Is there any Bible prophecy about the United States of America?
Neither the United States of America, nor any country in North or South America, is directly mentioned in the Bible. Yet many struggle with the idea that the world's leading nation would not once be the subject of Scripture's end time prophecies. As a result, some have found places in which America may be included as part of a larger discussion of God's prophetic future, though many details are uncertain.
For example, the United States will likely be one of the many nations included among those who generally reject God in the end times (Revelation 10:11; 11:18; 14:8; 15:4; 16:19).
In addition, a global coalition of nations will serve under the leadership of an international leader known as the Antichrist. While this leader appears to arise from within the revived Roman Empire that includes Europe and the Mediterranean area, the United States will likely serve as a member nation in whatever conglomerate arises during this time.
Some also see a potential mention of America and other Western nations in the words of Ezekiel 38. This important future prophecy speaks of a coalition of nations that will arise in battle against Israel in the last days. Ezekiel 38:1-12 speaks of this battle. Verse 13 notes, "Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, 'Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?'" Sheba and Dedan historically mark the Arabian Peninsula that consists of Saudi Arabia and its attached nations.
Tarshish has been used in more than one way in the Bible. Tarshish was a literal city in Southern Spain that is believed to be the location Jonah fled to after God called him to preach against the wicked city of Nineveh (Jonah 1). Yet Tarshish is also sometimes used as a general reference to the Western ends of the earth. This understanding could well fit the context of Ezekiel 38:13. If so, it could indicate that Western powers, including the United States, will speak out against the coalition that attacks Israel in the last days, though they do not join in defending the nation in battle.
Finally, it is important to explain some of the potential reasons the United States is not mentioned explicitly in the Bible. Many reasons are possible. First, the focus of Bible prophecy is Israel. It would therefore be natural to focus on this land and those that surround it rather than on other nations. Second, the United States may not be the most dominant nation during the tribulation period. Whether due to the loss of many Christians at the time of the rapture, internal problems, or attack from external forces, it is possible America will not have the same level of influence during that future time.
America has been blessed as a leading nation and one with many Christians who serve the Lord. The Bible is clear regarding how its people should live, yet does not speak directly about the role of the United States in the last days.
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