The Battle of Gog and Magog
Considering the recent Israel vs. Iran war, people who are aware of the “Battle of Gog and Magog” prophecy (also know as Ezekiel 38-39) may be questioning whether it will soon be fulfilled. While we cannot have an exact answer related to the time it will occur, we do know it will happen sooner than ever. Some of the requirements have arguably been met: The Jews are back in their land as Israel became a nation-state in 1948, and Israel is prosperous in her land. As of this writing, Israel is not at peace in her land. This requirement hasn’t been fulfilled unless you consider Israel’s peacefulness prior to the October 7, 2023 attacks. If it was going to be fulfilled before the Tribulation, one would think it would have happened during these attacks when Israel was so-called “unwalled.”
If you want background information about who is involved in this battle, check out this post:
Russia vs. Ukraine War – Is it only getting started?
On February 24th, 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine which was the first major escalation since the Russo-Ukrainian war started in 2014 (“2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine”). Vladimir Putin, who supposedly refers to himself as “second only to God,” has been on a quest for power for years…
When will the Battle of Gog and Magog occur?
Some people say the battle will happen after the thousand-year reign of Christ. However, they are referring to the “second battle of Gog and Magog.” The Gog and Magog described in Revelation 20:8 is against the worldwide enemies of Christ, not just a specific list of nations.
Some believe it will happen before start of the Tribulation. However, the problem with this viewpoint is we know that Israel is not currently at peace as we head towards the seven-year peace treaty (Daniel 9:27). What are the odds Israel somehow lets its guard down from now until the Antichrist signs the treaty? Also, as previously mentioned, the chance to catch Israel off guard was during the October 7, 2023 attacks. Now, Israel undoubtedly has its guard up.
The most probable viewpoint, at least from my interpretation, is this battle occurs sometime after the Antichrist creates false peace seen during the first seal within the Tribulation. This would fit the verses that talk about Israel dwelling safely in its land (Ezekiel 38:8, Ezekiel 38:11, Ezekiel 38:14, etc.). However, a problem with this is related to the seven years of burning weapons mentioned in this verse: “Then those who live in the towns of Israel will go out and use the weapons for fuel and burn them up—the small and large shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel” (New International Version, Ezekiel 39:9).
If the burning starts, say, 1/3 of the way into the Tribulation and Jesus Christ comes back right at the end of the Tribulation, this doesn’t make sense. Unless I’m wrong, there wouldn’t be enough time allotted for the seven years of weapons burning. This is likely interpreted as a symbolic representation of peace and prosperity following the victory rather than a literal, ongoing fire for seven years.
While the “Battle of Gog and Magog” could occur before the Tribulation, the most probable viewpoint, from my interpretation, is it will happen during the first half of the seven worst years in human history.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Even if this interpretation is incorrect, the fact that we are seeing a coalition of countries forming against Israel shows just how close we are to the return of Jesus Christ.