Introduction

  • Ezekiel 38:1-3

Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38-39)

  • I Chronicles :4; Genesis 10:2; Revelation 20:8
  • Ezekiel 38:4-6 – Gog is the leader of the army.
  • The army is going to attack Israel while they are living securely in unwalled villages – Ezekiel 38:11, 14-16
  • God will utterly defeat Gog – Ezekiel 38:18-20, 22; 39:3-4, 7-8
  • It will take seven years to burn all the weapons – Ezekiel 39:9
  • It will take seven months to bury all the dead – Ezekiel 39:12
  • All the birds and animals will eat the dead bodies – Ezekiel 39:17
  • God’s reputation will be upheld – Ezekiel 39:21-24
  • There will be hope for Israel – Ezekiel 39:25-29

Many think Ezekiel 38-39 is talking about modern-day Israel

  • Ezekiel 38:2
    • Rosh – Russia?
    • Meshech – Moscow?
    • Tubal – Tobolsk?
  • Luke 21:28-32 – This was referring to the destruction of Jerusalem.
  • Start with eh facts you know and build from there.

Biblically, here’s what we know for sure …

Promises regarding physical Israel have already been fulfilled.

  • Genesis 12:3; Acts 3:25-26
  • Genesis 12:7; Joshua 21:43-45

New Covenant Christians are the “Israel” of today.

  • Romans 2:28-29; 9:6—8
  • Galatians 3:7, 29; 6:15-16

God is not planning a physical battle.

  • John 18:36
  • II Corinthians 10:3-6

Spiritual struggles are often pictured figuratively as physical fighting.

  • Ephesians 6:11-17

We don’t know when the world will end.

  • I Thessalonians 5:2-3

Jesus will not return to earth.

  • I Thessalonians 4:16-17

So, what is Ezekiel 38-39 about?

  • This is a vivid, figurative picture of God’s spiritual victory in the New Covenant – all enemies are defeated and God wins!
  • Why do I think it’s figurative?
    • It would fit the context of Ezekiel.
      • Ezekiel 34 – shepherds
      • Ezekiel 37 – bones, sticks, “David”
      • Ezekiel 40-48 – temple
    • It explains why no one knows of Gog leading this battle any time in history.
    • It matches the imagery of the New Covenant.
    • It makes sense with Revelation 20.

What does all of this mean for us now?

  • The events in the news have nothing to do with Bible prophecies or indications that the world is about to end.
  • Pray for Israel (and everyone else in the world involved in wars and tragedies)!