Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future

by Joel C. Rosenberg

In his first groundbreaking nonfiction book, now with updated content, New York Times best-selling author Joel C. Rosenberg takes readers on an unforgettable journey through prophecy and current events into the future of Iraq after Saddam, Russia after Communism, Israel after Arafat, and Christianity after radical Islam. You won't want to miss Joel's exclusive interviews with Israeli, Palestinian, and Russian leaders, along with previously classified CIA and White House documents. New content includes the most up-to-date information since the hardcover release in 2006, a new poll about American attitudes toward the Middle East and prophecy, and transcripts of interviews conducted during the interview process for the Epicenter DVD-video.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, History, Politics, Religion, Theology, Middle East

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most compelling nonfiction book I have ever read. Joel Rosenberg offers amazing insights into the prophecies of Ezekiel 38-39 in relation to the "end times". I couldn't put it down, and I am not usually a big nonfiction reader. For those of you who are skeptical of these kinds of books, I think the author himself explains it best when he says, "..no, I am not a psychic and I don't have access to secret government information. But I do have access to the Jewish prophets...and so do you. God has told us what the future holds for Israel, for the world, and for you as Biblical events continue to unfold. It's all in the book...not mine, but His." This book will leave no doubt in your mind that we are currently living in the end times. I found it a fascinating exploration of our world, the Middle East, and both Islam and the Jewish faith. Please, please read this book!!

[Jerome Otte · Rating 2 out of 5]

The political/geopolitical conclusions were shallow, but then again, most Christians have little to no grasp on that subject and only rely on "easy" dumbed-down conclusions like this. Although a Christian myself, we should be relying on more in-depth sources than this. It's sad that Rosenberg has to explain such simple things in so much detail to account for Christians' lack of knowledge on the subject.
I cringe when my parishioners or my seminarians pick up a book like Rosenbergs and laud it as the "definitive" work on the Middle East. God help them. Books like this make me want to "flee to the mountains" and avoid such journalistic tribulation. Avoid this work at any cost. Please.

[Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rosenberg writes about the status and changes in the Middle East, and explains these changes based on selected Biblical passages as his source. Believers who are convinced that the Bible contains all the answers may find his arguments convincing, but those who believe that one can find Biblical passages to support any argument will find this book short on facts and long on cherry-picked quotes from religious Prophets.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was watching MSNBC about a month ago when I suddenly saw Putin (on a visit to Iran) shaking hands with Ahmadinejad, as if they were old friends. The image alarmed me, and I immediately got this book out of the library to learn more about how this might tie into some bits and pieces of Biblical prophesy I'd heard before.

As I read this book, the image I saw on the news made complete sense. I was so excited by the collection of political insights filtered through the "lens of scripture." It was like having a Bible expert next to me explaining the events of the modern day news. I could see why the events are happening and what consequences could be imminent. I was impressed by the intensive research, interviews, and realistic (rather than ultra-dramatic) approach to this topic.

I've always loved learning about Christ's second coming and am passionate about recognizing Biblical prophesy coming true. This book helped me understand prophetic scripture with much greater depth and helped me be a more informed Christian and citizen.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible read. We need to be aware of what is happening in this world, particularly in the Middle East. Joel C. Rosenberg has used the prophesies found in Ezekiel 38-39 in relation to the end of times, and what is happening in our world today. The author explains it best when he says, "..no, I am not a psychic and I don't have access to secret government information. But I do have access to the Jewish prophets...and so do you. God has told us what the futures holds for Israel, for the world, and for you as Biblical events continue to unfold. It's all in the book...not mine, but His."

I love learning about Christ's second coming and Biblical prophesy. This book helped me understand prophetic scripture and helped me be more informed about current world events. I highly recommend this book.

[Jillaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

After writing some prescient political thrillers based on Old Testament prophecy, Joel Rosenberg writes the book behind the novels to explain his reading of Ezekiel 38-39 and the War of Gog and Magog. This is some pretty mind-boggling stuff. We read it for my book group and the discussion leader used the Church Old Testament study guide (from seminary?) to compare a lot of Rosenberg's conclusions with our own teaching's and latter-day prophecy; he is spot-on. There are some things he overlooked, but overall this was a really interesting and compelling read. It made me wish I'd been paying more attentiont to the current events in the Mid-East. Time to do that.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting to find out that Russia has already come close to directly attacking Israel before. Iran will not back down. I expect Israel will have to go it alone and bomb them. No one comes to their aid so we either won't, or are out of commission. Would rearrrange status quo of ME and put Israel and Iraq (Babylon) on top and set the stage for anti-christ making peace pact with Israel. How long before Iran has the bomb? It is very interesting to see events predicted in the bible playing out. We know not one word will pass away!

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

In dealing with the Mid East a lot of changes since this book was published (2006). I really like what was written about General Sada and his story of how God used him as a present-day Daniel.

[Clark Goble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joel Rosenberg was recommended to me by a fiend at church and being the Amazon.com junkie I am, I immediately checked him out. I am incredibly glad I did! In one simple word, this guy is amazing. Rosenberg has written a series of highly acclaimed political thrillers that have an uncanny way of predicting real life occurrences. I am not sure how I missed him because his books are so unnervingly prophetic that he is constantly being interviewed on television. He has conducted high level briefings for people in our government as well as other countries and has worked for such notables as Benjamin Netanyaho and Steve Forbes. In reality though, Mister Rosenberg is not a prophet. He simply reads the Bible and writes fiction stories that fit into the prophecy revealed in Scripture. His books will freak you out a little.

Epicenter is Rosenberg’s first nonfiction work. In this book, he details the meaning of such prophetic passages as Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39 and illustrates how these prophecies are playing out in the world around us. Rosenberg also spells out some of the headlines we can expect to see in the future as these prophecies come to pass. It is incredible just how knowledgeable Rosenberg is.

I’ll be honest, Bible prophecy is one of those things that I have always felt some people focus on too much. I have always preferred to know that God is in control and that He has a plan for us all. The only Bible prophecy I have ever spent much time meditating on is that Jesus will return someday. I always thought the details were best left to God. After reading this book and spending some time studying the Scriptures that Rosenberg references, I am completely convinced that God has spelled out in amazing detail the way in which He will bring about the end times. I am also further convinced that we are watching it come to pass right now. I realize that Christians have been saying the end is near for 2000 years now. I also realize that saying I believe the end is really near is liable to get me labeled as some kind of zealot of something, but I don’t really care. I can’t tell you if it will happen in my lifetime or not, but Jesus Christ is coming back … this I know for sure. Rosenberg’s work has served to convince me of this.

This book should be read by everyone. If you are a Christian, you will be very happy you have decided to believe in Scripture after reading this. If you are not a Christian, this book may very well give you reason to reconsider.

At the risk of sounding blunt and offensive, if you read this book, study the Scriptures that Rosenberg references, and then can’t admit the Bible is a special text that is inspired by God … you are a fool.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Bible believing Christian, I have to confess, I didn't WANT to like this book. I was predisposed to think it would be fanatical, emotional or off-base. But as I read along, it was compelling and I was interested in where the author was going. In the end, I developed a surprising respect for Joel Rosenberg. This guy is a Washington/ political/ communications expert who has put it all on the line by making his wrestling with Biblical prophecy public - first in his fiction (which I haven't read, but it created an interest in how he could write things that came true so quickly) and now, even more in this book.

In many ways, while Rosenberg explains his study of the Scripture to us, this book is more of a memoir, detailing his diligence research, the astonishing success of his (fiction) books, the press of the media to understand the source of his prescient insights, and his own surprise at the whole thing. Rosenberg is not claiming to be a prophet, nor is he trying to establish a movement, per se - his just trying to figure out Biblical prophecy with the rest of us. And he's trying to act in obedience to what he understands and wait on that which is not yet clear - a level headed approach.

