God’s War on Israel’s Enemies (Ezekiel 38-39) :: By Dr. Donald Whitchard

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles

Gog and Magog: God’s War on Israel’s Enemies

Scripture References: Ezekiel 38:1-23,39:1-29; Daniel 9:27,11:40-45; Revelation 7:9-14

In reading the account of the coming Gog-Magog War in Ezekiel 38-39, we need to ask some relevant questions on how everything comes to pass. First, who are the invaders of Israel mentioned in the prophecy? We read about ten proper names in Chapter 38:1-6 that help us identify the invading forces. Nine of these ten words describe geographical locations. Gog is not a location but is instead a title, such as Pharoah, Caesar, or King. Gog will be the leader of this invasion and is also called a prince.

The names Ezekiel gives are the ancient names of countries that existed in his day, well known to those living at that time but are totally foreign to most readers today. Let us start with the area known as “Rosh,” also known as Rashu, Ras Apu, and Rus. It is now known as the nation of Russia. “Magog” was the land of the “Scythians,” known today as Central Asia. The area is now a conglomeration of southern Islamic republics with a combined population of 60,000,000 Muslims. This territory probably includes modern Afghanistan as well.

“Meshech” (ancient Mushki and Musko in the region of Cilicia and Cappadocia) is now the nation of Turkey, including southern Russia and Iran. “Tubal” is also within the borders of Turkey, southern Russia, and Iran. The Kingdom of Persia changed its name to Iran under Shah Reza Pahlavi in 1935 and had always been civil toward the Jews living there. Up until 1979, with the fall of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the country had diplomatic ties with Israel and had joint military operations over the years. When Ayatollah Khomeini came to power, all of that ended, and today, Iran is the sworn mortal enemy of Israel, calling for its destruction on a daily basis.

The area of “Cush” is today the nation of Sudan, a Muslim nation with hostilities toward Israel. It is located south of Egypt. The nation of “Put,” located west of Egypt, is now the country of Libya, while “Gomer” and “Beth-Togarmah” are located on the borders of modern Turkey. It will be the combined forces of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, Sudan, and the nations of Central Asia that will gather together at “the mountains of Israel” (38:7-9) with the objective of ridding the world of the Jewish people forever, claiming the land and its wealth for themselves, or so they think.

This planned invasion will take place in the “last days when I will bring you against My land” (38:18). It is the LORD who initiates the idea of invasion in the minds of Israel’s enemies (Psalm 83) in order that He will not only destroy them but also show that He is the God of Israel and the One and True God over all.

This invasion will happen at the final time of history in preparation for the establishment of the Messianic kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. It should be noted that nothing described in Ezekiel 38-39 has ever taken place in the history of Israel; therefore, all of this must occur sometime in the future. The Gog-Magog War occurs when Israel is in the land permanently. This happened on May 14, 1948, when the state of Israel declared her independence from the British Mandate. What had been “Palestine” was now the reborn nation as prophesied in Scripture (Isaiah 66:8).

One other thing is that Israel “is at rest” when the invasion takes place (38:8, 11, 14). Since 1948, Israel has never known a day of rest or peace, either in the arena of war or battles with the political and diplomatic difficulties it has with the UN and its hostility toward Israeli policy and decisions. Today, Israel is seen as the “villain” in the Gaza War, with the “Palestinians” as the “innocent victims” of “Israeli genocide,” a line repeated by the media pundits, even by some who claim to be “Christians.”

There are only two times when Israel will have peace, and both are mentioned in the Bible. The first will take place during the first three and a half years of the Tribulation (Daniel 9:27) when Israel signs a “peace treaty” with the Antichrist. This will be broken at the halfway point when he goes into the rebuilt Temple, performs an act of desecration upon the sacred altar, and declares himself to be God on earth.

The Lord Jesus warned of this in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:15-28; Mark 13:14-23; Luke 17:23, 24, 37, 21:20-24)). The Jews living at that time need to flee Jerusalem and the land as fast as they can and hide for their safety under the protection of God and not any nation (Revelation 12:14). All the world will be against Israel, even the USA, the staunchest ally Israel has ever had until this point in history. We see the seeds of this animosity already planted in the nation, and it is growing with intensity each day.

The second and final period of peace for Israel will take place when the Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, returns to earth in the Second Coming (Revelation 19:11-21) to destroy Israel’s foes and inaugurate His 1,000-year kingdom of peace and joy centered in Israel (Isaiah 2:4).

