About 2600 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel predicted a war that will occur in our time. Most people associate the Battle of Armageddon with the end times. But Ezekiel 38 and 39 predicts another conflict associated with the “latter days”. This war is commonly known as the War of Gog and Magog. Those who believe in Bible prophecy are watching world events closely because these things are beginning to happen right now, and all the players are taking their places.
According to the prophecy, a coalition of nations will attack Israel from the north. The three main attackers will be Russia, Iran and Turkey. They will be joined by several other Muslim nations to the north of Israel and northern Africa. (See end note on identifying these countries). They will invade Israel with the intent of raiding natural resources and taking plunder. When this attack happens, other countries will protest, but will not interfere. Then God will intervene in a miraculous and mighty way to save Israel.
This coalition of countries has never existed in world history, but they are forming up right now, especially Russia, Iran and Turkey. Until very recently, this would not have been considered possible because Turkey has been an ally of Israel. However, since the election of Erdogan, the country is leaning strongly pro-Islamist.
Yesterday (Aug. 13, 2018), Forbes reported that Russia had signed an accord called the Caspian Sea Agreement with Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. This seems innocuous enough until you realize that they are strengthening ties, and will all be involved in the War of Gog and Magog.
Some facts about this war described in Ezekiel 38 and 39:
When
- Occurs in the latter days - 38:8 - Happens after Israel has been gathered back into the land (after 1948) - 38:8
Why
- The invaders are trying to capture resources and plunder (this is why nuclear weapons will not be used). - 38:12-13 - Other world powers will protest but will not intervene - 38:13
Where
- It will be a ground invasion from the north - 38:6 & 15; 39:2 - It will be associated with a severe earthquake in Israel - 38:19-20
Result
- God will pour out His wrath on the invaders and protect Israel - 38:21-23 - No one will have any doubt that God has intervened - 38:23: 39:27-29
(Notes on identifying the nations in Ezekiel 38 and 39 - the names used by Ezekiel refer to tribes and nations that existed in his day. They are the ancestors of the following modern countries: Magog (Rosh) - Russia and Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and other “-stans”. Meshech, Tubal and Gomer - Turkey; Persia - Iran; Cush and Put - Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya and possibly Algeria and Tunisia; Beth-Togarmah - parts of Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The countries that protest but do nothing: Sheba & Dedan - Saudi Arabia; Tarshish - Great Britain; the Young Lions - probably the colonies of Britain (U.S., Canada, Australia & New Zealand) The “other nations” is probably referring to additional minor players from north Africa and Central Asia or may be Hamas, Hezbollah, etc. Gog is an individual “prince” or leader.)
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