Two-Edged Sword Ministries
The Lord had long declared that Israel would be gathered from many nations of the world; and in the last days, a mighty confederation of forces would come against Israel. This prophecy, written more than 2 500 years ago, details the events that will take place at a time when God rises up in His anger and shakes the world we are living in. As with all prophecies, many people debate when this war will happen, but we all agree that it is not happened yet.
In His anger, the Lord says:
In His anger, the Lord says:
Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him
The prophet Ezekiel continues to describe how a northern confederacy of forces join together to wage war against Israel in the last days of human rule.
Prophecy Background - Ezekiel 38
You will notice that the ruler's name is "Gog" from the lands of "Magog, Rosh, Meshech & Tubal". It is clear that "Gog" refers to a ruler from these lands. Interestingly enough, the word Gog actually means "roof" or "man on top". It is without doubt that this man is a dictator, but what about the lands that he is the ruler over .... The lands of Magog are later identified by the prophet as being to the far north of Israel. (Ezekiel 38:6 & 15).
Another clue is given in the name Magog. In Genesis, Magog, Meshech and Tubal are the sons of Japheth. These people lived in the area around the Black and Caspian Seas and were referred to as the Ancient Scythians. Today this area is the homelands of the former Soviet Republics including modern Russia. But there is even more information that helps us associate directly that this ruler is the head of the Russian forces. The ancient name for Moscow is Meshech, for Tubolsk it is Tubal; and many people believe the name of Rosh is a direct link to the name Russia.
Another clue is given in the name Magog. In Genesis, Magog, Meshech and Tubal are the sons of Japheth. These people lived in the area around the Black and Caspian Seas and were referred to as the Ancient Scythians. Today this area is the homelands of the former Soviet Republics including modern Russia. But there is even more information that helps us associate directly that this ruler is the head of the Russian forces. The ancient name for Moscow is Meshech, for Tubolsk it is Tubal; and many people believe the name of Rosh is a direct link to the name Russia.
The Book of Ezekiel was written over a period of 22 years, in an era where the Jews where under the Kingdom of Babylon's influence and rule. In 605bc, King Nebecudnezzar, from the Babylonian empire, came against the land of Israel as was foretold by other prophets, especially the prophet, Jeremiah. However, only an elite crowd of Jews and their leaders, were taken captive back to the land of Babylon, whilst many others remained in the land of Israel.
The opening chapter of Ezekiel reveals the dating of his first prophecy, which occured in 593bc.
During this period, there was much revolt by the Jews against the kingdom of Babylon.
Finally, in 585bc, King Nebecudnezzar had enough trouble from the Jewish kingdom and he sent his armies to totally destroy Jerusalem and it's temple and all Jews were taken into captivity.
It was during this period, that the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 and 39 was written.
During this period, there was much revolt by the Jews against the kingdom of Babylon.
Finally, in 585bc, King Nebecudnezzar had enough trouble from the Jewish kingdom and he sent his armies to totally destroy Jerusalem and it's temple and all Jews were taken into captivity.
It was during this period, that the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 and 39 was written.
So what happens next ... This Russian confederation to the far north of Israel together with its allies and come against the land of Israel in the last days.
Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.
It is actually very interesting that all the countries mentioned above have large muslim populations. Persia, which we known as Iran today; Ethiopia, also referred to as Cush in some Bibles, are the black African countries.
The name Cush comes from the son of Ham [ Noah's son], who is the father of black Africans. Cush itself means black. A further development is we see how Africa has in recent years, become anti-sematic and are in favour of the Muslim nations.
Libya, which referred to in Biblical times as a larger Libya as that of today. Libya incorporated the countries of Libya, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia in the biblical days. Once again take note of the Islamic influence. There is some debate amongst Bible students as who "Gomer" is; but we do know that "Beth Togarmah" is Turkey.
So why does the Russian confederation from the north, Iran, The northern black African countries, Germany and Turkey come against the land of Israel?
Ezekiel makes it very clear: "They come to take spoils and to wipe the Jewish race off the face of the earth. They are not happy that Israel has returned to its homeland. Now bear with me for a minute ... Here the Bible describes that Israel will return to its home land after many years of being dispersed amongst the nations; and in fact, specifically mentions that they will return in the latter days; meaning, before the end of the current age.
Ezekiel 38:8, directly refers to the Jews which were to be re-gathered from all the nations of the world back into their homeland. According to the same scripture, the Jews will be at peace, when this consortium of nations emerge on Israel. In other words, Israel has to be gathered back into their homelands for this prophecy to be fulfilled and could obviously not be fulfilled prior to returning to their homeland in 1948. Remember, this prophecy was written more than 2 500 years ago!
Ezekiel makes it very clear: "They come to take spoils and to wipe the Jewish race off the face of the earth. They are not happy that Israel has returned to its homeland. Now bear with me for a minute ... Here the Bible describes that Israel will return to its home land after many years of being dispersed amongst the nations; and in fact, specifically mentions that they will return in the latter days; meaning, before the end of the current age.