Putting together all of the pieces of the prophetic puzzle, we can conclude that the events written of in Chapters 38 and 39 take place during the first half of the Tribulation after the true church of Jesus Christ has been raptured to heaven (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 3:10) when Israel is living under the false peace of the covenant she has made with the Antichrist, who appears for the moment to be Israel’s Promised Messiah. We know that these nations will attempt an invasion of Israel.

The question is: Why do they want to invade it?

  • First, it will be to seize and cash in on the natural resources and wealth of Israel (Ezekiel 38:11-12).
  • Second, they want to control the Middle East.
  • Third, they all harbor a mutual hatred for the nation of Israel, especially the Islamic nations who hate the Jews (The Quran refers to the Jews as “pigs” and commands all faithful Muslims to kill them along with all “infidels,” including Christians).
  • Fourth, these nations are blistering under the tyranny of Antichrist and will challenge him for authority (Daniel 11:40-45).

These four reasons are the human justification for waging war, but as mentioned earlier, God’s goal or purpose in this invasion is that He might be sanctified in the eyes of all the nations (Ezekiel 38:14-16).

This invasion will look like the biggest mismatch in the history of warfare. It will make the Arab invasions of 1967 and 1973 pale in comparison. When Russia puts together this last-days strike force, it looks as if Israel will be finished. However, God is in total control of the situation, mounting up in HIs fury to destroy these godless invaders (Ezekiel 39:18). He will come to rescue His helpless people, using four methods to destroy the armies of Gog and Magog:

  • He will bring about a great earthquake (38:19-20).
  • Infighting will occur among the troops of the nations (38:21). In the aftermath of the earthquake, the armies will turn against each other, bringing about the largest carnage of death by “friendly fire” in human history.
  • As a result, diseases will break out and spread, killing the remaining forces (38:22).
  • There will be torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur poured on whoever is left of this decimated army (38:22).

No one at this time will say that this was an all-natural coincidence, “climate change,” or any other excuse to explain this victory. The eyes of many will be opened to the fact that what had happened was the benevolent act of God on behalf of His people.

Scripture tells of the aftermath of the battle with the arrival of “the birds of the air” and “the beasts of the field” to devour the flesh of the dead (Ezekiel 39:4-5, 17-20; Revelation 19:17-18). There will also be a time of massive clean-up of the land that will take seven months, including the burial of the dead and the removal of weapons (Ezekiel 39:11-12, 14-16) by having them burned, which will take three and a half years to complete (39:9-10).

In the midst of this wrath, God uses it to bring numerous Jews and Gentiles to salvation (Ezekiel 38:16, 23; 39:6-7, 21-22; Revelation 7:9-14).

Ezeki3l 38-39 is one of the most amazing prophecies in the Bible, and looking around, it seems like everything predicted is about to come to pass. Russia and its Islamic allies are the key players in this prophecy and will be the places to closely watch as the passage of time brings us closer to the “Blessed Hope” of Christ’s glorious return (Luke 21:28).

donaldwhitchard@gmail.com

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www.youtube.com/@realitycityreview/streams

(My thanks to Dr. Mark Hitchcock and his article on the Gog-Magog War in The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy (c) 2008, Harvest House Publishers, pp.119-122).

Groaning and Travailing :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: by RR10 Category:Daymond Duck, General Articles

In Romans 8:18-25, the Apostle Paul wrote:

  • “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (vs.18).
  • For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God (vs.19).
  • For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope (vs. 20),
  • Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (vs. 21).
  • For we know that the whole Creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now (vs. 22).
  • And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body (vs. 23).
  • For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (vs. 24)
  • But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (vs. 25).

Here are some of my thoughts on these verses:

