the Truth. After Trump was minutes away from striking Iran over the Gulf oil tanker bombings a few weeks ago, I was stunned that we did not strike after what Saudi called their 911 last weekend. Iran may be trying to force a smaller limited strike with these non-American attacks in an attempt to unite the Iranian people. The article I provided above would suggest that a revolution could occur at any time. One thing is for sure, THESE DAYS ARE NOT BORING!!
Hi Stephen,
I meant to bring up the likelihood that Iran could be hoping for some kind of attack against themselves because they needed to deflect attention from the political turmoil in Iran and rally the people. Somehow I forgot to include that in the article. Thanks for the comment that suggests that may be what they are doing.
Hi Don, great article! This topic has been on my mind of late, with all the noise Iran is kicking up. It does seem the west is delaying, or reserving their attack for a later date. Its interesting to wonder about what happens to the flow of oil out of the Persian Gulf if the area is badly irradiated?
Thanks,
Mike
Hi again Don, I really like the plains of Shinar reference. The timing makes sense – having millions migrate to the area around the time of the Rapture would build the area up enough to set the stage for the AntiChrist’s final kingdom in the latter part of the Tribulation.
I can not believe how gullible the EU leaders are when it comes to Iran ( well i can , they are so NAIVE *) For decades Iranian leaders have very openly promised to destroy Israel and I honestly believe that if given the chance they would do just that ! The good thing is that when i study Revelation Iran/ Persia doesn’t show up anymore something UNFORTUNATE will have happened to it by then.
So Iran is Elam? Is Persia mentioned in Bible Prophecy? I assumed Persia was the name for Iran. Any clarification I would be thankful for.
Hi Clinton,
The Elam prophecy is not talking about the Aryans (Iranians) living in Persia. Look at the map. Elam is a separate ethnic group than the Persians. Elam lived in a portion of what is now within the borders of Iran. In Bible prophecy the Persians will come down against Israel in the Ezekiel 38-39 war. There is no mention of Elam in that war. Maybe that is because people will no longer live there due to the radiation.
I suspect the prophecy refers to bombings and an evacuation of people in part of this coastal region of Iran, but I also suspect that the greater Aryans will revolt and throw off their Islam task masters. They would then not receive the same fate as people in Elam.
For more information about how Iran got its name, just Google “Iran”.
thanks! I appreciate your insight
Hey Don,,,interesting article. Continuing on with the Elam prophecy, it says that God will set His throne in Elam. Is this a reference to extending Israel’s borders to be consistent with the Abrahamic promise? From the maps I’ve seen, the promised land stops a little shy of Elam. This might add thought to the timing. Thanks.
Hi Tim,
God’s throne probably just means that the returned exiles of Elam will submit to God’s anointed king. In other words, only believing exiles of Elam survive and return to that area, and when Elam returns they are submitting to the Lord ruling from David’s throne.
Don
This Elam prophecy is certainly part & parcel of the whole end of the age mosaic. It’s timing is stand alone, so it is coming, although exactly when is up for debate.
You and I have disagreed about the exact order of events of the end of the age for some years now. I still believe the next major event of the end of our age will be an unmistakable wake up call – literally shaking everyone in the world to wake up and come to Jesus!
I am speaking of the sixth seal great world wide earthquake. Literally, it could happen as early as next week (on the 10th of Tishri – or some future 10th). Now, I know not many folks are expecting this to be the next event, but I do believe it is and it could occur very soon… I also believe we will be here to see it & then witness to the lost about Christ afterwards!
As Bill B said earlier, we surely could be “out of here” by 2025.
Maranatha!
Hi Fount,
It is not going to happen the way you indicate. None of seals are opened until the Church is out of here. John saw and wrote about what would happen after the Church age. Read the context that Jesus gave John in Revelation chapter 1. The things after the things that are start at the end of the Church age described by the Lord’s 7 letters.. John is taken to heaven to see the seals being opened by Jesus because John is a member of the Church and the Church is observing from heaven at that point.
Besides, the sixth seal in Revelation cannot be opened before the first five seals are opened. None of what was described has already been literally fulfilled.
Don wrote “I think people in the tribulation will wilfully rebel against the God of heaven.”
I agree for even though God says the world will know these coming events are his doing… he doesn’t say they will repent.
I believe Psalm 83 is an imprecatory prayer that will be answered at much the same time. I have referred to it as Israel ‘cleaning house’.
This is interesting.
I listen to a Bible Scholar sometime who says that the 3rd antichrist will come from Persia (Iran). And will be used of God to punish America near the battle of Armageddon.
He says America is Mystery Baylon of Revelation, so all this stuff happening with Iran could be leading to fullfillment of Bible prophesy.
It is a bit scary.
Thank you for sharing.
Hi Margaret,
He is not much of a Bible Scholar. The Antichrist will come from north of Israel and America is not Mystery Babylon. There is no Mystery Babylon. Mystery should not be part of the title in Revelation. Babylon is a well known location. I recently addressed that erroneous view on this blog.
https://www.thepropheticyears.com/enddepravity/the-mystery-of-babylon-the-kingdom-counterfeit-of-satan.html
The prophecy about Elam in Jer 49:36 is much more fitting to the present Iran situation.
https://www.thepropheticyears.com/enddepravity/prophecy-about-elam-to-be-fulfilled-by-a-coalition-of-nations-attacking-iran.html
I’m sorry Don, but I don’t agree with you.
His name is Allen Bonck at The Prophesy Project at prophesyproject.com.
He knows prophesy very well.
He is very convincing.
He has studied both the old and new testament prophets.
Margaret,
I am sure people who never studied the scriptures for themselves who want to hear prophesy instead of Bible prophecy might think so. Nevertheless, if he really knew the prophetic scriptures he would not be teaching unfounded conjecture as if the Bible actually teaches any such concept that America is Babylon.
If you have been so educated by this teacher in Bible prophecy or prophesy, refute my points about Babylon and Elam from the scriptures.
No, thank you Don.
I’ll believe what I want, and you can believe what you want.
It isn’t my job to convince you otherwise.
The world is full of lots of opinions about Bible Prophecy. Sorry for the misspell.
God is the only one who really knows.
Margaret,
If you do not want my informed opinion about teachers you are promoting on my Blog, do not post them in a comment.
If God is the only one who could understand Bible prophecy, why did God bother to give it to us?