Ezekiel 38 - 39 Part One

Psalm 83 was the focus of our last two messages since it describes probably the next war in which Israel will have to confront their enemies. This Psalm describes in detail Israel's enemies on their borders and how these enemies are working together to destroy Israel. The Psalm 83 Battle is also referred to as the battle involving Israel's inner circle of enemies.

This week we will start a series of messages identifying Israel's outer circle of enemies or those who will try to destroy Israel in the Battle of Gog and Magog illustrated in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Ezekiel 38:1 shows Jehovah God speaking to a person known as Gog located in Magog. Who is Gog and where is Magog? It is believed that Gog is the leader of Russia and is also the leader of the nations involved in the invasion from the far North since Russia is directly North of Israel. 

What is most intriguing about Ezekiel 38 and 39 and the Battle of Gog and Magog is that God is in control of all the events. Ezekiel 38:4-6 show God speaking to Gog and saying, "I will turn you around and bring you out with your whole army . . . Persia, Cush and Put will be with them . . . also Gomer with all its troops." God is planning an invasion of Israel. Why? We will keep you in suspension and answer this question next week.

For this week's message, we will identify those nations invading Israel and the timing of this battle. Ezekiel 38:5 identifies these invading nations with God using their names when Ezekiel was written. Again, Russia will be the leader but Iran also is involved which was called Persia at that time. This is no surprise! Other countries involved are believed to be those between Israel and Russia including Turkey.

Let us now try to pinpoint the timing of this battle, this is more challenging. Some believe it will happen just before the Tribulation Period. I believe the Word of God validates it being part of the Tribulation Period. Ezekiel 38:8 says with God speaking to Gog, "You will invade a land that has recovered from war . . . now all of them live in safety." Ezekiel 38:11 says a similar message, "Gog will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people." 

When will Israel live in safety and be unsuspecting? We know that the Anti-
Christ in the beginning of the Tribulation Period establishes a peace treaty with the people of Israel. As a result, for a short period of time, Israel lives in peace and is an unsuspecting people. Could this be the timing of the Battle of Gog and Magog?

Currently, are there any signs of this battle being close at hand? Well, both Russia and Iran have troops in Syria on Israel's border. Also, the relationship between Turkey and Israel is very tense. Stay Tuned!

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Every Day,

Frank