The battle of Gog and Magog, as described in Ezekiel 38-39, is a significant event in biblical prophecy that depicts a future invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations. This essay explores the details of this prophetic event, focusing on God’s mighty power and protection for Israel.
Word Count: 4416 / Time to read: 23 minutes
We will draw upon explanations from prominent premillennial theologians to understand this important prophecy. The key verses are:
- Ezekiel 38:2-3: “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal.’”
- Ezekiel 38:8: “After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety.”
- Ezekiel 38:22: “I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones, and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.”
- Ezekiel 39:11: “‘On that day I will give Gog a burial place in Israel, in the Valley of those who travel east of the Sea. It will block the way of travelers, because Gog and all his hordes will be buried there. So it will be called the Valley of Hamon Gog.”
The complete prophecy is found in Ezekiel 38-39 and deserves a careful reading. We find that it outlines a dramatic prophecy where a coalition of nations, led by a figure named Gog from the land of Magog, will invade Israel in the latter years. The nations mentioned—Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth Togarmah—correspond to modern countries such as Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and parts of Eastern Europe. This invasion is set just prior to the midway point of the tribulation, following a period of global peace and religious freedom secured by the Antichrist’s peace agreement (Daniel 9:27). Ironically, this attack precedes Israel’s repentance during the ministry of the two witnesses in the second half of the tribulation. God orchestrates this attack to prompt Israel’s repentance and fulfill His purpose of exalting Israel above the other nations in the coming Millennial Kingdom.
The phrase “I will put hooks in you and pull you out” is found in Ezekiel 38:4, where God is addressing Gog, the leader of the invasion coalition against Israel. This metaphorical language signifies God’s control and sovereignty over the events described in the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39. Here’s the context and meaning of this statement:
- Divine Control: The use of “hooks” metaphorically represents God’s ability to manipulate and guide the actions of nations and leaders according to His purposes. It signifies that God is orchestrating the events leading to the invasion, not as an instigator but as the ultimate controller and judge.
- Judgment and Sovereignty: By saying He will “pull you out,” God indicates that He will intervene decisively in the course of events. This intervention will result in judgment upon Gog and his coalition, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over human affairs and His commitment to protect His people, Israel.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: This statement underscores the prophetic nature of the passage, foretelling events that will unfold in the future according to God’s plan. It emphasizes that even in times of conflict and uncertainty, God remains in control and will ultimately bring about His purposes.
In summary, the phrase “I will put hooks in you and pull you out (Ezekiel 38:4)” symbolizes God’s sovereign control over Gog and his coalition, culminating in prophesied judgment that showcases God’s power and faithfulness. The miraculous destruction of these armies grabs Israel’s attention, revealing God’s protection and power over His beloved nation. This prepares Israel for repentance and belief, guided by the two witnesses who prophesy throughout the second half of the tribulation period.
Differentiating Gog and Magog in Ezekiel and Revelation
Before we go too far with this subject, it is important to distinguish the battle of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel from the mention of Gog and Magog in the book of Revelation:
“When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.”
Revelation 20:7-8
The Gog and Magog in Revelation refers to a different event that occurs at the end of the Millennial Kingdom, after Satan is released from his prison. This battle is a final rebellion against God, involving nations from the four corners of the earth, not just a northern coalition. While both events highlight God’s ultimate victory over evil, they occur at different times and involve different participants and circumstances.
| Feature | Gog and Magog in Ezekiel | Gog and Magog in Revelation |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | During the Tribulation period | After the Millennial Kingdom |
| Participants | Coalition of specific nations led by Gog from Magog | Satan deceives nations from the four corners of the earth |
| Purpose | Plunder and loot Israel’s wealth | Final rebellion against God’s rule |
| Outcome | God’s supernatural intervention defeats the invaders; Satan increases his power and influence in the world | Fire from heaven devours the rebels; Satan cast into the lake of fire |
| Emphasis | God’s protection of Israel, partial judgment of the nations involved | Final judgment of the world, Satan’s ultimate defeat |
“The Battle of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39 is a testament to God’s prophetic plan for Israel, revealing His steadfast commitment to fulfill His promises of restoration and protection.”
