Recently I was reading a book on leadership. At the beginning of the book the author tells the reader about his journey in writing the book. In the beginning he thought he could write on such an important topic in a matter of a few months. Of course that was faulty thinking. After a little over a year he finished the rough draft and thought this is it, I have finally finished. What he realized was he was only at the top of the first rise. As he continued to work and climb the mountain, over a dozen times he thought he was finished only to realize it was just another peak. The author, who actually was Stephen Covey, notes, “Most climbing teams that set out to climb Mount Everest never reach the summit.” To climb the highest of mountains takes enormous diligence, patience and endurance. After 5 years the author did finally finished the book that I was reading. And what we are discussing today is a lot like what Covey describes. It is a great mountain that takes a long time to climb.
Today we come face to face with one of the most controversial and difficult passages in the Bible, Ezekiel 38-39. The opinions on these two chapters are wide and varied, however, we must remember that Ezekiel 38-39 is part of a book and has an historical context. The chapters are part of the restoration process for Israel. Interestingly enough, to restore the land, God provokes the enemies of his people, which will result in their destruction. We could look at the chapter as a conflict between the leader, Gog, and God himself. And of course, we know how that will end. God always wins!
There appears to be seven divisions or sections of the text. Each is started with the words of Adonai Yahweh. Now, because of some of the controversies and differing opinions on these verses, we are going to get into some details. However, I want us to remember the overall picture of the text is about the defeat of the enemies of God and the restoration of his people.
So, let’s take a look at the first section.
The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him 3 and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. 4 And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. 5 Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
7 “Be ready and keep ready, you and all your hosts that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them. 8 After many days you will be mustered. In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them. 9 You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you. Ezekiel 38:1-9
God tells the prophet to prophesy against Gog, who is a chief prince. So, in this text Gog is a person, a chief prince or leader. Before we consider who this might be, let’s consider the geographical areas mentioned because that is significant to understanding the text. The geographical places mentioned are Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer and Beth-togarmah. Later in the chapter it mentions Sheba, Dedan and Tarshish. Now, before we get to their locations it is important to understand we have heard these names before. In Genesis 10 it lists the generations of Noah. Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, Togarmah and Tarshish are listed in the genealogy of Japheth. Cush, Put, Sheba and Dedan are mentioned in the genealogy of Ham. So, if we go back and look at Genesis 10, we find the descendants of the three sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And as we often find in the Bible, the names of the people became the names of cities, nations or people groups. So, the names became geographical locations. And we immediately notice the places mentioned are the sons of Japheth and Ham. And we know from studying our Bible that some of people groups become the enemies of God. But what about Shem? The Bible tells us in Genesis 11 that from Shem’s descendants come Abram or Abraham, which of course is the Messianic line. I think it is significant to understand that the locations listed in Ezekiel are derived from Japheth and Ham.
In Ezekiel 38:5-6 it tells us the places listed are in the north, meaning north of Israel. This would include Magog, Meshech, Tubal, and Togarmah, which are all located in modern day Turkey, and Gomer which is around Armenia. The other places mentioned, such as Cush, Put, Sheba, Dedan and Persia are east and south of Israel. These would be places like Libya, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
Now, before going any further, I want to go back to the beginning of chapter 38. If we want to understand the prophecy at all, we need to identify who Gog is if we can. He is a chief prince over many nations or provinces. But before we attempt to do this, we need to address the elephant in the room, so to speak. More than a few scholars have taught that this passage refers to Russia in some form or another. Russia is of course north of Israel. So, first I think we should address where this idea comes from, and then we will talk about if this is a legitimate idea to consider. Now, before I address this, I want you to understand that I believe the text could have multiple fulfillments. However, there are many who believe that Ezekiel 38-39 is about an end-times war with God’s people (in the future). Some translations have the name Ros or Rosh in the text. Some take this to mean Russia. Let’s read what the text actually says. In verse 2 of Ezekiel 38, it states, “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal…” As I mentioned some translations says, “prince of Rosh”. But what does the word “rosh” mean in Hebrew? It means, “head” or “chief”. The ESV translates the text, “chief prince”. The word “rosh” appears in the Old Testament over six-hundred times, and as I said it means chief or head (leader). Daniel Block notes that, “The popular identification of Rosh with Russia is impossibly anachronistic and based on a faulty etymology.” Block goes on to say that this Hebrew word is best understood as a common noun. Ezekiel is using the word as a title for a king, and not just that but a king with a hierarchical designation. The prince is identified as being a chief leader over many nations or provinces. So, Ezekiel is commanded to prophecy against this leader, Gog, who is going to make war with Israel. So again, who is Gog? First of all, I would use caution when trying to identify one person with ancient prophecies. It is very difficult to say the least. But also consider, the prophecies of Daniel as well as other texts. Often more than one leader is meant. For example, in the last vision of the book of Daniel, in chapter 11 it uses the terms “king of the north” and “king of the south” repeatedly. Does this refer to the same person throughout the prophecy. No, it doesn’t. The text in Daniel is referring to the multiple Egyptian and Syrian leaders.
