"End Age" events affecting Israel, and the world
There is much confusion and misinformation about the subject of Gog and Magog. Well known authors who may not be sincere in their writings regarding the Biblical comments, and therefore the actual truth regarding this subject, may well only be interested in sensation and reputation!
That said, even very sincere men have written with difficulty on this subject, as to some commentators the Bible comments seem to conflict; but, as always, that is because of incomplete knowledge, or lack of spiritual sincerity!
The facts (Biblical), make statements that can be trusted, even if not understood. The statements made are future (at this date, 2012 & 2019), and are related to the end Age dealings of Almighty God with certain specific Nations relative to His Chosen People, Israel; but also to the Nations of the world known as Gentiles.
A good starting point will be to examine the Bible references to Gog and Magog, and try to understand relevance to the Prophecies of the “End of the Age”, and which “Age” or time is referred to.
Before that, it should be said that there are so many ideas as to whom these entities are, that the following extract from Wikipedia gives a quick resume’.
Gog and Magog are names that appear primarily in various Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, as well as numerous subsequent references in other works. Their context can be either genealogical (as Magog in Genesis 10:2) or eschatological and apocalyptic, as in Ezekiel and Revelation.
They are sometimes individuals, sometimes peoples, and sometimes geographic regions. The passages from Ezekiel and Revelation in particular have attracted attention due to their prophetic descriptions of conflicts said to occur near the "End times".
As can be seen from the above brief description, it is imperative to place the Scriptural statements and events in context, as is the case with all the Bible (Miles Coverdale).
Before dealing with the main references in Ezekiel and Revelation, it is worth mentioning that one well known writer (deceased), was/is of the opinion that especially the Revelation references are supernatural beings. The theory is based on the translation of Agag (king of the Amalekites) to Gog in the Septaugint, as Agag was supposedly related to Nephilim. The idea is based on Exodus 17:16, which is a definite statement re. God’s continuing warfare with those peoples. It is further underpinned by the 1Samuel 15 references to Agag, and Samuel’s destruction of him in verse 33; which as Jehovah’s Anointed Prophet, may precursor the Victory of God’s Anointed Son Christ Jesus at Armageddon.
The first major reference to Gog, Magog is in Ezekiel 38:2-8, which describes the fact that God will “put hooks into thy jaws”, making it inevitable that these peoples will be drawn to Armageddon! Dr. Bullinger describes well these Nations and their origins in his notes in the Companion Bible. Gog, Magog, Meshech and Tubal; are all lands and peoples North (including modern day Turkey and possibly Ukraine) and North East of Israel, including the Caucasus, and are all descended from Japheth (Gen. 10:2). Dr. Bullinger makes the point that the “chief prince” is the leader of Rosh, (Heb. Ro’sh), “which may point to Russia”; which at present is relating strongly with Turkey on many commercial and other subjects relating to strategic and defence issues. This puts Russia (Rosh) in a strong background support and guiding position, as political situations develop in the Mid-East (Dec. 2013, 2019 & 2022 - 24).
These peoples are apparently to be joined in this effort against Israel by; (vs 5-6), Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer (north of Turkey), Togarmah, (Armenia). These are the named peoples, whose efforts are at the end of the Great Tribulation period (Jacob’s Trouble, Jer. 30:7) and www.revelationsmessage.co.uk. Ezek. 38 and 39 give the full account. The attack by these hordes is ended by the return of Christ Jesus, in great power (Dan. 2:45; Ezek.38:23; Zech.12;10), and His destruction of these armies, otherwise the “remnant of Israel” would be destroyed, and Satan would be in the ascendency!
After this, Christ Jesus will set up His Earthly Kingdom in Jerusalem, and will Rule the world with a “rod of iron” for 1000 years. This Rule will not be easy for men and women who still refuse to acknowledge God and His Christ, as fallen human nature is being exposed and judged, with Satan bound for 1000 years (Rev. 20:2). (See: Millennial Purpose).
Satan will be released at the end of the 1000 years, to “again deceive the Nations” (Rev. 20:7), and the amazing fact is that he will gather again many followers!
Rev. 20:7-9 describes this event:
V.7: When the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
V.8: And shall go out to deceive the Nations which are in the four quarters of the Earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
V.9: And they went up on the breadth of the Earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of Heaven, and devoured them.
This time the people/armies are drawn from “the four quarters of the Earth”. This seems certain to mean all over the world. As a 1000 years earlier the Gog, Magog reference was to specific lands, this time (the last), the peoples of Gog, Magog have spread all over the world, as is easy to envisage. That approx. 84% of the original Gog, Magog were killed (Ezek. 39:2), (this is disputed by some translations; see Strongs number 8338!) the remaining 16% have had 1000 years to multiply to all parts of the world. As life is apparently much longer during this period (Isa. 65:20), that again makes such a possibility easy.
NOTE July 2014
The recent rise and apparent success of ISIS in Syria and Iraq (Old Babylonia) may auger the emergence of the first “Beast” of Revelation 13. If that is the case; then prophecy is being enacted before our eyes!
NOTE October 2015
This month, News reports show Russia in Syria with light and heavy armaments, troops (advisors), and aircraft. They are there to “support President Assad against Isis”; but, Western reports say they are striking against Assad’s opposition in Syria. Other reports seem to show Russian strikes against both Assad’s opposition and Isis. Whatever the facts, the USA has been upstaged apparently, and Obama has now stopped “training” of Assad’s opposition; and now supplies arms direct to Assad’s rebels.
