© 1999 Discerning the Times
Digest and NewsBytes
Ezekiel 38 and 39 prophesies that one day God will
cause Gog in the northern land of Magog, to attack Israel. Magog can be
traced through the centuries to modern Russia, while Russia’s allies
will include Eastern Europe, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia and Libya.
The prophecy further states that this will not occur
until Israel has "been brought back from the nations,"
which did not occur until this century. In Ezekiel 38:11-12, Russia will
join with the Arabs to destroy Israel. But Russia will have another plan
as well---to plunder the wealth of the region.
Typical of modern diplomacy, the Western nations (Tarshish)
will wring their hands but do nothing (verse 38:13 ). It will be God
himself in verses 38:18-22 and 39:3-5 that destroys this mighty army,
leaving only a sixth remaining (verse 39:2).
Russia and her allies are not the only ones to suffer
God’s wrath. In Ezekiel 39:6, God says, "And I will send a fire
on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles.."
This suggests that both the Russian homeland and other continents will
suffer what appears to be nuclear bombardment. If so, the U.S. would most
likely be included.
Are we seeing the warm-up to this prophecy in Russia today? Only time
will tell. In any event, every Christian should be seeking God’s will
today! For only in him is found hope and wisdom! V mc
