Will the Revived Roman Empire of the Antichrist include Greater Israel?

Introduction

Biblical prophecy has long been a subject of fascination, with theologians, scholars, and students of eschatology analyzing scripture to determine how end-times events might unfold. One of the most discussed prophecies concerns the revival of the Roman Empire under the rule of the Antichrist. Many speculate whether this future empire will include Greater Israel, a concept that envisions Israel expanding its borders according to biblical or historical claims. Could Israel be a central component of the prophesied final world empire? This article explores biblical, historical, and geopolitical factors that might answer this question.

Understanding the Revived Roman Empire

The concept of a revived Roman Empire is rooted in the books of Daniel and Revelation. Daniel’s vision of four great beasts (Daniel 7) is often interpreted as successive world empires: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The fourth beast, identified as Rome, is said to be revived in the last days, emerging as a dominant global power before the Second Coming of Christ.

Revelation 13 also describes a final empire ruled by the Antichrist, a leader who will control the world’s political, economic, and religious systems. This empire is believed to be a resurrection of Rome’s authority, consisting of a coalition of nations that span parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Will Greater Israel Be Part of the Revived Empire?

1. Biblical Prophecy and Israel’s Role

Israel plays a central role in end-times prophecy. According to Daniel 9:27, the Antichrist will establish a covenant with Israel for seven years, only to break it midway. This implies that Israel will be directly involved in the geopolitical landscape of the final empire.

Moreover, in Zechariah 14:2, a future invasion of Jerusalem is described, suggesting that Israel will be at the heart of the final conflict. If the Antichrist controls the revived Roman Empire, it is likely that Israel will be included, whether as a willing ally or a subjugated territory.

2. The Third Temple and the Antichrist’s Authority

2 Thessalonians 2:4 reveals that the Antichrist will enter the Temple and declare himself to be God. This presupposes that a Third Temple must exist in Jerusalem before or during his reign. If Israel is part of the revived Roman Empire, it may be granted special status under the Antichrist’s rule, facilitating the construction of the Temple.

The rebuilding of the Temple has long been a goal of various Jewish religious groups. If a global leader were to arise offering security and recognition to Israel while integrating it into a broader imperial framework, it could pave the way for prophetic fulfillment.

3. Geopolitical Considerations

In contemporary geopolitics, Israel holds a unique position. As a technologically advanced nation with military prowess and strategic alliances, it is already deeply interconnected with the Western world.

• European Union Relations: The EU, often speculated to be the core of the revived Roman Empire, has strong economic and political ties with Israel.

• Abraham Accords: These peace agreements between Israel and Arab nations suggest a shift toward regional integration, potentially making Israel a key player in a future global empire.

• US and NATO Influence: The Western military and economic alliances that include Israel could position it within any future coalition that mirrors the Roman Empire’s expanse.

If the Antichrist seeks to unify various nations under a single rule, Israel’s inclusion would be both strategic and necessary for his control over the Middle East.

4. The Ten Kings and Israel’s Role

Revelation 17:12-13 speaks of ten kings who will rule with the Antichrist, surrendering their authority to him. Some speculate that these ten rulers will oversee regions that once formed the Roman Empire’s core. Israel, given its location and influence, could either be one of these ten territories or serve as a central hub for the empire’s Middle Eastern operations.

If the Antichrist establishes Jerusalem as his headquarters, as some interpretations of prophecy suggest, Israel may not just be included in the revived Roman Empire but could serve as its epicenter.

The Conflict Between Greater Israel and the Antichrist’s Empire

Despite the possibility of Israel’s inclusion, there are strong indications that conflict will arise between the Jewish state and the Antichrist. The breaking of the seven-year covenant (Daniel 9:27) suggests a betrayal, leading to the persecution of Israel.

Matthew 24:15-22 warns of the “abomination of desolation,” when the Antichrist defiles the Temple, causing many in Israel to flee. This indicates that although Israel may initially be part of the empire, it will eventually resist the Antichrist’s rule, leading to severe consequences.

Revelation 12:13-17 describes a supernatural protection over Israel during the Great Tribulation. This suggests that while the Antichrist may attempt to control Israel, divine intervention will ensure its survival outside his complete dominance.

Conclusion: Will Greater Israel Be Part of the Revived Roman Empire?

Given the prophetic, geopolitical, and historical considerations, it is likely that Israel will be integrated into the revived Roman Empire, at least initially. The Antichrist may establish a treaty granting Israel expanded influence or territorial recognition, aligning with the concept of Greater Israel. However, this alliance will be temporary and will end in conflict, as the Antichrist seeks total dominion.

Ultimately, biblical prophecy indicates that Israel’s final destiny is to stand apart from the Antichrist’s rule. The nation’s resistance, divine protection, and role in the Second Coming of Christ suggest that while it may be included in the revived Roman Empire at first, it will ultimately break free, leading to the climactic battle of Armageddon.

Whether viewed through theological interpretation or modern geopolitics, Israel’s involvement in future global governance remains a compelling and vital topic for scholars and believers alike. As events unfold, the relationship between Israel and global powers will continue to shape the world’s trajectory toward the prophesied final empire.