What does the Bible say about Iran?
By Paul Bawden
In the Bible, Iran is called Persia or Elam. Jeremiah, in biblical history, prophesying around 630-580 B.C., said that Elam, a nation east of Babylon, west of Persia, and south of Media would be conquered and then rise to power again (Jeremiah 49:34-39). Babylon fulfilled that prophecy conquering Elam or Persia in 596 B.C.
When Cyrus, the great, came to power, he took over the area and the Elamites and the Medes became part of the Persian Empire. The Medo-Persian Empire with its power conquered Babylon in 539 B.C., fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 21:2. This action took place during the time of Daniel (Daniel 5). According to the Bible, Daniel lived in the province of Elam, in Persia (Daniel 8:2). Persia is the setting for the book of Esther (450 B.C.) and the first part of Nehemiah (424 B.C.).
Alexander the Great in his conquests ended Persia as a world power, fulfilling Daniel 8. As the centuries rolled by, Persia was ruled by the Seleucids, the Parthians, the Sassanians, the Romans, the Byzantines, and finally in AD 636, the Muslims. in 1501, the state of Iran was founded.
In the New Testament, people from Iran are mentioned: Parthians, Medes and Elamites, were present at the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:9). All three of these different people groups were Jews who lived in ancient Persia, modern day Iran, and were present in Jerusalem to experience the birth of the church in the first century.
When it comes to what could happen in the future with Iran, the nation will be involved in the battle of Gog and Magog. Ezekiel 38:5 mentions that Persia is an ally of Magog, which seems to refer to Russia. Sudan, Turkey, Libya, and others will be included in this coalition. This vast army will come against Israel, a peaceful and unsuspecting people (Ezekiel 38:11). This seems to take place during the first half of the tribulation that comes upon the earth.
What’s the outcome of this invasion against Israel. God supernaturally intervenes and Gog’s coalition is completely destroyed. The prophet Ezekiel records that those who invade Israel will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with their troops. They will be given to the birds and wild animals for food (Ezekiel 39:4-5).
Iran, allied with Russia, will think their invasion of Israel will bring their defeat. The biblical God has other plans and will protect Jerusalem. His message to the world is that He will make His holy name known among His people Israel. His holy name will no longer be profaned, and the nations will know that He is LORD, the Holy One in Israel (Ezekiel 39:7). (The above information is taken from an article on the gotquestions website entitled: “What role does Iran play in the end times?”).
Despite of what God’s judgment may bring to Iran in the future, the prophet, Jeremiah, in 49:39 also recorded that in the “latter days” God will restore the fortunes of Elam, of Iran. Some interpretations suggest a significant spiritual revival where many in Iran turn to the God of the Bible. It’s interesting that independent estimates suggest there are up to one million Christians in Iran today with others turning to follow Christ. Iran is considered one of the fastest-growing Christian communities globally.
Even as the USA and Israel are at war with Iran seeking to eliminate its “imminent threats,” prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and dismantle its ballistic missile, drone, and naval capabilities, the biblical God is still in control, and is accomplishing His plan for Iran and the world. Ultimately, true peace will only come to the Middle East and the world when the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, returns and establishes His kingdom of peace of earth.
Paul Bawden is married and served in the full-time pastoral ministry for 45 years, retiring in 2011, after which he and his wife served in four interims, three in Wisconsin and one in Iowa. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in Speech and attended Dallas Theological Seminary, receiving a Master of Theology. He has taken counseling courses at Trinity Evangelical Seminary in Deerfield, Illinois. Paul is a lifetime member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, as well as being a member of Interim Pastor Ministries (IPM), which serves churches during their time of transition in searching for a new pastor. He is also a volunteer writer for GotQuestions.org. Paul likes to write, read, and work in the yard. The Bawdens have had the privilege to travel to Mexico and Romania on mission trips and visited various countries in Europe. They have three daughters and five grandchildren.
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