News has broken of the successful elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amidst the rubble of his palace which was one of the first targets in Israel’s attack on top Iranian leadership. He is one of many top leaders eliminated, but his demise holds particular significance.

Since 1979, Iran’s leadership has been more theocratic than political. Guided by the demonic belief that Allah has called them specifically to destroy the infidels and usher in the Mahdi (Islamic messiah), the apocalyptic desires of the regime have driven policy. Standing in their way: Israel (little Satan) and the US (great Satan). Chants of “Death to Israel, death to America” and verbal threats to wipe Israel from the face of the earth were common among Iran’s leaders and those who swore allegiance to them.

Not so ironically, Purim begins in Israel on Tuesday. It is a celebration of God’s miracle in saving the Jewish people during the time of Babylonian captivity. At the behest of an evil advisor named Haman, Persian King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) ordered the annihilation of the Jews. However, God had placed Mordecai and Esther at the right place “for such a time as this.” Through their obedience to God, the Jewish people were saved and the evil Haman was hanged on his own gallows.

Just hours ago, the modern-day Haman met similar fate.

Nothing is coincidental in our Sovereign Lord’s universe! Throughout history, the Jewish people have faithfully read specific Torah portions each week. This week’s portion is from Deuteronomy 25:17-19 where Israel is commanded:

Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt…you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget.”

Indeed, the Jewish people have not forgotten. That Torah portion, known as Parashat Zachor, reminds the people of these things:

• The moral duty to remember evil.
• The obligation to confront existential threats.
• The connection between Amalek and the events of Purim. (Haman was an Agagite, a descendant of Amalek.)

In God’s plans, there are no coincidences. The timing of the elimination of the ayatollah so close to the commemoration of Purim is no accident.

While we rejoice with our Jewish friends in this victory, we must remain sober toward Bible prophecy. We don’t know who will come to power in Iran once the dust settles, but we can be sure of one thing: according to Ezekiel’s prophecy (Ezekiel 38-39), Iran will be part of the coalition alongside Russia, Turkey and others who will ultimately attack Israel from the north. Evil will prevail in that scenario until the Lord God Himself stands up to defend Israel.

But take heart, dear friends. Perhaps a sound defeat of Iran will open up a season of relative peace and calm. A time for the Gospel to go forth, and a time for Israel to breathe again without the constant Iranian threat hanging over their heads. Ezekiel does say that Israel will be living in peace and security when the invasion from the north happens.

The building blocks of Bible prophecy continue to be revealed, regardless of how this war turns out. But for now, let’s enjoy a Purim-like celebration as the modern Haman has met his demise!