  • There are problems in God’s creation (the heavenly bodies, plants, animals, humans, etc.) that won’t exist in the coming world (vs. 18).
  • God’s creation is watching and waiting for the day when these problems no longer exist (vs. 19).
  • When God created this earth, He knew it would fail (Gen. 3:18-19), but He didn’t leave this earth without hope (vs. 20).
  • There is hope for God’s failing creation just like there is hope for failing human beings (vs. 21).
  • God’s creation has always been groaning and travailing in pain (Satan has caused problems from the very beginning (vs. 22). Note: The Bible teaches that this groaning and travailing – storms, pollution, pestilences, war, economic problems, deceit, corruption, etc. – is like birth pains that will increase in frequency and intensity as we approach the end of the age, Tribulation Period, and Second Coming of Jesus.
  • This groaning and travailing impacts everything in Creation (outer space, planet Earth, every human being, etc. (vs. 23).
  • But the situation is not hopeless. We can be saved (salvation involves faith, hope, and love) and have hope (by the finished work of Jesus on the cross) (vs. 24).
  • Hope involves waiting for something (that great resurrection day; our new bodies, peace, justice, and righteousness on earth; eventually, a new heaven and a new earth, etc.) (vs. 25).
  • While we are waiting for our hope to become reality, the Holy Spirit helps us with our groaning and travailing by interceding in prayer for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. The creation is groaning, but the Holy Spirit is groaning too. I believe the groaning and travailing can bring us to the point where we do not know what to pray for, but the Holy Spirit will help us. Imagine that: Jesus intercedes for His children at the throne of God in heaven, and the Holy Spirit indwells God’s children and intercedes for them too.). (vs. 26).
  • The Father understands the Holy Spirit’s prayers because the Holy Spirit prays about things that are the will of God (vs. 27).

This is the point: Many of us are rightly concerned because things appear to be falling apart on Earth (society is becoming more immoral, dishonest, dissatisfied, dangerous; wars, natural disasters, and antisemitism are increasing; we have lost loved ones and are getting older; globalists are working to bring in a New World Order under a leader called the Antichrist in the Bible, etc.)

But God is in control, and we are not without hope.

He will replace the globalist New World Order under the Antichrist with a New World Order under the Christ.

Most of the groaning and travailing will be temporarily wiped out by the Millennial Reign (New World Order) of Jesus.

The New World Order under the Antichrist will last 7 years.

The New World Order under the Christ will last 1,000 years.

Then, after God deals with all the unsaved at the Great White Throne judgment, there will be a new heaven and a new earth (God’s great reset).

This is my reminder that Satan tries to copy God.

Here are some reasons to believe history is close to the end of the age.

One, concerning Israel expanding her borders at the end of the age: on July 17, 2024, UN Sec. Guterres said:

  • Israel’s policy toward the West Bank is dooming any prospect of a two-state solution with the Palestinians.
  • We must change course. All settlement activity must cease immediately.
  • Israeli settlements are a flagrant violation of international law and an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.

This is the point:

  • Hamas tried to expand the borders of Gaza by wiping out Israel (and Hezbollah is trying to expand the borders of Lebanon in the north by wiping out Israel).
  • Now Israel is building and expanding settlements on the West Bank (in Israel), and the UN doesn’t like it.

(My opinion: Israel is expanding her borders now, and many world leaders are against it. They will divide Israel in the near future, but at the Second Coming of Jesus, Israel will wind up with a lot more territory than they have now.)

Two, concerning the two-state solution: on July 17, 2024, Israel passed a resolution that says:

  • The Israeli Knesset opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan. The establishment of a Palestinian state in the heart of the Land of Israel will pose an existential threat to the State of Israel and its citizens, perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and destabilize the region.

Israel has clearly notified the world that it opposes the two-state solution.

One Knesset member said:

  • Look at history. Every time we conceded land for peace, we got more terror. The Oslo Accords, the Gaza disengagement, the withdrawal from southern Lebanon – each move brought more bloodshed.
  • So, let’s be unequivocal: There will be no Palestinian state. Not now. Not ever.

Three, concerning the two-state solution and people declaring peace and safety when the covenant that begins the Tribulation Period is confirmed by the Antichrist: on July 17, 2024, the UK’s King Charles put on a crown, sat on his throne, and told the UK Parliament:

  • The new UK government will play its part in trying to secure long-term peace and security (peace and safety) in the Middle East and is committed to a two-state solution with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

(My opinion: The three articles above are about things that were said on the same day at the UN, in Israel, and in the UK, and all of them relate to end of the age Bible prophecy.)

Four, concerning a covenant of peace with many in the Middle East: on July 15, 2024, Pres. Biden said he received a call from the Saudis, and they are willing to fully recognize the existence of Israel in exchange for U.S. weapons that would allow them to defend themselves if other Arab nations or Iran attacks them.

Five, concerning the return of Jews to the Promised Land at the end of the age (see Ezek. 36:24): rising antisemitism in France is causing Jews to feel unsafe there.

