The Timing of this invasion With so much information and the impact on different scenario’s around the Second Coming of Christ, it is no surprise that there are differences of opinion from scholars as to the timing of Ezekiel’s invasion. While the vast majority believe this war occurs before the Second Coming of Christ, there are two remote views which we discuss first. Since this does not mean because they swim upstream that they have no merit, let us consider on what basis and why there are just too many issues which counter its position.

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View    1:    During    the    beginning phase   of   the   millennium   reign of Christ

There are a minority who place the timing of this great destruction at the beginning of the millennium reign of Christ. It is strongly based on the assumption that this is the only time the Jewish race will ever feel secure as reflected in Ezekiel’s prophecy: “ an unsuspecting and peaceful people ”, (Ez. 38:11) . While certainly the Jews will never be more secure than when Christ returns, there are so many holes in this view, one readily understands why most scholars eliminate it just after a casual reading. The Old Testament prophet Joel, prophesied of a time where the sun and moon will grow dark, the heavens will shake and where “ the Lord will roar from Zion ”, (Jl. 3:12-16) . The prophet Isaiah, also pictures the Lord in fury, with the redeemed by His side, bringing judgement on the wicked, where God is described as “ trampling the winepress on His own ” with blood sprinkling and staining His garments, (Is. 63:3-4) . Concerning the imagery itself, the wicked are likened to ripened grapes, being trampled in a trough, known as a wine press, where the juices are extracted and flow into a vat. It is described as occurring “ outside the city ”. The book of Revelation describes this event as occurring after the bowl judgements, when the world is cast into darkness and Jesus returns. It provides that the “grapes” are the armies of the Antichrist, who attempt to wage “war against” Jesus establishing His kingdom and in the process are completely obliterated, ( Rv. 19:19-21 ). If all the armies of the world gather together in one location and are destroyed, there will simply be no armies left, when He begins to reign. More importantly, Isaiah prophesied concerning the period time the Lord will reign on earth, (The Millennium reign). He says people will desire to “ go up to the mountain of the Lord ”, so that they can be taught His ways and “ may walk in his paths ”. The nations in turn will “ beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks ”. In other words, they will completely disarm themselves. Isaiah further informed us that “ nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore ”, (Is. 2:3-4) . One final point which totally decimates this theory on timing, is that according to the parable of the sheep and the goats in the Olivet Discourse, it is only a small amount of people, “ the sheep ” who gather together after the tribulation and who have survived the atrocities of the Great Tribulation, (Mt 25:31-46) . They are the only ones who repopulate the earth during the millennium reign of Christ. The lack of vast populations at the conclusion of the Great Tribulation, simply does not exist to invade the mountains of Israel. This is confirmed by the prophet Isaiah who describes the size of the human population at the conclusion of the period known as the Day of the Lord: “ I will make people scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir ”, (Is. 13:12) .

View   2:   The   same   war   referred to   by   name   at   the   end   of   the Millennium reign. A viewpoint amongst many orthodox churches is that since the book of Revelation refers to the war of Gog and Magog by name, this only occurs after the millennium reign of Christ. This war named “Gog and Magog” occurs after the thousand year reign of Christ where Satan is chained preventing him from influencing the nations. At the end of this period, he is set free and immediately begins his deception by influencing the nations for one last time. They are described as coming from all nations around the earth, marching against Jerusalem and actually completely surround it, to only be incinerated by God with fire falling from heaven, (Rv. 20:7-10) . Their argument for this is that in both cases, they are described as a great assembly. In Revelation, they are described as the “ sand of the seashore ”, while in Ezekiel as “ many peoples ” , (Ez. 38:6) and a “ great company ” , (Ez. 38:4) . No doubt the Jewish race is also surely at peace during this period. Unfortunately, this is as far as the agreement goes. While the Jews may be at peace, they surely will not be taken by surprise, for the very reason that Christ is ruling over them. The armies also gather from differing parts of the world. In Revelation they come from all around the world and surround Jerusalem. In Ezekiel, they come from a specific alliance and only surround the mountains of Israel in the north, not the entire camp of Israel. Unlike Ezekiel, there is also no need to bury the dead as the hordes are completely incinerated. Revelation also describes that immediately after this final attack against God and His people, God judges the devil and all the unbelieving dead at the Great White Throne Judgment which is followed by the new heavens, new earth and the new Jerusalem descending to earth. The problems with this view are extensive and continue as we consider the details of Ezekiel’s prophecy. According to Ezekiel, the events occur between their regathering and God ruling over them, (Ez. 38:8 & 39:28-29) . In other words, between them being firmly entrenched in their homeland and the millennium reign of Christ. The account in Revelation speaks of this final decimation occurring after the millennium reign, on the brink of eternity. By all accounts the details are so vastly different, that most scholars agree that “Gog” becomes the name of all those who challenge God and who attempt to destroy His chosen people, the Jewish race.

