Folks Listen Television Broadcast
There is a lot in the news today about different wars or tensions that could lead to war and many people are asking if this is part of the end times. We are starting a 7 week series about 2 battles. The first is the Battle of Gog and Magog. The second The Battle of Armageddon followed by the return of Christ.
The Identity of the Invaders
Russia
The Allies of Russia
Iran
Ethiopia
Libya
Turkey
The Timing of the Invasion
Possibilities
This battle occurs toward the beginning of the tribulation period
This battle is the same as the Battle of Armageddon
This battle takes place after the millennial kingdom as part of Satan’s final approach (Gog and Magog is again mentioned in Revelation 20)
Clues from Ezekiel 38
It will happen “in the latter years” (38:8)
It happens “when My people Israel are living securely: (38:14)
Timeline: This corresponds with the time immediately after the rapture of the church when the tribulation begins with the Antichrist signing a peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27)
Ezekiel 38:8, 14 NASB1995
The Reasons for the Invasion
They want the land of Israel (38:12)
They want to seize the riches (perhaps oil) of Palestine (38:12-13)
They want to destroy the people of Israel (38:12-13)
The Destruction of the Invaders
Russia and her allies invade Palestine (38:9, 15-16)
Russia is soundly defeated upon the mountains of Palestine by God using four tools
A mighty earthquake (Ezekiel 38:19-20)
The earthquake results in confusion and mutiny among the Russian troops and their allies (Ezekiel 38:21)
A plague among the troops (Ezekiel 38:22a)
Floods, hailstones, fire and brimstone (Ezekiel 38:22b; 39:6)
The Results of the Invasion
The first grisly feast of God begins (Ezekiel 39:4, 17-20) [there will be a similar feast at the end of the battle of Armageddon – Revelation 19:17-18; Matthew 24:28)
Seven months will be spent burying the dead (Ezekiel 39:11-15)
All of the weapons will be burnt (Ezekiel 39:9-10)
There is a problem with the reference to “bows, arrows, shields, chariots and swords” and how it does not match modern warfare
Perhaps Ezekiel is simply using language that is understandable to his readers back then
Perhaps the battle is preceded by a disarmament agreement between the nations
The Sovereignty of the Invasion
This is orchestrated by God (38:4; 38:16; 39:2)
This is done so that people know that He is the Lord
(38:16; 38:23; 39:7; 39:21-22)
God will use this as the beginning of a great revival in Israel (39:25-29)