The Coming War of GOG and MAGOG
Ezekiel 38 through 39 tells of a future invasion of Israel by a vast coalition of nations that surround it. As we read the headlines in the newspapers of today, and witness the conflict in the Middle East, it's not hard to imagine that this invasion prophesied over 2600 years ago, could be fulfilled in our lifetime. Ezekiel 36-37 predicts a gathering of the Jews to the nation of Israel, which will be followed by this massive invasion. For 19 centuries the Jewish people were scattered throughout the world, and until May 14, 1948 there was no nation of Israel to invade. With the nation of Israel now a reality, the stage seems set for the war that will usher in the tribulation and the rise of the Antichrist; a war that will end with the destruction of Israel's enemies by God Himself, and lead to the signing of a peace treaty with the Antichrist.
As you read Ezekiel 38 and 39, it isn't just the creation of the nation of Israel that makes this prophecy seem likely to be fulfilled in the near future. The nations that God tells us will form this coalition against Israel seem more likely now than perhaps ever before to form just such an alliance. To understand the prophecies of Ezekiel about this future invasion, it's important to understand who the players will be.
There are many theories as to who will join in this future invasion of Israel. Before going through a list of the individual nations, I'll list some of the more common theories you'll hear when studying the prophecies from Ezekiel 38.
Ezekiel 38:1-6 The word of the Lord came to me; Son of man, set your face against GOG, of the land of MAGOG, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him and say: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, O GOG, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army - your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops - the many nations with you.'
1. Hashemite Kingdom Theory: The Islamic Nations will come against Israel either by an Iraqi-led, Jordanian led, or Turkish led coalition. The enemy from the north refers to the areas of Syria, Turkey, and Iraq. These Islamic nations make up the lands occupied by MAGOG, Gomer, Togarmah, Meshech and Tubal.
2. Caucus Theory: GOG and MAGOG are the Arab nations in an alliance with the Muslim republics of the former Soviet Union. This theory leaves out most of Russia, and includes only the southern part.
3. All Europe theory: GOG and MAGOG are the sons of Japeth thus the originators of the European races. GOG and MAGOG therefore indicates all of Europe. This is not a widely held theory and I could find little support for it.
4. Russian Theory: The Hebrew word 'rosh' in verse 3 is identified with Russia, 'Tubal' with Tiblisi or Tobolsk and 'Meshech' with Moscow, therefore GOG and MAGOG refers to Russia. This is one of the most commonly held views and is based on a different interpretation of the Hebrew word Rosh (used as a noun rather than adjective), similarities in the pronunciation of words, and the Greek translation of Rosh referring to a tribe of people found in what is now Russia.
5. Indo-European Theory: GOG and MAGOG include the nations descending from Japheth: Russia, the Caucasus(Turkey), Iraq, and the Islamic republics of Central Asia. The coalition is an alliance of Arab nations, Muslim republics, Georgia, southern Russia and the Black sea area.
These are some of the theories you will find if you do any research into the prophecies of Ezekiel 38. You may also find interpretations that are a combination of these, and in fact, I tend to find more evidence for a version of the Indo-European and Caucacus Theory.
Before looking at the participants of this invasion in more detail, it's important to understand that the war described in Ezekiel 38 is not the same as the war that will come at the end of the tribulation when Jesus returns to defeat the Antichrist and establish his millennial kingdom. How do we know this? The war at the end of the tribulation, known as Armageddon, is a world war. Revelation tells us that this battle will involve all nations. The war described in Ezekiel includes specific nations that invade Israel. Also, Armageddon is at the climax of the tribulation, while the war described in Ezekiel comes well before then.
Ezekiel 38:1-7 gives 10 names as participants in the invasion of Israel that will follow the regathering of the Jews to their homeland. First mentioned, is the land of MAGOG. The most common identity for MAGOG is in Central Asia. The Jewish historian Josephus said, "MAGOG founded the Magogians, called Scythians by the Greeks. Scythians were a nomadic tribe who inhabited the ancient territory from Central Asia across the southern part of ancient Russia." Today this area is inhabited by the former Soviet Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and possibly northern parts of Afghanistan. All of these nations that make up the land of MAGOG have one thing in common - Islam. Militant Islam has been on the rise in these countries since the fall of the Soviet Union, when Islam no longer had to be practiced secretly. Radical Islamic groups such as the Islamic Renaissance Party, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islam are working to reunite central Asian nations and ultimately the entire Muslim world. It is from this part of the world that a leader will arise to bring together a great coalition of nations to invade Israel.
Probably the most debated verse is Ezekiel 38:3. There are two main views on the identity of the Nations God is referring to in this verse. I'll list both here, and let the reader decide which sounds most reasonable.
