If you follow world events, it’s no surprise to discover that wars are occurring across nearly every hemisphere of the Earth.
An internet search reveals that the countries experiencing the most significant conflicts include Ukraine, Sudan, Israel and Gaza, Lebanon, Myanmar, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Yemen, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Haiti.
When looking at the world’s murder capitals, the top two are cities in Mexico, followed by Haiti in third place. The next four spots are also occupied by cities in Mexico, with the list continuing to include Ecuador, South Africa, and finally another city in Mexico.
In 1935, Sinclair Lewis wrote the book “It Can’t Happen Here.” If you have the opportunity to read it, you’ll find it to be a fascinating parallel between the events of his time and today.
The widespread brutality and inhumanity of people toward one another should serve as a warning, like a canary in a coal mine, reminding us that it can happen here too.
The prophets Amos and Isaiah wrote during the 8th century BC, addressing the moral and spiritual failings of their time. Both prophets detailed God’s judgment on the nations surrounding Judah, emphasizing that all nations are accountable to God for their actions (see Amos 1:3–2:3 and Isaiah 13–23).
God’s judgment was evident in the 8th century BC and again during the time of Ezekiel. Like the prophets who came before him, Ezekiel detailed how the nations surrounding Judah faced God’s judgment.
Chapter 25 outlines God’s judgment against the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines.
A detailed analysis of the passage will appeal more to historians than the average modern reader. However, the core issue—these nations opposing God’s will—remains highly relevant and can be applied to the world we live in today.
Each of these nations rejoiced at the destruction of God’s people in Judah by the Babylonians. Their primary motivation was the opportunity to seize portions of the land that had belonged to the southern kingdom.
The Winners of Conflict in 2024
From the very beginning, I have closely followed the war between Russia and Ukraine. It breaks my heart to know that, in just three years, as many as a million people may have lost their lives in this devastating conflict.
However, not everyone shares my sorrow. Like the ancient enemies of Judah, some see opportunities for profit in the destruction of one nation by another.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had significant economic repercussions, benefiting various nations and businesses across multiple sectors. Below is a summary of those who have profited financially from this war.
(1) Defense and Arms Manufacturing
- American defense contractors have seen increased demand for military equipment supplied to Ukraine and NATO allies.
- Germany’s largest defense group, reported a record order book worth 48.6 billion, driven by increased demand amid the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
(2) Energy Sector:
- United States: The U.S. has increased its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe, filling the gap left by reduced Russian gas supplies. This shift has led to higher revenues for American energy companies.
- China: Chinese companies have profited by reselling U.S. LNG shipments to Europe at a significant markup, capitalizing on the energy crisis.
(3) Agricultural Commodities:
- Major agricultural trading companies, often referred to as the “ABCD” group—Archer Daniels Midland, Bunge, Cargill, and Louis Dreyfus—have benefited from disruptions in Ukrainian grain exports, leading to increased global commodity prices and higher profits.
Another Example
One of the great tragedies of 2023-2024 is the conflict in Sudan. Let’s ask the same question: who is profiting from what is taking place in that country?
(1) United Arab Emirates (UAE):
- The UAE has been implicated in supplying weapons to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
- Economic Interests: The UAE has significant investments in Sudan’s gold industry, which is a major source of revenue for the RSF. The RSF controls several gold mines, and the UAE serves as a primary destination for Sudanese gold exports.
(2) France: French defense companies have been linked to the provision of military equipment used in the Sudanese conflict.
(3) Russia: The Russian private military company Wagner Group has been active in Sudan, providing military support and engaging in resource extraction, particularly gold mining. This involvement has bolstered the RSF’s capabilities and finances.
(4) China: China has been a significant supplier of arms to Sudan. Advanced drone jammers, mortars, and anti-materiel rifles manufactured in China have been used by both sides of the conflict, including in Darfur.
(4) Turkey: Turkish companies have exported small arms and ammunition to Sudan. Turkish hunting shotguns and rifles, normally made for the civilian market, have been exported en masse to Sudan in recent years, with both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF using these weapons.
It Can’t Happen Here
Isaiah, Amos, and Ezekiel prophesied God’s judgment on the nations surrounding Israel. I believe they delivered these messages to encourage God’s people to repent.
When we reflect on world events, we have a choice: we can numb our feelings through entertainment or distractions, or we can take to heart the reality that God judges the nations.
This realization should lead us to respond with personal repentance and intercession for God’s will to be accomplished in the world.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, Rus Wismer, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. It’s on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 