John Walvoord
Timing of the Invasion in Ezekiel 38-39
The timing of this invasion is a crucial aspect of the prophecy. Ezekiel doesn’t specify when to expect fulfillment. No other Old or New Testament prophecy explicitly mention this attack. Bible scholars don’t agree on the timing with some expecting it prior to the rapture and some shortly after. However John Walvoord, perhaps the most authoritative scholar on Biblical prophecy, suggests that this event will occur during the tribulation period, likely near its midpoint. According to him, this timing coincides with a period when Israel is under a false sense of security due to a covenant with the Antichrist. This interpretation is supported by the specific mention of Israel dwelling securely in their own land:
“You will say, ‘I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land.’”
Ezekiel 38:11-12
Identification of Nations
The nations involved in the invasion are identified through a detailed analysis of ancient names and their modern equivalents. Correlating ancient nations and people groups is sometimes a matter of differing opinions among scholars. In any event, all agree that this coalition’s purpose is to seize plunder, indicating a significant geopolitical and economic motive behind the invasion. Below is a chart which reflects a general consensus of modern nations involved:
| Ancient Names in Ezekiel 38-39 (NIV) | Modern Day Equivalents |
| Gog | Leader of the land of Magog (commonly identified as Russia) |
| Magog | Modern-day Russia |
| Rosh | Some interpretations suggest this refers to Russia or a region associated with it |
| Meshek | Possibly ancient Muscovy or Moscow region, hence Russia (some disagree and say Turkey) |
| Tubal | Ancient city-state in modern-day Turkey, possibly related to areas of Eastern Turkey |
| Persia | Modern-day Iran |
| Cush | Generally associated with modern-day Ethiopia or Sudan |
| Put | Libya |
| Gomer | Likely related to ancient Cimmerians, associated with modern-day Turkey |
| Beth Togarmah | Region in Anatolia, associated with modern-day Turkey or possibly Armenia |
| This table provides a general consensus on the modern equivalents of the nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39. | |
God’s Supernatural Intervention
One of the most remarkable aspects of the prophecy is God’s direct intervention to initiate Gog to rally the various nations and attack – and then God uses supernatural power to protect Israel. Ezekiel describes a series of cataclysmic events that will destroy the invading forces:
“This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. In my zeal and fiery wrath, I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble, and every wall will fall to the ground. I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
Ezekiel 38:18-23
God’s supernatural actions include a great earthquake, pestilence, torrential rains, hailstones, fire, and brimstone. This divine intervention not only annihilates the invading forces but also serves as a demonstration of God’s glory and power to the nations and to Israel. Note no army or weapons are necessary to cause or assist in their destruction. This may indicate that modern weapons won’t be available for use. This is yet another point of controversy surrounding this prophecy.
The use of primitive weapons described in Ezekiel 38-39, such as bows and arrows, spears, clubs, and shields, has led to various interpretations among scholars and theologians. Here are some perspectives on reconciling this with modern times:
- Literal vs. Figurative Interpretation: Some interpret Ezekiel’s description of primitive weapons literally, suggesting that in the prophesied scenario, nations will indeed use such weaponry. This could imply a scenario where modern infrastructure or technology is disrupted or unavailable, leading to a reliance on older, simpler forms of weaponry.
- Symbolic or Figurative Interpretation: Others see Ezekiel’s description as symbolic or figurative, representing the concept of warfare rather than specifying the exact types of weapons to be used. In this view, the emphasis is on the conflict and its significance rather than the literal weapons involved.
- Contextual and Prophetic Perspective: From a prophetic standpoint, interpretations vary widely. Some believe that Ezekiel’s prophecy describes a future event where nations align against Israel, regardless of the weaponry used. Whether these nations use primitive or modern weapons, the focus is on the divine intervention and judgment depicted in the passage.
- Potential Catastrophic Scenarios: There are interpretations that suggest Ezekiel’s prophecy could be fulfilled in a context where catastrophic events disrupt modern infrastructure, leading to a regression to more primitive means of warfare. This could be due to natural disasters, technological failures, or geopolitical shifts that alter the landscape of global conflict.
