Several prophetic implications of the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban are emerging that contribute to already developing trends in the region
READ TIME: 3 Minutes
The Significance of the Taliban’s Retaking of Afghanistan
The Taliban’s quick takeover of Afghanistan is a massive U.S. defeat and a disaster for the Afghan people. While many countries are publically reporting a wait-and-see approach to the Taliban’s rule, they are certainly plotting to use this shift in power to their advantage.
While it is too early to say exactly how this will play out, we know the players and their intentions well. And we know the Biblical prophecies that speak of Middle East alliances and emerging leaders, including the Antichrist.
So even now, we can start to see key prophetic implications arising from this massive shift.
Prophetic Implications of Taliban Power Grab in Afghanistan
1) Increases China’s Influence in the Middle East
Today, China is investing in the Middle East through its Belt and Road Initiative. However, it started working with the Taliban long before the U.S. entered Afghanistan through communication projects and weapon supplies. China appears to have assessed the situation early, having already reached a common understanding with the Taliban. As evidence of this, the Taliban released a statement calling China a “friend” that may invest in rebuilding Afghanistan’s infrastructure. Accordingly, China’s embassy remains open in Afghanistan with a safety guarantee from the Taliban.
Like Turkey, the Taliban will ignore China’s oppression of the Uyghur Muslims for its own gains.
China’s influence will continue to expand as it partners with Middle Eastern countries. As a result of its growing interests, it may one day enable the global reach and technology of the Antichrist. (See How China May Enable the Antichrist to Dominate the World)
2) The Flood of U.S. Forces in the Middle East has been Swept Away – Daniel 11
I believe that the most likely fulfillment of Daniel 11:22 would be a withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Middle East, but not by force. The U.S.’s withdrawal of troops from Iraq partially fulfilled this prophecy and the Afghanistan withdrawal further advances its fulfillment.
But there are some conditions necessary for this withdrawal to be a fulfillment of prophecy. First, for verse 22 to be fulfilled verse 21 would first need to be fulfilled. Verse 21 states that a despicable person (the Antichrist) will rise to a non-royal position of authority through intrigue. This statement indicates an initial rise to power, though not yet as the revealed Antichrist. There is a person who fits this quite well, but that is a topic for a different post.
Second, not only would the U.S. forces need to be removed, but also the Prince of the covenant. This covenant most likely refers to a covenant with many described in Daniel 9:27. Many believe that this covenant will allow Israel to build a third temple, which has not yet been fulfilled.
It is possible that the “shattering” of the U.S. forces in the Middle East is not yet complete. This would indicate further U.S. defeats to come and a covenant to be entered into within the near horizon.
3) The Ezekiel 38 Nations will Further Align their Interests
Despite many countries’ rapid withdrawal from Afghanistan, a handful remain. The embassies of Turkey, Iran, Russia. and Pakistan remain open despite the Taliban takeover. The grouping of these countries is prophetically important because Ezekiel 38 refers to Turkey and Iran as future invaders of Israel.
Turkey currently stations troops at the Afghanistan airport under NATO. Though the Taliban doesn’t seem to want Turkey’s troops to remain at the airport, they have openly asked for Turkey’s help in rebuilding the country. Iran provides fuel to Afghanistan and though it paused delivery at first, it has resumed delivery at the Taliban’s request.
While I’m not convinced that Ezekiel 38 specifically mentions Russia, it has become a key player in the Middle East. With little respect for democracy, Russia has quickly warmed to the Taliban’s rule. And Russian, along with Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and China will further build common interests as they each take a role in the development of the Taliban-run country.
4) Judgment to Come – The U.S.’s Failure Leaves the it More Vulnerable to Enemy Attacks
The respect for the U.S. from other countries appears to have hit a new low from its post-WWII peak. Photos of the evacuation of the U.S. embassy in Kabul reminded the world of its failure in Vietnam. Its withdrawal from Iraq (also overseen by Biden) allowed Iran to gain a foothold in its long-time rival. And now its withdrawal from Afghanistan has allowed the Taliban, who it once removed from power, to retake the country.
The U.S.’s former projections of power through “shock and awe” have been replaced with a perception of cowardice and weakness. No longer viewed as an unbeatable superpower, the U.S. appears vulnerable.
The U.S.’s enemies have taken note. Taliban supported Al-Queda has been given new life and ISIS’s Afghan affiliate (ISIS-K) has increased its attacks in 2021 over 2020. As I am writing this, news just broke of the suicide bombings by ISIS outside the airport in Kabul. Will Biden respond with continued weakness or strength? The terrorists will take note.
And how will countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea take advantage of this sudden show of weakness? Will this embolden their aggressive ventures?
In many posts, I have provided evidence of signs that the U.S. is under judgment. And like He did with Israel, God may allow enemy attacks to come against the U.S. as chastisement for its sins. With porous borders allowed by the current presidential administration, the opportunity may be open for new attacks. America’s emboldened enemies may very well take advantage of this. (see Harbingers of Judgment: The Prophet’s Storm and the Omega Sign)
5) Further Indication that Jesus has opened the 5th Seal
For the Chrisitan faithful in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s strict Islamic rule will result in many martyrs. According to FAI, Frontier Alliance International, first-hand accounts support that the Taliban has Chrisitan “hit lists” for murder. The Daily Wire reported that the Taliban are going door to door and examing phones for Bible apps. If they find one, they allegedly kill the phone’s owner.
With martyrdom increasing throughout the Middle East and Asia, the possibility that Jesus has opened the 5th seal increases. According to Open Doors in 2020,
- Over 340 million Christians are living in places where they experience high levels of persecution and discrimination
- 4,761 Christians were killed for their faith
- 4,488 churches and other Christian buildings were attacked
- 4,277 believers were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned
Many Questions
As chaotic as these times appear, these crises and shifts in power are in line with Biblical prophecy. While the Bible may not directly speak of the specific events we are witnessing, these events are clearly aligned with Biblical prophetic trends. All of these will lead to the rise of the Antichrist, the Beast’s alliance, the invasion of Israel, and the eventual return of Jesus as King.
To read more about signs of impending judgment from enemy attacks see The First American Idol and the Hidden Warning of the Enemy to Come – Part II