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Response
There are various biblical prophecies concerning the end times that refer to Iran, identified as Persia or Elam in the Bible. Considering Iran’s frequent appearance in the news as a nation pursuing weapons (potentially nuclear) and consistently making threats against Israel, students of Bible prophecy are paying attention.
Iran indeed has a role to fulfill in the end times. However, first, it is essential to delve into the history of Iran and its surrounding regions in relation to biblical accounts. Jeremiah prophesied the conquest and subsequent rise to power of Elam, a nation situated east of Babylon, west of Persia, and south of Media (Jeremiah 49:34-39). This prophecy was fulfilled when Babylon conquered Elam in 596 BC. Subsequently, Persia, led by Cyrus the Great, assumed control of the region, incorporating the Elamites and Medes into the Persian Empire. The Medo-Persian Empire emerged victorious and overtook Babylon in 539 BC, fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 21:2. These events occurred during the era of Daniel (Daniel 5); in fact, Daniel later dwelled “in the province of Elam” in Persia «And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. », (Daniel 8:2). Persia serves as the backdrop for the book of Esther and the initial part of Nehemiah.
The conquests of Alexander the Great marked the decline of Persia as a global power, fulfilling the prophecy in Daniel 8. Over the ensuing centuries, Persia was governed by the Seleucids, the Parthians, the Sassanians, the Romans, the Byzantines, and ultimately, in AD 636, the Muslims. The Iranian state was established in 1501.
In the New Testament, individuals from Iran are indirectly referenced as “Parthians, Medes, and Elamites,” who were present in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost «PArthians, Medes, Elamites, dwellers in Mesopotamia, Judæa, Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia (Acts 2:9). All three of these ethnic groups were Jewish residents of the region of ancient Persia, which is present-day Iran. They were in Jerusalem to witness the establishment of the church.
Iran’s role in the end times will involve being one of the nations in the battle of Gog and Magog, likely occurring in the first half of the tribulation. Ezekiel 38:5 specifically names Persia as an ally of Magog/Russia. Other nations in this alliance will include Sudan, Turkey, Libya, and others. This formidable army will march against Israel, who will then be described as “a peaceful and unsuspecting people” (verse 11).
The outcome of this end-times conflict is foretold: God will intervene supernaturally, leading to the complete destruction of Gog’s coalition. “On the mountains of Israel, you will fall, along with all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and wild animals” (Ezekiel 39:4-5). Iran, in alliance with Russia, may believe their invasion of Israel will be victorious, but God has different plans. By safeguarding Jerusalem, God will send a powerful message to the world: “I will reveal my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer allow my holy name to be profaned, and the nations will recognize that I, the Lord, am the Holy One in Israel” (verse 7).
