CAN AMERICA'S FAILURE TO STAND UP TO RUSSIA IN SYRIA LEAD TO EZEKIEL 38&39

Today, 150,000 Russian troops have hit the ground in Syria.  Iran is also planning a massive ground invasion in Syria, as well.

    After Russian bombing runs have softened targets in Syria, the ground invasion begins.  Russian troops have arrived on Syrian soil, with Russia claiming to target IS forces.  Fears that Russian attacks are targeting U.S.backed  Rebel forces who have been fighting against the Assad regime, as well as IS positions are not without merit.  On day one of the Russian bombings, a CIA trained Rebel unit was hit.  Along with the massive Russian build up of weapons and machines of war, Iran has been planning a massive ground assault in Syria as well.  The fact Iran has been supporting Assad against the Rebel uprising is indisputable and the fact Iran has not made one move to deter IS takeovers in neighboring Iraq, lead to educated speculation that Iran and Russia will be teaming up to help Syrian government forces squash the civil war that has been ongoing for almost 5 years.  U.S. support of the Rebels makes the Russian/Iranian coalition much more dangerous as both countries see America as weak, under the current administration and is testing American resolve.  How America responds to this threat in Syria may very well determine if Russia and Iran make a move against Israel. 

   Iran has been enriched by 150 billion dollars, thanks to a one sided deal made by the U.S. and other countries.  Undoubtedly, some of this money will be used to fund this war effort in Syria and may eventually be used to attack Israel and to fight against American and other allied forces who stand to defend the Syrian Rebels or help defend Israel. Today, Iranian military officials declared that all U.S. bases in the Middle East are within range of Iranian missiles.  

     Should America continue to lead from behind in the Middle East, and should the U.S.fail to stand up to Russian and Iranian involvement in Syria, Russia and Iran may see a green light to move troops into Israel as a preemptive move against continued Israeli threats to attack Iran’s nuclear program.  

Ezekiel 38:1-9  The word of the LORD came to me: 

 ”Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him 

  and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. 

  And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. 

  Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 

  Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.   “Be ready and keep ready, you and all your hosts that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them.   After many days you will be mustered. In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them. 

  You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you. 

What we know for sure about the above prophecy is that it has not happened… yet.  We also know that if Russia, referred to as Gog, and Iran, referred to as Persia, were to invade Israel in a ground war, the troops would almost have to come into Israel from Syria.

 Iran does not border Israel, Jordan is currently on friendly terms with Israel, so no troops from Iran would be able to enter Israel.  Iran and Saudi Arabia are currently vying for economic dominance in the area, so no troops could enter through Saudi Arabia. Syria is the only logical place from which a Russian/Persian coalition could mount a ground invasion against Israel.  

Should America blink in Syria, Russia and Iran may feel confident enough in America’s lack of will for all out war in the Middle East and invade Israel.  We know from scripture that Israel will stand alone during the Ezekiel 38 invasion and that God will supernaturally protect Israel.  

Ezekiel 39:1-8  ”And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. 

  And I will turn you about and drive you forward, and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel. 

  Then I will strike your bow from your left hand, and will make your arrows drop out of your right hand. 

  You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your hordes and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. 

  You shall fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. 

 I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the LORD. 

 ”And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. 

  Behold, it is coming and it will be brought about, declares the Lord GOD. That is the day of which I have spoken. 

Clearly, God intervenes on behalf of Israel and defeats those who would come against His holy land. If America fails to be a friend to Israel, this may very well be on the horizon.  As I look at prophecy, I see America taking on the role that Egypt once had with Israel.  Today, the majority of Jews live in either Israel or the United States.  Traditionally, the United States has been the best friend Israel has had, but under the current administration, America has all but turned it’s back on Israel by supporting nations and groups, such as Hamas, that are dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Back in October 2013, I wrote a piece addressing America’s relationship with Israel in light of Bible prophecy you can read that by clicking HERE – Is America a Type of Egypt in End Time Prophecy?  

My fear is that if America signals weakness in Syria, an Israeli invasion will be imminent.  Other, thus far, unfulfilled prophecies may come into play if an invasion of Israel comes through Syria.  The prophet Isaiah spoke judgment against the city of Damascus - Isaiah 17:1  An oracle concerning Damascus. Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins. 

Should a ground invasion take place through Syria, and Israel is victorious, as the Bible declares, undoubtedly, Israel will consider Syria’s role an act of war and retaliate against Damascus.  Without Russia or Iran to defend Syria, Israel would have no problem destroying Damascus as the Prophet Isaiah decreed.  

As the tensions and battles intensify in Syria, it will be interesting to see how Washington responds and what effect that response has on the Middle East balance of power.  Undoubtedly, Russia and Iran are attempting to shift the balance of power in their favor, will the U.S. do what it takes to preserve it’s standing in the region?  Will Saudi Arabia assert power against Iran to preserve it;s economic power base?  Will other countries, such as Sudan ans Libya line up with Russia and Iran, as prophesied in Ezekiel 38?  Time will tell, in the mean time, all we can do is continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the leadership of the United States and for our military, who are putting their lives on the line for the protection of our nation.