The Harbinger is a book by Messianic rabbi Jonathan Cahn that suggests some eerie similarities between ancient Israel and current events in the United States. Specifically, Cahn claims that recent events like 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis parallel events described in Isaiah 9 that led to the downfall of ancient Israel. As such, Cahn believes that this could mean America is facing impending judgment, unless it turns back to God.
One of the main arguments in The Harbinger centers around Isaiah 9:10, which reads: “The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” In the book, Cahn states that when ancient Israel was attacked, their response was to defiantly declare they would rebuild, without repenting and turning to God. Likewise, Cahn argues that after 9/11, American leaders uttered a series of speeches that parallel the defiance expressed in Isaiah 9:10.
For instance, Cahn points to a speech Tom Daschle gave before Congress, where he quoted Isaiah 9:10 word for word. Other speeches, like one from John Edwards, seem to echo the sentiment of Isaiah 9:10, even if not quoting it directly. To Cahn, this suggests America is pridefully refusing to repent and return to God, just as ancient Israel did. As such, America could face the same judgment that God brought upon Israel.
While intriguing on the surface, there are several issues with Cahn’s line of argument that are important to consider:
Non-explicit prophetic language
First, it’s difficult to take Isaiah 9:10 as an explicit and direct prophecy about future events in America. The verse was written by the prophet Isaiah to the nation of Israel over 2,000 years ago. Scholars understand it as a poetic reference to events already occurring with ancient Israel at that time. Applying it uniquely as a prophecy directly about 21st century America requires quite a leap.
At most, one could argue Isaiah 9:10 represents a general pattern of nations rebelling against God or refusing to repent. But the link between Israel and specific events in modern America seems tenuous. The tendency to take OT verses out of context and find dubious links to current events is an unfortunately common mistake made by some prophecy teachers.
Selective evidence
Cahn’s argument relies a lot on selective evidence while ignoring cases that don’t fit his narrative. For example, he points to Daschle’s speech as evidence but ignores the countless other post-9/11 speeches that didn’t cite Isaiah 9:10. And while Edwards’ speech has similarities, it’s a bit of a stretch to equate it directly with an ancient verse. To build a strong case, Cahn would need to rigorously account for all relevant evidence, rather than just the data points that match his thesis.
Ignores repentance
Importantly, Cahn’s argument depends heavily on the assumption that America did not collectively repent or turn to God after 9/11. But is this true? While certainly far from unanimous, there were many examples of prominent public figures asking for God’s help and guidance. Days of prayer were held across the nation. Church attendance surged in the weeks after 9/11. While America may not have completely turned back to God, it’s too simplistic to claim there was no repentance whatsoever.
Global context
Cahn fails to account for any global context surrounding Isaiah 9:10. The verse was about Israel’s specific enemies like Assyria and Babylon. In the modern context, how precisely do figures like Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda fill that role? Cahn’s attempts to superimpose ancient events directly onto 21st century America lacks nuance and seems claimed without justification.
Dubious prophetic gifts
Underlying Cahn’s argument is an assumption that he has been granted some special prophetic insight to unseal Isaiah’s mysteries and reveal their significance. But Christians should be wary of modern “prophets” claiming new revelation about ancient prophecies, especially when implying access to secret knowledge no one else has. At the very least, such claims should be carefully scrutinized.
Additionally, the Bible warns there will be many false prophets (Matthew 7:15, Matthew 24:11, 2 Peter 2:1). While not necessarily claiming to be a prophet, Cahn’s assertions about unlocking hidden prophecies parallel the type of extra-biblical revelation that believers are told to test and be wary of.
No gospel focus
Curiously missing from The Harbinger is a clear presentation of the gospel. The book is heavy on connecting dots between Isaiah 9:10 and recent American events. But the core message Christians need – that repentance and belief in Christ is the only solution to the problems described – is lacking.
Any prophetic teaching like that in The Harbinger should be gospel-focused. It should point people to salvation in Christ, which Cahn fails to do. This glaring omission is a red flag regarding the agenda and credibility of the book.
Fear mongering
Much of The Harbinger’s allure comes from being a sensationalistic mystery that supposedly unlocks hidden prophecies. But the book seems to breed more hype, fear and uncertainty than genuine wisdom. That’s a common characteristic of fake prophecy – using vague predictions of doom to whip people into a frenzy.
While America certainly has many faults worthy of criticism, and there may be difficult times ahead, believers are not given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Cryptic speculations about God’s judgment are unlikely to lead people closer to Him.
No biblical consensus
Nowhere in the Bible do we see any interpreters linking Isaiah 9:10 and events in 21st century America. None of Christ’s apostles mild such connections, nor early church fathers throughout history. The doctrine of The Harbinger stands alone, without historical or current biblical support from Christian experts.
This should give Christians great pause before accepting Cahn’s teaching. If no other knowledgable Bible teachers affirm or can defend his views, they are right to be skeptical.
True Prophecy in the Bible
How then should Christians discern true biblical prophecies from modern speculative theories like The Harbinger? Here are some key principles to keep in mind:
- Prophecy centers on the person of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:10).
- Prophecy must align with the teachings of Christ’s apostles (Matthew 16:19, Ephesians 2:20).
- Prophecy should produce wisdom, hope, encouragement and conviction, not fear or confusion (1 Corinthians 14:3).
- Prophecy must not contradict God’s word, the closed canon of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Healthy skepticism of novel doctrines and modern “prophets” is prudent (1 John 4:1).
- Isolated Bible verses should not be used to make definitive claims about specific future events.
- Prophecy should point directly to Jesus and God’s offer of grace and redemption.
When approached with these guardrails in mind, Christians can gain valuable insight and wisdom from biblical prophecy. At the same time, they can safely avoid speculative teachings that may sound intriguing but prove inaccurate, like The Harbinger.
America’s True Hope
Rather than relying on The Harbinger and similar speculative prophecies, those looking for answers about America’s future would do well to focus on the secure and infallible teachings already revealed in Scripture. From these Scriptures, several key truths emerge:
- All nations will be judged one day by God (Psalm 9:17, Psalm 96:13).
- God alone knows the appointed time for Christ’s return and final judgment of the earth (Matthew 24:36).
- No nation will escape facing difficulties in this present age (John 16:33).
- God is patient, not wanting any to perish but giving time for repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
- Turning to Jesus in sincere repentance and faith is the only sure hope of salvation for any individual or nation (Acts 4:12).
- Believers can pray for those in authority and work for the good of their nation (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
- God can bring incredible good out of even dire situations (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).
- Christ’s kingdom is not of this world but exists eternally for all who put their trust in Him (John 18:36).
These biblical truths give believers a secure hope regardless of any temporary trials nations may face. They also make clear that true salvation won’t be found in government reform, financial success, military strength or patriotic pride. A nation’s only sure hope is its people turning to Jesus Christ.
America undoubtedly has many faults, as all nations composed of fallen humanity do. But instead of reacting in fear, Christians should graciously represent Christ, who “came not to condemn the world but to save it” (John 3:17). That same offer of repentance and redeeming grace is available to all people in all nations of the earth – including America.