John Appelt

Ezekiel 38 and 39 is a prophecy of an invasion against Israel. This follows chapters 36 and 37 which describe the miraculous restoration of Israel with Jews returning to the land and Israel becoming a nation, May 14, 1948. 

The invaders are identified, Ezekiel 38:1-6. Gog is the title for the ruler of Magog, the land where Scythians or Magogites settled to the far north. He is the prince of Rosh, the Hebrew name for Russia, Meshech, the region of Moscow, and Tubal, the region of Tobolsk. He and his allies, Persia (Iran), Cush (Sudan), Put (Libya) as well as Gomer (Germanic people) and Togarmah (Turkish people) with many people, will invade Israel. Only since World War II has Russia become a world power and only in recent history have these nations become allies, many of which have strong Muslim ties.

It will be “after many days,” and “in the latter years,” after the land having been a continual waste and the people of Israel have been gathered from many nations, Ezekiel 38:8, 16. They live in unwalled villages without walls, or gates, or bolts, which is the case in present-day Israel, Ezekiel 38:10-12. 

The land is described as very rich with many resources. This describes modern Israel which has reclaimed desolate wasteland and has become a very wealthy nation, Ezekiel 38:12, a reason for one to invade a small country. 

Those who protest this invasion are Sheba and Dedan, likely Saudi Arabia and neighboring states. Included are the ‘merchants of Tarshish,’ Ezekiel 38:13, who are likely Britain (perhaps also Spain and others) and her former colonies, the young lions, likely US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India, who are presently allies.

With full fury, God will defend His people, Ezekiel 38:18-23. Israel will burn the weapons and will use it for fuel for their fires for seven years, Ezekiel 39:9-10. This seven-year period may correspond with the Tribulation. If so, it could mean the invasion will be before that time. 

A suggested time of the invasion would be just after the catching up (rapture) of believers described in I Thessalonians 4:16-17. With the Muslim coalition defeated, the leader of the revived Roman Empire will make peace with Israel for seven years, Daniel 9:27. Israel will come back to the Lord, Ezekiel 39:7. Then the temple, mentioned during the Tribulation, could be built very quickly as preparations have already been made for it. 

‘Gog and Magog’ mentioned in Revelation 20:7-9, is a different battle at the end of the Millennium, 1,000 years of universal government of righteousness and peace headed by Christ, Micah 4:1-3. When Satan is released, he will immediately go out to deceive the nations and unite all rebels from the whole globe against God’s people, hence the same names, Gog and Magog. They are innumerable. This time fire comes from heaven and consumes them. There will be no vultures feeding on carcasses, or any burial. 

The prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 probably happens before the Tribulation.

April 27 2022 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report