Prophecy Over Two Thousand Years Old Coming True?

About two months ago, I had a disagreement with a friend. My friend asked me "Why does the United States support the nation of Israel? After all, Israel uses guns, rockets, and bombs against the Palestinians, while the Palestinians use only rocks to fight for their land. How is this fair?!" he demanded. When I asked him is it fair to purposely murder women and children by strapping on a bomb vest via a suicide bomber, he had no reply. I mention this story because during the course of the argument I told him to read Psalm 83 and questioned him, "If the United States doesn't support Israel, who else would?" King David's prayer for his nation in Psalm 83 transcends over time in its description of how various enemies seek the annihilation of the nation of Israel. After reading Psalm 83, these same enemies calling for Israel's destruction should be a bit concerned about their ultimate fate.

"KEEP NOT silence, O God; hold not Your peace or be still, O God. For, behold, Your enemies are in tumult, and those who hate You have raised their heads. They lay crafty schemes against Your people and consult together against Your hidden and precious ones. They have said, Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be in remembrance no more (Psalm 83: 1-4)".

These scriptures could be ripped from today's headlines. The ruler of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has spoken openly on numerous occasions about his desire to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth. In addition, Ahmadinejad has consulted with members of the Arab Nation on achieving the goal of destroying Israel. He has proclaimed, "There is no doubt that the new wave [of attacks] in Palestine will soon wipe off this disgraceful blot [Israel] from the face of the Islamic world." Ahmadinejad also posed an interesting question during a speech he gave in Tehran, "Is it possible for us to witness a world without America and Zionism? You had best know that this slogan and this goal are attainable, and surely can be achieved."

"For they have consulted together with one accord and one heart; against You they make a covenant - The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, the Philistines, with the inhabitants of Tyre. Assyria also has joined with them; they have helped the children of Lot [the Ammonites and the Moabites] and have been an arm to them. Selah (Psalm 83: 5-8)."

Who are these ancient people? Can we identify these groups today?

"We do know that Assyria is the same as modern-day Iraq. And that the Ishmaelites, descended from Abraham and Hagar, were the progenitors of the Arabs. We know the Edomites and the Amalekites were descendents of Esau, and the Moabites and Ammonites from Lot, but to trace them today is well-nigh impossible. The Philistines inhabited the area now known as the Gaza Strip. The city of Tyre was located in what is now Lebanon. Gebal is the same as ancient Gubla or Byblos, located in Phoenicia. Some sources list the Hagarites as descendents of Hagar, and therefore a segment of Ishmaelites, but the identification is not positive." (Believers Bible Commentary) What are the chances? The Psalmist eerily illustrates the present countries that currently surround Israel.

"Do to them as [You did to] the Midianites, as to Sisera and Jabin at the brook of Kishon, Who perished at Endor, who became like manure for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, yes, all their princes as Zebah and Zalmunna, Who say, Let us take possession for ourselves of the pastures of God. O my God, make them like whirling dust, like stubble or chaff before the wind! As fire consumes the forest, and as the flame sets the mountains ablaze, So pursue and afflict them with Your tempest and terrify them with Your tornado or hurricane. (Psalm 83:9-14)"

Here the chapter continues in recounting the fate of princes Oreb, Zeeb, Zebah, and Zalmunna of the Midianites at the hand of Gideon. When the Midianites sought to destroy the Israelites, the Lord used Gideon to completely obliterate the power of the Midianites, so much so that his victory was long remembered in Bible. From this blow, the tribe of the Midianites never recovered and disappears from history.

"Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek, inquire for, and insistently require Your name, O Lord. Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; yes, let them be put to shame and perish, That they may know that You, Whose name alone is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth. (Psalm 83: 15-18)"

As recently as September 7th, 2006, the Jerusalem Newswire reported that foreign ministers representing the twenty-two Arab states, all of which remain united in their determination to purge Israel from the Middle East, met in Cairo Wednesday for a strategy session aimed at reviving the "peace process" they believe will help to facilitate their goal of wiping Israel off the map. The goals of the Arab foreign ministers will never be achieved. Israel will forever exist. History has shown over and over again the fate of people and countries who sought to eliminate Israel. Sadly, these Arab nations will be put to shame and countless people will perish for their actions.

I know some people may believe that Psalm 83 is irrelevant and has no bearing on the state of the world today. Yet a discovery last week may give one a reason to change their minds. On July 25, 2006, archaeologist discovered an ancient book of Psalms dated to the years 800-1000 A.D in an Irish bog. What is so amazing is that when they found the book, it was opened to Psalm 83. Pat Wallace, director of the National Museum of Ireland said, "There's two sets of odds that make this discovery really way out. First of all, it's unlikely that something this fragile could survive buried in a bog at all, and then for it to be unearthed and spotted before it was destroyed is incalculably more amazing." Is God trying to tell the world something? The Lord grants mercy and warnings before His final judgment. Nevertheless, from the declarations of Israel's surrounding neighbors, they are not heeding the warning. If you think this Israeli-Palestinian conflict is about land you are deluding yourself; nations wish to seek the total annihilation of the Jews and Israel. It may seem unfair, but the Lord will protect Israel. Which side do you chose to be on? The United States isn't mentioned in scripture during the Last Days. The United States and Britain are Israel's only allies, what do you think will happen once Prime Minister Tony Blair resigns next year? The United States needs to stand by Israel while we still can because America is obviously next on the hit list.