The only annoyance that remained by the end was the packaging. There must be at least three bios (back cover, back pages and fly leaves) on a book that explains the man's bio. OKAY, I GOT IT. Too much hype! If I had saw this book in a bookstore, i'd probably pass on it. All the pushing publicity takes away from the logical, systematic, even humble explanations provided in the book. The earlier chapters, where we are given a glimpse into Rosenberg's own surprise at his success can be a little tedious and a wise editor might have cut some of it out in order to avoid the appearance of self-congratulation - though I don't think that is Rosenberg's intention and the tone of the work is good.

The book of Ezekiel has always been a challenge to me. The symbolism is thick, and the reference points between ancient history and Israelite culture are not well known to me. While I think Rosenberg's theories become more hypothetical as the work progresses, I learned a TON and his framework appears to me to be valid. I will be reading the news and following the Middle East with a different perspective, i might check out some of his fiction, and I'll take another crack at the book of Ezekiel. Surprisingly, highly recommended.

[Jon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing what I anticipated. The cover is dubious. I really thought this book was a current affairs analysis, it ended up being evangelical zealotry. Rosenberg may be a renowned prognosticator of events to come. Interesting that he uses as he refers to as the third lens which is to interpret events through scripture, particularly Ezekial which speaks about the end of days. He initially peeked my interest despite my misunderstanding of what this book was really about. However, I found as the book progressed that Rosenberg is rather radical in his views, loves to name drop, makes you question his research methods and his facts, as well as was generally vague about the "true end of days" and when that will be. We've all heard this before. Heck, the world will end at some point that is an obvious conclusion. This book was written five years ago and I think some of what he was saying was obvious mixed in with some items that have come to fruition, such as Iraq becoming more peaceful. At the time this book was written, Iraq was on the verge of civil war, so this was clearly prophetic he sensed this. However ultimately the book began to deviate into evangelism and that we all should have Jesus in our lives to make our existence complete and right. I have a real hard time with that assertion because there are many excellent, peaceful and spiritual religions out there (Buddhism, Hinduism) that do not subscribe to Jesus as Savior of mankind and therefore find it presumptuous and arrogant by Rosenberg that Christianity is better.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book which ties all that is taking place in the Middle East today with what the prophet Ezekiel predicted would happen. Much of what Rosenberg sets out in his book has already happened, is in the process of happening or will happen soon.

Some of what is set out seems hard to believe but we can see the rumblings beginning to take place. Israel will be attacked by Russia, Iran and other Middle East countries while no one comes to her defense. I would think the US would come to Israel's defense but the current administration and the current belief that the US should stay out of the Middle East mess make it easy to see the US sitting on the sidelines. I can see Israel finally bombing Iran to eliminate Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. The Russians and others attack Israel in retaliation and the rest of the world shakes their finger at Israel "the aggressor".

My men's Bible study group recently did this study. We used the Epicenter study guide for questions. Even though it is now 7 years after Epicenter was written this book is timely in that we continue to march on towards the War of Gog and Magog.

I agree with Rosenberg that we are living in the end of times. I pray for the leaders of all the Middle East countries and the people of those countries. I also pray that my lord Jesus comes soon.

[Jenna Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed reading books on eschatology and theology, so I thought this was a good book. Many authors of end-time prophecy literature focus on the dramatic nature and the hype that the apocalyptic genre can create; the "scare factor", if you will. Joel C. Rosenberg didn't do that; he just honed in on facts, and how they relate to biblical prophecy. I read this when it first came out, and then when I read it again a few years later, of course some of the politics didn't exactly line up the way he'd predicted, but it's still very interesting to read.

