U.S. Spying Implications.

Nations spy on other nations—they have for a very long time—and most national leaders understand this (BBC, October 26, 2013). However, this fact does not make it acceptable to those being spied upon, nor does it make it right. In recent weeks, it has become clear that the U.S. National Security Agency was tapping phones of high-ranking leaders in France, Germany, Mexico and Brazil (ibid.; New York Daily News, October 21, 2013). U.S. ambassadors to both Germany and France have been “called in” and Chancellor Merkel even spoke to President Obama directly about the matter.

While some world leaders may move on past this news, other leaders are shocked at this major breach of trust and many citizens are building resentment. One headline declares, “Europe falls out of love with Obama over NSA spying claims” (CNN, October 25, 2013). A Swedish journalist noted, “I blame Hollywood for the fact that Merkel, Cameron, Reinfeldt, Hollande and the whole European bunch have fallen in love with President Obama” (EU Observer, October 26, 2013).

But, is Hollywood really at fault? Long ago God prophesied against modern Israelite nations, “All your lovers have forgotten you; they do not seek you; for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy… For the multitude of your iniquities, because your sins have increased” (Jeremiah 30:14). God also noted that Israel “played the harlot even though she was Mine; and she lusted for her lovers, the neighboring Assyrians [modern Germany]… Therefore I have delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, for whom she lusted” (Ezekiel 23:5, 9). Bible prophecies foresaw a time when the friends and allies of modern Israelite nations will reject them and take them into captivity. God may use this current row to prepare for the fulfillment of these ancient prophecies.