Iran's Evil Eye

The evil eye is a folk superstition found in many cultures where it’s believed a malevolent glare or envious look can cause harm, misfortune, or bad luck.

The evil eye is often thought to stem from jealousy, directed at someone’s success, beauty or possessions.

The evil eye concept is rife in the Middle East.

In fact, in Mediterranean cultures blue eye-shaped amulets are used for protection to hang on walls or doors, or to wear in jewelry so I often caution women on our Holy Land tours not to buy jewelry containing these superstitious amulets.

In the biblical context, the "evil eye" is a metaphor also used by Jesus for moral flaws such as envy, greed, or lack of generosity.

In Matthew 6:22-23 Jesus said:

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

For sure the Iranian mullahs have been casting an evil eye on Israel for a long time.

God has a response in Ezekiel 38:10:

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme." This verse refers to Gog, the leader of a coalition from the land of Magog, prophesied to attack Israel.

God reveals that this enemy will be driven by an "evil scheme" (Hebrew: machashavah ra’ah, literally "evil plan" or "wicked thought").

The chapter describes a coalition of nations including Magog [Russia? Turkey?], Persia (Iran), Ethiopia and others who will invade Israel in the "latter days" (Ezekiel 38: 5,16).

The "evil scheme" in verse 10 reflects Gog’s intent to plunder Israel, driven by greed and aggression. However, HalleluYah, God asserts control, stating that He will bring the coalition against Israel only to demonstrate His power by defeating them. (Ezekiel 38:16-23)

Even evil intentions are ultimately subject to God’s sovereignty.

In my blog last week I mentioned the prophecy in Jeremiah concerning Elam, an ancient name for Persia. i.e. Iran. I will repeat this for anybody who needs to catch up with the prophetic news:

"Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Behold, I will break the bow [military might] of Elam, the foremost of their might. Against Elam I will bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and scatter them toward all those winds; there shall be no nations where the outcasts of Elam will not go. For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies and before those who seek their life. I will bring disaster upon them, My fierce anger,' says the LORD; 'And I will send the sword after them until I have consumed them.” (Jeremiah 49:35-37)

In a recent brilliant blog “The Prince of Persia” by my friend Malcolm Hedding, he recalled that when was he served as executive director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem in 2001, the Lord gave him a remarkable dream just two weeks before 9/11, wherein a very evil eye in Iran was fully focused on the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. However, a shaft of light came down from heaven that covered the whole nation of Israel, protecting it from the evil and satanic plan of the Prince of Persia.

Malcolm wrote, “I knew then that something sinister was about to take root in the Middle East region and that in the end Israel would enjoy divine protection and victory. This victory would not only help her but the world as well.”

In the dream he was also forewarned about a disaster about to befall America and “that the nation would have to repent and embrace renewed faith in God by Jesus Christ. Just two weeks later we all watched in horror as passenger planes piloted by wicked people were used as bombs to tear down the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and other targets. It is truly time for the people of God everywhere to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness! Even more so as we hear the footsteps of our glorious Messiah coming over the hills of Zion. Of Him Paul wrote that the ‘Deliverer will come out of Zion’ (Romans 11:26).”

I commiserate with Malcolm. We are grieving to see many western politicians, news pundits and even some Christian pastors coming out in support of the dark Prince of Persia and thereby standing with evil against Israel. I agree with Malcolm that “These ignorant fools joined themselves with evil because ‘they loved not the truth’ of God’s word that declared ‘I will curse those who curse you’ [Israel] and consequently God Himself gave them over to their delusions.”

Tragically, even some professing Christians are standing with the Prince of Persia against the Jewish people, just as others foolishly stood with Hitler in the 1930s.

I agree wholeheartedly with Malcolm’s assessment:

“When the dust finally settles in this conflict, Israel will know, yet again, that her God has helped her and saved her from the Prince of Persia just as He parted the waters of the Red Sea to save her from the Prince of Egypt. Consequently, she will begin to seek Him anew clothed in humility and repentance (Hosea 5:14-15). Also, throughout the Middle East and in Iran the door will be opened, as never before, for millions of people, formerly deceived by, and held captive to the Prince of Persia, to hear and embrace the glorious good news of Jesus Christ. This again will be the fruit of intercession that has taken place in churches all over the world for decades for the so-called ’10/40 window’, which is the wider Middle East region, including Iran.”

Amen and Amen! For decades our ministry has prayed fervently for the 10/40 window of nations. The term refers to Gospel-needy countries located within the geographical region roughly between 10 and 40 degrees north latitude, stretching from North Africa through the Middle East into Asia. The window includes many Muslim nations with minimal Christian presence, with some estimates suggesting over 80% of the world's unreached people groups. Predominant religions like Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, along with government restrictions, have limited Gospel activities.

Our prayers continue to focus upon mighty spiritual breakthroughs, such as divine revelation and openness to the Lord and strength for local believers facing persecution, such as the brave Christians in Damascus where recently a church was bombed. The movement encourages believers to pray regularly, often with specific initiatives such as the "30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World" during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Good News is that Persia IS a Bible land and God has made an extraordinary promise following in Jeremiah 49:38, to set his throne in Elam (Iran)!
"I will set my throne in Elam and destroy their king and officials, declares the Lord."

Revival is coming to former Iran! Elam was located in what is now southwestern Iran, east of Babylon. It was known for its military strength and influence.

The phrase "I will set my throne in Elam" symbolizes God's sovereign authority and judgment over the nation. It indicates that God will establish His rule, execute justice, and demonstrate His power by humbling Elam’s leadership and scattering them. Commentators say that this verse is not about God literally placing a physical throne in Elam but rather about His divine intervention and supremacy over the nations, bringing them under His judgment and submission. HalleluYah!

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