“Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, “and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. “I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army,”Ezekiel 38:1-4 NKJV
One of the more interesting things I have discovered over my years as a believer is just how often you learn something new from a passage in the Word that you have already studied. Many in the body are familiar with this passage and have read or listened to expositions on its meaning and future fulfillment. Yet I have noticed that there is one particular fact contained in it which many, and myself included, have often failed to notice and that can be found in the word “hooks”. You see, while many speculate on what exactly causes Magog, known today as modern day Russia, to invade Israel they seem to miss the fact that the word hooks is plural.
In other words, it is not just one reason which provokes this event to take place but several, which combined produce a compelling justification for an attempted invasion of Israel. I also believe there is another reason God chooses to use the word “hooks” to describe Russia being pulled into this conflict. Something we can never overlook is that while a fish can be tempted to take the bait, it goes without saying that they regret it immediately when they feel the hook. Yet there will be no escape in this scenario as it is God Himself who is using the hooks to draw Russia into the conflict.
Considering all of this, and the fact that many believe this prophecy is about to be fulfilled, we would be wise to investigate if there might be reasons for Russia to unwillingly be drawn into this conflict. That might be best answered by looking at the verses which follow the passage above.
“Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; “Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you. “Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them. “After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely. “You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.” Ezekiel 38:5-9 NKJV
Notice if you will, that the first nation listed here is Persia, or better known in our present day as Iran. Considering how prominent Iran is in the news today, and the numerous reasons for it, I believe if we look closely at the relationship between Russia and Iran we can begin to see a few of the hooks God tells us about.
Iran’s Deepening Strategic Alliance with Russia
http://iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2023/feb/24/iran’s-deepening-strategic-alliance-russia
Russia says it's working on major new agreement with Iran
reuters.com/world/russia-says-its-working-major-new-agreement-with-iran-2023-12-12/
Russia becomes Iran’s largest foreign investor: Iranian finance minister
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2023/03/23/Russia-becomes-Iran-s-largest-foreign-investor-Iranian-finance-minister
I could go on but the simple fact is that Russia has made a huge investment financially with Iran and as such, they are obligated to protect that investment at all costs. Much of the news lately has surrounded the recent attack by Iranian proxies on the forces of the United States. The world is holding its breath while speculating on the US response and if it will attack Iran directly. Add to that the knowledge of Iran’s involvement with its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon and the ongoing attacks against Israel by them, it seems entirely possible that the US and Israel might well work together to strike Iran proper. If that were to happen, it follows that Russia would defend its investment in Iran.
“ ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “On that day it shall come to pass that thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will make an evil plan: “You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’—“to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land.” Ezekiel 38:10-12 NKJV
Many who choose to study biblical prophecy and apply it to current events in the Middle East are quick to point out that it is evident that not only are we living in the end times as described in the scriptures, the pressure needed to produce the explosion of end-time conflicts described in these verses from Ezekiel is occurring right before our eyes. Especially intriguing is the fact that all of the countries mentioned in this passage, who in the past have not been on good terms with each other, are now aligned as allies and consider the nation of Israel as a target of opportunity waiting only for a plausible excuse to attack.
My thought today is that the stage seems to be set for some sort of engagement with the country of Iran which will threaten the investment that Russia has made with them. When this occurs, Russia will be compelled to defend Iran in order to protect it. The coming weeks may well see these thing begin to play out before our very eyes.
If the thought of what is to come makes you uneasy, understand that God has provided a way of escape for those who choose to believe that He sent His Son to die for our sins. If you have never accepted that gift, I encourage you to do that today. Simply confess to Jesus you are a sinner in need of salvation, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Tell Him you believe that He died for your sins and that He has the power to give you eternal life because you believe.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NKJV
Keep watching.
