The booming Jewish economy Make no mistake, life has not been bliss for the Jewish race since their independence in 1948. There have been eight recognized wars between neighboring Arab states as well as two major uprisings, known as the two intifada’s. Yet despite these wars, the Jewish nation not only transformed the landscape of Israel, but made way for immigration of Jews from the nations of the world to surge. There ability to handle very scarce resources have led to multiple technologies which are world renowned. They developed water desalination plants as well as drip irrigation technology which has resulted in a flourishing livestock and agricultural sector, with these same technologies sold globally. They are not only more than capable of supplying their own local markets with fresh, export quality fruits and vegetables, but export vast quantities of produce each year. Their military powers, besides from being comprehensively outnumbered by their enemies, is partially attributed to their technological skills. This in recent years has leapt into the business sector where improvements and developments to existing as well as new technologies is changing the landscape of the entire world. This is not a mistake nor is it by accident. Eventually, according to Ezekiel’s prophecy, their success will cause this invasion. The mission of the enemy is centrally on the enemies desire to “loot and plunder” and to “take booty” for themselves. This implies that it is pre jealousy, greed mixed with an ancient seed of hatred for the Jews, which brings this alliance under Gog, to the mountains of Israel.

The purpose of the alliance Ezekiel now is about to answer the question as to why such a vast horde is seeking to invade Israel. He says that at that time, “ thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise and evil scheme ”, (Ez. 38:10) . The Israelites are described as being “ a land of un walled villages ”, “ a peaceful and unsuspecting people ” and “ living withouts gates and bars ”, (Ez. 38:11) . This naturally would have effected Ezekiel, since he had already been expelled from Jerusalem and seen its desolation. Yet, the fact that the lands of Israel in the future would have no walls or gates for the sole purpose of protecting their inhabitants, was unheard of. In fact, in those days all cities had walls, gates and markets close to their entrances with guards stationed for protection. Although Israel certainly has returned to its homeland, one certainly cannot describe them as “ peaceful and unsuspecting ”. This is important to note as we weave the threads together at the end of our discourse. This northern king and his allies have one goal in mind. They have come to take plunder and loot from the Israelites who now have become a rich nation in both livestock and goods. This bounty and wealth is the reason why they are prepared to bring all their armies to the mountains of Israel. Their aim is to overwhelm, slaughter and exterminate the Jews so they can take home the spoils of war.

Who comes to Israel’s aid? According to Ezekiel, “ Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions ” will object to Gog’s allied forces on the mountains of Israel. “ Sheba ” is known as being a kingdom in Southern Arabia noted for its great wealth. Likewise “ Dedan ”, means “low ground” and also associated with the north western parts of Saudi Arabia. The merchants of Tarshish is believed to refer to Western Europe and specifically England. The word has strong ties and links to the Atlantic ocean. Naturally, most scholars believe the phrase: “ the young lions ”, as in the case of Daniel’s vision, refers to the United States of America. They were born out of England before they achieved their independence, hence the name, young lions. The manner in which Ezekiel describes Israel’s allies is one of weakness. These countries do nothing to assist Israel, but merely offer diplomatic protest or lip service. They ask: “ Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder? ”, (Ez. 38:13).

Introduction The prophet Ezekiel had much to say concerning a great war which brings Jerusalem into the spotlight in the last days. It attracts much attention as his entire writings were completed more than 2,500 years ago, yet eerily matches the current alliances of nations. Leading up to a great conflict, Ezekiel emphasized that the restoration of the Jews to their homeland will be followed by God pouring out His Spirit on the Jewish race. Ezekiel, spent two chapters explaining visions he had received of Jewish restoration, (chapter 36) and the vision of the valley of the dry bones”, (chapter 37) . This time, he received a Word from the Lord. Interestingly, the conflict he is about to explain is sandwiched between these chapters and a comprehensive description of the millennium temple, (Ezekiel, chapters 40-48) . It implies that sometime between the return of the Jews to their homeland, (which they did in 1948), and the beginning of the millennium reign of Christ, a great war will result in God pouring out His Spirit on His people.

The key character Ezekiel is told to set his face “ against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal ”, (Ez. 38:1) . Most disastrous accounts have a villain and in this prophecy this villain is named Gog. The name “Gog” means “ to stir, eager or excited ”. He is the leader of a conglomeration of nations which the Lord is about to summons. Although he is identified as a ruler, the name “ Rosh ” is ambiguous in nature. The reason for this ambiguity, is that it can be translated as both a noun and as an adjective. When translated as a noun, it means the name of a country called “ Rosh ”. However when translated as an adjective, it means “ chief ” or “ man on top ”. It is for this reason why some Bibles refer to this ruler as “ prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal ” while others as “ Chief prince of Meshech and Tubal ”. Unfortunately, the most natural manner to translate this Hebrew word is as a proper noun. The Latin Vulgate, from which many English Bibles were translated, treated the word as an adjective, providing for this confusion, Having said this, there is no doubt that this villain “Gog”, is a dictator and he is world renowned since many other nations submit to him.