View 3: At the end of the tribulation, (At Armageddon)

This viewpoint while not held by many scholars is different from those preceding as there are several reasons in support of it. We are told that Armageddon happens in both “ the last days ” and the “latter years ”, which correlates to Ezekiel’s vision. Also in both cases, carrion birds and wild animals feast on the bodies of the deceased, (Ez. 39:4, 17-20 & Rv. 19:17-18) . The prophet Zechariah also amplifies that at the end of the Day of the Lord, the Jews will be reconciled with God, (Zec. 12:10) , while Revelation concludes with Jesus returning to Mount Zion and ruling from Jerusalem. No doubt this does equate to Ezekiel’s conclusion that at the end of God’s judgment of the nations, He will pour out His Spirit on the Jewish race and no longer hide His face from them. But the problems with both its timing and composition is totally different. Firstly, the armies are different as well as their goals. The armies of Ezekiel are a northern military alliance, specifically named and includes Russia and many other Islamic nations. In contrast, the armies of Revelation at Armageddon are all the surviving armies of the entire world. There goals are also completely different. In Ezekiel they come to attack a “ peaceful and unsuspecting people ”, (Ez. 38:11) , but in Revelation they gather in an attempt to thwart Christ’s return, (Rv. 19:19-21) . The list of problems is extensive and includes the fact that in Revelation’s Armageddon conflict, the Jews are not in control of their homeland, but are being persecuted. There is also no nations who protest at Armageddon, even if only through diplomatic channels. The locations are completely different, where Armageddon occurs roughly 100 kilometres, (+/- 62 miles), from Jerusalem, while Ezekiel’s conflict on the mountains of Israel. Having said this, there is no doubt that Ezekiel’s prophecy starts off with a literal day and extends for a lengthy period, which possibly could include this final conflict as referenced by the “ birds and wild animals ” feasting on their final mass prey at Armageddon.

View 4: At the Mid-point of the seven year tribulation

While certainly there is not one viewpoint which absolutely counters all questions, the following views have a lot more evidence in their favour.

There are a number of factors which make this theory more palatable. It is perhaps one of only two views which adequately explains why Israel believes it is at peace and is secure, (Ez. 38:11 & 14) . As the seven year tribulation is marked by the establishment of a treaty and comes into effect when ratified by the emerging leader known identified as the Antichrist, it does bring a period of peace to Jerusalem. In fact, they are at peace with all its neighbours for the first three and a half years. It is during the first half of the tribulation that they actually begin their age old ritual of offering sacrifices in the rebuilt temple. We know this happens, as at the mid- point, the Antichrist stops the ritual and declares himself to be God. It also properly answers the phrase often omitted by other scholars that says: “ This is the day that I have spoken of ”, (Ez. 39:8) . The prophets, especially of the Old Testament, spoke hundreds of prophecies concerning the period known as “the Day of the Lord”. According to these multitude of prophecies, it begins in a literal day and then continues for a period until the Messiah comes to physically reign over the earth. This day is associated with the beginning of God’s wrath on the world where He pours out multiple judgments on the nations of the world to bring it under His submission and authority. Jesus prophesied in the Olivet Discourse, that this period of calamity is the Great Tribulation. It commences when the world witnesses the “ abomination of desolation ” situated in the Jewish Temple. There is actually a very strong correlation between the events described in Ezekiel and the events which many believe occur at the mid-point. At the release of the sixth seal, there is a great earthquake in Jerusalem, just like that mentioned in Ezekiel’s invasion, (Ez. 38:19 & Rv. 6:12) . This is followed by “ all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence ”, (Ez. 38:20) while the sixth seal reveals that “ then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains ”, (Rv. 6:15) . The result of both events confirms to the nations of the world, that this is the work of the Lord, (Ez. 38:23 & Rv. 6:16-17) . It would also explain when the Antichrist assumes complete authority over the world for the last three and a half year period, why he is able to do so. The last bastion of opposition is completely wiped out. John in his apocalypse explicitly states that he rules over the world for “ forty two months ”, ( Rv. 13:5) , which is three and a half years. It would further explain why the “two horned” world religious system is established, (Rv. 13:11-18) , since all the radical Islamic forces will be completely destroyed on the mountains of Israel. Of course the problems with this view is that at the half-way mark the Jews are subject to extreme persecution. Interestingly, they are told by Jesus to “ flee to the mountains ”, (Mt. 24:16) , where we are told in Revelation, they will be protected for the last three and a half years, (Rv. 12:14) . The questions of those who are against this view, is a potential stumbling block, but not as serious as many consider. How is Israel to bury the dead for seven months or burn the weapons for fuel for seven years, especially since they are ousted from their homeland? It almost seems unpalatable as this will then flow into the millennium reign of Christ. The truth is, during the first few years of the millennium reign of Christ, the earth is still recovering from the chaos which almost rendered the human race extinct. Even the war of Armageddon, will have the blood flow of its troops to the height of a horses bridle. It will take years to bury the dead, cleanse the land and burn up all weapons of destruction. As mentioned previously, the nations of the world will “ beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks ”, (Is. 2:3-4) . This would actually explain why the believing Jewish remnant who flee to the mountains are able to survive. They use the fuel of the potentially radiated military equipment and weapons to sustain themselves. Ezekiel’s prophecy does not state that this burial starts immediately, but rather that all the Israelites will be involved in the burial for seven months, followed by a lengthier search period for those not clearly visible.

