As I was writing The Spirit of Prophecy, like so many other authors, I was focused on who is involved, and what is the outcome of the Psalm 83 war.  I think I got it right, and I also think I got the timing right.  One thing I didn’t focus on is a small verse near the end of the chapter.  (Note: verse 16 is the verse I have in mind, but 15 gives the context)

15 So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. 16 Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.

The nations of the Psalm 83 confederation have had a long association with Christianity, but for some of them, like Saudi Arabia, Christians have been persecuted for 1,400 years, since the advent of Islam.  For the others the “Arab Spring” is resulting in tremendous persecution against the followers of Jesus Christ, to the point that, by the time this war occurs there are not likely to be any Christians in those countries.

The rebels in Syria are already imposing Sharia in the areas they control.

Today we regularly hear of beheadings in Saudi Arabia, when Muslims find Jesus Christ as Savior!

Asaph, the psalmist, inspired by the Holy Spirit, stated his desire that the nations that attack Israel will be so ashamed of their behavior, that the shame of defeat will lead them to seek the name of the Lord.  I think this is a prayer that God would love to answer in the affirmative!  I think He will!

War is terrible, but God can take something man has meant for evil, and turn it into something good.

If I am correct, there will be a window of opportunity for missionaries to go to those nations, in the aftermath of the Psalm 83 war.  You can’t go to Saudi Arabia today in that capacity.  That would be to invite disaster.  Kind of like saying “Throw me in jail, I don’t want to live!”.

God, however, wants the gospel to go to the whole world.  The world includes the Arab nations, and God can ensure that the gospel gets there.  The question is “Who will go for Him?”

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14