Is Ezekiel 38 Next On God’s Agenda?

Most people say that the next fulfillment of prophecy will be the battle of Ezekiel. I have heard a lot of talk lately about how the current situation in Iran could mean the battle could start today, but from what I understand of the scriptures and your articles (as well as others) there is still a lot of things that have yet to happen. I am wondering what you think?

Q. Most people say that the next fulfillment of prophecy will be the battle of Ezekiel. I have heard a lot of talk lately about how the current situation in Iran could mean the battle could start today, but from what I understand of the scriptures and your articles (as well as others) there is still a lot of things that have yet to happen. I am wondering what you think?

Also, Isaiah 17 refers to as the day in which Damascus is destroyed and Israel is crippled. I am wondering, does the bible say who destroys Damascus and who cripples Israel? Is it just a conflict between Syria and Israel or a country that attacks both? Also, am I correct that all of these things have to happen before the battle of Ezekiel? Are there any other prophesies that must happen before the battle of Ezekiel which have not been fulfilled?

A. I believe the next prophetic event will be the rapture of the church.

Despite all the hype and anxiety over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, several things have to happen before the Battle of Ezekiel 38. The US has to be taken out of Israel’s defense equation, which may be some of the motivation behind Iran’s current shenanigans. Turkey has to change sides, Israel has to be persuaded that they and their neighbors are at peace with one another, and God has to be finished with the Church.

As far as the destruction of Damascus is concerned, in Isaiah 17 where it’s prophesied only Damascus and Israel are mentioned, so many scholars have seen it as something between the two of them. But Syria’s tied by treaty to Iran, and Iran is really calling the shots along Israel’s northern border. Iran has warned that it’s response to any attack on it’s nuclear plants would be against Israel. Iran would most likely use Hezbollah to do this, having supplied most of the 15,000 missiles Hezbollah has arrayed against northern Israel.

So here’s a possible scenario. The US and/or Israel go after Iran’s nukes, but are less than 100% successful in de-stabilizing Iran. Through Syria, Iran has Hezbollah launch against Israel causing much damage in northern and central regions. Israel levels Damascus in return. Iran also retaliates against the US with massive terrorist attacks in America and Iraq and by causing financial upheaval in the oil markets. The combination sidelines the US. Everybody goes to the negotiating table. The resulting treaty convinces Israel that they have no one to fear. But with Russia’s help Iran quickly rebuilds and on a day when Israel least expects it Iran and it’s Moslem coalition attacks fulfilling Ezekiel’s prophecy.

Obviously this is pure speculation, but it it is a scenario consistent with what we currently know about Biblical prophecy.