Showdown with Iran by Mark Hitchcock – Sobering, Fascinating, Informative and Well Grounded in Bible Prophecy


When you read the headline news and there are developments in Israel and the Middle East do you wonder how that fits into end-times Bible prophecy? If you do, then you may want to read Mark Hitchcock’s most recent book Showdown with Iran. This year began with the news that Iranian General Soleimani was killed in the US ordered drone strike. Just this week, Iran issued an arrest warrant for President Trump in connection with the drone strike. So how does all this fit into Bible prophecies about Iran? What about the nations that surround Israel that are hostile towards her?

In Showdown with Iran, Mark starts by reviewing the current state of Iran and recent hostile acts that seem to lead us ever closer to war. One of the more sobering facts is that Iran is drawing closer to having a fully functional nuclear weapon in seven to eleven months. Will Israel be forced to take a preemptive strike to stop that from happening? If so, how will Iran respond?

I was interested to learn that there is a conflict between Islamic nations in the Middle East, like Saudi Arabia and Iran. But there are many nations that are in league with Iran and Israel is surrounded by hostile nations. Today, we are seeing ties between Syria and Iran and interestingly Russia is one of their allies. How does that line up with Bible prophecy?

Also covered is the history of an important area, the Strait of Hormuz, where oil tankers from surrounding Persian Gulf nations must pass. They do so under the watchful eyes of Iran. An important element in the relationship between Israel and Iran is religion. Bible prophesies about Iran and other Middle East nations are covered as well as the Islamic faith, prophecies, and the differences between Sunni and Shia faith and how those differences impact international relationships.

Something I found very helpful is information about the ancient Biblical names of nations and their current modern-day names. When Mark disagrees with what other Bible prophecy teachers believe, he explains their conclusions, his conclusions, and why he differs. Bible end-time prophecies are covered from the books of Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Revelation and what has already been fulfilled and what is to come.

This most interesting chapter to me was Will America Survive? When you read Bible prophecy there’s no clear reference to the United States. Mark does an excellent job of explaining why that is. The scenarios he puts forth are very sobering and timely especially in light of Covid-19 and recent civil unrest in our Country.

While end-time Bible prophecies could be fulfilled at any time, Mark is cautious and reminds the reader that Scripture forbids date setting. He brings the reader back putting our hope in the Lord God Almighty, truth found in the Bible and the assurance of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone.

I highly recommend Showdown with Iran by Mark Hitchcock and encourage you to get a copy and read now it before the next eruption of conflict with Iran. Another great resource is the Marking the Times weekly videos on YouTube where Mark covers various Bible prophecies and current events and to date, he has 119 episodes.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Showdown with Iran by Mark Hitchcock. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Perhaps, like me, you haven’t been following the Middle East news for a while. The beginning of this book will catch you up on the major developments in Iran from the past year. Then it moves on and explains why these events might just be Biblically important. I enjoyed that mix of news, history, Biblical exposition, and encouragement.
Hitchcock also takes the time to explain some of the varying views about Iran in the last days and why America isn’t mentioned in prophecy. Those parts are very interesting but occasionally verged on the speculative.
This was written pre-COVID 19 so at first, its news sounds a little dated, but as you read you realize that it isn’t. As the author points out God’s plan will not be prevented or postponed. Hitchcock carefully points out that while the players of End Times Prophecy seem to be moving into place for the final battle; we do not know when God will call his church home and pour His wrath out upon this world. Still, it might just be, that we are seeing the beginning of the end. Even if we aren’t, a correct understanding of Prophecy will always be grounding and encouraging. So I believe this book will encourage you as it did me.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Emanate Books, Thomas Nelson. No favorable review was required and it was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.

SHOWDOWN WITH IRAN by MARK HITCHCOCK is an excellent, well written and well researched book on the End Times, based mostly on Ezekiel, Daniel and Revelations. The author moves through the bible explaining prophecies in a most enlightening way. He also gives us opinions from other bible scholars, such as Joel Rosenberg. The book is easy to read and shows us how current events tie in to biblical prophecy. It is rather like reading tomorrow's newspaper!
He speaks of prophecies for the nations of Israel, Iran, Russia, Syria and other nations in the Middle East. Some of the prophecies have already come to pass and others are still to come.
It is a most encouraging book, which gives hope for those who turn to Christ and also helps to awaken an urgency for the sharing of the Gospel with the lost.
We are reminded of God's promises and mercy, but also of His judgment on those who willfully turn their back on Him, following ungodly ways.
I highly recommend Showdown With Iran to those who want to know more about biblical prophecy and the End Times and who are trying to make sense of what is going on in the world around them..
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Emanate Books. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Biblical scholars who study eschatology will find this book fascinating. Based on the book of Ezekiel, the author has a hard look at Iran's place during the end times. The author points to current events as well as past to emphasize Iran's future part in the destruction of Israel. This book will be an important addition for those seeking another view. Recommended!