The Middle East in Prophecy Erik Jones, Paul Luecke, David Treybig

Introduction: The Significance of the Middle East

Since the conclusion of World War I, the Middle East has emerged as a crucible of geopolitical complexities marked by political turbulence, wars and the oppression of beleaguered populations.

This region, with its rich tapestry of history, has been witness to the rise and fall of empires, the birth and spread of major world religions, and the epicenter of enduring conflicts.

In this booklet, we embark on a journey through time and prophecy, unraveling the intricate threads that weave the narrative of the Middle East in Bible prophecy.

The cradle of civilization—and three world religions

This is no ordinary terrain. It is the very cradle of civilization, where God created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve.

It is a land steeped in the traditions of three major religions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The roots of these faiths are deeply entwined with the soil of the Middle East, making it a spiritual crossroads that has witnessed

Introduction: The Significance of the Middle East 1,095 words

Chapter 1: Abraham, Father of Many Nations

In order to have an accurate understanding of the complex relations between modern nations in the Middle East, it is necessary to be aware of some of the earlier history of this part of the world. The biblical story of this land primarily has its roots in the story of one man, his kin and their children.

This central figure was Abraham—or Abram, as he was originally called—and his wife, Sarah—or Sarai, as she was originally called (Genesis 17:5, 15). Current attitudes held by today’s residents of the Middle East spring from deeply rooted historical and emotional foundations that we will now consider.

Abraham’s lineage can be traced through his father, Terah, who was a resident of Ur of the Chaldeans. Like most people at that time, Terah was an idol worshipper (Joshua 24:2).

Terah had at least three sons—Abraham, Nahor and Haran—and at least one daughter, Sarah (from a different mother than Abraham’s mother), who eventually married Abraham (Genesis 11:

Chapter 1: Abraham, Father of Many Nations 5,589 words

Chapter 2: The Rise of Islam and the Making of the Modern Middle East

Throughout the centuries, the descendants of Ishmael, Esau and Lot largely settled in the lands surrounding the Holy Land—particularly Arabia, northern Africa, the Levant (the area along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea) and Mesopotamia.

Since most of Ishmael’s offspring inhabited the vast desert region of the Arabian Peninsula, they became known as Arabs. Over the years, they developed the Arabic language, which has many linguistic similarities to Hebrew.

Though many of the Arabs were Ishmaelites, the descendants of other peoples of the region mixed with them and also became known as Arabs. As we have already noted, this included some descendants of Esau, one of whose wives was Ishmael’s daughter (Genesis 36:1, 8, 19).

Among the Arab peoples are also the descendants of Abraham’s nephew Lot, the father of the Moabites and Ammonites (modern-day Jordan).

It’s also likely that some of the descendants of the va

Chapter 2: The Rise of Islam and the Making of the Modern Middle East 4,662 words

Chapter 3: The Middle East in End-Time Prophecy

Bible prophecy tells us that the historic hostilities between the two branches of Abraham’s family will finally come to an end—but not in the way geopolitical analysts would likely predict.

Before Christ’s return and before these animosities come to an end, the Bible describes an end-time “king of the South” (Daniel 11:40). Indications are that the Arab/Muslim world will unite in an effort to destroy the offspring of Abraham’s grandson Jacob.

Psalm 83 also foretells a powerful coalition of mostly Arab and Muslim nations, a vast confederacy determined to exterminate Israel from the earth.

“They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’ For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You” (Psalm 83:4-5).

Verses 6-8 identify the nations that will unite against Israel. The names point clearly to Arabic and Muslim nations of the Middle East,

Chapter 3: The Middle East in End-Time Prophecy 2,845 words

Chapter 4: The Bright Future of the Middle East

If we did not have the Bible, the picture of the Middle East’s future would be grim. But God has revealed a much brighter future for the Middle East.

Jesus Christ is coming to save—and rule—the world

God knows that in the end time, humans will develop and use weapons of mass destruction to such an extent that they will come close to erasing all life on earth. Jesus said, “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved” (Matthew 24:22). But Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and He will return just in time to save life on earth.

The name Jesus refers to His role as Savior and Christ means “anointed” (Messiah in Hebrew). He is anointed to rule as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Ironically, all three major religions that claim a stake in Jerusalem have varying beliefs regarding the Messiah.

In a 2010 survey, about half of mainstream American Christians said they believed Jesus Christ would return in the next 40

Chapter 4: The Bright Future of the Middle East 1,966 words