Ultimately, how one reconciles Ezekiel’s description of weapons with modern times depends on their interpretative framework and understanding of biblical prophecy. Different scholars and theologians may emphasize different aspects of the text, leading to a range of interpretations regarding the participants, the timing and weaponry described and its significance in the prophetic narrative. All interpretations agree that God displays a significant series of miracles to bring about their destruction without any assistance from Israel or any other earthly force. In doing so, He advances the prophetic timeline in a significant way. It’s important to recognize that God executed this attack in his perfect timing. He put hooks in Gog and drew him out to wipe him out. The fact that everything is under God’s sovereign control is clear when studying prophecies such as these. That concept is important to keep in mind as we study the rise of the Antichrist.
Rise of the Antichrist
After the battle described in Ezekiel 38-39, which results in the destruction of many major military forces and creates a significant power vacuum, the stage is set for the Antichrist to rise to unprecedented global power as a dictator. The removal of these formidable armies diminishes opposition, facilitating his consolidation of authority over the world. This scenario aligns with numerous prophetic passages throughout the Bible that foresee the rise of a charismatic yet deceptive leader at the midway point of the tribulation period.
In Daniel’s prophecies, particularly in chapters 7, 9, and 11, there are detailed descriptions of a powerful ruler who emerges from among the nations, initially establishing himself through diplomacy and alliances (Daniel 9:27). This leader, often referred to as the “little horn” or the “beast,” makes a covenant with many nations but eventually breaks it, leading to a period of unparalleled persecution of the saints (Daniel 7:25; 11:36-37). His reign marks the beginning of a time of great tribulation and global turmoil.
The book of Revelation provides further insight into the Antichrist’s rise to power, portraying him as a political and religious figure who deceives the world with signs and wonders (Revelation 13:1-18). He imposes his authority through economic control and persecution of those who refuse to worship him or receive his mark (Revelation 13:16-17). Revelation 17:12-13 also depicts the Antichrist as a leader who collaborates with ten kings to form a global coalition, symbolizing his dominion over the earth.
Additionally, the apostle Paul’s writings in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 describe the Antichrist as the “man of lawlessness” who opposes God and exalts himself above every deity, proclaiming himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). This rebellion culminates in the desecration of the temple and the persecution of believers during a time of intense deception and apostasy.
These interconnected prophecies underscore a consistent biblical theme of the Antichrist’s rise to power as a pivotal event in the eschatological timeline. They highlight God’s ultimate sovereignty over human history, revealing His plan for the culmination of earthly kingdoms and the establishment of His eternal kingdom through the return of Christ (Revelation 19:11-16). Thus, the Antichrist’s ascent to global authority serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual warfare and ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over the forces of darkness in the final days.
Theological Perspectives
John Walvoord, a prominent theologian and expert on biblical prophecy, offers an in-depth explanation of the battle of Gog and Magog in his work. Here is an explanation based on his insights:
“The prophecy of Ezekiel 38 and 39 describes a great future invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations led by a leader named Gog from the land of Magog. This invasion will occur ‘in the latter years’ when Israel has been regathered from the nations and is dwelling securely in their land. The nations involved in this coalition include Russia (Magog), Turkey (Tubal), Iran (Persia), Sudan (Cush), Libya (Put), and others. This invasion will take place during the tribulation period, likely near the midpoint, when Israel is under a false sense of security due to a covenant with the Antichrist. God will intervene supernaturally to destroy the invading forces with a massive earthquake, pestilence, torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone. The purpose of this divine intervention is to demonstrate God’s holiness, power, and sovereignty to Israel and the nations, and to prepare the way for the rise of the Antichrist as a world dictator.” – John F. Walvoord, The Nations in Prophecy.
Walvoord’s explanation includes several critical points:
- Timing of the Invasion: Walvoord situates the invasion “in the latter years,” during the tribulation period, likely near its midpoint. This timing coincides with a period when Israel believes it is secure due to a covenant with the Antichrist.
- Nations Involved: He identifies the coalition of nations involved in the invasion, correlating the ancient names with modern countries such as Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, and Libya.
- Divine Intervention: Walvoord emphasizes that God will intervene supernaturally to protect Israel, using a variety of natural disasters to destroy the invading forces.