[Eugene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the fiction thrillers by Rosenberg. He seems to spend a lot of time in the near East and knows it as well as any of the other writers in his venue. However, this is nonfiction book and I learned a lot that was new to me. His face to face interviews with the people in the area are very interesting. We read all sorts of thing in the public media but not all seems to be true(or even most of it). It is educational to hear from authors who have been there and don't have to report their impressions the next day.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author provides some thoughtful and rather frightening proposals about future events in the Middle East. Even if the reader does not believe in the Bible (one context which the author heavily relies on, but certainly not the only context for his research), I think his arguments are compelling and warrant attention and discussion.

[Ger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joel Rosenberg explains the background of his "prophetic" novels with a heavy emphasis on Ezekiel chapters 38 & 39. It is amazing to view what is now showing up in the news today in the context of these prophecies. The events predicted by Ezekiel, as highly unlikely they have seemed for centuries, are now unfolding before us. The end approaches . . .

[Deirdre · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is little to this book except the belief that everything in the Bible will come to pass and that the one true God, Jesus Christ, will rule the world above all other beliefs of other Gods.
This is the same sort of stuff that all religions preach.....that their God is the only true God. In this case, Jesus Christ.

Lots of speculation in this book. I struggled to finish it.

[Christopher Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

One can scan the headlines of the newspaper each week and be confronted with news about the State of Israel, about peace talks, and about the powder keg that is the current Middle East. Once can also open the Bible and read about Israel both past and future. One may also read "Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future" by Joel C. Rosenberg to understand how current events and Biblical history and prophecy relate. Rosenberg is a Messianic Jew. He has worked at a Washington think-tank, he has worked as a speechwriter for the Presidential campaign of Steve Forbes and he has worked for Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. But Rosenberg is first and foremost a perceptive thinker and a gifted writer.

I was gifted this book by a family member who has traveled to Israel and who regularly questioned why I had never been to Israel. If, of course, love my Savior, Jesus, who is a Jew and I love the people of Israel, but I had never visited the "land of the Bible." But several years ago that all changed when I had an opportunity to travel to Israel and Jordan. I loved Israel from the first moment my plane touched the ground and I have thought about Israel regularly since I left. If there was a way for me to live full time in Israel I probably would. Rosenberg's book only made that longing stronger.

According to Ezekiel 38 and 39, Israel will one day be involved in the war of Gog and Magog. Rosenberg carefully explains the chess pieces on the board in the Middle East and he carefully explains Scripture through the lens of the Middle East from the time Israel became a modern state up to the present day. This book was written in 2006 and revised in 2008 and yet it is not outdated. As I read this book this week and as I read the newspaper I was assured that Rosenberg's book was as current and as relevant as the events on the ground today.

Many like to say the fact that Israel exists is a testimony to the fact that God has a place for Israel. Indeed He does. And Rosenberg explains how those events could be unfolding right before our eyes. This book is gripping, this book is relevant, and this book is compelling. I highly comment it. Happy reading.

[Rodney Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epicenter: Why the Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future, lives up to Joel C. Rosenberg's history of literary excellence. Many may find his polemic challenging or even contrary to their own beliefs, but even for those, it is worth the read. Afterall, if Middle East leaders find Rosenberg of value and interest, then certainly those in the West with contrary political beliefs can learn from him as well.

Rosenberg has a wealth of knowledge about world events having been involved in some of the highest levels of government and geo-political policy. His perspective fills many holes left by the media and political pundits.

I have been an enthusiastic fan of Rosenberg's fiction for many years. While I normally devour his new books within days of their release, this book has been sitting on my shelf for years. I knew I loved his fiction but wasn't sure about this genre.

I'm glad to say that I found the book valuable and prescient. The fact that the book was published over a decade ago proves its value as many of the predictions in the book have now been proven out. If anything, the book may be even more valuable today as it is anchored in the past yet continues to point to the future. It is my hope that he will revise it soon to include even more contemporary perspective.

Mountains of facts concerning the interworking's of the geopolitical landscape are well supplemented with stories of real people involved and impacted by the policies and events of the past several decades. These stories are not only remarkably interesting, but they also provide important and humanizing insight into the very real lives of people around the globe. It is far too easy to see world events in a vacuum without considering the lives of those who are affected. Rosenberg puts faces on it.

