Prophecy & the Decline of America

By now, everyone is aware of the utter turmoil which now characterizes America’s upcoming presidential election. An assassination attempt was recently carried out against former President Trump which is wrought with conspiracy and collusion, and President Biden, despite boldly claiming that he was mentally fit for the role of president, performed so badly in a debate that his own party has called for his removal from the race. He has since stepped out of the presidential race and endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris to run in his place. There is much to talk about on these subjects, but as we look at things in relation to God’s plan as revealed through prophecy, there are two things in particular we focus on:

1.     The state and strength of the US as a world power

2.     The relationship between the US and Israel

When talking about latter-day events, these are the two primary roles we must look at with the US. They are undoubtedly related, for if the US were to be replaced as the leading power of the world, this would naturally affect their relationship with Israel as they would be less able to help. The results of the upcoming election will directly affect both of these things. Let’s consider each on their own in light of the Word.

I find it necessary to place a disclaimer before we delve into this. Christadelphians place their citizenship in the Kingdom to come, not in any nation of this world. Like the other faithful of old, we seek “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10) and therefore consider ourselves “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). We neither vote nor take part in political office, not only because we consider ourselves strangers here and such would be inappropriate, but because we know that it is God who appoints rulers, and He does so to accomplish His own purpose. While many people assume that God’s going to appoint whoever will take the best care of the nation, this view is not that which is taught in Scripture. God sets rulers up for the rising of certain and nations as well as for the fall of certain nations.

Establishing these things, I therefore aim diligently to consider the things occurring in the US (the nation of my residence) from the point of view of mere a bystander. I do not wish for Trump or whichever Democratic candidate to assume office because I do not know which one will accomplish God’s will for the nation. From studying the Word and examining the current political and world scene, I have my opinions as to who might better carry out what we find in the Scriptures, but as the events have yet to unfold, they are merely studied opinions based on the ever-changing present. That being established, let’s get into it.

The US as a World Power

We find no direct mention of the US in prophecy, but I believe we do find them referred to in two senses: one is more direct whereas the other is circumstantial. As to the most direct reference to the US, this can only be their inclusion under the helm of the “lions of Tarshish” of Ezekiel 38, for America is one of the many nations who sprang from the Lion power of Britain. Their involvement in this sequence of events is telling.

The entirety of their involvement in the affair as revealed in Scripture is shown by their one question to the Gogian power: “Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?” (Ezekiel 38:13). Much has been made of this statement, some claiming that this shows a direct, full-out war between Russia and the Western powers, but this is simply making the text say far too much. All that we’re told about is this brief question. The most we can make of it is a harsh rebuke of Russia for their movements and intent, but even this seems to be too much of a stretch if we are to abide by what the passage actually says. The chapters show Russia progressing toward Israel and mention nothing of any obstacle they face on the way. Apart from this one question, they are unopposed.

However, I believe that this may show the results of a big change on the international landscape. Consider: if Russia were to make their advance against Israel today, what would be the western response? It’s possible that they’d treat it much like Ukraine where they give arms and speak bold words but don’t directly fight Russia for fear of starting a third World War, but this scenario seems unlikely simply because of the value of the Middle East. If such an attack were to occur at this very moment, I believe the western powers (specifically the US) would feel compelled to intervene militarily. Diplomacy would be attempted at first, but the stakes would be too high for the West to allow Russia to take the Middle East. I believe a direct confrontation would occur, and although Ezekiel 38 does not depict this event, it seems to me that it may show the aftermath of such a war between Russia and the West where America no longer runs the show.

We read constantly of the dwindling US power (though still very strong) and the rise of Russian and Chinese capabilities. Should a third World War break out, it’s very possible that the US is replaced as the most powerful nation on earth. They would therefore be weakened in their ability to protect themselves and their interests, Israel and the Middle East included. It seems to me that the events of Ezekiel 38 are more likely to occur after such an event than before it, for if the US and the West have been badly bruised, it makes sense that they simply question or verbally protest Gog’s intent as they’re unable to do anything else. This is a scenario which I personally believe makes more sense, but time will tell.

As to the circumstantial evidence of America’s likely decline in that future day, this actually stems out of a lack of reference, i.e. – Israel is shown as standing alone against her enemies in her most desperate time of need (Isaiah 63:3). When Israel is at their most desperate point, where is the nation which has historically been their greatest ally? Why is it that only the Lord who goes “forth for the salvation of thy people” (Habakkuk 3:13)? Why does it say that “In that day shall the LORD (and no others) defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:8)? The fact that there is neither mention nor hint of any power other than CHRIST helping Israel raises many questions about the status of America in that future day. Why is America not helping Israel? If the US has either been weakened or has become unwilling to help Israel, it makes perfect sense.

The relevance of this in relation to America is clear. I fully expect the US to further decline as a world power, and the results of the upcoming election will bear on this heavily. The Biden administration has already weakened the US in dramatic ways. Instead of increasing military capability and defense, priority has been given to “diversifying” the armed forces so it is more “inclusive”. This is actually one of the reasons why Trump was nearly assassinated, for the woman who was placed in charge of the Secret Service for Trump was focused on “diversifying” the Secret Service instead of hiring the most capable candidates (Daily Signal). When one watches the video of the assassination attempt and pays close attention to the Secret Service, it is abundantly clear that they were not organized or capable of carrying out their role. Some of the women agents ducked at the gun fire instead of covering the former president. Some trembled and were barely able to holster their pistols out of panic. This same logic is being applied to the military, and it is cause for America’s enemies to rejoice.

Should Trump resume office, I believe it would work to strengthen the country not only militarily, but with their bond with Israel. If Kamala gets in office, it seems that this will merely accelerate the decline of the US as the leftist agenda would continue grow and be enforced.