View 5: In the beginning of the seven year tribulation

This is also a very common view and is the belief of Hal Lyndsay, John F. Walvoord and Mark Hitchcock, amongst others. Just as in the case of the mid-tribulation perspective, it satisfies Israel’s requirement to be both “ peaceful and unsuspecting ”. They would have just signed a seven year treaty with the world, have it confirmed by a delegation led by the emerging Antichrist. This is a mirror of what the Bible reveals is the “false peace” which galvanizes the nations of the world into forming a one world government. Revelation describes this paradox as the first horseman of the apocalypse which is followed by the rider on the red horse, “ who takes peace from the earth ” and where “ people will kill one another ”, with “ a great sword ”, (Rv. 6:4) . The colour red itself is not just associated with bloodshed, but also is the main colour of the Russian forces. Naturally, there is more than enough time for all the Jews to be involved in the initial burial duties for seven months, followed by the extended period given for special search parties per Ezekiel. Since the believing Jews are driven from their homeland at the half-way mark, they will continue to use these weapons as fuel, while they are protected in the mountains from the forces of evil for the remaining three and a half years. While one has to admit, it has very strong potential, it does not satisfy the phrase: “ This is the day I have spoken of ”, (Ez. 39:8) , nor the notion that “ then the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel ”, (Ez. 39:7) . The world rather believes it is the Antichrist who receives all the glory and power as they rather decide to worship him: “ All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world ”, (Rv. 13:8) .

The last two views are very similar in their nature and as a result have many of the same pro’s and con’s. It is also very popular for a number of reasons.

View 6: Before the Tribulation, but after the Rapture

This view is on the fringes, but is based on the fact that following the rapture, the world will be in a state of chaos. With the USA having the majority of Christians, it would explain why there is a sudden power grab as the world knows it is coping with internal strife. They are not out of the equation, but just cannot concern itself with world events while their states are in turmoil. Yet again, with this view the same problems present itself. With the rapture, Israel will feel even less safe as its support from the USA will decline from a poor one, to one which is non-existent. There is little doubt that they will be more inclined to view an attack from the Islamic nations than when America at least appeared on the surface to support them. It clearly does not answer any questions concerning the “day” itself.

