Just one of the fascinating characteristics of Bible prophecy is its proximity to reality. Many don’t think of it that way, but I do. Bible prophecy is not some esoteric nonsense.

I was reminded of this today after reading that former Vice President Dick Cheney urged President Bush to bomb a nuclear reactor in Syria in June, 2007.

During a cabinet meeting, Cheney laid-out his reasons for doing so, and Bush looked around the table for a show of hands from those who agreed with the vp. No hands went up.

Three months later, the Israelis (apparently) bombed the site, concluding that there was an existential threat, due to Syrian hostility.

The whole affair calls to mind the famous prophecy of Isaiah 17, which I’ve discussed before. In this chapter, it is predicted that Damascus will be obliterated, never to be inhabited again.

Since the ancient city has never endured such a scenario, it must be yet future. Of course, plenty of more liberal teachers and students view it as anything but real future history, but it is an interesting passage.

For me and my house, we will consider it future history. Cheney’s little account lends credibility to the view that the home of Bashar Assad—currently killing his own citizens—will vanish one day without a trace.