Second, this interpretation would provide a specific identification for the Americas in future Bible prophecy. This could easily fit our current world, as Western nations generally oppose military action by Middle Eastern nations against Israel, though often do so without any significant involvement to stop such actions. How would this interpretation of "the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages" impact the view of Western Europe and the Americas in Bible prophecy? First, it would indicate that these areas condemn the future alignment of nations against Israel. If this is the case, the implications for Bible prophecy significantly change. Many scholars now suggest that if Tarshish meant the city of Tartessos in Spain, its merchants and villages could be a metaphor for the West, to include Western Europe and the Americas. The "merchants of Tarshish and all her villages" could also refer to more than one location.
The Jewish historian Josephus identified Tarshish as Cilicia, while many identify it with the Tarshish in southern Spain - a spot that would have been understood by Jonah as the farthest point opposite Nineveh.
Many times the phrase "ships of Tarshish" was used to indicate any ship that travelled a long distance. All that is clear from this passage is that it was west of Israel, required travel by ship, and was considered far away. Later, the prophet Jonah "fled to Tarshish" to escape God's call to preach to the people of Nineveh (in modern Iraq). It occurs 24 times, originally as a land of people descended from a man named Tarshish in Genesis 10:4 (also 1 Chronicles 1:7). The main problem is that Tarshish has been used in a variety of ways in the Old Testament. Many suggestions have been made regarding the identity of these merchants. Sheba and Dedan have been readily identified with the nations of the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia and its connected nations). Verse 13 then mentions two groups that will oppose this alliance. This does not mean these and other nations may not be involved, but that this prophecy focuses on other nations that appear to be Israel's main opponents.Įzekiel 38 mentions several nations that will one day form an alliance to attack Israel. Interestingly, some of the nations we would expect to stand in conflict with Israel are not listed. Put: Modern Libya, possibly extending west beyond Libya to other North African nations.īeth Togarmah: Located within modern Turkey. In fact, Iran was called Persia until 1935, less than 100 years ago.Įthiopia (also Cush) : Not modern Ethiopia, but known as the area now called Sudan (now North Sudan and perhaps parts of South Sudan). Persia: The ancient land of Persia is located in modern Iran. Meshek (also Meshech) : Located within modern Turkey. This land is now what we call Central Asia (the "Stans") and possibly includes parts or all of Afghanistan. Magog: Magog was the ancient land of the Schythians. This is a reference to modern Russia or at least parts of it in this area north of the Black Sea. Gog (Rosh in some translations): The land north of the Black Sea. 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.'" Ezekiel 38:2-6 (ESV)
#Prince of persia bible full
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.
"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. Who are these nations?įirst, let's look at the specific verses that mention the nations that will align against Israel. Ezekiel 38 does indeed speak of such a future time when many lands from this area will come together in a war against the nation Israel. The growing unrest in the Middle East has caused many to wonder if the Bible speaks of a future time when the nations of this area will turn to catastrophic war.
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