• Super Admin
• 08 Mar, 2026

Bishop Dr Herbert Ekechukwu, Presiding Bishop, Lord of Glory Ministries, in this piece exclusively for SUNDAY INDEPENDENT, takes a Biblical look at the raging Middle East War involving America and Israel on one side against Iran and also othercrises spots, including Nigeria. He also takes a critical look at roles of President Donald J.Trump, arguing that he may be the present day Biblical King Cyrus. An interesting Read for Bible Scholars, gospel ministers and Christians in general "This said the LORD to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the loins of kings, and to open before him the leaves, gates and the gates shall not be shut"- Isaiah 45:1 President Donald J. Trump's presidency is likened to King Cyrus of Persia, who freed the Jews from Babylonian captivity. Both leaders have many things in common. They were divinely appointed to fulfill specific purposes. Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Other actions of President Trump include fighting corruption in Venezuela, arresting the president and his wife to face corruption charges in USA, fighting to stop Christian genocide in Nigeria and dethroning the terrorists government of Supreme Leader Khomeini that has oppressed Iran (olden days Persia) for 47 years Iran Before Khomeini Government Before the 1979 Iranian revolution, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi who implemented various modernisation policies including the white revolution (1963 - 1979). This programme was made to transform Iran into a global economy and industrial power through land reforms, women suffrage and industrialization. However, these reforms created social tensions and widened the gap between the haves and the have nots. The Shaha regime was also criticised for its authoritarianism, corruption and close ties with Western powers, particularly with USA. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni, who was exiled in 1964, led the opposition against the Shah government. The Shah fled the country on January 16, 1979. On April 1, 1979 Islamic Republic of Iran was established with Khomeini as the Supreme Leader. The positive developments of Khomeini's government include: the doubling of literacy, infant and maternal mortality rates decreased. Poverty rate dropped from 25% in 1979 to 10% in 2014. Iranian GDP grew from $90.393 billion to $385,874 billion in 2015. On the negative side, the government was criticised for its human rights abuses, suppression of dissidents and the restriction on freedom of expression. Extreme fundamental Islamism was imposed on the country Due to years of sanctions, the economy has experienced hardship and inflation. The nuclear project of the regime has been the point of contention with the international community. The government crack down on opposition groups, minorities and dissidents has led to widespread human rights abuses, including executions, torture and imprisonment. The government's confrontational stance towards the West and its nuclear project has led to international sanctions, which have severely impacted on the economy and limited access to essential goods and services, including medicine and technology. The government's lack of transparency and accountability has led to massive corruption and nepotism Emergence Of Donald Trump In the midst of these, the coming of American President Donald J. Trump was a welcome development. Majority of people in the country welcomed and celebrated it. To them, Trump is a Messiah who has come to liberate them from radical Islamic fundamentalism Spiritual Angle Of Trump's Intervention The spiritual angle of Trump intervention in Nigeria, Venezuela and Iran needs to be commended. President Donald J Trump stands in the pages of history as an end-time servant of God, fulfilling prophecy. The terrorists attack in Sokoto to stop the Christian genocide in Nigeria was a Christmas gift to Nigerian Christians. The attack on Iran in the week of Ramadan fast was a Ramadan gift. It also happened during the feast of Purim, recalling how Queen Esther and Mordecai saved the Jews from the destruction (Purim) planned by Haman during the time of king Ahasarus. It is also the feast of Purim gift to Iranian Jews. Indeed, President Donald J Trump of America is fulfilling the Bible prophecy of both Mordecai and King Cyrus. Source: https://independent.ng/biblical-perspective-of-middle-east-crisis-trump-the-modern-day-king-cyrus/