Podcast Summary: “Rockets Over Israel… Is This Bible Prophecy?”

Podcast: Prophecy Watchers
Hosts: Gary Stearman & Mondo Gonzales
Guest: Mike Spaulding
Date: April 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the unsettling escalation of conflict over Israel, with a barrage of rockets in recent international news. Gary Stearman, Mondo Gonzales, and guest Mike Spaulding analyze whether current events—especially Iranian aggression—mirror the ancient scenario foretold in Ezekiel 38–39, often referenced in Bible prophecy. They discuss the geopolitical landscape, the unique security dynamics of Israel, the roles of Turkey, Iran, and the U.S., and how contemporary developments may foreshadow prophetic fulfillment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Are We Living in the Days of Ezekiel 38–39?

• Direct Comparison to Prophecy:

  • Mike Spaulding: “I absolutely say, yes, we are. This is coming to fruition right in front of our eyes.” ([00:16])
  • Mike encourages believers to observe the geopolitical shifts and relate them to biblical prophecies, but warns against rigid dogmatism.

• The Role of Observation:

  • Mike: ”If you're not going to take time to understand what's going on geopolitically, how in the world do you think you're going to understand any of this?” ([00:45])
  • Gary Stearman notes that witnessing real-time footage of rockets over Israel constantly brings Ezekiel 38 to mind. ([01:14])

2. Geopolitics and Bible Prophecy

• Modern Scenarios Parallel Ancient Texts:

  • The group discusses how Iran's recent attack is reminiscent of the “invader from the north” detailed in Ezekiel 38. Yet, they clarify that what’s occurring now is more of a precursor than the actual fulfillment. ([01:14]–[03:12])

• On Spiritual vs. Practical Explanations:

  • Mondo: “More practical. You're too spiritual for me for a moment.” ([04:15])
  • The conversation shifts to present-day deterrents, particularly Israel’s military strength and the strategic backing of the United States.

3. The United States as Israel’s 'Big Brother'

• Mondo: “If the United States wasn't there, then they would be a little bit more tempted potentially to have a coalition because they could overwhelm little Israel by just sheer numbers. But... that's why we're saying this isn't happening right now, because Israel's alone, but they're not alone right now.” ([04:46])
• Mike concurs, emphasizing that the presence of the U.S. military is a major reason Ezekiel 38 hasn't played out fully.

4. Iran’s Role and the Coming Coalition

• Iran is depicted as a persistent but ultimately unsuccessful adversary, whose repeated failures push it toward forming a broad coalition as described in Ezekiel 38.
  • Mike: “Iran cannot take out Israel by itself. ... They're going to be driven to be a part of this coalition because they know they can't do it on their own.” ([05:25])
  • Mondo: “That revenge that they are looking to. ... That would be sweet, sweet revenge if they could jump on another bandwagon led by Turkey or others.” ([05:55])

5. Ezekiel’s Pictured 'Gathering Storm' & Israel’s State

• Gary Stearman reads Ezekiel 38's description of Israel as a land “dwelling in safety,” with others (Sheba, Dedan, Tarshish) expressing interest—a scenario he likens to a storm gathering on Israel’s borders. ([06:21]–[07:32])

• Mike: “Israel has become by God's grace... a jewel in the midst of barbarism. And all of those eyes are envious eyes. They're looking to come and capture spoil.” ([07:32])

6. Prophetic Interpretation of Israel’s Confidence

• Mondo draws from Hebrew terms in Ezekiel:
  • Israel is described as a country of “unwalled villages”—historically, an image of vulnerability.
  • The key Hebrew word “batak” means dwelling “confidently,” not necessarily in “shalom” (peace). Israel’s current posture is one of confidence, not guaranteed peace. ([08:00]–[09:35])
    • Mondo: “If you go to any village in Israel, it’s not Walled… They are, right now as we watch after this, they're dwelling confidently.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Staying Informed:

  • Mike Spaulding: “If you're not going to take time to understand what's going on geopolitically, how in the world do you think you're going to understand any of this?” ([00:45])

• On Prophetic Parallels:

  • Gary Stearman: “Everybody's going to the shelters. And that has taken many of us back to Ezekiel 38, because... we have an invader. In this case, it was Iran. But it looks like somebody else is getting ready, perhaps Turkey and some of the cohorts of Turkey.” ([01:14])

• On U.S.-Israel Relations:

  • Mondo: “If the United States wasn't there... they could overwhelm little Israel by just sheer numbers. ...Israel’s alone, but they’re not alone right now.” ([04:46])

• On Israel’s Standing:

  • Mike Spaulding: “Israel has become by God’s grace… a jewel in the midst of barbarism. And all of those eyes are envious eyes. They're looking to come and capture spoil.” ([07:36])

• On Israel’s Current Posture:

  • Mondo: “They are, right now as we watch after this, they're dwelling confidently and relatively... most likely tour groups will go back.” ([09:00])

Important Timestamps

• 00:16 — Mike’s affirmation: “This is coming to fruition right in front of our eyes.”
• 01:14 — Gary relates live news to Ezekiel 38.
• 04:46 — Mondo on the U.S.-Israel dynamic and prophecy timelines.
• 07:36 — Mike’s reflection on Israel as a 'jewel among barbarism.'
• 08:00–09:35 — Mondo’s Hebrew explanation of “dwelling confidently.”

Conclusion

The hosts and guest offer a compelling, prophetic perspective on the ongoing conflict in Israel, pointing to how world events may be building toward the coalition depicted in Ezekiel 38–39. While they stop short of declaring current events as literal fulfillment, they argue that today's geopolitics closely resemble the conditions the Bible describes. Their discussion remains rooted in Scripture, historical context, and nuanced geopolitical interpretation, urging listeners to watch, learn, and reflect.