Babylon

[Iraq Rebuilding Its Military And Economy, Even as they Rebuild Babylon: Prophetic significance? by Joel C. Rosenberg ] "Washington, D.C., April 13, 2012--Bible prophecy indicates that in the End Times, the nation we know today as the Republic of Iraq -- known variously in Scripture as Babel, Babylon, Babylonia, Mesopotamia and Shinar -- will emerge as the global center of wealth, power and terrible evil. Eventually Iraq will pose a direct and existential threat to the State of Israel, particularly during the Tribulation.

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein and his regime in 2003, Iraq has not been a regional threat, much less a danger to Israel. Some have assumed, therefore, that Iraq would no longer play a major role in Middle Eastern or global affairs in the future. But such a conclusion would be a mistake. As I wrote about in my first non-fiction book, Epicenter, those who read, understand and believe Bible prophecy have been watching for Iraq to: 1) begin rebuilding its offensive military capability; 2) begin rebuilding its economy; 3) continue rebuilding the ancient city of Babylon into a major center of commerce and tourism.

Interestingly, all three developments are currently underway. A few details...

The Iraqis are buying 140 state-of-the-art American M1A1 combat tanks.

The Iraqis are buying 36 advanced American F-16 fighter jets.

In 2010, the Iraqis embarked on a $13 billion weapons spending spree.

Iraq's GDP is set to grow by more than 10% for the next few years.

Iraq's Planning Ministry says Iraq's economy will grow by upwards of 47% by 2017 when the oil starts flowing fast and furious.

In 2011, ExxonMobil -- the world's largest oil company -- signed a major deal to help develop the oil industry in Iraq's northern region of Kurdistan.

The U.S. government is helping finance the rebuilding of the city of Babylon.

"The American reconstruction team has refurbished a modern museum on the site, as well as a model of the Ishtar Gate that for decades served as a visitors' entrance," reports the New York Times. "Inside the museum is one of the site's most valuable relics: a glazed brick relief of a lion, one of 120 that once lined the processional way into the city. The museum, with three galleries, is scheduled to open this month, receiving its first visitors since 2003...." Full text: Iraq Rebuilding Its Military And Economy, Even as they Rebuild Babylon: Prophetic significance?

Babylon