The Russian moves have caught Obama out, and show that Russia is not afraid to do so! Obama does not want to end his Presidency on a war footing, with US troops back in Iraq/Syria; but he may be forced to do so to save face and his Party, in the next elections!
There is considerable opinion abroad in the Christian world, that the ‘Anti-Christ’ is to be a Muslim, and this opinion is growing due to the growing presence in all parts of the world of Islamic protest /action and the Middle-East is almost 100% Muslim!
If that is the case; it would allow a “settlement” of the Temple Mount dispute in Jerusalem; and a “peace deal” which could be initiated between the Jews and Arabs.
As Islam reveres Jesus as “a Prophet”, Christians would probably not be averse to such a solution, especially if it promises “world peace”!
The prospect of a “European Anti-Christ”, has been losing credibility for many years; the most popular of those ideas being a “Roman Catholic” candidate!
The question of the location of Gog, Magog, Mesheck, Tubal etc., is still in dispute. Some say Turkey, Caucuses etc., others South Eastern Europe, Southern Russia etc. However; as the Caucuses are a definite participant against Israel eventually; and as Russia is Politically heavily involved with them, and now Syria (old Babylonia); the location of the above Countries is almost certainly linked to Russia/Armenia etc.
Jerusalem is again on the brink of a third ‘Intifada’; which as all knowledgeable Christians know is the focal point of all prophecy regarding Israel (Jeshuran), and Christ’s rule on Earth. All the events regarding prophecies fulfilment for that area are in progress; and all eventually lead to Christ Jesus' return to Earth; see: www.revelationsmessage.co.uk.
Note April 2018
At this date 11/4/18; the situation in the Middle East looks dangerous. When considering the above Notes and comments on Gog and Magog and the alignment of Nations, we have at Present Russia, Turkey, Iran and Syria; facing the USA, Israel, Saudi Arabia and possibly parts of Western Europe.
This has been solidified by an apparent gas attack of parts of the civilian population by apparently Syria!
The USA and its allies are at present deciding on retaliatory action; which Russia has warned could lead to retaliatory War!
Clearly the situation is dire, and whatever the outcome, can only lead to increased tension.
Clearly, Israel is the main target eventually of this Northern alliance; with ‘Gog’ leading!?
All of this is exacerbated by Israel’s 70th Anniversary this year, on the 14th May. Also, by the decision by President Trump to move the US Embassy from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem; which has enraged all Israel’s enemies!
Update, 14th April 2018
USA, Britain, and France attacked Syrian chemical weapon development, storage and military sites overnight. This brought condemnation from Russia, Syria and Iran (Persia); and the threat of “consequences”! Interestingly; Turkey and Israel congratulated the actions; which with Turkey’s alliance with both Syria, Russia and Iran, seems contradictory! However, Turkey needs (at present) good contact with both Alliance groups, because of the ongoing efforts against a now (at present) depleted ISIS etc., and its war with the Kurds!
The situation is clearly hot at present, especially as Iran (Persia) wants a military base in Syria, in the near future; and has threatened Israel overnight, as one of the main culprits of the Syrian bombing!
October 2019
Iran (Persia) appears to have bombed Saudi Arabian oil plants recently, (although not confirmed). Turkey has invaded Syria to (ostensibly) create a “safe zone” for up to 4 million “refugees”, who they are presently hosting. There are many groupings made up of differing ethnic groups, but apparently led by Kurds, who are defined by Turkey as “enemies”, including PKK, YPG, SDF & DUP, some deny they are “terrorists”! Putin is presently visiting Saudi Arabia and UAE; on a “goodwill visit” (15/10/19). As he is apparently a strong ally of Persia & Turkey, and USA is in alliance with Saudi Arabia and Israel, the outcome will be of interest.
The issues at stake are, territory, borders, arms, financial, sanctions, etc; all eventually aimed at Israel’s demise!
2022, February; Russia invaded Ukraine, and has taken Crimea. However, they are struggling to hold the territory and are losing both equipment and personnel in large quantities.
Britain, USA and European Countries (NATO) are donating towards Ukrainian war effort, and at February 2024, Russia appears to be struggling! However, they are now threatening to use 'Battlefield Nuclear weapons', and also have threatened USA etc. with 'Tactical Nuclear' strikes!
7/10/23; Hamas attacked Israel from Gaza during an holiday period, and killed more than 1,250 people in less than 18 hours. They also took 240 approx. hostages, and are trying to force Israel to surrender Gaza.
Israel has refused, and is waging all out war on Gaza, and has found many miles of tunnels under hospitals, houses, Churches/Mosques etc., which are used as living quarters for Hamas, and manufacturing and storage for weapons etc. Many Hamas people have been killed, but the main leaders live away from Gaza in safety!
It has been found that UNRWA/UN has been working with Hamas, and this is currently being investigated.
The many donations from Countries all over the World have been used to dig the Tunnels, and to arm Hamas and other Arms of Iranian military groups. Alas, large quantities of donations are used for private banking accounts.
The UN has admitted some of this information, and says it "is investigating the allegations"!
Many Countries have now ceased their donations!
See: The Beasts of Revelation 13
The "Prophetic Area" and its Significance!
Jehovah's dealings with Israel
Israel - Prophecy - The Last Days
Biblical 7 and 70 Significance
The Jewish Temple's Purpose and Meaning
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