The company ended up losing millions of dollars. But just 15 years later, Israel discovered vast natural gas fields a mere 50 miles west of Atlit in the depths of the Mediterranean, suggesting that these Christian dreamers weren't terribly off the mark by believing God would bless Israel with significant amounts of fossil fuels.

Thirty-five trillion cubic feet of gas worth some USD $500 billion has been found in Israel's "economic waters," with the Leviathan field being by far the largest. To give some kind of reference point, Israel's national expenditures for 2013 totaled USD $114 billion.

More importantly than covering the national budget is the fact that, for the first time in history, Israel has the opportunity to become energy-independent, as well as a major exporter of natural gas.

Theoretically, these natural gas reserves have the potential to transform Israel's economy. Indeed, experts say that this gas alone can shave 25 percent off Israel's annual national budget for the next 25 years.

A find of such epic proportions should elicit great excitement. Instead, it is buried beneath political apprehension and narrow financial interests.

Ever since the Leviathan discovery, Turkey and Lebanon have challenged Israel's right to the reserves. Threats emanating from both countries have forced Israel to spend upwards of USD $1.3 billion to secure its claims. This diplomatic tension could be one reason the Israeli government has curbed its enthusiasm over the find.

Additionally, the narrow financial interests of private companies have stymied lively public discussions over this newfound national treasure in favor of hushed corporate dealings.

Reluctant as Jerusalem may be to publicly discuss the off-shore gas fields, and even as the companies involved shovel off as much of the profits as possible, the fact is that Israel is already benefiting from this recent discovery.

Read more on this from Israel Today, click here.

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Good News: TPUSA High School Clubs More Than Double, Hit 2,700 Nationwide

Atheist Bill Maher Condemns Media Silence on Christian Genocide in Nigeria: 'Systematic Killing'

'We Found Him': The Alleged Smoke Bomber Who Disrupted a Sean Feucht Worship Event; His Shocking Links to Antifa Inside Canada's Military

As Deadly Violence against Houses of Worship Rises, So Do Law Enforcement, Security Measures

Portland Police Arrest Conservative Journalist Nick Sortor Outside ICE Facility, 'But None of the Domestic Terrorists'

Apple Takes Down ICE Tracking Apps After Pressure from Bondi DOJ

Kash Patel's FBI Cuts All Ties to Southern Poverty Law Center

The President Is Already Using the Shutdown to Slash Federal Spending, Plans to Make Job Cuts

Israeli Leaders React to Terror Attack on UK Synagogue as Navy Intercepts Pro-Hamas Flotilla

President Trump Sets Sunday Deadline for Hamas to Accept Deal or Face 'ALL HELL'

'Blown Away': Hundreds Saved and Baptized as 8,000 Students Seek Jesus at University of Tennessee

Concerned Citizens Checked Their 'Conservative' Town High School Library for These Obscene Books Available to Students; Here's What Happened

DOJ Investigates Major School District Over DEI Programs

RFK Jr. Directs FDA to Study the Safety of Abortion Pills

Planned Parenthood Closes Houston Abortion Facility That Was Biggest in America

Democrat Prosecutor Sued after Dropping Charges against Woman Who Violently Assaulted Pro-Lifer

Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Final Order of Removal Stands as Judge Denies Motion to Reopen His Case

Gov't Shutdown Continues: White House Releases New Memo Exposing Dems' Demand for Nearly $200 B in Taxpayer-Funded Healthcare for Illegal Immigrants

Watch: Faith Revival Follows Charlie Kirk's Death As More People Attend Church and Read the Bible; 'This Is Bigger Than Charlie Kirk'

Israel's PM Just Blew Up All Those Conspiracy Theories About Charlie Kirk Being Anti-Semitic