As tensions intensify in the Middle East, questions about Israel, Iran and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy are once again taking center stage in Christian conversations.
On a recent episode of The Jesus People Podcast with Ryan Miller, Rabbi Jason Sobel joined the show to unpack why he believes the modern state of Israel and the current conflict with Iran are deeply connected to the prophetic timeline of Scripture.
Host Ryan Miller opened the conversation by framing the urgency of the moment, saying, “We’re seeing a war in Iran. We’re seeing so many of the birth pains that Jesus talked about would increase in the end times.”
Why the Modern State of Israel Matters
A major focus of the interview centered on whether the current nation of Israel is prophetically significant. Sobel answered with a firm yes.
“Absolutely,” he said when asked whether Ezekiel 38 refers to the modern nation-state of Israel.
Sobel pointed to Ezekiel 37 and the vision of dry bones as a picture of Israel’s return to the land before spiritual revival. “The bones coming back together is Israel coming back to the land in unbelief,” he said. “There’s coming a future revival where once the majority of Jewish people are back in the land, they will believe.”
He also rejected replacement theology, emphasizing that God’s covenant promises to Abraham still stand. Quoting Romans 11, Sobel said, “As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of the patriarchs.”
Iran, Persia and a Prophetic Pattern
Sobel also argued that modern Iran—ancient Persia—holds a unique place in the biblical story. “Whenever we see God at key moments in history, of redemptive history, the Persians show up,” he said.
In his view, the current conflict could become a turning point that sets up the conditions for Ezekiel 38 and 39. “This is the domino that is leading to that,” Sobel said, referring to the unprecedented peace Israel must experience before the Gog and Magog conflict.
He suggested that Iran’s weakening could pave the way for greater regional stability. “There’s going to be an unprecedented time of peace in the Middle East,” he said. “And when it seems like everything is going great, that’s when the end-time war of Gog and Magog begins.”
A Call to Discern the Times
Throughout the interview, Miller repeatedly emphasized that these discussions should do more than stir fascination. They should awaken believers spiritually.
“Would you listen with an ear and an attitude of asking the Holy Spirit, ‘Lord, how do You want me to keep oil in my lamps right now?’” he said.
The message of this day and age couldn’t be clearer: The world is once again looking at Israel, Iran and the pages of biblical prophecy as the clock is moving closer to midnight.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