Rosh as Russia
Some versions of the Bible translate the Hebrew word 'rosh' in verse 3 as a noun referring to a place in Russia. The least credible support for this view is that Rosh sounds like the modern-day name Russia and Meshech sounds like Moscow. In this translation they treat rosh as a proper name. The Greek translation translates Rosh as the proper name Ros. Because the ancient Sarmations were known as the Ras, Rashu, and Rus and inhabited Rasapu which is now Southern Russia, some feel this verse points to Russia as the prince of Rosh. Another support sited for this view is that verse 6 and 15 say the invasion will come from remote parts of the north, and Russia is more remote.
Rosh as chief
Other versions of the Bible translate 'rosh' as an adjective. The argument here is that in the Massoretic text the words 'chief prince' carry the accents Tiphha and Zaqeph-gadol. The Tiphha appears under the resh of the Hebrew word 'rosh'; the Zaqeph-gadol appears on top of the sin of the Hebrew word 'nish'. The Tiphha to the right, underneath the initial consonant of the world 'rosh', or chief, is prepositive and does not mark the tone syllable. The world 'nish' or prince has the accent Zaqeph-gadol which is disjunctive and indicates a pause. So, verse three would read:
"Behold, I am against thee, o GOG, the prince, {pause} chief of Meshech and Tubal"
Rather than:
"Behold, I am against thee, O GOG, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal."
Here 'rosh' is translated head or chief as it is 423 other times in the Old Testament.
In short, if you believe 'rosh' should be translated as a proper noun you may find the interpretation that Russia will be a part of this coalition more reasonable. If you believe 'rosh' should be an adjective here, you need only concern yourself with who Meshech and Tubal are. I tend to have a problem with the "it sounds like Russia" theory, and find the translation of rosh as an adjective more believable, but to each his own.
Meshech and Tubal in verses 2 and 6, were the names of the 6th and 5th sons of Japheth, the son of Noah (Gen. 10:2). Ezekiel 27:13 also mentions Meshech and Tubal as trading partners with Tyre (Modern Lebanon). It's likely that Meshech and Tubal refer to the ancient Moshi/Mushki and Tubalu/Tibareni who dwelled in the area around, primarily south of, the Black and Caspian Sea in Ezekiel's day. Today these nations would be in the modern country of Turkey, parts of Southern Russia and Northern Iran. All areas with a Muslim majority.
Verse 6 adds Gomer and Beth-Togarmah to the coalition. "Gomer" was the first son of Japheth. The Gomerites were the ancient Cimmerians, expelled in 700 B.C. from the southern steppes of Russia into what is today Turkey. "Togarmah" is the 3rd son of Gomer and beth at the beginning of the name is the Hebrew word for 'house' or 'place of'. In Ezekiel's time there was a city in Cappodocia (Modern Turkey) known as Tegarma, Tagarma, Til-garimmu, and Takarama.
The possibility that four of the names mentioned in Ezekiel are now in Turkey makes a pretty strong argument for Turkey being a part of the invasion of Israel. Current circumstances in that country also lend this view some credibility. Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, Turkey has been gaining inroads into Central Asia (MAGOG). It is also linked to Central Asia both ethnically and linguistically, and has a growing number of political parties that support opposition to Israel, establishment of a Turkish Islamic Republic, and the worldwide rule of Islam.
Verse 5 brings three more names into the mix. God tells us that "Persia, Cush and Put will be with them".
Persia is a pretty easy one. In 539 B.C. the Persians conquered the city of Babylon. You only need look at a map of the ancient Persian Empire to see that it was centered in the nation known today as Iran. In fact Iran was called Persia until 1935 when it was changed to Iran and then to the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution. It's no secret that Iran is an archenemy of Israel and the West, and a supporter of the Palestinians. They are actively working to get other Arab countries to change camps in their cooperation with the U.S. and Israel.
The ancient kingdom of Cush in Ezekiels time was the land just south of Egypt on the Nile River. Today this land is occupied by Sudan. Sudan is home to the National Islamic Front, is ruled by an Islamic military dictatorship, a strong supporter of Iraq, home to Osama bin Landen from 1991-1996, and harbors countless Islamic terrorist groups. Sudan would easily fit into the coalition as it is already close allies with Iran, trading military supplies for docking rights on the Red Sea shipping routes.
Ancient Put was the land just west of Egypt, or what is today Libya. Libya is another sponsor of terrorism, and openly refuses to recognize Israel's right to even exist. When the coalition against Israel is formed, Libya won't have to be asked twice to join.
Verse 6 adds "and many people with you." The nations listed specifically are all somewhat distant from Israel. By adding "and many people with you", God may have been indicating that those nations and peoples in closer proximity to Israel will join the Jihad. Other nations that might join the alliance are Iraq, Syria, Jordon, and Egypt. All of them are Islamic nations, and all of them would not hesitate to support the destruction of Israel were the opportunity to join such a vast coalition presented to them.
