Prophecy Watchers Podcast – “The War That Ends the Middle East Conflict | Understanding Psalm 83”
Date: February 13, 2026
Hosts: Gary Stearman, Mondo Gonzales
Guest/Experts Quoted: Dr. David Reagan, Prophecy Expert/Bible Teacher (unnamed, likely Bill Salus)
Episode Overview
In this episode, Gary Stearman and Mondo Gonzales continue their deep dive into the prophetic conflict of Psalm 83, focusing on the fate of Israel’s borders, Lebanon’s coastal cities (notably Tyre, Sidon, and Zarephath), and the role of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in ending the longstanding Arab-Israeli hostilities. Using scripture from Ezekiel, Obadiah, and Zechariah, they propose that these ancient prophecies foretell a climactic war and ultimate victory for Israel, occurring before the biblical Tribulation period.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Unfulfilled Prophecies in Lebanon
- [01:08–01:43] Focus on the four major Lebanese coastal cities: Tyre, Sidon (modern-day Saida), Gabal (now Biblos), and Zarephath (Seraphan).
- Tyre and Gabal are specifically named in the Psalm 83 confederacy; Sidon’s involvement is inferred through connections in Ezekiel 28.
Quote [01:43, Host]:
“Now Gabal and Tyre show up in Psalm 83 verses 6 through 8 alongside the tents of Edomites and the Hagarites... In an earlier episode I showed that could be a reference to Hezbollah…”
2. The Sidon Prophecy in Ezekiel 28
- [03:04–08:09] The hosts read and interpret Ezekiel 28:20–26, emphasizing God’s direct judgment on Sidon and the surrounding enemies of Israel.
- The prophecy promises that Israel will only truly “dwell safely” after God executes judgment on all those who despise them.
Quote [04:26, Bible Teacher, quoting Ezekiel]:
“I am your enemy, O Sidon, and I will reveal my glory by what I do to you. When I bring judgment against you and reveal my holiness among you, everyone watching will know that I am the Lord.”
- Sidon’s destruction is depicted as the first event in a community of successive judgments against Israel’s hostile neighbors.
- The "pricking briar" metaphor (Ezekiel 28:24) refers to the hostile ring of Arab states.
3. Connecting Sidon to Psalm 83 and Israel’s Safe Dwelling
- The destruction of Sidon initiates a domino effect that removes all of Israel’s immediate threats as described in Psalm 83.
Quote [08:11, Bible Teacher]:
“The Lord will reshape the landscape of the Mideast by eliminating the entire breaking briar surrounding Israel, starting with Sidon. Additional judgments come upon all those around them who despise them…”
4. The Prophecy of Zarephath in Obadiah
- [09:51–12:53] After the defeat of the Palestinians (connected to the “House of Esau”), Israel annexes more territory, including parts of southern Lebanon (Zarephath).
- The modern application is discussed, asserting territory expansion and resettlement by Israel post-conflict.
5. How Does the Arab-Israeli Conflict End? Zechariah 12 Explained
- [12:53–21:20] Examining Zechariah 12 as the scriptural finale to the conflict. Contrary to many prophecy teachers, they argue this is a pre-Armageddon war focused on the immediate Arab neighbors.
- Zechariah 12:2–6 is interpreted as a description of the Arab nations besieging Jerusalem and Judah (motivated by the Islamic view of Jerusalem as a holy city), only for God to miraculously intervene.
Quote [13:20, Co-Host, reading Zechariah 12:2]:
“I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling... unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem."
- The intervention includes confusion and malfunction amongst enemy forces, creation of panic, and the disabling of enemy military technology (drawing a parallel with the Red Sea incident in Exodus).
Quote [14:58, Co-Host]:
“In that day... I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness... I will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.”
- As a result, the IDF is emboldened and will “devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left” (Zechariah 12:6).
