I have been saying for some time that the next major event on the prophetic schedule of events is the Psalm 83 war. As you examine just who the tribes listed are, you discover that they represent modern Arab nations which roughly form a circle around the nation of Israel.
One of the problems with this idea is that there are several Muslim nations which have expressed great animosity toward Israel, and which are not listed in the Psalm 83 account. Probably the most notable of these nations is the Islamic republic of Iran. Iran has expressed its intention to wipe Israel off of the face of the earth, and is furiously pursuing nuclear capability, with the express intention of carrying out this threat.
Furthermore, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Kamenei, recently said that Iran would help any nation that would attack Israel. This doesn’t fit the Psalm 83 scenario. The bible is true, however, and so we must conclude that something will occur between Iran and her Arab neighbors that will prevent them from joining the Arabs when they attack.
I can’t see an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear installations accomplishing this. If anything it would add fuel to the fire, unless the attack was so comprehensive that the entire Iranian army was immobilized. I don’t think this is the type of attack that Israel is considering, if they are considering an attack at all.
Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that Israel won’t attack Iran. I really don’t know either way. I’m just saying that this attack, if it happens, will not be the only factor in the End Times equation.
No. I think something else will stop Iran from joining the Arabs.
It may be that we are actually seeing the beginnings of the Arab/Iranian split in the news today. The civil war in Syria is pitting Iranian Shiite proxies against Arab Sunni proxies. This is more likely to provide an explanation for this split. In fact, since Russia is also supporting Assad, it really looks like this conflict will ultimately be the thin edge of the wedge that is driven between the Arabs and the other Muslim countries.
Even this week there are more reports of friction between the Iranians and Hamas.
I expect that after Assad falls, the Sunnis will turn their attention East toward Iraq, and West toward Lebanon. In both cases the Shiite’s are in control today, and both are friendly toward Iran. We will see a changing of the guard in both of those nations, due to support from the Saudis, and perhaps also the Americans. By supporting the “Arab Spring” revolutions in Libya and Egypt, the Americans have shown that they are in over their heads!
It is better for Israel and the West, if the Arabs are disunited. It is also better for the west if secular dictators like Assad, Mubarak, and Ghadaffi are in power. Their main goal was to stay in power. The religious dictators that are replacing them have an eschatology that calls for the destruction of Israel, and they don’t care if they, or their own people, die in the process. You can’t reason with such people!
When all is said and done, we will see the nations of the Gog and Magog war, of Ezekiel 38-39, stepping back from supporting the Arabs as they attack Israel. Their war will wait until a few years later.
I can’t say how long all of this will take, but I don’t think it will be decades, at least not more than one or two. Keep your eyes on the Middle East.
Keep watching Libya as well. The murder of the American ambassador this week shows that things have not settled down there just yet.
Muslim sensibilities aroused by film based on accounts in Hadith, and Qur’an.
Did Christopher Stevens create the monster that killed him?
Libya is not a part of the Psalm 83 war, but will join Russia and Iran’s attack on Israel several years later. What could cause them to avoid participation in this conflict? Civil war? Foreign occupation? Temporary alliance with Israel’s friends?
The truth is that it is God who is in control. Though things look bad, and will probably get worse, don’t wring your hands in despair. What must be will be, and all the logic in the world can’t stop it. God is going to allow the creation of a world government. It is God who will give the Antichrist the power to rule the world, and he will be invincible until Jesus returns!
The most important question is “what is your status with God?” We are living in perilous times, but even if you don’t die in a terrorist attack, you will stand before God one day. Does Jesus know you? That question will be uppermost in your mind on that day, and the things of earth will fade into oblivion!
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:14
OR, will He say to you;
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:23
Recommended reading;
Ancient Hatred: Understanding Iran’s War on Jews
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2012/March/Ancient-Hatred-Understanding-Irans-War-on-Jews/
Iran threatens Israel; new EU sanctions take force http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/01/us-iran-idUSBRE8600HG20120701
The Dangers of a Nuclear Iran http://www.cija.ca/issues/the-dangers-of-a-nuclear-iran/
housetops 
Hopeful and informative post, Dan! I’ve read in several articles, that an EMP strike by Israel on Iran, is also a possibility-it would throw them back to the stone age! I’m sure if this happens, that Russia will come to their aid since they have a destiny together. Although I don’t want to accept, being a decade or possibly more away from the Rapture, God will give us the grace and strength we need to overcome whatever happens-we belong to Him, forever!
There’s so much happening, and it’s ramping up by the day! I pray for grace, wisdom and mercy for all of us! Thank-you so much, Dan for all of the great links! Don’t forget-The Feasts of Trumpets is September 16-18! I wonder what major prophetic event will happen this year…?