Below is a list of the nations that are listed in Ezekiel as Israel's last-days enemies:
ANCIENT NAME
MODERN NATION
EXPLANATION
Rosh
Russia or Chief
Ancient Sarmatians known as Rashu, Rasapu, Ros, and Rus.
OR
Translated as the adjective Chief.
Magog
Central Asia
Ancient Scythians - Islamic southern republics of the former Soviet Union with a population of 60 million Muslims. This territory could include modern Afghanistan.
Meshech
Turkey
Ancient Muschki and Musku in Cilicia and Cappadocia.
Tubal
Turkey (also southern Russia and Iran)
Ancient Tubalu in Cappadocia.
Persia
Iran
Name changed from Persia to Iran in 1935.
Ethiopia (Cush)
Sudan
Ancient Cush, south of Egypt.
Put
Libya
Ancient Put, west of Egypt.
Gomer
Turkey
Ancient Cimmerians - from the seventh century to first century B.C. in central/western Anatolia.
Beth-togarmah
Turkey
Til-garimmu - between ancient Carchemish and Haran (southern Turkey).
Many peoples with you
Other Islamic nations
Possibly Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt
The reasons God gives us for the enemies' invasion of Israel are further proof that the attack will be an Islamic invasion.
The first reason God gives for the invasion in Ezekiel 38 is a desire by the coalition to cover the Jewish land and wipe them off the face of the earth. Urged on by a hatred of the Jewish people they will seek to destroy them and the nation of Israel. This is the stated goal today of almost every Islamic nation in the Middle East. The only nations not currently in a declared state of war with Israel are Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan, yet they would certainly be glad to see Israel eliminated if presented with a willing leader and an opportunity to rid the Middle East of Islam's archenemy.
God tells us that they also come to "seize plunder…and to capture great spoil". Many verses in the Quran advocated plundering for the benefit of Islam and there are several instances of this war tactic throughout the history of Muhammad's life. In fact, it is a common theme in his teachings.
This invasion of Israel and attack on the Jewish people will indeed be a Jihad, but it will also be the final Jihad.
Ezekiel 38:13 "Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will say to you, 'Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?'"
As this invasion develops, a few countries will make a lame protest. This isn't hard to believe when you look at the indifference most nations display as Israel is repeatedly attacked by terrorists.
The specific nations who question Gog's actions are "Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish". Sheba and Dedan are not hard to identify. These were ancient names for what is known today as Saudi Arabia.
Tarshish is most commonly agreed to be ancient Tartessus or the area of present day Spain in Western Europe. In Ezekiels day, Tarshish was in the farthest west regions of the known world. By referring to Tarshish and all her merchants, Ezekiel could have been indicating that Western Europe will join with Saudi Arabia in denouncing the invasion. Interestingly, Saudi Arabia is the only Arab nation to consistently side with the West against radical Islamic elements around the world. The royals of Saudi Arabia mostly side with the West out of an interest in self preservation, and at times oppose us behind the scenes, but they would most probably put on a show of opposition to radical Islam in order to maintain the support of western governments.
A similar alliance has been seen once before during the Gulf War of the early 1990's. The U.S., Western Europe, and Saudi Arabia were allied against Iraq, while Russia, Iran, Sudan, Libya, and most other Middle East nations either aligned with Iraq, or against the U.S. either by directly opposing it, or by remaining neutral.
The good news is that God wins. God will come against the invaders Himself and destroy them. Verses 19-20 say that there will be an earthquake so great that people all over the world will tremble. In the ensuing chaos, nations will begin to turn on each other. The confusion will lead to the largest case of death by friendly fire ever seen.
Verse 22 of Ezekiel tells us that there will be plagues, torrents of rain, hailstones, and burning sulfur. Just as God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, he will destroy these invading forces. Once again, God will make it known to all the nations that He is the Lord. He will give the nations proof that He is the Holy One in Israel.
This war against Israel will pave the way for the Antichrist's military rule over the world and his demand that the world worship him as God. With Islam defeated and the Christian Church raptured, opposition to worshipping a man as God will be greatly reduced. Those who are left would have no army with which to mount much of a protest.
So, how should Christians respond to this prophecy? In Ezekiel 39:6,7, and 28 God says that this end-times battle will happen that "they will know that I am the Lord". This message that God's purpose is to cause Israel and the other nations to know He is Lord is repeated over 60 times in Ezekiel. By learning about prophecy and teaching it to others, people will be able to see the glory, majesty, and sovereignty of God in the fulfillment of His divine word. By knowing our Bible and teaching it to others, they will be able to see that there is a divine creator, and a plan for them. Through Jesus Christ and the salvation he offers us freely, there is victory and an eternity more glorious than they can imagine.