On July 15, 2024, a committee in the Israeli Knesset met to discuss emergency measures to allow thousands of French Jews to immigrate to Israel immediately.

A decision is pending.

(More: On July 24, 2024, terrorists in France threatened to kill Israeli athletes that arrive in France to compete in the Olympics.)

(My opinion: Many Jews are preparing to relocate to the Promised Land as unbelievers because they fear for their lives or the lives of their children. But after they get re-established, many will get saved; see Ezek. 36:25-38.)

Six, concerning antisemitism, Jerusalem being a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone at the end of the age, the division of Jerusalem and Israel, and corruption in the UN (United Nothing): on July 19, 2024, the International Court of Justice (also called the ICJ and World Court) issued a decision that is advisory and non-binding.

Here is some of what was in those 83 pages of garbage (my opinion).

  • Israeli settlements on the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) and its annexation of East Jerusalem violate international law.
  • Israel must end its control over these areas and repeal all legislation and measures creating or maintaining this illegal situation.
  • Israel must repeal all laws that discriminate against the Palestinian people and provide reparations for the damage they have done.
  • Every nation in the UN is obligated to disapprove the illegal actions Israel has taken.

Here is Prime Min. Netanyahu’s response:

  • The Jewish people are not occupiers in their own land — not in our eternal capital Jerusalem, not in the land of our ancestors in Judea and Samaria.
  • No false decision in The Hague will distort this historical truth, just as the legality of Israeli settlement in all the territories of our homeland cannot be contested.

Here is what one legal expert said:

  • The so-called legal ‘opinion’ is a legal obscenity from start to finish.
  • The Court is the ‘World Court’ of the United Nations, a body controlled by an anti-Israel mob. The members of the Court are elected by the United Nations. Its legal ‘experts’ include alleged authorities from such legally challenged places like China and Somalia.
  • The ICJ President – the man who read the opinion aloud to the world dressed up in judicial robes with pomp and circumstance – was a Lebanese politician. He was on the ballot for Prime Minister of Lebanon in the last two elections. Before that, he was Lebanon’s representative to the United Nations – a country that doesn’t recognize Israel’s right to exist.

(My question: Should authority be given to corrupt organizations and individuals – UN, WHO, WEF, Islamic terrorists, etc. – who refuse to recognize the right of a nation or certain people to exist? It is coming, and it is called the New World Order?)

Seven, concerning all nations, including the U.S., turning against Israel at the end of the age and the decline of America: in response to reports that the Biden administration is threatening to impose sanctions on some Israeli officials for approving the construction of 5,000 housing units on the West Bank, on July 20, 2024,

  • National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir warned that if the Biden administration does it, Israel will respond by completely dismantling the Palestinian Authority, including all its institutions and economy.

The U.S. will not get away with dividing the land of Israel.

(More: On July 22, 2024, Israeli Prime Min. Netanyahu arrived in Washington, DC to meet with Biden and speak to both houses of Congress. Neither Biden nor Harris was there to meet him when he got off his plane, and he did not receive a diplomatic welcome as an ally of the U.S. Biden’s staff blamed Biden’s absence on Covid, but Harris could have been there, and they could have still given Netanyahu a diplomatic welcome.)

Eight, concerning the decline of America: several days ago, the Republicans were holding their National Convention, and Rev. Franklin Graham was asked to pray on the closing night.

Graham prayed,

  • “As a nation we have forgotten who is responsible for all the freedoms, the liberties, and the bounty that we enjoy. It has all come from You. Thank You.”
  • “All authority comes from You.”
  • “You are a great God, and we ask that if it be Thy will, that You’ll make America great once again.”

(Note: I am not encouraging people to favor one party over another, but I honestly believe the ideology of the candidates should impact our vote.)

Nine, concerning the attempted assassination of Trump: Ken Ham, head of the Creation Museum, said that when these kinds of events occur, we must properly apply biblical principles so we can be as the sons of Issachar, “men who had understanding of the times, to know what [we] ought to do” (1 Chron. 12:32).

Ten, concerning the Battle of Gog and Magog (Russia, Iran, Turkey, etc. attacking Israel in the latter days and latter years): on July 21, 2024, it was reported that Israel arrested several members of a terrorist group in Israel that were acting under Hamas leaders in Turkey.

Eleven, concerning world government and the decline of America: on July 22, 2024, at a J.D. Vance campaign rally in Ohio, state senator George Lang said, “I am afraid if we lose this one (the upcoming presidential election), it’s going to take a civil war to save this country.”

