Jesus People Podcast – Episode 63
Is the Iran War the End Times War? (Ezekiel 38 Explained)
Host: Ryan Miller
Guest: Rabbi Jason Sobel
Date: March 12, 2026

Episode Overview

In this timely episode, host Ryan Miller sits down with Rabbi Jason Sobel to unpack prophetic biblical events in light of the current war involving Iran and Israel. Together, they explore how these events may fit within the broader context of end times prophecy, focusing specifically on Ezekiel chapter 38 and its potential modern significance. Rabbi Sobel brings his unique Messianic Jewish perspective, connecting ancient Scripture, Jewish tradition, and modern geopolitical developments. The conversation covers the Jewish roots of Christian faith, the fate of Israel in prophecy, the meaning of “the synagogue of Satan,” and the implications of current events for believers everywhere.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Rabbi Jason Sobel’s Testimony & Background

[02:20–07:00]

• Rabbi Sobel shares his journey from a Jewish upbringing in New Jersey to encountering Jesus, becoming a Messianic believer, and pursuing extensive study in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
• Memorable encounter: As a young man seeking spiritual truth, Jason describes a powerful vision of Jesus (“Yeshua”) as a king on a throne.
• Quote:

  “It wasn't so much what I saw... it was this glorious light. I felt the power of God pulsate through every cell of my body... a complete connection to the love of God, the peace of God.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [04:44]

• Later, he discovers messianic prophecies in the Jewish Scriptures, realizing Jesus fulfills them in unexpected ways.

The Jewishness of Jesus and Biblical Patterns

[07:01–11:34]

• Rabbi Sobel clarifies misunderstandings about the New Testament’s roots, explaining Jesus’ miracles as profoundly Jewish.
  • Example: Moses’ first miracle (water to blood) vs. Jesus’ first miracle (water to wine).

    “He doesn’t come to bring death, but he comes to bring life... pointing to him as greater than Moses.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [07:56]

• The significance of the Jewish holidays and how every event in Jesus’ life aligns with them, showing continuity of God’s redemptive plan.

Why Did Jesus Have to Die? – Theological Depth

[08:49–11:14]

• Rabbi Sobel draws connections between Adam & Eve’s cursed act and Jesus’ atoning crucifixion, reflecting deep typology and symbolism:
  • Hands, side, feet, crown of thorns—all connect back to the curse and the promise in Genesis 3 and Exodus.

  • “He’s taking the curse on his head to break that curse and restore the blessing.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [09:28]

• Profound reflections on Jesus as the “greater than Moses” and fulfillment of messianic prophecy.

Understanding Prophecy and Present Events

[14:21–24:41]

• Rabbi Sobel introduces the idea of God working in recurring cycles and patterns (holidays/chag = “circle”), with past events providing “sneak previews” of the future.
• Recent attacks and the Iran-Israel war align with the timing of Jewish holidays (Purim/Esther), with astonishing “divine irony”:
  • The Israeli operation against Iran occurs as Jews worldwide are remembering Haman’s failed genocidal plot in the book of Esther:

    “Haman wanted to create a gallow to hang Mordechai... He winds up getting hung on his own gallow... It’s the divine, divine justice of God.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [16:59]

• Prophetic parallel: Iran as modern “Haman/Hameini”; the enemy’s plan turned against them.

Prophetic Significance of Trump and Persia/Iran

[18:12–20:48]

• Rabbi Sobel explores the recurring role of Persia (Iran) in “redemptive history” as both destroyer and restorer (e.g., Cyrus, Darius).
• Connections to Ezekiel 38/39 (Gog and Magog):
  • Iran (Persia) is foretold as a key player in the end times war.
  • The return of Israel to “unwalled villages” and an era of unprecedented peace is noted as a prophetic marker yet to be fully realized.
• Implication: Current Middle East turmoil is potentially the prelude to this prophesied scenario.

Modern Israel and Biblical Prophecy

[21:27–32:36]

• Direct response to critics: The current nation of Israel, though not yet fully “believing,” is in fact the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s vision (dry bones in Ezekiel 37), first regathered in unbelief, revived in faith later.
• Key argument against replacement theology: God’s covenants with Abraham and his descendants are unconditional, rooted in God’s own faithfulness (Genesis 15).

• “No nation in history... lost sovereignty over their land, lost their language, and have come back after 2,000 years... There’s no human way to explain it.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [24:20]

• Modern Israel’s existence is itself a “stage one” prophetic setup.

