The Gog/Magog Invasion

Some questions surround the nature, timing and outcome of the battle described in Ezekiel chs. 38 & 39.
 
Gog MagogPreface: The Gog/Magog invasions of Israel are pivotal moments in God's prophetic timeline. However every time there is an uptick in the Middle East cries of 'Gog/Magog' run through the international community of believing Christians. Many (the majority?) of speculative voices appear to speak from a scant understanding of the respective chapters.

While thousands of words and many maps have been dedicated to the precise identity of the attacking hordes, the vital questions relate to the timing and subsequent outcome.

The following is an extract from 'A Fresh Look at Ezekiel 38 and 39' by Ralph H. Alexander.
 
>>>quote>>>
 
IN approaching this [Gog/Magog] issue basic guidelines must be established.
  • First, the primary data for identifying the time for the invasion of Gog must come from the principal passage of Ezekiel 38 and 39.
  • Second, the details of any time period set forth as the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39 must be in complete harmony with the particulars found in the Ezekiel account.
  • Third, any explicit reference or allusion to Ezekiel 38 and 39 located elsewhere in Scripture must be examined carefully in order to explain why that correlation exists.
  • Fourth, normal grammatical, historical, cultural hermeneutics should be followed.
  • Fifth, hypotheses should be kept to a minimum and should not provide the major bases for an explanation.
     
>>>end quote<<<

The following questions are an attempt to focus in on the key issues. A recording by Tony Pearce of The Bridge Christian Fellowship speaking on  the subject is given below.

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QUESTIONS
 
Notes:
(i) The context of the passage starts at Ezek.33:21
(ii) To respond to these questions, the two chapters need to read through in their entirety as the answer to any one question can appear in more than one place.
(iii) The questions are based on the assumption that when the Jesus returns he will establish an earthly reign i.e. the overall eschatological view is pre-millennial.
(iv) The related material in the left hand column is offered but not necessarily endorsed.
(v) Ten years ago David Dolan wrote concerning a different prophecy relating to the fall of Damascus writing: "I have long felt that Isaiah 17 is most likely the next major end-time biblical prophecy that will unfold in the turbulent Middle East."

 
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1. Is this Gog/Magog battle the same as the one in Rev. 20:8?

2. Is G/M initially of a mind to attack Israel?

3. Who or what changes his mind?

4. How do you understand the ‘hooks in your jaws’ in terms of the fate of Gog?

5. At the time of the attack is Israel feeling anxious or secure?

6. What are the motives behind the attack?

7. When (in the Lord’s prophetic time line) does the attack occur?

8. Of what nature are the concomitant physical/seismic upheavals?

9. What do the uninvolved nations say about the situation?

10. What (if any) part does Israel play in the defeat of the G/M army?

11. What is the nature of the defeat of the G/M army?

12. What is God’s ultimate aim?

13. How does He achieve it?

14. Who will it impact and how?

15. What does Ezekiel say will follow on from the G/M war?

 
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Recording of address by Tony Pearce of The Bridge Christian Fellowship.

Tony Pearce
 
 
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Notes:
1. Visitors to this page are welcome to leave any answers/comments/observations in the Response facility below. These can relate to what Tony said on the recording or to the questions posed above. The diagram below is an illustration of the nations which will be most likely involved.
2. Tony Pearce produces a newsletter 'Light for the Last Days'. It can be supplied on request and contact details can be found here.
3. During the QnA session of Tony's talk, a question related to the attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. Arni Klein has written and spoken on the subject.
4. The graphic below illustrates the possible identities of the countries mentioned in Ezek. 38/39. However, identifying the nations involved is largely dependent on when - in the continuum of biblical eschatology - these prophecies are set.


Gog Magog nations