Unleashing the Beast

M EGIDDO : B ATTLE AT THE G ATES / 171

possible because both Egypt and Syria have suffered great losses in wars against Israel. Years ago, a Syrian pilot defected to Israel and told the Israeli military that no Syrian pilot believed they could ever defeat Israel in a war. Other nations also sit back and watch the battle without ever getting involved. In fact, it appears that Israel will stand alone at the time this conflict happens. Some have asked, “Where is the United States during this time?” While the United States is not alluded to in the Old Testament prophecies, there are some interesting names written in 38:13: Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, 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? Sheba, Dedan and Tarshish are not involved in the attack, but are asking a question to the armies invading Israel. Tracing these names through the Bible, it appears Sheba is the Arabians, or more specifically, those in the area of Saudi Arabia. Dedan would be in the area of the country of Jordan. In Ezekiel's day the merchants of Tarshish were from Tyre and Sidon, cities in present day Lebanon. It is uncertain whom "all the young lions" refer to, although some have concluded that this is alluding to the British Isles.