Quote [20:11, Host]:
“So who are these people on the right hand and on the left, the Arab states assured common borders with Israel that have warred against Israel in 1948, 1967 and 1973?”
6. Connection Between Psalm 83 & Zechariah 12
- Dr. David Reagan (quoted): Psalm 83 predicts an Arab confederacy aimed at Israel’s annihilation; Zechariah 12 foretells Israel’s fiery and comprehensive victory over these neighbors.
Quote [20:40, Dr. David Reagan]:
“Psalm 83 states that the immediate neighbors of Israel will launch a war for the purpose of wiping out Israel as a nation... but we know from other scriptures that Israel will be victorious.”
7. Timing: A Pre-Tribulation War
- [21:51–22:55] The episode closes by stressing that these wars must precede the Tribulation, as the Tribulation is a time of deceptive peace for Israel (first half), followed by the Antichrist’s persecution (second half).
- Therefore, the Psalm 83 conflict and the decisive IDF victory are pre-Tribulation events.
Quote [22:55, Host]:
“So it seems safe to conclude that the IDF defeating their Arab foes of Psalm 83 and elsewhere is a pre tribulation event... the only time frame open for the fulfillment of Psalm 83 is pre tribulation.”
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
God’s Intervention Described in Modern Terms:
[14:58, Co-Host]:
“I don’t believe that we’re going to see horses, horseback riders from Egypt and Jordan and Syria... We need to look at the modern methods of warfare and see what the Lord might be doing here…” -
On Jerusalem’s Unparalleled Significance:
[14:16, Host]:
“Jerusalem...the city of peace, the holy city. You see, Ariel is a poetic name for Jerusalem... But yet how many times is it mentioned in the Quran? Zilch.” -
On the Outcome for Israel:
[21:20, Host]:
“God uses the IDF as a tool to defeat their Arab foes, those around them who despise them... thus ends the pricking briar, painful thorn all about Israel. And Israel can then become a home building, safe dwelling, vineyard planting nation as is intended.”
Timeline of Key Segments
| Timestamp | Topic/Scripture/Segment | |-----------|------------------------| | 00:10 | Episode Introduction, Recap of Previous IDF Conflicts | | 01:08 | Focus on Lebanon's Four Coastal Cities | | 03:04 | Ezekiel 28’s Sidon Prophecy—Timeline for Israel’s Secure Dwelling | | 04:26 | Reading and Analysis of Ezekiel’s Judgment on Sidon | | 06:54 | Sidon’s Role as Part of the “Pricking Briar” Confederacy | | 08:59 | Gabal (Biblos) and Connection to Psalm 83 | | 09:51 | Zarephath Prophecy (Obadiah) and Land Expansion | | 12:53 | Zechariah 12: The Final Siege and God’s Intervention | | 13:20 | The Symbolism of “Cup of Trembling” | | 14:58 | Divine Intervention Explained (Malfunctions, Panic, Blindness) | | 18:47 | The Emboldening of the IDF, Conclusion of the Siege | | 20:31 | Dr. David Reagan’s Commentary on Psalm 83 & Zechariah 12 | | 21:51 | The Timing of the Wars—Pre-Tribulation Emphasis |
Tone and Style
The discussion is earnest and analytical, blending literal Bible readings with modern geopolitical analysis. The language is accessible for both lay and experienced prophecy students, occasionally dramatic when describing impending divine interventions or impending wars. There are scholarly references and a consistent encouragement to align scripture with current and forthcoming world events.
For Further Study
- “Shocking Prophetic Revelation: Ezekiel 28 Precedes Ezekiel 38” (article by the host, prophecydepot.com)
- “Zechariah 12: The War Before Armageddon” (host’s website)
- Dr. David Reagan’s article, “The Wars of the End Times Part Two”
This episode offers a compelling portrait of how ancient prophecies are interpreted in light of modern Middle Eastern events, and frames the Psalm 83 war as imminent, decisive, and pivotal before the onset of the Biblical Tribulation.