In a general way, Gog and Magog represent the enemies of God. And I am simply pointing out that sometimes in the Bible, terms used in prophecy have multiple meanings and can refer to more than one person or entity. We also know the terms Gog and Magog are used in Revelation 20.
So, the big question is, can we identify Gog? Yes, I think we can attempt to, but remember, there has been a lot of history that has occurred since the time of Ezekiel. So, I don’t think anyone is 100% certain on this text. There have been many possible solutions offered – let’s consider some of the best. Remember that Ezekiel was prophesying during the time of the Babylonian Empire. Some have argued that the primary fulfillment of this prophecy occurred during Ezekiel’s lifetime. Honestly, while possible, it seems unlikely. The reason is not really the references used in the text that say, “in latter years” or “after man days” because these references are a little vague. Really the reason is there is no evidence of this type of war during the time of Ezekiel. Is it still possible it occurred during the prophet’s time – yes, of course, but there really is no evidence to back up this claim. The next solution offered is that the events occurred during the Persia Empire. We know from the book of Esther we have a great conflict with the Jewish people and a great reversal. Gary DeMar has an excellent book about Gog and Magog. In it he notes that the geographic locations mentioned are all within the boundaries of the Persian Empire. In Esther it tells us there were 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. DeMar also notes that Haman was an Agagite. This becomes important because in Numbers 24:7, the Septuagint translates, “Agag” as “Gog”. He also claims that one manuscript of Esther 3:1 and 9:24 refer to Haman as a “Gogite”. Phillip Kayser is another scholar who believes that the Gog and Magog prophecy was fulfilled during the time of Esther. Kayser notes that Agag was a term used for the Amalekite leaders and that the Amalekites were descended from Magog the son of Japheth. This group also has noted that Haman’s name is in Ezekiel 39 (vs. 11,15, 16). I find this view quiet ingenious and a possible fulfillment.
Ralph Woodrow in his book, “His Truth is Marching On” notes that the Gog and Magog of Revelation is not the same event as Ezekiel 38-39. He also quotes the notes of Adam Clarke who believed that Gog symbolized the Greek ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes. Woodrow admits the overthrow of Antiochus fits the prophecy in a general way, but that there is not enough historical evidence to match every detail in the prophecy.
As I noted previously, the text is likely referring to multiple rulers and events. James W. Dixon in his commentary on the Bible believes there are at least three fulfillments of the prophecy. One being after the exiles returned from Babylon, and end-times fulfillment and another fulfillment after the Millennium (Revelation 20). Now, there is a reason I am pointing all of this out. When the text repeats at the beginning of chapter 38 and 39, talking about Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, I believe it is very possible it is talking about different leaders of the same area (like in Daniel 11). And I think this is the key to the text. The main locations listed when Gog is named is Magog, Meshech and Tubal, which are all in modern day Turkey. Of course, other areas are mentioned, but it seems clear that this is who God is against in the prophecy. The Turks have a long history, but what events could this prophecy be referring to that we have not mentioned. I believe there are two main events or time periods, and they are not in the time of Ezekiel. First, let’s consider all the geographical areas mentioned in the text. All the locations mentioned were Muslim territory in the 11th century. Jerusalem came under Muslim control in the 600’s, but it was 1071 that marked an important transition for the Holy Land. It was in this year, 1071, that the Seljuk Turks invaded Anatolia and captured the Byzantine Emperor, Romanus IV Diogenes. This was a major defeat and included the Turks conquering Israel, and in fact most of Asia Minor. In 1094, Byzantine Emperor Alexius I Comnenus appealed to Pope Urban II. He needed help in fighting the Turks to regain the conquered land. Interestingly enough the Muslim leaders had treated Christian pilgrims well until the 11th century when the Seljuk Turks took control of Jerusalem. The Christian pilgrims were severely persecuted by the Turks. This fact and the Turkish domination of Asia Minor and the Holy Land led to the Crusades. In November, 1095 Pope Urban called a council and asked the kings and nobles of Europe to unite and fight against the Turks to rescue the Holy Land. As you probably know the Crusaders took back Jerusalem in 1099 with a slaughter of both Jews and Muslims. Raymond of Aguilers, who was chaplain to Raymond IV, count of Toulouse, witnessed the massacre at Jerusalem in 1099. He described the scene in this way, “in the Temple of Solomon the portico crusaders rode in blood to the knees and bridles of their horses.” I believe the wars of the Crusades are one fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy. I believe it is evident from the text and the war that is described. Now I want to point out a few facts about the Crusades. I have already mentioned that the Muslims controlled all the geographical areas listed. However, in the final battle of the first crusade, the Fatimids fought with the crusaders in the battle of Ascalon. The soldiers of the army were Seljuk Turks, Arabs, Persians, Armenians, Kurds, and Ethopians. Again the same geographical areas mentioned in the text.
