Where is the United States in Bible prophecy? The answer to that question is the United States is nowhere particularly mentioned in prophecy. There have been some speculations about the United States being referred to in various parts of scripture but the theories references to the United States are for the most part vague.
For instance some believe that the United States is Babylon the Great mentioned in Revelation 17 and 18. While the United States certainly does have similarities to Babylon the Great, it is not specifically mentioned while Babylon is (Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10). Babylon as a city is mentioned 690 times in the Bible; second only to Jerusalem. The river Euphrates is also mentioned in relation to Babylon (Rev. 9:14; 16:12). The City of Babylon is specifically described in scripture and this makes it more probable that Babylon is not the United States but a literally rebuilt Babylon (e.g. Isaiah 13; Jer. 50-51).
Some contend that the nation described in Isaiah 18:1-2 is America because a nation divided by a river is mentioned. But this takes the verse out of its context in which Isaiah 18-20 is referring to the nations of Cush and Egypt.
Still others hold that the United States is referred to in Ezekiel 38:13 and the phrase, “Tarshish, with all the young lions” (KJV). Tarshish in scripture points us to the west (Ps. 72:10). Jonah fled to Tarshish and it is believed this is a reference to the extreme west of the known world at that time which was Spain (Jonah 1:1-3). While it is possible that the United States could be included in this “west” location because it is west of the Middle East, it is still vague. We can’t be dogmatic on whether or not the young lions of the west is in fact a reference to the United States. Even if it is such a reference, it is a very brief reference for a country that today is so powerful and influential.
Many nations, especially modern nations of today, are not mentioned in prophecy. But what about the Untied States? The United States is the most powerful nation on earth, and arguably in all history, and yet it is not clearly mentioned. Why? There are a number of possible reasons.
It may be that God did not see it necessary to mention the United States in prophecy. One commentator states:
The United States of America is never explicitly mentioned in the Bible. In regards to the end times, the only nation the Bible seems to be concerned with, specifically, is Israel. Revelation does not mention any countries or nations, other than Israel (Revelation 7:4; 21:12). It mentions Babylon (Revelation 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 21), but beyond that, it does not name specific places. Bible scholars debate whether this refers to a literal city of Babylon or whether Babylon is being used symbolically. Again, Israel is the focus of end times Bible prophesy.[1]
At some point the United States may become so insignificant that it is irrelevant to the prophetic scene. This may be due to the Rapture of the saints which could possibly deplete the nation of much of its human resources. Some who look at the country today wonder if that is likely given the increased decadence, godlessness and sin that are growing at an alarming rate. Close to 80% of Americans claim to be Christian. It is clear by the condition of our country that not everyone’s definition of “Christian” is the same. But even if 25% of America is genuine born again Christians, if 25% of the population of this country was in a moment removed, it would be a devastating blow to the country. If 75 million people disappeared in an instant, it would be difficult to see the United States recovering from that.
Another possibility is that the United States at some point is destroyed. This could be the result of an implosion from within if our country continues on a sinful road away from the Lord. Growing immorality and fiscal irresponsibility could very conceivably bring down this great nation. The United States could also be destroyed by outside forces. This is becoming more of a possibility with the rise of the European Union, China, and Islam. As long as the United States remains an ally of Israel God’s promise shields and protects us (Genesis 12:3). But if at some point the United States betrays Israel, God’s protection would be removed and either scenario would become feasible. And sad to say, the United States is showing every indication in recent times of distancing itself from support for Israel. If we betray Israel, it will seal our doom.
Still another scenario and explanation is that the United States ceases to be a nation and is absorbed into a larger union of nations or world body under the control of Antichrist. In the End Times there will be a one world government. There is evidence that this one world government will be divided into ten parts, regions or nation states (Dan. 2:40-43; 7:7-8). We see at present a move away from national sovereignty and toward global unity. Recent administrations have been eroding the constitution and laws of this land and introducing the idea of bringing our nation and even its military under the authority of the World Court in The Hague, Netherlands. This is being resisted, but we see a persistent move to this end. This could lead to the sovereign United States being absorbed into a broader more global community region.
The most likely reason for the absence of clear mention of the United States in Bible prophecy is that “the United States is included with all the other nations that reject God in the end times (Revelation 10:11; 11:18; 12:5; 14:8; 15:4; 16:19; 17:15; 18:3,23; 19:15).” [2] The United States will likely go down the road of Sodom and other nations who have forsaken the Lord.
All of this is speculation and we simply do not know where the United States is in prophecy and why it is not clearly mentioned. But since we live in this nation it behooves us to keep an eye on the direction of our nation. We need to pray and turn to the Lord. By God’s grace we may still see a revival in this land. Revivals, true revivals, bring societal change for the better. That is what we need. That is our only hope. That is the only hope of the United States of America. And there is always hope in the Lord. Because of that we need to keep praying for our nation and not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good. God help us.
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