Ezequiel 38

Ezequiel 38

Garland explains why Gog and Magog described in Ezekiel 38 are distinct from Revelation 20... Although the terms Gog and Magog appear in proximity in both the book of Ezekiel (Ezek 38:2-3; 39:1-11) and the book of Revelation (Rev. 20:8), a comparison of these passages indicates two different historical events are in view. because Gog and Magog are mentioned as combatants in a war at the end of the Millennium ( Rev. 20:7-9 ), many have identified the two battles in Ezekiel and Revelation as one and the same. However, the events following the battles are quite different, as are the events preceding each battle. In Ezekiel’s prophecy, the battle of Gog and Magog is used by God to draw Israel to Himself; in Revelation the battle of Gog and Magog comes after God has drawn His people to Himself for one thousand years of blessing during the Millennium. Therefore, it seems best to place Ezekiel’s battle in the Great Tribulation. (King James Version Study Bible - Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1988).) Gog of the land of Magog invaded Israel in Ezekiel 38, prior to the rebellion mentioned in Revelation 20 at the end of the millennium. Differences between the two passages include: 1 The Ezekiel invasion is from the north, the rebellion in Revelation 20 is from the entire earth. 2 The Ezekiel invasion requires seven years to dispose of weapons, whereas the Great White Throne judgment immediately follows the rebellion in Revelation 20. 3 The Ezekiel invasion occurs before the establishment of the kingdom, whereas the event in Revelation 20 occurs afterwards. 4 The Ezekiel invasion is destroyed on the mountains of Israel, whereas the Revelation 20 force is destroyed around Jerusalem. 5 “In Ezekiel Gog was the leader and Magog his land, while in Revelation both represent nations.” (Alva J. McClain, The Greatness Of The Kingdom - Winona Lake, IN: BMH Books, 1974, c1959) This prophecy of Ezekiel concerning Gog and Magog cannot be identified with the prophecy in Re 20:7-10 for three reasons. The former takes place before the Kingdom is established on earth; the latter after this Kingdom. Also, in Ezekiel the invasion comes only from the north, but in Revelation it comes from the 'four quarters of the earth.' Furthermore, the rebellion of Gog and Magog and their destruction in Re 20:7-10 marks the ushering in of the eternal state (Re 20:11-15); but in Ezekiel it is preliminary to the Millennial Kingdom on earth. (Freedman, D. N., The Anchor Bible Dictionary: New York: Doubleday, 1996, c1992). The fact that Gog and Magog are mentioned both in Ezekiel 38:1,6 and in Revelation 20:7 indicates to some a connection. However, Gog is a human leader and Magog are a people in Ezekiel 38, but their meaning is not defined in Revelation 20 . In other respects the scene is different. In Ezekiel life goes on after the war, requiring months to bury the dead. The war in Revelation 20 is followed immediately by the destruction of the earth and the creation of the new heaven and new earth. The war in Revelation 20 concerns Jerusalem. The war of Ezekiel does not touch Jerusalem. The scenes are different. (Walvoord, J. F., The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook - Wheaton, Il: Victor Books, 1990) Source: Gog and Magog in Ezekiel vs Revelation Related Resources: Israel Through the Eyes of Scripture - Gog of the Land of Magog-Tony Garland Islamic Invasion of Israel-Andy Woods Ezekiel 38:3 and say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal.: THE ARMY MUSTERS Thus says the Lord God (Adonai Yahweh) - This phrase is used 122 times in Ezekiel and seven times in Ezekiel 38-39 (considered a unit because they cover the same prophetic subject) - Ezekiel 38:3, 10, 14, 17, Ezekiel 39:1, 17, 25 and effectively divides the chapter into seven sections. It is also worth noting that the related phrase "declares the Lord God" occurs 8 times - Ezekiel 38;18, 21, 39:5, 8, 10, 13, 20, 29. At the outset of Ezekiel 38-39 we see that the Sovereign Lord God is clearly in control and it is He Who is giving the orders to Israel's enemies! Behold (02005) (Hebrew = hen; Lxx uses idou = 2nd person singular aorist imperative, middle voice of eidon = perceive, look at) is an interjection demanding attention, "look!" "see!" It is used to emphasize the information which follows it Spurgeon on "behold" (in English) - “Behold” is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation. I am against you (cp phrase "set your face" Ezek 38:2) - When God is opposed to anyone, this fact alone should get their attention. In view of the fact that Gog is coming against Israel, it is clear that God is promising His hand of protection at the very outset of this prophecy. Why would Gog (et al) seek to come against Israel? They are greedy for gain. Ezekiel 38:12-13 explains it will be "to capture spoil and to seize plunder," to "capture spoil" and "to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil’”’ Warren