- Purpose of the Event: The divine intervention will serve to demonstrate God’s holiness, power, and sovereignty to both Israel and the nations. It will also set the stage for the Antichrist’s rise to power, as the destruction of many major military forces will create a power vacuum.
Walvoord’s interpretation is firmly rooted in a premillennial perspective, seeing the battle of Gog and Magog as a significant event within the tribulation period that highlights God’s direct involvement in human affairs and sets the stage for subsequent end-time events.
C.I. Scofield, known for his influential Scofield Reference Bible, provides a detailed explanation of the battle of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39. Here is an explanation based on Scofield’s notes:
“Ezekiel 38 and 39 describes the great northern confederacy, headed up by Russia, coming down upon Israel in the last days. ‘Gog’ is the leader of this invasion, and ‘Magog’ is his land. The specific names of the allies of this northern power—Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Togarmah—are ancient names for the territories now occupied by Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and parts of Eastern Europe. This invasion will occur ‘in the latter years’ when Israel is dwelling securely. The purpose of this invasion is to capture spoil and seize plunder. However, God will intervene supernaturally to destroy the invading armies with an earthquake, pestilence, rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone. This miraculous deliverance will demonstrate God’s glory and His protection over Israel. It will also prepare the world for the rise of the Antichrist, who will take advantage of the ensuing power vacuum.” – C.I. Scofield, Scofield Reference Bible, Notes on Ezekiel 38-39.
Scofield’s explanation emphasizes several key aspects:
- Identification of Nations: Scofield identifies the nations involved in the invasion, correlating the ancient names mentioned in Ezekiel with modern countries such as Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and parts of Eastern Europe.
- Timing of the Invasion: He places the invasion in “the latter years,” during the time when Israel is dwelling securely, which many interpret as the first half of the tribulation period.
- Purpose of the Invasion: The invading forces aim to capture spoil and seize plunder from Israel.
- Divine Intervention: Scofield highlights that God will supernaturally intervene to protect Israel, using a variety of natural disasters to destroy the invading armies.
- Demonstration of God’s Glory: The destruction of the invading forces will serve to demonstrate God’s glory and His protective power over Israel.
- Preparation for the Antichrist: The miraculous deliverance and the destruction of major military forces will create a power vacuum, setting the stage for the Antichrist to rise to greater power.
Scofield’s interpretation, like those of other premillennial theologians, sees the battle of Gog and Magog as a pivotal event within the tribulation period, underscoring God’s direct involvement in protecting Israel and the broader eschatological timeline.
Charles Ryrie, a noted theologian and author, provides a clear explanation of the battle of Gog and Magog in his work. Here’s a relevant quote and explanation from Charles Ryrie regarding this prophetic event:
“The invasion described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is one of the most detailed prophecies in the Bible concerning future events. This prophecy speaks of a coalition of nations that will come against Israel in the last days. The leader of this coalition is called Gog, from the land of Magog, and he leads a vast army from the north parts. The nations involved in this invasion are identified as modern Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, Ethiopia, and others. The purpose of the invasion is to plunder and destroy Israel, but God will intervene supernaturally to defend His people. The invading forces will be destroyed by divine judgment, including an earthquake, pestilence, torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone. This judgment will demonstrate God’s power and holiness to the nations and to Israel.” – Charles C. Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible, Notes on Ezekiel 38-39.
In his explanation, Ryrie emphasizes several key points:
- Identification of Nations: Ryrie identifies the nations involved in the invasion as modern equivalents of the ancient names mentioned in Ezekiel, specifically pointing to Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, and Ethiopia.
- Purpose of the Invasion: He highlights that the coalition’s purpose is to plunder and destroy Israel, driven by greed and animosity.
- Divine Intervention: Ryrie underscores the supernatural intervention by God to protect Israel, using a series of cataclysmic events to annihilate the invading forces.
- Demonstration of God’s Power: He stresses that this divine judgment will serve to demonstrate God’s power and holiness to both the nations and Israel, reinforcing His sovereignty and protective hand over His chosen people.
Ryrie’s perspective aligns with the premillennial view, placing the battle of Gog and Magog in the context of the tribulation period, where God’s direct intervention is a key feature of eschatological events.
