A team of American and Israeli geologists believe that climate change in the Middle East over the past two millennia may have contributed to the downfall of the empires that controlled the region during this period. By analyzing the chemical composition of a stalagmite located in an ancient cave near Jerusalem, scientists from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the University of Wisconsin were able to map changes in the climate over a specific timeframe. Their findings suggest that precipitation declined during turbulent periods in the region's history. The team analyzed the period from 200BC to 1100AD, and found that significant drops in rainfall appeared to coincide with key dates in history, such as the Diaspora and the collapse of the Roman Empire.

Quote: "Their detailed climate record shows that the Eastern Mediterranean became drier between 100 A.D. and 700 A.D., a time when Roman and Byzantine power in the region waned, including steep drops in precipitation around 100 A.D. and 400 A.D. "Whether this is what weakened the Byzantines or not isn't known, but it is an interesting correlation," Valley says. "These things were certainly going on at the time that those historic changes occurred."

While scientists may point to climate change as being a contributing factor to the downfall of empires of the region, the Bible declares that it is a sign of judgement upon them from the Almighty. Concerning the nation of Israel, the Lord pronounced a series of specific blessings and cursings that would be poured out upon the land, in response to the obedience or disobedience of the people to His commandments. The very first blessing in the passage is concerning the amount of precipitation the land would receive...

Leviticus 26:3-5
If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

The cursing that would come in response to Israel's disobedience would be proportionate to the opportunities they had been given to repent of their sins.

Leviticus 26:18-20
And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.

Our weather systems have literally been screaming at us that God's judgement is on its way, but our politicians have chosen to ignore these warnings, writing them off as an environmental issue rather than a moral one. Last year we witnessed record-breaking extreme weather, with worldwide torrential flooding, devastating snow falls and killer heat waves. The extreme weather also brought with it record-breaking oil and food prices and severe drought to many parts of the world. This year we have witnessed the greatest global financial depression since the 1930s. Of course we have had some respite, just as God gave Israel space to repent. But instead of using the opportunity to repent of our sins, like Pharaoh, we have only hardened our hearts. We have said, "Who is the Lord that I may obey His voice?", Exodus 5:2. But the Lord will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt. Though there is still hope...

2nd Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Notice something in this verse? God waits for you. Despite our sins and their judgement, God still listens for those who are willing to turn away from their sins and cry out to Him forgiveness. He is still good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy to all who will call upon Him (Psalm 86:5). Why don't you do it today. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source Scientific Front Line