Yes, says DON DAVIS if the interpretation that US, Russia and China are Babylon the Great, Gog, the land of Magog, and the kings of the east respectively as mentioned in the Bible is correct.
SHOULD we be worried about President Obama’s exposed comment to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev referring to flexibility after reelection? Or the alleged cyber attacks against US by China, and the numerous sensitive intelligence leaks pertaining to Israeli operations against Iran?
Only if we believe US nuclear deterrent reduction along with missile defense elimination is reckless. If we think the Israeli operational leaks (if US is responsible) is likely to have irreversible consequences both domestic and international.
If someone believes the presence of the Russian military in Syria, which is ruled by a brutal dictator, besides a close relationship with radical, terror-exporting Iran is precarious. If anyone thinks closer China/Russia affairs are linked to a global challenge to US’s dominance.
This alliance, so China can eventually obtain Taiwan unchallenged (which could later signify major border concerns for India too). In addition, allowing Russia to drive a permanent wedge between US and the nervous allies who now question US’s reliance and protection, such as Poland and the old Soviet bloc nations, so that Russia can once again repossess the countries in their Soviet era ‘union’ if they choose.
Particularly, people should be concerned if they are alarmed by the modern-day correlations of Russia to the description of Gog, the land of Magog in the Ezekiel 38 prophecy. China to the kings of the east in Revelation 16:12, and the parallels of US to Babylon the Great in Revelation 17 & 18.
As usual, there is debate about the identity of Gog, the land of Magog. However, it can be shown through research that Magog (grandson of Noah) was associated with tribes commonly attributed to the area bordering Russia, and the location may be significant. Some use Ezekiel 38:15 and 39:2’s references of the attackers of Israel coming from the north, as proof of Russian origin, given that Moscow is located north of Jerusalem. Gog may have been a leader, a prince, and/or eventually worshiped as their god (maybe representing the Devil).
China, traditionally, has always been associated with the east, and today equals or nearly equals US in potential world supremacy of military forces. Russia may have fallen from its world power status, but it is rapidly retraining and rebuilding its once formidable global might. This is planned to be completed sometime between 2016 and 2020. As a result, the next 4 years could be crucial for world leaders who will either contribute to developments, or reverse the trends.
Moreover, many would argue that Russia and China are together working clandestinely to undermine and erode US’s universal financial, political and military clout.
Now, I know some believe that the Catholic Church (Vatican), Europe, some part of Europe (Rome) or the EU may be Babylon the Great. But, in their current state (and even in an exaggerated one) none fit the profile.
US does fit the Babylon the Great description, and it will fit more extensively if a nationwide conflict, civil unrest, or catastrophe causes the president (any president) to implement an executive order.
Interestingly, the US is already structured into 10 regional districts, or regions, as featured in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Organization’s structure, Office of Regional Operations webpage (unless it has been removed now). Each of the 10 FEMA regions has an Administrator (10 kings) to oversee operations of the 50 states which are separated and confined inside the 10 districts (Revelation 17:12 & 16).
In cases of emergency FEMA can, in theory, override the power of the individual States, and their identity and authority. One can only hope this power cannot be permanently implemented as it would forever change the United States of America as we know it today. In reality, it would then become the United Regions of North America.
With regard to Babylon’s destruction, in Revelation 18:8 & 10 and Revelation 17:16 the Scripture says that in one day, one hour, Babylon is utterly burned with fire. If the Lord doesn’t rain down fire from heaven, only China and/or Russia have the ability to completely destroy US with fire (nuclear weapons). And, US can be viewed from the seas as noted in Revelation 18:15-19.
Also, even today every financial tragedy affecting US trade and markets is ‘mourned’ by many. A complete stoppage would cause tremendous suffering to nearly all. Besides, the universal wealth, influence, leadership, corruption, and ethical disintegration accusations attributed to the US further correspond to prophecy in Revelation 17 & 18 (other details, as well as the ‘Beast’, are in my March 23, 2011 article and April 19, 2011 article).
What’s more, it can be disputed, whether true or not, that Israel is brave and successful in its military accomplishments because of the backing of the US. Simply the existence of the US, knowing the country will intercede and defend, is an overwhelming confidence advantage to Israel, and an obstacle against the enemies of Israel.
Therefore, any nation attacking Israel would have to first remove the US threat. Or the US would have to be comprehensively degraded in order not to come to Israel’s aid. Both hypothetical scenarios should not be ignored, although as things stand today a threat of this kind and size from either Russia or China is deemed obsolete.
But, despite the widespread disdain and rejection of Judaism and Christianity by certain scientific, political and military establishments, the plausibility of these prophecies and similarities ought to be strong grounds for concern, debate and investigation to both the US and Israel. For the simple reason that if future developments continue to run parallel to Biblical prophecies, it could indicate the total destruction of the US, and the beginning of a massive assault on Israel.
If the US is in any way removed from protecting Israel, there are no others who could, or would protect Israel. It would be a terrifying dilemma for Israel as illustrated in Ezekiel 38. A small country, with a tiny population, against huge, hostile, powerful super-powers (and their allies), and surrounded by Arabs who (purportedly) hate them.
Except, perhaps then Israel would turn to the Lord.
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Don Davis has over 20 years experience in analytic research particularly regarding Israeli, Middle Eastern culture, behavior and historical patterns. Don is based in Israel, from where he monitors and evaluates worldwide information on finance, technologies, industries, and the military/political environment for a US consulting company.