John MacArthur, a well-known theologian and pastor, provides detailed explanations on biblical prophecies, including the battle of Gog and Magog. Here is an explanation from John MacArthur regarding this prophetic event:
“Ezekiel 38-39 describes an invasion of Israel that will occur in the future. This invasion is led by Gog, from the land of Magog, and includes a coalition of nations from the north of Israel. The nations mentioned—Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth Togarmah—are identified with modern countries such as Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and parts of Eastern Europe. The invasion will take place when Israel is living securely, likely during the first half of the tribulation period when the Antichrist has made a covenant with Israel. However, the invading forces will be destroyed supernaturally by God through various means including an earthquake, disease, and torrential rains. This judgment will reveal God’s glory and power to the nations and affirm His protection over Israel.” – John MacArthur, The MacArthur Study Bible, Notes on Ezekiel 38-39.
MacArthur’s explanation highlights several important aspects:
- Identification of Nations: MacArthur identifies the nations involved in the invasion, relating the ancient names mentioned in Ezekiel to modern countries like Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and parts of Eastern Europe.
- Timing of the Invasion: He suggests that the invasion will occur when Israel is living securely, which he places likely during the first half of the tribulation period, correlating with a peace treaty made by the Antichrist.
- Divine Intervention: MacArthur emphasizes God’s supernatural intervention to protect Israel, using natural disasters and plagues to destroy the invading forces.
- Revelation of God’s Glory: He points out that this event will serve to reveal God’s glory and power to the nations and affirm His protection and sovereignty over Israel.
MacArthur’s interpretation aligns with the premillennial view, situating the battle of Gog and Magog within the broader context of the tribulation and emphasizing God’s direct involvement in defending Israel.
Thomas Ice, a respected theologian specializing in eschatology, provides detailed insights into Ezekiel 38-39, portraying a future invasion of Israel led by Gog from the land of Magog. This passage describes a coalition involving nations like Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth Togarmah, which correspond to modern countries such as Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and parts of Eastern Europe. Ice argues that this battle occurs during the tribulation period, highlighting its geopolitical and eschatological significance. He underscores its pivotal role in God’s prophetic plan, noting that the defeat of the Gog and Magog coalition signals a critical juncture in the tribulation, setting the stage for the emergence of the Antichrist as a global leader.
Ice’s explanation highlights several important aspects:
- Identification of Nations: Ice identifies Gog as a leader from the land of Magog, leading a coalition of nations including Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth Togarmah, which correspond to modern countries like Russia, Turkey, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and parts of Eastern Europe.
- Timing: He places the invasion during the early stages of the tribulation period, likely shortly after a peace treaty is made between Israel and the Antichrist, allowing for a period of perceived security.
- Purpose of Invasion: The invasion aims to seize wealth and resources from Israel, which is thriving under the protection of the treaty.
- Divine Intervention: Despite the formidable coalition, God intervenes supernaturally to protect Israel. This intervention includes natural disasters, plagues, and confusion among the invading forces.
- Judgment and Revelation: The defeat of the invaders serves to demonstrate God’s sovereignty, faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, and His power over the nations. It also reveals His glory to all who witness the events unfold.
- Prophetic Significance: Ice emphasizes the prophetic significance of Ezekiel 38-39 within the premillennialist framework, highlighting the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and the unfolding of God’s plan for the end times.
These points encapsulate Thomas Ice’s interpretation of Ezekiel 38-39, emphasizing the geopolitical, prophetic, and theological dimensions of the Battle of Gog and Magog as he sees them unfolding in the future.
Conclusion
The battle of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39 is a pivotal event in biblical prophecy, showcasing God’s mighty power and protection for Israel. The coalition of nations led by Gog will invade Israel with the intent to plunder, but God will intervene supernaturally to destroy the invading forces. This event will reveal God’s glory and sovereignty to the nations and prepare the way for the Antichrist’s rise to power. Distinguished theologians such as John Walvoord, C.I. Scofield, Charles Ryrie, John MacArthur, and Thomas Ice provide valuable insights into the timing, participants, and implications of this prophetic event, highlighting the consistent theme of God’s faithfulness and supremacy.
We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:19-21
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