The new British-French alliance: Wise strategy, or doomed to fail?

Britain and France are once-great nations in decline. As BBCNews.com recently stated, the UK and France "both want to be global players but increasingly lack the resources to remain so" ("The 'South Atlantic question' in French-British plan," November 2, 2010). Therefore, these military treaties are seen a necessary way to address budget and defense concerns. As U.K. prime minister, David Cameron, asserts, the treaties are "a source of strength and solidarity" between France and Britain. And French president Nicolas Sarkozy boasts that the agreements represent a "level of confidence between our two nations unequaled in history" (Financial Times, "France and UK sign defense pacts, November 2, 2010).

"A brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17), and Britain and France are indeed "brother" nations. Furthermore, Scripture makes very plain what will be the end result of Franco-Anglo military cooperation.

Reuben was Israel's (Jacob's) firstborn. Modern France is largely descended from Reuben, and modern Britain and the United States are largely descended from Jacob's son, Joseph. In Genesis 37, it was Reuben who intervened to save Joseph's life when his brothers sought to kill him (vv. 21-22), and it was Reuben who promised his father that he would return home safely with his youngest brother, Benjamin (Genesis 42:37).

While Reuben was Jacob's firstborn, the preeminent birthright blessings would be given to Joseph and his sons (Genesis 27:36; 49:22-26). Reuben's descendants would have might, dignity and power, but they would "not excel" (Genesis 49:3-4). However, although often tumultuous, the brotherly bond between Reuben and Joseph would endure over the centuries. It is that same bond that is behind the new British-French military alliance today.

But will this new alliance endure? Will Britain and France be able to work together to defend themselves and to prosper in the years to come? Sadly, no.

The new British-French military alliance is not the answer to confronting escalating terrorist threats, growing Muslim-extremist dangers, an increasingly belligerent Iran or China, or the prophesized rise of a powerful and aggressive Germany. The real answer is for all of "modern Israel" to turn back to God in real repentance. But, sadly, as the prophet Hosea warned long ago, modern Israel is stubborn. So, because of modern Israel's "pride," Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben and Judah (the United States, the UK, France and the other Israelitish nations of northwestern Europe, as well as the modern state of Israel) will all fall together (Hosea 5:5).

The reality is that the coming "Beast" power will soon dominate Europe and then much of the world (Revelation 17:12-13), and Britain, France and America will find that no amount of treaties or alliances will save them from the coming national correction – the "time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7). But after this national correction, there is, thankfully, national redemption. God will redeem Reuben, Joseph and all of modern Israel. He will lead them, will bless them and they shall never stumble again (Jeremiah 31:9).

World leaders are struggling to cope in an increasingly dangerous world. But, you can understand what is ahead for Britain, France, America and the rest of modern Jacob! And you can prove for yourself who teaches the prophetic truth about these nations, from your Bible!

For more details on what the Bible reveals for Britain, France and America, please read the Tomorrow's World articles, "'Goodbye' to England?", "The End of Liberté?" and "Does God Guide World Affairs?" – and watch the powerful new Tomorrow's World telecast,"Are These the Last Days?"