View 7: Before both the seven year Tribulation and the Rapture

This view gets strong support by the “Left behind” series written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins as well as the best selling author, Joel Rosenberg, with his popular novels. It is the belief that this great Russian and Islamic assembly, under the leadership of Gog, occurs months if not years before both the rapture and the seven year tribulation. This would grant the Israelites plenty of time to bury the dead, but also the extended time to burn the weapons as fuel for seven years. The argument is that with all enemies of Israel being taken out of the equation in one swoop, this will create the climate for them to rebuild their temple. It would also create a strong climate for the world to usher in a one world government to prevent such a catastrophic event from ever occurring again. They also believe it occurs before the rapture, as many Jews and gentiles will come to Christ and will then be taken out of the world, before the tribulation commences. This also serves as a reminder to the church to get herself ready as her time is short. While it is a very comfortable view, it hardly supports the view that the Jews will be both “ peaceful and unsuspecting ”. Even if the Damascus prophecy occurs next, before the Ezekiel war, the fanatical Islamic nations all still have a common goal of eliminating Israel. In fact, they want to drive Israel and the West into the sea, completely destroying them. It is hard to conceive that Israel would ever feel at peace, without the complete elimination of Iran and Turkey, who are openly hostile towards them. This “peace and security” can only occur when the entire world signs the treaty, guaranteeing their safety. It certainly does not answer the bigger questions: “ This is the day I have spoken of ”, (Ez. 39:8) nor explains how the world acknowledges that this is the work of the Lord’s hands, (Ez. 38:23) , since most Christians who believe in the rapture, believe it will be explained away with a lie.

My final reflection

It would be seriously misleading to suggest that I have all the answers. There are many differing opinions and the purpose of this comprehensive article is to cover the prophecy and the pro’s and con’s associated with its timing. The reason why this article is presented as such is to gain insights into other opinions, many given by extremely well respected scholars and teachers. Everybody who studies this invasion by Ezekiel has an opinion. Having considered all the evidence, this is my own assessment of the timing of this great invasion. With regards to both millennium views, that the Ezekiel invasion occurs either in the beginning of the millennium reign of Christ or at the end, simply makes no sense, (Views 1 and 2 above). They are too vastly different account, differing armies, with both a different time and different outcomes. When it comes to the scenario that it occurs at the very end of the seven year tribulation, (presented as view 3), the evidence with regards to their purpose is misaligned. Ezekiel’s invasion is all about the plundering and looting of Israel. In Revelation’s Armageddon account, the believing remnant of Jews have escaped and do not feature. The Armageddon account, is more about a stand against Christ at His Second Coming than it is about Israel, who at this stage, is no longer a factor for the world armies to contend with. The views of this great invasion occurring before either or both the tribulation and/or the rapture, simply does not gain traction, (presented as views 6 and 7 above). The main reason for rejecting this view is that Israel will never feel at peace before its arch rivals in Iran and Turkey are no longer a threat. The absence of America, due to the potential impact of the rapture will only heighten their levels of anxiety. It is only with the world concluding an agreement with them, where they are given guarantees of their protection. When the world has formed a one world government and Israel is allowed to rebuild their temple, they will believe that they have made it. In my opinion, it is only then that they will feel safe and secure. This, for me, just leaves two views on the table. The invasion either occurs during the beginning of the seven year tribulation, (at the release of seal 2), or at the mid- point. While one certainly can understand why many do believe it occurs at the beginning, the one red herring outstanding is that it does not answer the question as to the Lord saying to Ezekiel, “ This is the day that I have spoken of ”, (Ez. 39:8). The Day of the Lord is not the entire seven year tribulation. Both Daniel and Jesus segregated it into two halves. It is only when the “abomination of desolation” occurs at the mid-point of the seven year tribulation does all hell come on earth, with the release of the sixth seal and the first four trumpet judgments which follow. It is the only point that strongly correlates with their being a “ great earthquake ” in Israel, with effects felt on a world-wide basis and the open acknowledgment by the nations of the world, that God is bringing things to a head. When the sixth seal is released at the mid-point we are given two further clues that correlate to Ezekiel’s vision. Firstly, everyone on the face of the earth will tremble, just as in the case of Ezekiel’s vision, when this great earthquake occurs. Secondly, no one will have any doubt that the great day of God’s wrath has begun. While          the          majority          of evangelicals   believe,   due   to   the current         alliances         between Russia     and     its     former     states, along   with   their   aggression   and alliances   with   Turkey,   Syria   and Iran    that    it    is    possible    for    the invasion       to       occur       at       any moment,     I     believe     there     are more   pressing   prophecies   which will   come   to   fruition   before   the Gog    invasion.    Since    the    Ezekiel war     does     not     even     mention Israel’s   closest   enemies   in   Syria, Lebanon,   the   West   Bank   and   the Gaza   strip,   one   has   to   conclude that    the    prophecies    concerning the      complete      destruction      of Damascus       and       it’s       closest neighbours   predates   the   Ezekiel invasion.   This   could   explain   why Iran   and   Turkey   have   no   choice in   allowing   Israel   to   rebuild   their temple   and   have   no   objection   in the   world   establishing   a   climate of false peace with them.