Saber rattling continues as Iran continues to threaten an attack on Israel and Israel continues to threaten a preemptive strike on Iran. Tensions are high, and the US, Qatar and Egypt are proposing “urgent talks” between Israel and Hamas on August 15. Will any of it come to pass?

As I write this, Israel and Iran are both gearing up for all-out war, and it is very difficult to think Israel and Hamas are ready to make concessions necessary to actually achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. That could all change before this post!

Recently I’ve entered two conversations regarding the Ezekiel 38-39 prophecy in light of what we see happening in the Middle East, particularly Iran. The key question: are we on the brink of seeing the prophecy come to fruition?

Some believe so, but I am not one of them. Admittedly, the prophecy could happen soon, but the players are not quite in place at the moment. Ezekiel 38 tells us the invasion will come from the north and will include Russia, Iran and Turkey (along with other likely more minor players). First, Iran is east of Israel, and secondly, they likely won’t risk their nuclear facilities and oil resources without the help of Russia.

Though Russia and Iran have certainly cozied up, as evident by Russia’s supply of S-400 defense weaponry to Tehran and Iran’s provision of drones and their technology to Moscow, Russia’s attention is clearly diverted by the embarrassing Ukrainian invasion into Russia. Together, Russia and Iran don’t seem to be prepared to attack from the north.

Likewise, Turkey’s President Erdogan has definitely turned “anti-NATO” and seemingly put his eggs in the Russia-Iran basket. Yet, his focus is divided internally, and in skirmishes with archenemies, the Kurds.

Certainly things could come together rather quickly. However, the puzzle pieces just don’t seem to fit quite yet, though the picture is coming into view!

So, will Iran strike? I doubt they will risk their assets without full-on support of the Russians. Will Israel preempt? Not unless there is a clear trigger. Will Iran do something unwise that causes a trigger? Perhaps…but I don’t believe it will immediately bring on Ezekiel 38.

What about the proposed peace talks between Israel and Hamas? My opinion: not a chance. Israel will not agree to anything less than release of all the hostages, which currently serve as Yahya Sinwar’s human shields and life insurance policy. Likewise, Hamas will never agree to anything implying Israel’s superiority.

Keep your eyes on Israel and your focus on God’s Word.