As to what forces are actually weakening America, there are many. Many are aware of how the leftist and “woke” movements have undermined the moral standing of the nation, and this permeates to all facets of society. What many are likely not aware of is the typical life cycle of an empire. All of the great empires of the world have come and gone. The empires of Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome all reached incredible heights, yet all are gone today. Most recently added to that list was the British empire which officially disappeared completely in 1997 when Britain pulled out of Hong Kong. The last remaining “great” power is that of the US, and although it is not technically an empire, it is considered and treated as one. There are certain “stages of life” which nations and empires go through which begin with vigor, progress to structure and integrity, and finally reach a degree of power, abundance, and comfort. But once this is reached for some time, decline sets in and is manifested through complacency which quickly turns to apathy and dependence. Specialists on the subject have determined that the average lifespan of an empire is 250 years (Times-Standard).

Where is the United States in this cycle? It is clear that complacency and apathy have set in. But what’s even more striking is that America declared independence in 1776 and will celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, just two years from now. Given the documented history of empires and particularly the endless signs of decline all throughout the nation, the pieces of the puzzle seem to line up with sobering precision.

The US is heading downhill and appears to be following the same line of decline as did Britain not that long ago. It was clear that Britain was no longer a viable world power as their grip on their empire began to slip, losing nations one by one. What sealed the deal was the 1956 Suez Crisis when Britain failed to protect her interests and present itself as a credible threat. They were seen as “tucking their tail between their legs”. In the same way, America was recently booted out of Afghanistan with similar embarrassment. They left so quickly that millions of dollars of military assets including over 70 aircraft and almost 100 vehicles were left in the desert (BBC). America continues to suffer embarrassment on other scenes today, and it seems that there will be many opportunities for other powers to usurp the US as the most powerful nation on earth.

Yet one possibility we haven’t mentioned as to why the US might be too weak to help Israel could be internal problems. We’ve mentioned the distrust amongst American voters, and it seems that no matter who wins the presidency, the losing side and their supporters will accuse the victors of cheating. We remember how many people cried “Not my president” when Trump won, and we also remember how many believed the system was rigged when Biden won the election after that. With how much the hatred and bitterness has intensified even since the 2020 election, can we imagine what it will look like this time around? It’s difficult to imagine a way for someone to win the election and things be okay afterwards. We are even seeing hints and fears of another civil war. Such an event would surely cripple America’s ability to be a viable foe on the international scene, and it would be an opportunity which America’s enemies would not hesitate to take advantage of.

So many signs indicate that there is going to be a significant change in the political heavens soon. As to what prophecy says about this, we conclude that is says nothing directly, but seems to show evidence of a weaker and less capable America. But there is another part to this we mentioned before which bears on this subject as well. It’s not just about how strong America is, it’s also about

America’s Relationship with Israel

It is entirely possible that America is still the leading world power when Israel is attacked and is therefore capable of helping, but still chooses not to. For one to offer help, one must be both able and willing, and not only is America becoming less able to help Israel, they’re simultaneously becoming less willing. Time would fail to list all of the ways the Biden administration has given Israel the cold shoulder and empowered her enemies. Depending on how this election goes at the end of the year, this could continue to get worse.

Trump was undoubtedly one of Israel’s greatest friends and one of the most pro-Israel presidents America has had. He claims that this state of things would resume should he become president again, and while I personally believe that this is true, things could happen between now and then which could change that. If, on the other hand, Kamala Harris becomes president, it’s my belief that we’ll witness the worst US-Israel relationship in history. Kamala’s positions on Israel are hardly complimentary. What friendly comments are made wreak of  political voidness and are not followed by action. Just this past week, Netanyahu addressed the US Congress, and Kamala decided to boycott his speech (The Jerusalem Post). She also did not greet him when his plane landed (something which is a common custom). While these things might seem small gestures to us, they speak volumes on the political scene, for in that world, everything is intentional and sends a message.

Concluding Thoughts

What are we to make of all of this? Concisely, here are my thoughts:

My findings from the Word suggest to me that something will occur which will either cause America to be unable or unwilling to help Israel when her prophesied enemies attack her. It’s possible that they will be both unwilling and unable. Nevertheless, if Trump assumes office, I believe America will have to be rendered unable to help simply due to his history of support for Israel. If Kamala assumes office, I believe the US will fast-track its current path of decline and leave Israel in the cold.

The good thing for us believers us that we are merely spectators of this roaring of the sea and waves. We are not to have a “preference” for who takes office, but know and take confidence in the fact that whoever becomes president will be the person who God has chosen to further His purpose. The most logical person to accomplish this in my mind would be Kamala, but God often works in ways which are not what we expect, and He does so to show His mighty hand. Prophecy was not given to glorify man, but to glorify God. He therefore often works in ways which directly contradict what people naturally assume. Adding to this is the fact that history has shown that we typically only fully understand a prophecy after it has been fulfilled, and we must therefore draw the same conclusions for those prophecies which have yet to be fulfilled. All we can do is take what we’re told in the Word for what it says, know that it will come to pass as it is written, and then try to fill in the blanks as much as we can undogmatically until it is actually fulfilled. The great thing is that it seems we will not need to wait long, and the closer we get to its fulfillment, the better our educated guesses should become as we have more pieces of the puzzle to work with.

In the time that does remain, let us follow these events just enough to keep up with what’s going on. If we become to involved in them, we’ll find that we will begin becoming political ourselves. Instead, let us see these signs and rejoice in the fact that our citizenship lies in a far better age which will be characterize not by war, deceit, and pride, but by righteousness, justice, and peace! We therefore do not place our hopes in the world in front of and beneath us, but look up to the heavens for our redeemer, “For our conversation  (literally “citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). May he come quickly!

In the Hope of Israel,

Tanner Hawkins