GOG, MAGOG, Israel and Russia
What role does Islam play in the world? Moreover, what is the outcome of Islam? These questions continue to come to mind to those who see the conflict between Islam and the West rise. One cannot help but see the conflicts all around the world, and see the role Islam plays.
For example, in Europe we see the conflict in Kosovo, in Russia there are the Chechens who are at war with Russia. In Iraq, we see the battle between Sunnis and Shiites, along with forces from the United States and Europe. India has a border with Pakistan, both nuclear countries, there are constant rumblings of war, between these nations. Israel in 2006 had a war with Hezbollah, a Shiite group in Lebanon, supported by Iran and Syria. Iran threatens to destroy the Jewish State, and wants to build a nuclear arsenal.
On top of all these openly national conflicts, we have the threat of Islamic terrorism, which affects Muslim countries as well Western countries. Where is this conflict headed? For those who study Bible prophecy, the conflict in the Middle East is no mystery, the final battle according to the Bible, Armageddon, is located in Israel.
The miracle of the nation of Israel cannot be under estimated, if one tries to understand these conflicts around the world, and their conclusion. Ezekiel, 2600-years ago, along with the other prophets of the Bible, foretold of a national rebirth of Israel, gathered from the nations (Ezekiel 36-37). Ezekiel followed this by describing a confederation of nations who would attack a reborn, nation assembled out of the nations in Ezekiel 38 and 39. This event is known in the Bible as the battle of GOG and MAGOG.
The battle of GOG and MAGOG is an event, which plays a prominent role in Islamic, Jewish and Christian eschatology. Although the scenarios have different results, all three faiths see GOG and MAGOG as a major event. Now just what are GOG and MAGOG is the subject of this paper.
What is the battle of GOG and Magog?
In short, the battle GOG and MAGOG is war in the latter days (Last days) when a confederacy of nations attack Israel, which has been restored in the last days. These nations, which attack Israel in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, include nations, which are Muslim and have a clear animosity to Israel. Along with these Muslims nations, a northern kingdom, called GOG and MAGOG, which many identify, as the land Russia, will ally itself with Muslim nations, to oppose Israel in the last days.
This confederacy of nations comes against Israel, God, who through Ezekiel foretells the event, defeats them. This conflict establishes Israel and restores them to the land in preparation of their redemption. The conflict also reminds the world, why Israel went into captivity for the last two-thousand years.(Ezekiel 39:28).
The timing of this event, and what follows is an issue of debate by those who study Bible prophecy. The battle of GOG and MAGOG is a seminal event in scripture. It is the transition to the time, known as the Day of the Lord, the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, the Tribulation Period. Scripture reveals the details to those who take the Bible literally.
How did the world arrive at where they are?
To know where the world is going, it’s important to know how we got where we are. The situation in the world today, is the result of thousands of years of history, which will culminate in the land of Israel in the last days.
Israel from the beginning was part of God’s prophetic plan is clear from scripture, both Old and New Testaments detail how the descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel), are linked to the land of Canaan (Israel). Moses in Deuteronomy writes regarding the land and the descendents of Jacob who were given the land by God in the days of Moses and Joshua.
"It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you go in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God drives them out from before you, and that He may fulfill the word which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 9:5
In the last days, Israel the restored nation, brought back into the land, comes into conflict with Islam. Islamic nations took possession of the land from the Byzantine Empire, after they were defeated in Palestine (Israel) in A.D. 637. Remember, Rome in A.D. 70. destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. They destroyed Jerusalem a 2nd time under the Emperor Hadrian A.D. 135. For clarity sake, let’s see how these stages in Israel’s history are connected to today’s events.
Event
Israel established in the land
1
· Abraham was called to Mt. Moriah (The Temple Mount), from there the land of Israel was given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Gen. 12:1-7).
· After 400-years in Egypt, Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt into the land of promise.
· God established conditional blessings and cursing on the people of Israel. (Deut. 28-30). If they obeyed, they would blessed above all the nations on earth, if they turned away they would be cast out of the land.
· David purchased Mt. Moriah for a Temple at God’s instruction, Solomon built the Temple and the Lord sanctified the Temple on Mt. Moriah promising the Temple’s destruction if Israel turned away from the Lord.
· God promised Israel would eventually be established in the land in righteousness and obedience despite their being cast from the land.
2
Israel expelled from the land
Babylonian Captivity
Israel became two nations after Solomon, a southern kingdom (Judah) and a Northern kingdom (Israel) In 586 B.C. Judah, the southern kingdom was expelled from the land and the Temple destroyed, following Israel the Northern kingdom, which was expelled in 722 B.C.. Cyrus allowed the Jews to return and the Temple to be rebuilt in 539 B.C.
