Is Gaza's future foretold in biblical prophecy? Watch this YouTube exclusive – TBN's THE ROSENBERG REPORT

The ancient prophecies of the Hebrew prophet Zephaniah have long intrigued scholars and theologians, particularly concerning the fate of Gaza. Zephaniah foretold a time when Gaza would be abandoned and ultimately restored to the people of Judah. Recent events have prompted many to revisit these scriptures, considering whether they are witnessing the early stages of their fulfillment.

Editor-in-Chief of ALL ISRAEL NEWS Joel Rosenberg highlighted the striking parallels between Zephaniah’s prophecy and current developments on a TBN YouTube exclusive for THE ROSENBERG REPORT.

He pointed to the foretelling that Gaza would one day be emptied of its inhabitants and ultimately returned to the people of Judah, a scenario that some believe could be unfolding today.

The Prophecy of Zephaniah

Zephaniah, writing many centuries ago, made a bold declaration about the future of Gaza:

"Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will become a ruin. The inhabitants of Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines; and I will destroy you so that there will be no inhabitant. The seacoast will become grazing places, with pastures for shepherds and folds for flocks. And the coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they will drive sheep to graze in it. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will lie down at evening; For the LORD their God will care for them and restore their fortunes" Zephaniah 2:4-7 (NASB)

Rosenberg emphasized that this prophecy, while largely overlooked, may hold significant relevance today. He noted, “The land of Gaza will be returned to the Jewish people, the people who practice Judaism, the nation of Israel, and the Lord their God will care for them and restore their fortunes.”

Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza

Rosenberg said that U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal, which includes the removal of the Palestinian population from Gaza, took Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by surprise.

“Netanyahu never imagined that Trump had such a plan,” Rosenberg explained, "But Trump had been cooking on this with his team and even a lot of Trump's team were reportedly caught off guard by the idea".

Despite its controversy, Trump’s assertion that Gaza will be rebuilt under American oversight, closely mirrors Zephaniah’s vision of Gaza’s eventual transformation.

Trump himself declared, “We do see a long-term ownership position. And I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe the entire Middle East.”

These words, according to Rosenberg, appear to reflect the biblical declaration that God would ultimately restore Gaza to Judah.

Judgment and Compassion

Rosenberg also touched on the theological implications of what is happening in Gaza today. He argued that the current destruction of Gaza is a form of divine judgment.

“I believe that the people of Gaza are under biblical judgment. I don’t say that lightly, and I don’t say that with glee. But basically, for the last eight decades, the people of Gaza have been cursing Israel and the Jewish people day after day after day.”

Rosenberg referenced Genesis 12:3, in which God says, “I will bless those who bless you, but those who curse you, I will curse,” and said he believes that those who violate this will come under God's judgment.

However, he also said that while Gaza may deserve this judgment, the people also deserve compassion.

Rosenberg draws parallels to the story of Nineveh in the Book of Jonah.

“The story of Jonah was that the prophet was sent by God to preach judgment. But when the people heard that judgment was coming… they begged God to forgive them. And as they repented, God relented.”

Rosenberg believes that while Gaza may be under judgment, Christians should still seek to share the Gospel with its people and pray for their redemption.

Could this mark the beginning of Zephaniah’s prophecy being fulfilled?

The question remains: Is Trump unknowingly setting the stage for the fulfillment of Zephaniah’s prophecy?

Rosenberg is cautious in his conclusions. “I’m not saying that’s what’s going to happen. I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he admitted. However, he underscored the importance of studying biblical prophecy in light of current events.

He urged viewers to reflect on Zephaniah 2, emphasizing its prophetic significance: “The prophet tells us that Gaza, the people of Gaza, are going to be judged in the last days, that Gaza itself will be abandoned of its residents, and then Gaza will be handed back over, returned to the possession of Judah.”

While no one can say for certain whether Trump’s plan is divinely ordained, the parallels between his proposal and Zephaniah’s prophecy are striking.

Whether this is a political maneuver or a prophetic fulfillment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – history, politics, and prophecy are converging in a way that demands our attention.