Lang is concerned that the globalists will continue to push the New World Order, chip away at America’s freedom, and citizens may have to fight for the sovereignty of our nation and to protect the rights of their children and grandchildren.

(My opinion: I don’t think Lang was calling for a civil war, but I do think he was saying this next election may be the last chance to stop the New World Order at the ballot box.)

(More: On July 22, 2024, the Associated Press reported that Kamala Harris has enough delegates to secure the Democrat nomination for Pres. of the U.S. My opinion: If this is true, and she wins and carries the House and Senate, she will put the New World Order in fast-forward, and the globalist goal of a world government by 2030 or sooner might be realized.)

(Note: On July 22, 2024, it was reported that the New York Times Editorial Board is urging Harris to drop out because they don’t think she can defeat Trump. One recent poll shows Trump winning by a large margin.)

(More: On July 23, 2024, Rep. Andy Biggs filed impeachment charges against Kamala Harris. Biggs said, “Her breathtaking incompetence as Border Czar has allowed a crisis of drugs, rape, and murder to flood the streets of America.” He added that she “breached the public’s trust (by not invoking the 25th Amendment) after it became clear that Joe Biden was mentally and physically unfit to serve as president.” I doubt that she will be impeached, but who knows?)

Twelve, concerning corruption in the U.S. Secret Service (USSS): on July 23, 2024, Kimberly Cheatle, director of the USSS, resigned over the agency’s failure to protect Pres. Trump.

Here is my daily update on the Israel-Hamas war.

Thursday, July 18, 2024 (Day 287): The two-hundred thirty-first day of the resumed war. Day 73 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Israel assassinated a Hamas-related commander in Lebanon.
  • Israel assassinated 2 Hezbollah commanders and several terrorists in Lebanon.

Friday, July 19, 2024 (Day 288): The two-hundred thirty-second day of the resumed war. Day 74 of the attack on Rafah.

  • The U.S. intercepted a missile and 3 drones that the Houthis launched to attack Israel.
  • The Houthis used an Iranian-made drone to attack Tel Aviv. One man was killed, and 10 were hospitalized with minor injuries.
  • Russia said it may start sending weapons, including missiles, to the Houthis over U.S. support for Ukraine.
  • The new UK government announced that it will end its suspension of aid to the UNRWA (it will give the UNRWA $435 million dollars on the condition that it addresses its corruption, unnecessary spending, and antisemitism).

Saturday, July 20, 2024 (Day 289): The two-hundred thirty-third day of the resumed war. Day 75 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Israeli Jets attacked a fuel depot and oil refinery in a Houthi-controlled port city in Yemen. Fires are raging, and many people have been killed or injured.
  • Netanyahu said, From the beginning of the war, I made it clear that Israel will act against all those who attack us. This is why, earlier today, I asked the Israeli Cabinet to back my decision to strike against the Houthi targets in Yemen.

Sunday, July 21, 2024 (Day 290): The two-hundred thirty-fourth day of the resumed war. Day 76 of the attack on Rafah.

  • The Houthis in Yemen said they will continue to attack Israel and will not abide by any rules of engagement.
  • Israel intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis in Yemen.
  • Israel is closer to Iran than it is to Yemen. Israel’s attack on Yemen means it can reach Iran.
  • Israel captured a treasure trove of Hamas documents in a hotel including stacks of files, computers, maps, information on special units, companies, battalions, and brigades, including the scope of training, weapons, and ammunition (more information than hundreds of thousands of interrogations could get).
  • Israel drafted about 1,000 young, orthodox Jews (who are not full-time students) and plans to draft about 2,000 more over the next 4 weeks.

Monday, July 22, 2024 (Day 291): The two-hundred thirty-fifth day of the resumed war. Day 77 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Hezbollah called Israel’s attack on the Iranian-funded Houthis in Yemen a foolish step.
  • Terrorists have been firing rockets at Israel from a humanitarian zone in Gaza, so Israel has now ordered part of that zone to be temporarily evacuated in preparation for an attack.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 (Day 292): The two-hundred thirty-sixth day of the resumed war. Day 78 of the attack on Rafah.

  • Israel killed an important Hamas leader who recruited terrorists and oversaw the making and planting of explosives.
  • Netanyahu told the families of hostages that Israel may be getting close to a deal, and some hostages in Gaza might be released soon.

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com