Roman Captivity
In A.D. 70, after the Messiah was killed in 33 A.D., the Temple was destroyed again and the people expelled from the land. The earlier expulsion from the land lasted 70-years, the Roman expulsion ended with the nation of Israel, established in May 1948. The first time Israel was an independent nation in over 2000-years. The last nation, the Maccabean kingdom lasted about 100-years from 165-63 B.C.
3
Nations occupy the land during Israel’s absence
Babylonian Captivity
When the Assyrians and Babylonians respectively took Israel and Judah captive, people from the surrounding lands came to occupy Israel. When the Jews were allowed to return under Persian authority in 539 B.C., the people who occupied the lands tried to prevent the Jews from being established back in the land. Israel had to fight for its existence, as the nations surrounding them tried eliminate the Jews.
Roman Captivity
Like the Babylonian captivity, when the Jews were expelled from the land of Israel by the Romans, during their absence, the surrounding nations began to occupy and take possession of the land given to the descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Among these nations, were those who could trace a descent from Abraham, and Isaac, but not from Jacob. The people, who occupied the land, also became Muslim through the conquest of Islam. These same nations also came to believe they were entitled to the land of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, through the descent of Abraham.
4
Israel restored to the land
After Babylon
Following the defeat of Babylon by Cyrus the Great, the Jews were allowed to return to the land of Israel, and rebuild the Temple. Israel did not become a nation for another four hundred years, (539- 163 B.C.). The short-lived Maccabean kingdom came to end with the Romans after they sought help from Rome. Rome entered Jerusalem, not to leave until after Jerusalem was destroyed.
After Rome
Israel became a nation, only after the Muslim Ottoman Empire was defeated, they allied themselves with the Germans in World War I. From the Muslim perspective, Israel took land, which belonged to Islam, and therefore Muslim nations are required to retrieve these lands by force of arms if necessary. The Europeans and the United States divided the Ottoman empire into separate nations, eventually allowing a Jewish nation after World War II.
5
God judges the nations
Babylonian Judgment
God used Babylon to judge the nations, including Israel for their sins and transgressions, leading up to the eventual destruction of the nations. Through Israel God judged the nations,
Roman Judgment
Israel was judged as a nation, after the Messiah was rejected by the nation. Both the Temple and the city were destroyed as foretold in the book of Daniel, 600-years before the event. Israel before Messiah is accepted by the nation, would be restored to the land. In the end God will judge the nations which come against Israel to destroy the Jews, Israel surrounded by the nations, will cry out to Messiah, who will return with glory and power. The messiah rejected by Israel, Jesus Christ, will rule and reign over a righteous Israel.
6
God establishes Israel under the Messiah
Israel was established as a single nation, and was given an opportunity to accept the Messiah Jesus Christ at His first coming. The nation rejected Jesus, killing Him, fulfilling scripture regarding the Messiah who would die for the sins of the world. (Isaiah 53, Daniel 9:26).
Israel reestablished in the last days, will be again have the opportunity to accept Jesus as Messiah, which will be accomplished at the end of Daniel’s 70th Week. The Jewish people surrounded by the nations, will call out to Jesus the Messiah, who will return in glory and power.(Zechariah 12:1-3,9-10, Matthew 24;29-31, 25:31-32)
Following return of Messiah (2nd Coming of Jesus Christ), Israel will be established as nation, under the rule of King Messiah who will rule as king of the Earth, from Jerusalem. (Zechariah 14:9,17-21, Ezekiel 43:1-10, Matthew 25:30-40
Islam as a threat to Israel
One hundred years ago, there was no threat of Islam against Israel, because there was no Israel. Today that has all changed, since the first of Israel’s creation, the Muslim nations have raged against it, threatening to send the Jews into the sea from the first day of their creation.
The origin of this rage against the Jews and Israel as noted earlier, dates back to the time Mohammad fled from Mecca to Medina. In Medina, the Jews rejected his claim of prophet, and ridiculed him. His rage against them transferred to the Quran, which was later transferred to all Muslims through the Quran. Muslims today, compose over 20% of the Earth’s population, 1.3 billion people.
Muslim nations surround Israel, and oppose their existence, even after loosing five major conflicts. Currently the great Islamic threat comes from Iran, which has openly called for the destruction of the Jewish state, while at the same time trying to develop nuclear capability.
Islam will remain a threat to Israel, until either Islam or Israel attains a decisive victory over the other. Since Israel’s very existence remains in doubt from the world perspective, the conclusion to this Islam/Israel conflict needs to be understood from a prophetic viewpoint.
God’s prophetic program: The Temple of the Dome of the Rock
The third most holy place for a Islam, is located in the heart of Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock, a building which, according to Islam commemorates Mohammad’s ascent into Heaven. There according to Islam, Mohammad received the confirmation of Islam by the biblical prophets and the Lord Himself.
