Is there any Bible prophecy about the United States of America?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not directly mention the United States, and no prophecy explicitly names it in either the Old or New Testament. Some interpretations suggest America could be part of broader end-times scenarios, such as Western nations speaking out against a coalition attacking Israel or participating in global alliances under the Antichrist, though details are uncertain (Ezekiel 38). The focus of biblical prophecy is primarily on Israel and surrounding nations, and it is possible that the United States may not play a dominant role during the tribulation. Regardless of its future role, Christians are called to live faithfully, obey God’s Word, and trust His sovereign plan.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Prophecies in Daniel suggest that the Antichrist will arise from within the revived Roman Empire that includes Europe and the Mediterranean area (see Daniel 2:40-44; Daniel 7:23-24). The United States will likely serve as a member nation in whatever conglomerate arises during this time.
• Some also see a potential mention of America and other Western nations in the words of Ezekiel 38. This important future prophecy speaks of a coalition of nations that will arise in battle against Israel in the last days. Ezekiel 38:1-12 speaks of this battle. Ezekiel 38:13 notes, "Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, 'Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?'" Sheba and Dedan historically mark the Arabian Peninsula that consists of Saudi Arabia and its attached nations.
• Tarshish has been used in more than one way in the Bible. Tarshish was a literal city in Southern Spain that is believed to be the location Jonah fled to after God called him to preach against the wicked city of Nineveh (Jonah 1). Yet Tarshish is also sometimes used as a general reference to the Western ends of the earth. This understanding could well fit the context of Ezekiel 38:13. If so, it could indicate that Western powers, including the United States, will speak out against the coalition that attacks Israel in the last days, though they do not join in defending the nation in battle.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Neither the United States of America, nor any country in North or South America, is directly mentioned in the Bible. Yet many struggle with the idea that the world's leading nation would not once be the subject of Scripture's end time prophecies. As a result, some have found places in which America may be included as part of a larger discussion of God's prophetic future, though many details are uncertain. For example, the United States will likely be one of the many nations included among those who generally reject God in the end times (Revelation 10:11; 11:18; 14:8; 15:4; 16:19).
• A global coalition of nations will serve under the leadership of an international leader known as the Antichrist (Revelation 13:1-8).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

America has been blessed as a leading nation, one with many Christians who serve the Lord. The Bible is clear regarding how its people should live, yet it does not speak directly about the role of the United States in the last days.

dThe United States is not mentioned explicitly in the Bible, likely for a couple of reasons. First, the focus of Bible prophecy is Israel, not other nations. Second, the United States may not be the most dominant nation during the tribulation period. Whether due to the loss of many Christians at the time of the rapture, internal problems, or attack from external forces, it is possible America will not have the same level of influence during that future time. Regardless of America’s role in end-times events, Christians today are called to be faithful witnesses, living according to God’s Word and trusting His sovereign plan for the future (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 8:28).

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not mention the United States directly.
• America might be indirectly involved in end-times events, though details are uncertain.
• Christians are called to live faithfully and trust God’s plan, regardless of any nation’s role.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that the Bible does not specifically mention the United States affect the way you view current events in light of God’s plan?
• How can you focus on living faithfully to God’s Word, regardless of your nation’s role in future events?
• How does trusting God’s sovereign plan influence your daily decisions and priorities as a Christian?

ENGAGE

• How can we support other believers in remaining faithful, even when the future role of our nation seems uncertain?
• What lessons can we draw from the focus of Bible prophecy on Israel that might guide our understanding of God’s plans for nations today?
• How might the uncertainty about America’s role in end-times events challenge or strengthen our trust in God’s sovereignty, and how can we help understand this too?