Gog and Allies Attack Israel

Ezekiel 38:1–12
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In this passage we find, that in the future, nations and peoples will be banded together under the leadership of Gog (vv. 1-9 & Rev. 20:6) and come down from the North to invade Israel which will culminate in the battle of Armageddon. Gog seems to represent the military might of all the forces opposed to God. Especially during the years of communistic dominance in Russia and several countries in Eastern Europe I heard good pastors and well meaning Bible teachers say that Rosh, refers to Russia; Meshech, is Moscow; Tubal is Tobolsk and Gomer, is modern-day Germany. However, these interpretations seem to run counter to other contextual, geographical, historical, and linguistical data. More recently, several strong; arguments in opposition to this teaching have been brought to my attention. That being, there is no linguistic affinity between the terms. The etymologies of the words are different. Also, Tubal is actually geographically located in Asia Minor, not in Russia; Meshech is to be identified with Mushke, which is located in northwest Asia Minor, not modern-day Russia’s Moscow. Persia, is modern day Iran; and Togarmah, being what is named in modern times as Turkey or Armenia. These countries are located directly north of Israel and are presently dominated by Islam. We need to keep our eyes on these countries as God fulfills His prophetic time table.

What could possibly justify such an all-out military effort by this great northern confederacy that is described here? The text says To take a spoil (vv. 10-13). The development of Israel since 1948 has been phenomenal. It is also a known fact that the mineral wealth in the Dead Sea is of almost incalculable value! Much of it is used for production of fertilizer. These chemicals, together with modern technology in farming by irrigation and increasing amounts of natural rainfall, could make it to be the breadbasket for a large part of the world. Israel also stands at the crossroads of world commerce. Whoever controls Israel could control much more.

Application

I am so thankful that the Lord has saved me and I will not be on earth when this battle takes place.