Identifying the dictators lands: “Magog, Rosh, Meshech & Tubal” These names are now foreign to many, but in Ezekiel’s day they were common names of that time. Who are these countries and how do we identify the lands that this ruler emerges from? A cursory glance into the table of nations, (Genesis, chapter 10) , reveals the initial countries who are included in the “Magog umbrella”. Japheth, one of Noah’s sons had children known as “ Magog, Meshech and Tubal ”. These boys moved to the area situated around the Black and Caspian Seas. They were later known as the Ancient Scythians and today occupy Russia and the former republics of the Soviet Union. This ruler is no other than the ruler or president of Russia and its former nations. The first century historian, Josephus Flavius, also confirmed that the ancient lands of Magog referred to the Ancient Scythians, in his writings, the “Antiquities of the Jews”. In this book now almost 2,000 years old, he writes: “ Magog founded those that from him were named Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called Scythians ”. Jerome, an early church father commented in his writings that Magog were the Scythian nations who lived beyond the Caucasus and the Lake Maeotis and also were near the Caspian Sea. Those scholars who attempt to discredit Russia as representing Rosh, use either the error in the Latin Vulgate, or suggest that just because Rosh is similar to the word Russia, it does not mean they are referring to the same nation. Of course, if there was no evidence to the contrary this would be a valid point. However, there is so much evidence supporting Rosh as being the name of Russia, it is ludicrous to suggest it represents another nation. There is evidence of the name Rosh also translated as Roshu in ancient Assyrian literature which existed before the book of Ezekiel was even written. To add salt to the wound, Gesenius, the Hebrew scholar identified Rosh as being the ancient name for modern day Russia. Having considered the vast evidence for the countries “Magog” and “Rosh”, what about the place named “Meshech”? This is perhaps more of a dividing issue as some scholars believe it is in inhabited territory of modern day Turkey, while others believe it is a derivative of a series of names including “Moshoch”, “Moshki”, “Moscoty”, “Moscovy”, but is known today as Moscow. The same applies to the name Tubal, whose direct link is also debatable due to their migration, yet this does not deviate from the coalition. Some scholars note that Tubal was associated with a city in Turkey, while others believe they migrated further northwards and now is a city in modern day Siberia. There is absolutely no question as to the identity of this rulers’ homeland. Not only are the names historically documented, but on three occasions in Ezekiel’s prophecy, he refers to Gog emerging from the far north of Israel, (Ez. 38:6, 15 & 39:2) . Since   it   is only    Russia    and    some    of    its former   republics   situated   in   the far    north,    there    is    unanimous agreement   that   Gog   originates from     Russia     and     the     former territories   of   the   Soviet   Union. This       would       likely       include Kazakhstan,                  Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan,   Tajikistan   and   even certain parts of Afghanistan.

The Alliance What makes the prophesy against Gog so intense, is that God is the one putting the puzzle pieces together. Gog, ruler of the lands of Russia, does not willingly lead this conflict. Rather the phrase: “ put hooks in your jaws and bring you out ”, (Ez. 38:4) , indicates that this northern leader is muzzled into this plan. Later, Ezekiel prophecies again with the Words of the Lord saying: “ I will turn you around and drag you along ”, (Ez. 39:2) . It is like a feisty donkey who has to have bits placed in his jaws leaving him with no option to save face. There is no mistake this is the Lord bringing this great assembly of warriors to a head. The army is described as having horses and horsemen fully armed. The use of horses in scripture is generally a symbol of war, power and glory as well as being symbolic of strength and status. They are described as being a vast infantry all with very capable defences, “ shields ” as well as “ swords ”. It also indicates that this is a show of force as they all brandish their weapons, “swords” in a provocative manner. Gog not only brings his own forces to the table, but other nations join the alliance in an attempt to negate the Word of God. Persia is identified as the first ally of this northern alliance. Leading up to 1935, today’s Iran was always known as Persia. From this time forwards, the Iranian government requested that all countries that have diplomatic relationships with them rather call them by their Persian name, Iran, which means the land of Aryans. Another vast horde is referred to as Cush or in some Bibles translated as Ethiopia. However, this definition of Ethiopia was far greater than the present country today. The name “Cush” means black referring to black African nations, believed to incorporate Sudan, modern day Ethiopia and many other central African countries. The third of importance is identified by Ezekiel as “Phut” or also as “Libya” depending on translations. Once again, this nation of Libya was far greater in Ezekiel’s day.