The Nature of God’s Promises, Grafting-In, and Israel’s Role

[28:31–32:36]

• Distinction between spiritual and physical promises to Israel; Christians are “partakers, not overtakers or replacers.”
• Importance:
  • The land promises remain for the descendants of Abraham.
  • Critique of “double standards” in holding Israel to higher judgment while ignoring global injustices.

The Synagogue of Satan – What Does It Mean?

[39:45–48:40]

• Highly debated term from Revelation explained by Rabbi Sobel:
  • Context: Early Christian communities’ vulnerability after separation from Jewish legal protection under Roman law.
  • “Synagogue of Satan” refers to localized opposition—either Gentile converts to Judaism or Jewish communities persecuting early Christians.
  • Not a blanket indictment of Jews, but a situation-specific accusation.

• “It’s only used in reference to two particular communities... never applied universally to the Jewish people.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [42:13]

• Romans 11:28–29 cited to show God loves Israel for the sake of the patriarchs despite unbelief.

  > “If God doesn’t keep his promises to Israel, why do you think He’s going to keep his promises to you?” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [27:35]
  

The Iran War, Divine Reversal, and Propaganda Patterns

[49:25–56:35]

• Rabbi Sobel highlights the “divine reversal” motif—enemies’ plans turned upon themselves (echoing Esther/Haman).
• Fascinating insights:
  • The strike on Iran’s Ayatollah occurred on 9/11 of the Islamic calendar, paralleling Israel’s own 10/7 (“9/11”) and the interconnectedness of recent tragedies.

  • “Operation Roaring Lion”—Israel’s military operation’s name—traces to Hosea 11:11:
    “He will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come from the West.”
    Rabbi Sobel interprets this as a sign that Western Jews will be prompted to return home.

• As Iran’s proxy power is broken, an unprecedented time of peace and further fulfillment of Ezekiel’s “unwalled villages” is anticipated.

The Future of Iran (Elam) and Further Prophecies

[56:48–59:39]

• Jeremiah’s prophecy (49) about Elam’s restoration:
  • Historic city of Susa (Esther, Daniel) now part of modern Iran.
  • A time of freedom and revival anticipated for Iran, but only temporarily before “Persia” again rises for the end-time coalition of Gog and Magog.
• Trump compared to Cyrus (restorer of Israel), with current events echoing ancient patterns.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Haman wanted to create a gallow to hang Mordechai... He winds up getting hung on his own gallow... It’s the divine, divine justice of God.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [16:59]
• “The past is a sneak preview of the future.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [22:24]
• “No nation in history... has come back after 2,000 years and have revived all of that and created a country that is thriving. There’s no human way to explain it.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [24:20]
• “Christians are partakers, not overtakers... It’s an expansion, not a restriction.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [28:41]
• “If God doesn’t keep his promises to Israel, why do you think He’s going to keep his promises to you?” – Rabbi Jason Sobel [27:35]
• “He will roar like a lion. And when he roars, his children will come from the West... This is Operation Roaring Lion.” – Rabbi Jason Sobel, on the modern return of Jews and Israel’s recent military operation [54:45]

Key Timestamps

• [02:20–07:00] – Rabbi Sobel’s testimony and journey from Judaism to faith in Jesus
• [08:49–11:14] – Theologically rich explanation of why Jesus had to die
• [14:21–17:49] – Prophetic patterns and the Iran/Esther parallel
• [18:12–20:48] – The historic and prophetic significance of Persia/Iran and the rise of unprecedented peace
• [21:27–24:42] – Modern Israel as fulfillment of prophecy (Ezekiel 37)
• [25:27–27:41] – God’s unconditional covenant with Abraham
• [39:45–44:59] – Meaning of the “synagogue of Satan” in historical and scriptural context
• [49:25–56:35] – The Iran War as prophetic fulfillment, Operation Roaring Lion, and the return of Jews from the West
• [56:48–59:39] – Promise to Elam (Iran), the future of Persia, and echoes from the book of Esther

Conclusion

This episode masterfully weaves together ancient prophecies, Jewish traditions, and current global events to provide a compelling vision of where history may be heading. Rabbi Jason Sobel’s insights help listeners grasp the profound connections between Scripture, the Jewish calendar, and unfolding world affairs. For anyone seeking to make sense of present-day tensions in the Middle East through a biblical lens—or to deepen their understanding of the Jewish roots of Christian faith—this conversation offers both clarity and challenge.

Suggested Next Steps:

• Reflect prayerfully on the prophetic patterns and how they relate to our times.
• For deeper study, explore Rabbi Jason Sobel’s new book, Transformed by the Messiah.
• Consider the role of Israel and the Jewish people in God’s ongoing redemptive story.