Esther in the Shadow of Iran: Then and Now - Pod For Israel

Last night in northern Israel was extremely difficult. Hezbollah launched a massive attack, planning to fire 600 missiles and drones toward Israel. By God’s grace, the IDF was able to intercept and disable around 400 of them, but 200 still reached northern Israel, keeping families awake all night with constant alarms. It was a terrifying night. Parents rushed their children to shelters again and again as sirens sounded across the region. At the same time, Israel is now calling up a large number of reserve soldiers and increasing operations in the north while continuing coordinated military action with the United States Air Force against Iran. We are asking for your prayers: • Pray for families and children in Israel, especially young kids who are frightened by the constant alarms. • Pray for parents, who are trying to care for their children while schools remain closed and learning moves online. • Pray for wisdom and strength for leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump, as they face enormous pressure and difficult decisions. • Pray for protection over Israel and for God’s peace in this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for your prayers and support. Thank you for standing with Israel! https://www.oneforisrael.org/israel-a...

Iran is one of the most misunderstood nations in the world. The headlines focus on threats, politics, and nuclear tensions—but what is really happening inside the country? In this episode of Pod for Israel, Dr. Erez Soref sits down with Hedieh, an Iranian-born national security expert who went from being a devout Muslim to a follower of Jesus. With rare insider insight, she explains the difference between the Iranian regime and the Iranian people, what many in the West misunderstand about Iran, and why many Iranians are searching for freedom and spiritual truth. Hedieh also shares her powerful journey from Islam to faith in Jesus and what she believes God may be doing among the people of Iran.

The story of Purim tells how God used Esther and Mordechai to save the Jewish people from destruction in ancient Persia. Today, as tensions with Iran escalate, many are asking: could we be witnessing another defining moment in history? In this special Purim broadcast, we explore the biblical parallels, the current war, and the spiritual battle shaping the Middle East. Featuring frontline analysis from Israeli security expert Yair Pinto and powerful testimony from Iranian pastor Ramin Parsa. From war to redemption, this episode points to the one true hope for peace in the region—Yeshua the Messiah.

What does it mean to rebuild what has been broken? What does the story of Jerusalem’s walls reveal about God’s purposes today? Join Dr. Erez Soref in Walking the Walls with Nehemiah from One for Israel, as we journey from Persia to Jerusalem to uncover the powerful story of restoration found in the book of Nehemiah. From the ruins of the city to the rebuilt walls, see how God used one man to restore Jerusalem to its eternal calling. This ancient story speaks directly into our own day. The King is coming back to Jerusalem, and God’s people are called to build His kingdom in preparation for His return. Filmed on location in Israel.

As tensions with Iran dominate global headlines and hostility toward Israel intensifies, the Book of Esther feels less like ancient history and more like current events. Set in ancient Persia—modern-day Iran—Esther tells the story of a regime that sought the annihilation of the Jewish people. Yet even in a book where God’s name is never mentioned, His sovereignty governs kings, empires, and even the casting of lots. This episode explores how Haman’s plot was not merely political but an assault on God’s redemptive plan, how the ancient conflict with Amalek echoes through history, and why the preservation of Israel remains central to biblical prophecy. Esther reminds us that war against the Jewish people is ultimately resistance against God’s covenant purposes—and that His promises are irrevocable.

Hundreds of Iranian missiles are falling on Israel. Civilians are in shelters. The Middle East is on edge. In this urgent special edition of Pod for Israel, Dr. Erez Soref sits down with Iranian-born believer Ramin Parsa to discuss what’s happening right now, beyond the headlines. Is the Iranian regime collapsing? Are the Persian people ready for freedom? Is this a modern-day Esther moment? We explore the spiritual, geopolitical, and prophetic implications of this war, and what it could mean for Israel, Iran, and the future of the region. Watch to the end for a powerful message of hope and prayer for revival in Iran! Artlist.io License Number - 436795 Musicbed SyncID: MB01LQTNB4WEET1

After another sleepless night in the safe room, we wake to major developments: Hezbollah has joined the war, launching attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel for the first time in over a year. As the Israeli Air Force responds, international pressure is mounting, especially on President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to stop the war before its stated goals are achieved. With Purim beginning and daily life completely disrupted, we ask for your continued prayers for Israel, for wisdom for our leaders, and for strength for civilians under constant threat. Thank you for standing with us!

It has been a very rough night in Israel, with heavy missile attacks sending families repeatedly into safe rooms. In a dramatic development, reports indicate that Iran’s Supreme Leader and dozens of senior officials were eliminated in a major strike, a potential game changer for the Middle East. As Israel hunkers down during what should have been Purim celebrations, we reflect on the biblical echoes of Esther, Amalek, and God’s enduring promises. Please continue to pray for Israel, for the people of Iran, and for wisdom for leaders in Jerusalem and Washington. Shalom and thank you for standing with us.

In this urgent update from Israel, recorded near a safe room, we share about the preventative strike launched by Israel and the United States against Iran just days before the feast of Purim. As threats of destruction rise once again, the story of Esther reminds us that this battle is not new. The same spirit that sought to destroy the Jewish people in Persia echoes today. Yet Scripture declares a greater truth: God’s covenant stands, and those who rise against His purposes will not prevail. We are asking for your prayers, for the protection of Israeli and U.S. forces, and for the safety of civilians as retaliation is expected.

The Book of Esther is a story of Reversal, central to the story is the "Tree". Some translations call them Gallows, but in Hebrew it's the same word is used as the cross. This tree of death became the turning point from death and despair to great Joy, find out how this turning point relates not only to the Cross, but many of the other stories of redemption in scripture. Find hope in these difficult days with this inspiring message from Esther. Subscribe to our podcast on Apple, Spotify and more! https://www.oneforisrael.org/podcast/