Donald Trump called April 2nd “Liberation Day”, as he slapped tariffs on countries all around the world which came into effect on April 5th.

The whole world is in a state of shock, some beginning to believe that this is the start of a new normal, with others still under the belief that this is nothing more than a negotiating play, by the man who prides himself in writing the book “The Art of the Deal”. 

It is possible that neither of these theories are true, and in fact the strategy is more of a blend of these two extremes. The administration might make a number of deals with some favoured countries, while leaving other countries out.

Now while the Bible does not give us the answer to these kinds of questions, it does tell us a number of details about trade in the time just before the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Firstly in Ezekiel 38. We are told in verse 13 that Tarshish (Britain), speaks as merchants with a block of nations, including Sheba, Dedan, and the young lion powers (the political descendants of Britain).

Interestingly only a few weeks ago there were reports that King Charles was planning to invite the United States to become an “associate member” of the commonwealth during Trump’s state visit later this year. Trump commented on these reports on his social media platform, Truth, “I love King Charles. Sounds good to me!”, implying that he might accept such an offer.

In Revelation 12:15-18 we learn of a different trading block, which is the powers symbolised by the beast of revelation, predominantly the European continental powers that are now united in the EU. In verse 17 we are told that of those who did not have the mark, those who were not part of that block “no man might buy or sell”.

In Revelation 18 we have prophesied the lamentations of the traders of that block, listing all the various ware that will have been traded in the Babylonian system. 

11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

And so while we do not know what will come of the news in the last week, what we do now is that at the time of the end world trade will be much more divided, compared to how it is now. There will be a European trading block, made up from the “Kings of the earth” Rev 18:9, and also a Commonwealth trading block made up of Britain with her political offspring nations, along with Sheba and Dedan, the nations of the Arabian Gulf. When the Gogian forces descend upon the mountains of Israel, the counter block, Tarshish and her allies, will criticize the attack, but be too weak to prevent it.

Please join us again next week for another edition of Bible in the News.