The prophetic scriptures, particularly Ezekiel 38, depict a scenario in the "latter days" where Tarshish and her "young lions" stand in opposition to a northern confederacy invading Israel.

Recent geopolitical trade deals involving the United Kingdom (Tarshish) and its former colonies (her young lions) highlight the unfolding of divine purpose in our times.

Tarshish and the Young Lions: A Biblical Analysis

Ezekiel 38:13 states:
“Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil?”

This verse introduces Tarshish - an ancient mariti

me trading power from which silver, iron tin and lead was traded in ancient times (as seen in Ezekiel 27:12). We have seen in previous Bible in the News articles that the scriptural and historical clues as to who this ancient nation is that there is no other nation which fits the clues appart from Great Britain.

The prophecy tells us that in the Latter days, or the time period after the Jews have returned to their land (Hosea 3:5), The Tarshish power is accompanied by “young lions.” 

In the natural order, lion cubs grow into young lions capable of hunting on their own. Scripturally, this metaphor signifies former colonies of Tarshish (Britain) that have matured into sovereign independent powers. These include nations like the United States, India, Canada, Australia, and others. Political offspring of their mother, Great Britain.

The “young lions” are not literal animals, but symbolic political entities. We can see this because they are “of” the nation of Tarshish. Also they speak in the passage - questioning the motives of Gog, the latter day northern invader of Israel (described in verses 1-6 of Ezekiel 38). The Sheba, Dedan and Young Lion protest indicates alignment with Tarshish and suggests a coalition of nations involved in trade and diplomacy operating in the area of the Gulf - but  not able or wiling to directly confront Gog militarily.

The prophecy aligns with our latter-day reality: Britain (Tarshish), is engaged with her young lions - nations shaped by British heritage - many of whom are active in the Gulf region of Sheba and Dedan.

This points to the soon establishment of God’s kingdom, when the Lion of the tribe of Judah, even our Lord Jesus Christ, shall reign from Jerusalem for the prophecies speak of him returning to save his people, the Jews, from the Northern invader (see Zech 12 and 14, Joel 3, Revelation 16 and Ezekiel 38-39)

Why this is of interest is because in this last week or so we have seen many developments unfold in the news in relation to this Tarshish group of nations. Here are some highlights:

UK US Tariff Agreement

On the 8th May the UK government issued a press release entitled “Landmark economic deal with United States saves thousands of jobs for British car makers and steel industry- Thousands of jobs have been saved as the Prime Minister secured a first-of-a-kind trade agreement with the US.”

The UK and the US have worked through an agreement to navigate the recent 10% tariffs Donald Trump had imposed on the UK - a ‘lite’ tariff considering some of the tariffs imposed on other countries by the US. Chinese goods entering the US for example had reached a 145% tariff mark.

The BBC ran an article on the 8th May entitled “What is in the UK-US tariff deal?”. Within the report it stated: “The UK and the US have reached a deal over tariffs on some goods traded between the countries. President Donald Trump's blanket 10% tariffs on imports from countries around the world still applies to most UK goods entering the US. But the deal has reduced or removed tariffs on some of the UK's exports, including cars, steel and aluminium.”

This special treatment of the US to its ‘Mother Lion’ of Tarshish (the UK) shows the bond between political parent and offspring is still apparent - even if it is markedly the most independent of her offspring.

UK-India Free Trade Agreement

On May 6, 2025, the United Kingdom and India finalised a landmark Free Trade Agreement, the most significant UK trade deal since Brexit. The agreement will see 99% of Indian exports to the UK become tariff-free and significant reductions in UK export tariffs to India.

India, a former British colony, stands among the “young lions” of Tarshish. This new agreement not only strengthens economic ties but also reflects the prophetic alliance described in Ezekiel - former colonies working in partnership with the mother nation in a global context of commerce and influence.

On May 8th the news outlet Dentons reported that the UK government described the agreement as a "huge economic win" and that it was expected to add £4.8 billion a year to the UK economy by 2040. In their article they stated that the deal was "the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has done since leaving the EU, and the best deal India has ever agreed"

America's Deals in the Gulf

Recent developments with America also further affirm prophecy. On May 13, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, alongside a $600 billion investment initiative.

The New York Post reported that “In remarks to business leaders, the president pitched Saudi Arabia as the key to building peace and prosperity in the Middle East, contrasting the kingdom with the nuclear intransigence of Iran.” Their report stated “The deal will focus on air force advancement and space capabilities; air and missile defence; maritime and coastal security; border security and land forces modernization and communication systems upgrades.” Trump apparently urged Saudi Arabia to sign the Abraham accords.

Also this week, in Qatar, Trump secured $243 billion in economic deals, including major aerospace contracts and military base investment. Fox News reported that “The defense deals also included a statement of intent to potentially invest more than $38 billion to support burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base, a major base for the U.S. military in the region, along with other defense capabilities for air defense and maritime security.”

These deals place the United States - a prime young lion - firmly within the region of Sheba and Dedan, engaging in trade and military collaboration. The presence of a Tarshish-aligned power in the Gulf fits precisely with the prophetic picture of a Western bloc economically active and politically alert in the region during the latter days.

Prophetic Implications: Watching the Times

These developments strongly suggest that the configuration described in Ezekiel 38 is coming into place. 

Indeed “The Merchants of Tarshish and all her young lions” have been busy doing deals between themselves and with Shebah and Dedan as we would expect from Bible prophecy.

Tarshish and her young lions, along with Sheba and Dedan will stand in opposition to Gog. 

As believers, these signs remind us to be vigilant. The appearance of Christ, the true lion of the royal tribe of Judah, draws near.

Let us be found ready, with lamps trimmed and hearts prepared, watching for the return of Zion’s king and the fulfilment of God's promises.

This has been Matt Davies joining you. Join us again next week, God willing, for another Bible in the News.