The War of Gog and Magog
“As [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come on you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.’ ” (Luke 19: 41-44 TNIV).
The first time this happened was when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judea and his army laid waste to Jerusalem, burning the temple to the ground. Many Jews were slain in the siege and many were carried away into captivity. After the crucifixion of Jesus tensions between the Jews and Romans began to swell. Beginning in 66AD “The Great Revolt” began. The Roman occupation of Palestine ended in 70 AD when Titus laid Jerusalem to waste. Once again the temple was destroyed.
The Bible from Genesis 1:1 all the way to Revelations 22:21 describes the history of the world, from beginning to end. It is God’s library for mankind containing sixty six books that describe the plan of God. It is not the end of God’s plan for his creation; nor is it the entirety of that plan. This era we live in is merely the stage which deals with the origins of mankind.
Part of the description of this era is the explanation events which are yet to come. Much speculation has been made about the nature of these events over the centuries since their pronouncement. From time to time there have been some who claim to know when certain events will happen. Each time these people have been proved wrong. This has brought us a peculiar state. We have come to fulfill the passage in II Peter 3:3-5; “first, knowing this, that during the last days scoffers will come walking according to their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue this way from the beginning of creation. For this is hidden from them by their willing it so , that heavens were of old, and earth by water, and through water, being held together by the word of God”
The entire present world (both believers and unbelievers) are in a state of anxiety and anticipation. Everyone is looking to fiction, science fiction and science for “signs” of the second coming of the Christ. Believers await His coming with great joy; unbelievers either wait for nothing, or curiously observe with excitement and a little fear. But, there will be no more signs.
“We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knows how long” (Psalms 74:9). “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” (Matthew 16:4 see also Luke 11:29-30) The history of the world has already been written. Let those who have eyes to see understand.
In the 37th and 38th chapters of Ezekiel there is an event described. It is a war between Israel and Gog, Magog, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer and Beth Togarmah. The 39th chapter describes the horrific aftermath of the massive battle. There are a couple of ways of looking at this event.
There is a parallel that can be drawn between Ezekiel 37-39 and Revelations 16. The battle described in Ezekiel calls nations from all over the Middle East, Europe and Asia to a battle against Israel. This battle is accompanied by natural catastrophes like earthquakes and hail. The Battle of Armageddon described in Revelations 16 also calls nations from all over the earth to Israel and it also presents a series of natural catastrophes like earthquakes and hail. One might interpret that these two battles are one and the same.
Joel Rosenberg is a popular author who has written a series of books that have had an uncanny ability to predict the future. Mr. Rosenberg wrote these books based upon the passages in Ezekiel 37-39. His book “Epicenter” tells the back-story about how his life’s experiences have given him insight into how Ezekiel relates to our modern world. In his estimation the battle in Ezekiel is a separate event, prior to the gathering of the nations in the valley of Armageddon.
In the first case we would have to see the rise of a one-world government and the ascendency of the Antichrist before the battle begins. In the second case we would not need to have a one world government, but rather the battle would precede, or even predicate a one-world government. In either case we have an understanding that must be recognized.
At no point in history have the nations of Russia (Gog and Magog), Iran (Persia), Somalia/Ethiopia (Cush), Libya (Put), Gomer (Germany), Greece/Macedonia/Turkey (Beth Togarmah) had an alliance like they do today. When Germany bailed out Greece it tied herself inexorably to the future of the Armenian lands. Turkey is now exhibiting a closer alliance with Iran than ever before. As America’s influence wanes the Islamic influence grows. Israel is already encircled and hemmed in on every side. Soon it will be alone.
The last few months have exhibited how fast the world can change without the influence of a strong, righteous power to shine as a beacon on the hill. The one-world government is forming rapidly. The movement to destroy the Judeo-Christian underpinnings of Western Civilization has reached it’s stride and is progressing now by leaps and bounds. The changing of Christianity as a state of being to a practice of religion is nearly complete.
The changes that are yet to come will come like an avalanche. They will start to fall and as they progress they will pick up speed. It will seem unbelievable to many. Just as many today are finally standing up and wondering what has happened to our country in so short a time, they will look around at bewilderment wondering how they got swept away, only to be buried beneath the weight of oppression.
Those who understand the times are being called together so that as these events come to pass they can comfort and support each other. Though the times will be hard, the comfort of understanding and the peace of knowing will keep them. This time will be a time of great faith, but also of great sadness. Not for the death or pain of the saints; those who are in Christ do not fear death. Rather, sadness for those who are not in Christ; who should fear death, but do not.
“Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!” (Matthew 18:7) Scoffers of this age ridicule and speak disparagingly of the prophets of God; they will look with dismay when these prophesies comes to pass. They scoffed at the Son of God and his prophecy;
“Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
Loading ...