Germany’s rising reputation.

In a recent study conducted for the BBC by GlobeScan and PIPA, more than 26,000 people in nations around the globe were interviewed to learn about their views of other nations (BBC, May 23, 2013).  This has been a recurring study since 2005.  Of the 22 nations asked about in the survey, interviewees reported seeing Germany in the most positive light.

Over the past year, opinions of China, India, Japan, Russia and the United States have deteriorated, while views of the United Kingdom and France have improved (ibid.).  Of the 22 nations asked about in the survey, interviewees reported seeing Germany in the most positive light—except within Greece (ibid.).  Germany, Canada and the U.K. were the three most positively viewed nations, while North Korea, Pakistan, and Iran were viewed most negatively, along with Israel.  Views of the EU as a positive force have also fallen, especially within Germany (ibid.).

Bible prophecy indicates that a powerful European Beast power will come on the scene at the end of the age (Daniel 11:40-43).  This Beast will be given power and authority by surrounding nations (see Revelation 17) and will be dominated by Assyria (Germany) (Isaiah 10:5-11; Hosea 2:5-13; 5:13; Ezekiel 23:5, 9).  But, after Christ returns, the Germans—who will have been the “rod” of God’s anger—will become a leading nation for peace in God’s Kingdom (Isaiah 19:23-25).

For more information on this fascinating topic, read our article “Resurgent Germany: A Fourth Reich?”