Epicenter is a great and mind challenging read for anyone wanting to know more about the Middle East and / or how these events are shaping the future for all of us.

[Antti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Based on the blurb and the information quickly available about the book, I was hoping for a well-researched, factual point of view on Middle East - recent history, key players, likely future scenarios.
This is not what the book is about. You only start figuring this out at about four chapters in, way after you bought/loaned it.

The Epicenter is written by a religious fanatic, and rather than talking about the Middle East region and looking at the situation via the "third lens of scripture" - my initial hope after chapter four - it insteads starts on with the premise that a specific biblical prophechy is true and then finds events to support that claim, offending several regions, countries and most reader's stamina for stupidity in the process.
Add on to this the author's hilarious use of "trendlines" to predict growth of christianity in a country with data points of two followers and eighty-thousand followers at different times, and I can guarantee your eyes will be rolling for a good half an hour even after you put down Epicenter.

It is also incredibly disturbing that the author can write such opinionated, fanatically narrowminded crap and still be called to advise on the region's events.

[William Howle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book that came out in 2006. Much has occurred in the 13 years since then. He points out the influence that Russia and Putin will have in the Islam Middle East in the coming years. Mitt Romney when running for President attempted to point out the fact that Russia would be our biggest enemy going forward, but he was ridiculed by the Obama administration and the mainstream press. It is unfortunate that our country has become so split that political parties can't work together. The author uses Biblical prophets to point out what will and has gone on. This is not a fast read and you must give yourself time to digest his points.

[Scott Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a book of spiritual significance, it leans heavily to the analytical, though I sincerely appreciate Mr Rosenberg's personal expression of faith.
There are two or three thoughts expressed, which I consider to be critical in understanding events. I suggest Mr Rosenberg has a talent for viewing the world as a system of systems and seeing the potential scenarios that may result from events.
Rosenberg also shares some experience and insight from his personal sphere that I think is very worthwhile to hear.

[Joe Oaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and I love everything by Joel Rosenberg but there was a recurring theme of his validation of his novels and how prophetic they were. I cant tell you how many times he referred to his previous non fiction works. That being said, this book is well researched and gives a lot of evidence of what is to come.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone either seems to really love or really hate this book. If you are unwilling or unable to accept the possibility that ancient prophecies are relevant to current events in the middle east, you're going to hate this book. I found it to be fascinating and would like to learn more about Voltaire's research into the migration of Noah's sons.

[b e a c h g o t h · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible insight to the Middle East and how terrifyingly close we are to an apocalyptic war... but not enough of... spice, I guess is the best word.
Which makes me sound like I need thrill to enjoy a book, which isn’t it at all, it’s just... something was missing.
All round incredible book, just not my dream book.

[Brandi True · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant must read for all of us living in a post 9/11 world. This author has the perfect mix of high level connections and writing experience to tie loose ends up with ease and quickly helps readers see the big picture.

[Deeps George · Rating 4 out of 5]

In case you are doing a bible study on Ezekiel chapters 37 to 39 then this would be the best book to have . Rosenberg connects history and the future to the Word Of God proving again why the Bible is the living word of God. Read , Understand and Take Action

[Misael Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un muy buen libro para conocer y entender mejor las profecías bíblicas. Además, es de muy fácil lectura. Sin embargo, no creo que se lo deba tomar como la "interpretación final", pero sí, como un punto de vista.

[Antonio Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. Riveting and informative. While most of it holds up, it could use a few updates here and there. But if you are interested in learning about the Middle East and/or Israel, this should be required reading.

[Kathleen Jardim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book as it gives insight into the tensions of the Middle East and the background reasons for this. It links what is happening in the Middle East to biblical predictions made thousands of years ago. An illuminating read for sure. I highly recommend this book