Ezekiel 38:8, directly refers to the Jews which were to be re-gathered from all the nations of the world back into their homeland. According to the same scripture, the Jews will be at peace, when this consortium of nations emerge on Israel. In other words, Israel has to be gathered back into their homelands for this prophecy to be fulfilled and could obviously not be fulfilled prior to returning to their homeland in 1948. Remember, this prophecy was written more than 2 500 years ago!
We know that there is a growing tendency and urgency for peace in the Middle East. The Islamic forces have tried on more than three occasions to oust the Jews out of their homeland, but have failed miserably. Whilst the world is calling for peace in the Middle East, according to the prophecy of Ezekiel, there will only be peace for a very short period, before an "all out" war erupts.
Russia has only emerged as a major force after World War II. Before that and prior to World War I, they had not emerged on the world stage as a force to be reckoned with and were generally referred to as a "backward" people. We know that this prophecy was never fulfilled nor were there any wars between Russia and all the Arab states. The 1967 six-day miracle war was probably the closest we have come to such a prophetic fulfillment. Incidently, if you want to see the hand of God on Israel, read our "6 day war" enounter on "Prophecy Essentials"
The prophet Ezekiel does not stop here; but gives us a description of why these events are to happen to Israel.
Israel will be at peace and have no walls or gates to their city. (Ezekiel 38:8-14)
During this time of false peace, as the armies approach there land, here will be a great earthquake in Israel and all of creation will tremble in fear as mountains will collapse and walls fall to the ground. The armies that gather against Israel will turn on each other. They will be judged with plagues, hailstones, fire and brimstone. After this, God will magnify Himself and be known amongst all nations. (Ezekiel 38:18-23)
Take note, that the following Arab dominated countries, are not mentioned as participating in this end-time event
Russia has only emerged as a major force after World War II. Before that and prior to World War I, they had not emerged on the world stage as a force to be reckoned with and were generally referred to as a "backward" people. We know that this prophecy was never fulfilled nor were there any wars between Russia and all the Arab states. The 1967 six-day miracle war was probably the closest we have come to such a prophetic fulfillment. Incidently, if you want to see the hand of God on Israel, read our "6 day war" enounter on "Prophecy Essentials"
The prophet Ezekiel does not stop here; but gives us a description of why these events are to happen to Israel.
Israel will be at peace and have no walls or gates to their city. (Ezekiel 38:8-14)
During this time of false peace, as the armies approach there land, here will be a great earthquake in Israel and all of creation will tremble in fear as mountains will collapse and walls fall to the ground. The armies that gather against Israel will turn on each other. They will be judged with plagues, hailstones, fire and brimstone. After this, God will magnify Himself and be known amongst all nations. (Ezekiel 38:18-23)
Take note, that the following Arab dominated countries, are not mentioned as participating in this end-time event
Saudi Arabia - which historically always stayed out of the conflicts with Israel
Afghanistan - as a force, they have been neutralized by the U.S.A.
Iraq - as a force, they have also been neutralized by the U.S.A.
Syria - ?
Afghanistan - as a force, they have been neutralized by the U.S.A.
Iraq - as a force, they have also been neutralized by the U.S.A.
Syria - ?
Read the news headlines ...
Iran - a big threat to the Western nations; Russia helping build Iran's nuclear facilities and also doing joint military exercises with Turkey.
Israel's warnings concerning diplomatic efforts and threats against the desires of the Iranian dictatorship to build nuclear weapons.
There is no doubt that the world is being geared up for this prophecy to be fulfilled. It is very interesting to note that this war describes this northern confederacies destruction with fire and brimstone. Ezekiel 39 continues with the judgment on these forces. Not even the coastal lands will survive the onslaught of this war ... No doubt America, England and Australia will have been hurt by this cataclismic event. This appears to be a war of nuclear proportions as Exzekiel 39 states that Israel will have to bury the dead for a period of seven months; and of course, it mentions the procedure for the burial of the dead, which makes for very interesting reasoning, as knowhere in the Biblical times was this ever practised before ...
Iran - a big threat to the Western nations; Russia helping build Iran's nuclear facilities and also doing joint military exercises with Turkey.
Israel's warnings concerning diplomatic efforts and threats against the desires of the Iranian dictatorship to build nuclear weapons.
There is no doubt that the world is being geared up for this prophecy to be fulfilled. It is very interesting to note that this war describes this northern confederacies destruction with fire and brimstone. Ezekiel 39 continues with the judgment on these forces. Not even the coastal lands will survive the onslaught of this war ... No doubt America, England and Australia will have been hurt by this cataclismic event. This appears to be a war of nuclear proportions as Exzekiel 39 states that Israel will have to bury the dead for a period of seven months; and of course, it mentions the procedure for the burial of the dead, which makes for very interesting reasoning, as knowhere in the Biblical times was this ever practised before ...
Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, The New King James Version. 1996, c1982 . Thomas Nelson: Nashville) all rights reserved. [2]