The Dome of the Rock also happens to be the Most Holy location of Judaism, where according to the Bible, God instructed Israel to build a Temple. Only on this spot alone can Israel establish a place of sacrifice to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This creates quite a problem in the world today. We have two groups of people, both with claims to the same location. Yet according to Bible prophecy, a Third Temple will be constructed on this very location.
Therefore, if a Third Temple is to be constructed, then at some point the Dome of the Rock or Noble Sanctuary must be removed. Since Islam in a unified voice, on numerous occasions has threatened world wide war, if the Dome of the Rock is harmed, its logical to conclude, Islam as a power and threat needs to be removed before the Temple is rebuilt.
The prophetic war in the Bible, the war of GOG and MAGOG, though not stated explicitly, implies the war is caused by a conflict over the Temple and the Dome of the Rock.
Timing of the battle of GOG and MAGOG
The timing of the war, which will includes Islam as a part of a confederacy nations, is subject to debate, there is ample reason to believe the event takes place prior to the event known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week.
This period, according to Daniel is a seven-year period, which requires the building of the Third Temple, at the start of the period. We know this because the Abomination of Desolation, takes place 3.5-years, or half way into the seven-year agreement.
We also know from the prophecy itself, there will be seven-years, which follows the defeat of the armies of GOG and MAGOG, when Israel burns the weapons, and continually buries the dead.
9 "Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bows and arrows, the javelins and spears; and they will make fires with them for seven years.
15 "The search party will pass through the land; and when anyone sees a man's bone, he shall set up a marker by it, till the buriers have buried it in the Valley of Hamon GOG.
Ezekiel 39:9,15
Now, what follows the defeat of GOG and MAGOG, in the book of Ezekiel chapters 40 to 43, is the building of the Temple, when the Glory of the Lord, enters the area now known as the Temple Mount. From the context, of the events described here, it is clearly a future age, known as the Messianic age, or the Millennium, when the Kingdom of God is established on Earth. During this period, the Messiah, Jesus Christ reigns over the earth.
The Temple described in Ezekiel 40 to 43, would actually be the 4th Temple, since the 3rd Temple (Yet to be built) is the subject of the Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15, Daniel 9:27, 12:11). The 4th Temple is established, after all earthly conflicts are finished, which includes Armageddon. This 4th Temple follows the return of Messiah (Jesus Christ), who comes in glory and power to rule over the nations and Israel (Matthew 24:29-31, 25:31-40) as King of the world.
The Four Temple Periods in the Bible
1
The First Temple Period (960 B.C. to 586 B.C)
Built by Solomon, in 586 B.C. the Temple was destroyed by Babylon for Judah’s Sin. (Ezekiel 8-9)
2
The Second Temple Period (516 B.C. to A.D. 70)
The Temple was rebuilt by the Jews who returned after the Persians defeated Babylon, completed in 516 B.C., the Temple was destroyed by the armies of Rome in A.D. 70
3
The Third Temple (Tribulation Temple) (Future)
The Temple will be built, after the Dome of the Rock is removed, following the war of GOG and MAGOG. Islam as threat to Israel’s existence will end. The future world leader to come (Daniel 9:27) the Antichrist, will make a seven-year agreement allowing Temple worship and sacrifice, this end with the Abomination of Desolation.
4
The Fourth Temple (The Millennium Temple) (Future)
This is the Temple during the reign of King Messiah (Jesus Christ), the Glory of the Lord. (Ezekiel 40-43). This Temple follows the events of the Tribulation which end at Armagedd
The Jewish view of GOG and Magog
Rabbinical writers also see the events of GOG and MAGOG as taking place at the “End of day”, when the nations of the world come against Israel to destroy the Jewish people. GOG and MAGOG is a major part of Jewish eschatology (Last things), in the days of Messiah.
Though the events differ among rabbinical commentators, most write that in the battle of MAGOG, Messiah son of Joseph[1] is killed by Armilus (the Antichrist) after he rebuilds the Temple. Israel then goes through a period of persecution, which ends with the coming of Messiah son of David, who destroys Armilus and begins the reign of Messiah. Quoting from the Midrash we read.
And when the days of the Messiah arrive, GOG and MAGOG will come up against the Land of Israel, because they will hear Israel is without a king and sits in safety. Instantly they will take with them seventy-one nations and go up to Jerusalem...And the Holy One, blessed be He, will say to him: “You wicked one! You want to wage war against Me? By your life I will wage war against you!” Instantly the Holy One, blessed be He, will cause hailstones, which are hidden in the firmament, to descend upon him, and will bring upon him a great plague....
And after him will arise another king, wicked and insolent, and he will wage war against Israel for three months, and his name is Armilus....And he will go up to Jerusalem and will slay Messiah ben Joseph...
