May 16, 2025 | Messianic World Update | Trump's Middle East Deals and Israel's Ongoing Battle: A Messianic Perspective

Shalom, everyone, I'm Monte Judah with Lion and Lamb Ministries, bringing you the latest Messianic World Update. Today's date is May 16, 2025.

This week brought significant developments in the Middle East that warrant our careful attention from a Biblical perspective. President Donald Trump's diplomatic tour through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE has resulted in unprecedented trillion-dollar deals. While the world focuses on economic achievements, we must keep in mind the war that is ongoing between Israel and its enemies.

The ongoing conflict with Palestinians in Judea and Samaria continues to bring tragedy to Israel. An Israeli couple, on their way to the hospital to deliver their fourth child, was ambushed by Palestinian gunmen who shot multiple rounds straight into the car. The husband was injured, and his wife was killed. Doctors worked at a frantic pace to save the baby, who miraculously survived and is in critical condition. This father is now left with a newborn and three other children, with no mother for them. This incident reminds us of the persistent hatred toward God's chosen people that Scripture warns us about.

Operation Gideon's Chariots has begun and has already intensified in Gaza, with the IDF conducting over 150 precision strikes against Hamas targets. Israel's military response, while necessary for their survival, showcases the prophetic tensions in the region that Zechariah spoke about concerning Jerusalem being a "cup of trembling" to all nations.

The Iranian nuclear situation remains precarious, with negotiations reaching a critical juncture. Iran has hedged all proposals thus far, leaving President Trump no choice but to say, as he returned to the U.S. on Air Force One, that Iran must “decide quickly.” 

President Trump was disappointed this week to hear that President Putin of Russia did not show up in Turkey for ceasefire talks with President Zelensky of Ukraine, as had been negotiated by him earlier. It remains to be seen what the next steps will be for the ending of that war. 

Let us continue in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, as Scripture commands us, while remaining vigilant and discerning of these prophetic times. 

Shabbat Shalom to all of you.