“And I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in security in the coastlands. Then they shall know that I am the LORD.” Ezekiel 39:6 NKJV
Anyone even casually aware of the news the past few months is certain to have noticed a sharp increase in the speculation of the possibility of World War 3 appearing on our horizon. Tensions with Russia are at an all-time high with many voicing the opinion that recent rhetoric by Russia indicates a willingness, if not a possible desire to use nuclear weapons not only against the Ukraine, but even us as well. This past week a report was published which made the case for the Untied States being responsible for the bombing of the Nord Stream Pipeline resulting in many calling it “an act of war”.
While this might not be a surprise to Russia as they have suspected all along that this was the case, seeing the particulars of how it was accomplished laid out for public view has many questioning if relations between the United States and Russia have reached a tipping point. While many would scoff at the idea that there might be a scenario where weapons of mass destruction would be employed in a conflict between the US and Russia, students of scripture would argue that the possibility is very real.
If you have chosen to study Biblical prophecy, I’m sure you have either heard or read that the most asked question concerning the end times is “Where is America?” in all of this? What I have always believed is that if the United States were relevant, it would be mentioned in scripture. The fact that it seems to be absent lends weight to the idea that for one reason or another, America as we know it is rendered irrelevant. Many have taught that one reason might be found in the passage from Ezekiel which describes what some believe could be a future nuclear attack. The following is an excerpt from an article by Chuck Missler of Koinonia House.
“The ultimate invasion of the Middle East by "Gog and Magog" is well known to most Biblically informed observers The invading forces of Magog - recognized as referring to Russia by most authorities - are wiped out by "hailstones of fire" from the heavens, which also cause an earthquake felt around the world. A disturbing aspect of this encounter is that similar "hailstones of fire" also appear to fall on those "who dwell securely in the isles" or coastlands. Some suspect that this could be a hint of an intercontinental nuclear exchange as part of the confrontation with Magog and its allies.”
http://www.khouse.org/articles/2001/344/
The most important idea in this observation, as well as what is described in the passage from Ezekiel, is the fact that what we are told occurs is quite possibly an “exchange” of nuclear missiles. Ezekiel makes it clear that the “fire” falls on both Magog and the coastlands. The word used here translated “coastlands” is the Hebrew word “iy”, which is translated to mean, coast, island, shore, region. Many Bible scholars have voiced the opinion that this is most likely the word that one would use at the time the book of Ezekiel was written to describe an unknown land far away.
If we accept that premise then one must ask the question, what nation would fit that description which also possesses nuclear weapons? The simple answer is only one. While we can discuss at length all of the reasons and provocations which might result in a nuclear exchange between Russia and the United States, the one point which should never be ignored or forgotten is that this passage tells us that it is God Himself who brings this all to pass. Notice that we are told that “I will send fire”. While there may be reasons why the decision is made by earthly leaders to push the button, it is God’s decision to bring it to pass, and as we have seen in previous studies, the use of “fire” is a strong indication of God’s judgment upon both Magog and the “coastlands”.
The report concerning the possible US role in destroying the Nord pipeline was not, however, the only event that occurred this past week which may significantly affect the Gog Magog scenario revealed to us by the prophet Ezekiel. If you recall, this prophecy reveals not only an attempted invasion, but also all of the nations that partake in the coalition put together by Gog. One of those nations is the modern day country of Turkey. By now the world is aware of the utter devastation this country suffered this past week as a result of a series of earthquakes which many have stated is unprecedented. Yet as horrific as this is, I cannot help but wonder if it has in fact set the stage for Turkey’s participation in the Ezekiel prophecy.
Even a cursory study of the Gog Magog prophecy reveals that the motivation of Gog is to obtain “spoil”. Many have written about the current state of the Russian economy as a result of their conflict with Ukraine. While the government of Russia might be loathe to admit it, the sanctions imposed upon them by the world has to be having a negative effect. In order to recoup their losses, the idea of looking south to the nation of Israel just might be part of the “evil plan” Ezekiel mentions. Yet in just the past few days, I have read many articles speculating that it will be next to impossible for Turkey to recover economically from the effects of the massive earthquakes they just suffered. Could this possibly result in a willingness to accompany Gog in his attempt for the purpose of obtaining “spoil”?
“Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’ Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. “Listen to Me, you stubborn-hearted, Who are far from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.” Isaiah 46:9-13 NKJV
While the judgment by fire Ezekiel speaks of falls on two different nations, it is important to remember that Magog and his coalition receives this judgment as they attempt to invade Israel through the Golan Heights. Yet although this occurs in such close proximity to the nation of Israel, God protects them from any harm or “fallout” from His judgment. The reason for this miracle is made clear as we are told that this is the time where God will reveal Himself to not only Israel, but the entire world in such a way as that there is no mistake as to who is in charge.
“So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them profane My holy name anymore. Then the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.” Ezekiel 39:7 NKJV
If all of this sounds just a little farfetched to some, I would simply point out that while the possibility that this passage describes the use of nuclear missiles is purely conjecture, the fact remains that there will be a battle that affects both Magog and another land, and it is at this time that God will somehow make it clear to the entire world that He not only exists, but has His protective hand upon the nation of Israel. As many are fond of saying at this particular time in our world’s history, “things are not falling apart, they are falling into place”.
If by chance you are reading this and never made the decision to accept the salvation God has offered, I pray you do that today. The way you do that is to simply pray a prayer like this;
Jesus I know I am a sinner. I have sinned against you, but I know you loved me enough to send your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins and then rise from the dead so that I may live forever with You. Lord forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to begin to live for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
“Surely it is coming, and it shall be done,” says the Lord GOD. “This is the day of which I have spoken.” Ezekiel 39:8 NKJV
Keep Watching.