And thereafter will come Messiah ben David...and he will kill the wicked Armilus...and thereafter the Holy One, blessed be He, will gather all Israel who are dispersed here and there....[2]
The Muslim view of GOG and Magog
The Muslim view of GOG and MAGOG differs from both the Christian and Jewish view, in the end the Muslims and not the Jews are victors against GOG and MAGOG. The origin in the Quran can be traced to the legends of Alexander the Great, which developed around him. In the Quran, Alexander the Great is referred to as O Dhul-Qarneyn, Alexander builds an Iron wall of metal separating GOG and MAGOG to the North. At the end of time, according to the Quran, GOG and MAGOG will be released, they will be an enemy of Islam. The problem is of course, GOG and MAGOG are attacking Israel in the Biblical account, written over almost 1000-years before Mohammad was even born. The Jewish community of Medina, where he would have learned about GOG and MAGOG, influenced Mohammad, except in his version, Islam defeats GOG and MAGOG,
93. Till, when he came between the two mountains, he found upon their hither side a folk that scarce could understand a saying.
94. They said: O Dhul-Qarneyn! Lo! GOG and MAGOG are spoiling the land. So may we pay thee tribute on condition that thou set a barrier between us and them?
95. He said: That wherein my Lord hath established me better (than your tribute). Do but help me with strength (of men), I will set between you and them a bank.
96. Give me pieces of iron till, when he had levelled up (the gap) between the cliffs, he said: Blow! till, when he had made it a fire, he said: Bring me molten copper to pour thereon.
Surah 18:93-96
95. And there is a ban upon any community which We have destroyed: that they shall not return,
96. Until, when GOG and MAGOG are let loose, and they hasten out of every mound.
97. And the True Promise draweth nigh; then behold them, starring wide (in terror), the eyes of those who disbelieve! (They say): Alas for us! We (lived) in forgetfulness of this. Ah, but we were wrong doers!
98. Lo! ye (idolaters) and that which ye worship beside Allah are fuel of hell. Thereunto ye will come.
Surah 21:95-98
Volume 4, Book 55, Number 565: Narrated Zainab bint Jahsh: That the Prophet once came to her in a state of fear and said, "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah. Woe unto the Arabs from a danger that has come near. An opening has been made in the wall of GOG and MAGOG like this," making a circle with his thumb and index finger. Zainab bint Jahsh said, "O Allah's Apostle! Shall we be destroyed even though there are pious persons among us?" He said, "Yes, when the evil person will increase." Sahih Bukhari (Hadith)
Along with the rabbinical influences in Medina, the origin of Alexander the Great linked with GOG and MAGOG can be traced to Egypt in the 2nd century A.D., The Encyclopedia Britannica writes,
The chief source of all Alexander romance literature was a folk epic written in Greek by a Hellenized Egyptian in Alexandria during the 2nd century AD. Surviving translations and copies make its reconstruction possible. It portrayed Alexander as a national messianic hero, the natural son of an Egyptian wizard-king by the wife of Philip II of Macedon.... Eastern accounts of Alexander's fabled career paid a good deal of attention to the GOG and MAGOG episode, a version of this story being included in the Qur?an. The Arabs, expanding Syrian versions of the legend, passed them on to the many peoples with whom they came in contact. Through them, the Persian poets, notably Ne?ami in the 12th century, gave the stories new form.[3]
The Biblical view of GOG and Magog
The Biblical view differs from both the Muslim and Rabbinical Jewish view, since the rabbinical view embellishes on the biblical material and the Muslim view has results, which makes Islam the victor at the end.
In the biblical view, alliances of nations, including Russia (MAGOG)[4] from the North and Iran (Persia) along with other nations make an alliance against Israel. These other nations include Libya and Ethiopia both Muslim nations today. Togarmah is identified as Armenia; they supplied horses and mules as tribute to Babylon (Ezekiel 27:14).
Ezekiel 38
1 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying,
2 "Son of man, set your face against GOG, of the land of MAGOG, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
3 "and say, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I am against you, O GOG, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.
4 "I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.
5 "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
6 "Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops-many people are with you. Ezekiel 38:1-6
Nation
Comments
Land of Magog
Prince of Rosh or Chief Prince of Meshech and Tubal
MAGOG is a land identified as Scythia, or Russia, by Josephus. The message is to GOG, identified as prince, of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. Rosh in Hebrew also means Chief which has caused some to translate this verse as Chief Prince rather then Chief of Rosh (Russia).
Meshech and Tubal are the sons of Japheth (Genesis 10:2). Some Georgians trace their descent from Meshech.. The name for Moscow, comes from the river Moskva which passes through the city.
The name Russia comes from a Scandinavian tribe which settled the area, known as Rus.
Tubal some trace this name to the area in Siberia known as Tobolsk,
Persia
Persia is the ancient name of Iran. Iran is a recent name for this region. Currently, Iran has both military and economic ties with Russia. Persia has also threatened to wipe out the nation of Israel, who has been gathered from the nations.