God’s purpose for predestining Gog Three times in chapter 38 alone, the Lord prophesies through Ezekiel the purpose for His prophecy. He wants everyone to know and the world to be placed on notice. The phrases: “ so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes ”, (Ez. 38:16) , “ You are the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel. At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them ”, (Ez.38:17) and “ I will show my greatness and holiness. Then they will know I am the Lord ”, (Ez. 38:23), shows why God already uttered these words 2,500 years ago. There is no excuse or justification for anyone. This is why Gog, the ruler of this conglomeration of forces is predestined to both destruction and failure. It also explains why he is drawn into this conflict. He has no choice as God wants to put His glory on display. What the Lord says, He does.

The Destruction of Gog and his allies While we certainly debate the timing of this event once we have consumed everything Ezekiel has to say on this major earth shattering event, God has set a specific day for this mass genocide of Antisemitic’s aside. This is emphasized with the words: “ This is what will happen in that day ”, (Ez. 38:18) . God is now shown in all His “ hot anger ”, “ in his zeal and fiery wrath ”, (Ez 38:18-19) . The rest of the world steps aside, so God says He is stepping in. A great earthquake will engulf the land of Israel . Its effects are so severe that it resounds around the globe. Every creature on the earth, including “ the fish in the sea ”, “ the birds in the sky ”, “ the wild animals of the field ”, even the insects and “ all people on the face of the earth ”, will tremble at His presence, (Ez. 38:20) . The impact is so earth shattering that complete mountain ranges will be overturned, cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. The effects which follow are of nuclear proportions. This is one of the reasons why many believe that an insane nuclear bomb is what God uses to bring about His wrath. He has always used nature as in the case of the flood of Noah and Sodom and Gomorrah, or man’s own weapons to bring about judgment on the nations. He used the Neo- Babylonian Dynasty and then many years later the Roman Empire to desolate Jerusalem. Of course, nothing stops God from doing the same effects as a nuclear bomb, just a thousand times worse. While man can cause a flood by blowing up a dam, God can cause a flood by melting the poles. Interestingly, the same effects are present after this earth shattering quake, that scientists believe will occur as a result of an intense nuclear exchange. The first natural thing that will occur is that there will be confusion everywhere. In this confusion, all the armies on the mountains of Israel, will turn on each other: “ Every man’s sword will be against his brother ”, (Ez. 38:21) . While this confusion is raining down across the globe, “plagues and bloodshed” will be used as an instrument of judgment. “ Torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulpher ”, (Ez. 38:22), will fall on both Gog and his armies. This seems to imply that this mighty man of the far north, will be present with his troops and allies on the mountains of Israel.

The Timing and location of this gathering Now for the real kicker. Although Ezekiel is given this prophecy around 2,500 years ago, he is informed that it will only occur far in the future, a phrase he describes as “ in the latter years ”, (Ez. 38:8) . The term latter years, is used throughout the Bible to describe events that happen towards the very end of human rule, just before God prepares to reign over the earth and establish His eternal kingdom. Their destiny is the mountains of Israel where they will “ advance like a storm ” or “ like a cloud covering the land ”, (Ez. 38.9) . The Lord gives another clue which peeks our interest. He does not just say Israel, but describes the land of Israel as having “ recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations which were long desolate ”, (Ez. 38:8) . These are two things that leave many of us flabbergasted. Not only did the Jews return to their homeland after a major war, (WWII), but they also called their homeland Israel. Many of these countries forming the alliance were arch enemies, but today they are staunch allies against Israel. Besides from Gog who brings his armies to the table, all the other countries mentioned are Arab countries united in bringing down the Jewish race. Russia and its former states had no relationships with these countries until recent years. Now Russia is a staunch ally of Iran, Turkey and is spreading its influence over many African countries. There is no doubt that the armies of these major modern day countries would be like a swarm of locusts covering a farm. They are all gathered together on the mountains of Israel, with a common goal.

THE ALLIANCE

It included the modern day countries of Libya, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Since these three allies are described as “ all with shields and helmets ” it implies that they are there as second tier forces, as they all fall under the authority of Gog, the prince of the north. Two further countries are identified as bringing much infantry to the table. The first is Gomer and the second is Beth Togarmah. While Gomer, in the Rabbinical view as well as the Jewish Talmud identify Gomer as Germany, a deeper dive into the ethnic movements shows a direct link to an area in modern day Turkey. This nationality was linked by Josephus Flavius to those who are referred to as the Galatians, (The New Testament letter”). Beth Togarmah, is linked to the nations that settled in north east Asia Minor, today also forming part of modern day Turkey. In a nutshell, these are the main nations that form the alliance under the leadership of Gog.

If you have read so far, know that there is so much detail to this prophecy that still needs to be examined. There is another entire chapter dedicated to the destruction of the horde and the details written concerning their annihilation. That is before we even consider all the evidence as to its timing, which in itself is exhausting. Hope that you take that journey to understand both the wonders and complexity of how things turn out.