The Battle of Gog and Magog is a famous battle recorded in Ezekiel 38-39 and which is still yet future. In short, this battle pictures the forces from the north that will swoop down on Israel unexpectedly to seize their land and assets. But God will defend Israel and slay her enemies.
It is so exciting to study because we see events of today lining up in preparation for it. So let’s study this prophecy because it will prove that time is short and Jesus is coming soon!
WHO WILL ATTACK ISRAEL?: Ezekiel was describing a battle that will involve Israel’s remotest neighbors. The nations involved in the attack seem to include the Soviet Union, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Libya. (38:1-6). It is interesting to note most of these nations today would have no problem attacking Israel.
WHEN WILL THE ATTACK BE?: Israel will be attacked in the latter years and during a time when they are a peaceful people who dwell safely. That surely can’t mean today because Israel is vulnerable to attack by her enemies. It appears to be during the end times and during the first half of the Tribulation when the Antichrist will broker peace with Israel. (38:8, 11) (Note: The battle of Gog and Magog at the end of the Millennium is a different attack – see Rev 20:7-9. In that battle, Gog and Magog symbolize all the forces of evil that band together to battle God.)
WHY WILL ISRAEL BE ATTACKED?: This attack will be based on greed and control of the Middle East. Israel has a warm water entrance to the waterways of the world, is close to oil deposits, and possesses valuable mineral deposits. (38:12) God will use this attack to bring glory to Himself among the Gentiles and to bring Israel into a relationship with Himself. (39:21-29)
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ISRAEL’S ATTACKERS?: God will knock the bow out of their left hand and cause arrows to fall out their right hand (39:3). God will bring down judgments and the marauding coalition will begin fighting against itself. It will take seven months to bury the bodies of the soldiers and seven years to burn the leftover weapons. (39:1-16)
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO US TODAY?: The Bible teaches that the Rapture will happen first before the Tribulation (2 Thes 2:1-12). Today we also see Russia (the “far north” of Eze 38:6) trying to regain its former glory and be a superpower again. They have shown themselves to be land grabbers and to act independently from other nations in so doing.
These are signs of the times. The coming of the Lord is closer than we think and it’s time to live for Him!
(1 John 3:3) And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Louie