Ethiopia (Cush)
This is area south of the Nile includes the area known as Sudan and Ethiopia today. Sudan is controlled by an Islamic government, opposed to Israel.
Libya
Gomer
Troops
Togarmah
From far north and all its troops
Many peoples
GOG invades in the later day
The armies are enemies of a restored Israel, in the latter years, gathered from the nations of the world and placed back in the land of Israel. (See Ezekiel 36-37) Israel is described as a land of un-walled villages; the invasion comes from the “far north” and is part of an evil plan against Israel.
7 "Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.
8 "After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.
9 "You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you."
10 'Thus says the Lord God: "On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan:
11 "You will say, 'I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates'
12 to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land.
13 "Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, 'Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?' " '
14 "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to GOG, 'Thus says the Lord God: "On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it?
15 "Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army.
16 "You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O GOG, before their eyes." Ezekiel 38:7-16
The prophets foretold of GOG and Magog
In the end, the Lord will be magnified in the earth, as the prophets of the Bible (Ezekiel)
are given credit for revealing the
event (vs. 17). God Himself will destroy the armies, through an earthquake, flooding rain, hailstones, fire and brimstone.
The
armies will also turn on one another and God will be glorified
in that day.
17 'Thus says the Lord God: "Are you he of whom I have spoken in former days by My servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied for years in those days that I would bring you against them?
18 "And it will come to pass at the same time, when GOG comes against the land of Israel," says the Lord God, "that My fury will show in My face.
19 "For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken: 'Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel,
20 'so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.'
21 "I will call for a sword against GOG throughout all My mountains," says the Lord God. "Every man's sword will be against his brother.
22 "And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.
23 "Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord." ' Ezekiel 38:1-23
God loves the people of the world, many of whom are deceived with a burning rage against the descendents of Israel and the Bible. In the war of GOG, God’s word spoken through the Biblical prophets takes central stage, as the armies of Islam are destroyed. Moreover, Israel is freed from the Islamic threat, which has existed for the last 60-years.
Israel uses the remains burns the weapons of GOG for seven-years
Following the defeat of Islam and Russia, Israel uses the weapons left in the land for the next seven-years. The seven-year period clearly indicates this event occurs before the tribulation, since the tribulation itself is seven years.
7 "So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them profane My holy name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.
8 "Surely it is coming, and it shall be done," says the Lord God. "This is the day of which I have spoken.
9 "Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bows and arrows, the javelins and spears; and they will make fires with them for seven years. Ezekiel 39:7-9
What happens to Islam and the Muslim people following GOG and Magog
What happens to the Muslim nations, we can gather from other scriptures in the Bible. We know the Antichrist, the last world leader before the return of Christ, makes a peace treaty. This agreement or Covenant is for seven-years, but only last
3.5 before it is broken.
At the start of this covenant, Israel is deceived by the Antichrist, who later turns on the Jewish people, proclaiming himself god, demanding the world worship him. Prior to this however, the antichrist tries to unify the world, under a single religion.
With Islam defeated as a force, he will begin to persecute all those who refuse to submit to his plans.
The nations on the earth will have a clear choice, having witnessed the destruction of the Islamic alliance; the world will be forced to choose between the God of Israel or a false world leader, who will force the earth to worship him.
21 "I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them.
22 "So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.
23 "The Gentiles shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they were unfaithful to Me, therefore I hid My face from them. I gave them into the hand of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword.
24 "According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden My face from them." '
25 "Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name
26 after they have borne their shame, and all their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, when they dwelt safely in their own land and no one made them afraid.
27 'When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and I am hallowed in them in the sight of many nations,
28 'then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer.
29 'And I will not hide My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,' says the Lord God." Ezekiel 39:21-29
The Antichrist, along with the world’s religious leader, the false prophet, force the whole world, to submit to the Antichrist who proclaims himself god. Muslim’s freed from Islam will have an opportunity to choose the Messiah, Jesus Christ as their savior.
They who know Jesus, during the tribulation will be killed for their, they however will find their way into Heaven, and attain eternal life (Revelation 6:9-11).
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[1]According to Jewish tradition, there are two Messiahs, one who suffers and dies, Son of Joseph, the other who reigns and conquers, Son of David. Son of Joseph dies in the battle of GOG and MAGOG and is resurrected by the Son of David. Both the pictures, the Suffering Messiah and King Messiah are completed in Jesus Christ, who came the first time to die for the sins of the world, and will come the second time to reign over the world.
[2] The Messiah Texts, Raphael Patai, Pgs. 159-160, Wayne State University Press, Detroit 1979, Quoting from Midrash waYosha, BhM 1:56.
[3] Encyclopedia Britannica 1994 DVD version, Alexander Romance
[4] Josephus identifies MAGOG as the Scythians, the ancestors of what is known as Russia today. |