Next, consider the text mentions an earthquake. “For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground.” Ezekiel 38:19-20
Now, obviously there have been many earthquakes in the Middle East. However, did you know that on May 20, 1202 there was an earthquake in Syria with a 7.6 magnitude. It is one of the largest seismic events in history. Some sources say that close to 1 million peopled died as a result and the earthquake caused a tsunami. The event affected a very wide area, including Mesopotamia, Anatolia, upper Egypt and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Do you know what was happening around this time? Well, the fourth crusade began in 1202. While there is no way to be 100% certain the text is referring to this specific earthquake, it is very interesting that such an historic event occurred during the Crusades.
Here are a couple of interesting facts about Alp Arlsan, who was a Turk Emperor. His death is possibly predicted by Ezekiel 39:3. When the Emperor captured a fortress by the Oxus River, he fought with the governor, Yussuf el-Harezmi. The emperor drew his bow but his foot slipped and he missed the governor. Then Yussuf stabbed the emperor with a dagger. He died a few days later and was buried in Merv in November 1072. In addition, the city of Merv was located east of the Caspian Sea and was one of the largest cities in the world at that time. It was also located on the Silk Road. One of the ways that the Turks incited the crusades was by persecuting Christians on their way to Jerusalem. They would also block the road so they could not pass. Ezekiel 39:11 states, “On that day I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the Valley of Travelers, east of the sea. It will block the travelers, for there Gog and all his multitude will be buried.”
Next, let’s consider verses 12-14. “For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land. All the people of the land will bury them, and it will bring them renown on the day that I show my glory, declares the Lord God. They will set apart men to travel through the land regularly and bury those travelers remaining on the face of the land, so as to cleanse it.”
It was claimed that during the first crusade when the Crusaders entered Jerusalem and slaughtered everyone that the blood ran ankle deep in the streets. Whether this is an exaggeration or not, the Muslims that were left were forced to bury the dead. The bodies were dumped outside the city. It is possible that the massive amount of bodies would have created a feast for the birds and beasts of the field that is discussed in vs. 17-20.
Now, these are but a few things to consider about the prophecy being fulfilled with the crusades. But as I stated previously, we are likely talking about multiple leaders and fulfillments over time. The defeat of the Byzantines by the Seljuk Turks in 1071 was the beginning of the end of the Byzantine Empire. The empire would last a while longer but in 1453 the Ottoman Empire finally put an end to the Byzantines. And of course, the Ottomans are also a Turkish empire. Ezekiel 39:6 states, “ I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the Lord.” John Gill in his commentary on the Bible notes, “it designs the destruction of the Ottoman empire.” And I believe the text is also referring to the Ottomans. The Ottomans gained control of Jerusalem in 1517 and held power for 400 years until 1917 when the British took control during World War I. Ironically by 1600, the Ottoman Empire began a long slow decline. Under the British Mandate of 1917, Jerusalem was considered an international city and declared “no-man’s land.” Exactly 50 years later, a Jubilee, on June 17, 1967 Israel reclaimed Jerusalem during the Six Day War. Believe it or not, this was the first time Jerusalem had been under Jewish control since 70 A.D. Another interesting fact is that 50 years after the Six Day War on December 6, 2017, President Donald J. Trump recognized Jerusalem as the eternal and undivided capital of Israel and announced the move of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Now, I do believe in a general sense many nations are represented in the text, the enemies of God over time. But in a very specific sense, the prophecy is referring to the Seljuk Turks and the Ottoman Empire. The end of Ezekiel 39 states:
“And I will set my glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them. 22 The house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God, from that day forward. 23 And the nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity, because they dealt so treacherously with me that I hid my face from them and gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they all fell by the sword. 24 I dealt with them according to their uncleanness and their transgressions, and hid my face from them.
Before thus says the Lord God: Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for my holy name. 26 They shall forget their shame and all the treachery they have practiced against me, when they dwell securely in their land with none to make them afraid, 27 when I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them from their enemies' lands, and through them have vindicated my holiness in the sight of many nations. 28 Then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them into exile among the nations and then assembled them into their own land. I will leave none of them remaining among the nations anymore. 29 And I will not hide my face anymore from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, declares the Lord God.”
I believe the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecy is Israel being re-established as a nation-state, but it is a process. Everything does not happen all at once. If you go back to Ezekiel 37, at the end of the chapter, starting in verse 24, it states, “David shall be king over them.” And clearly this refers to Jesus in victory at his first coming. Jesus is the king and shepherd over his people forever. Yet, God allows enemies to come and take the land for a season of time, but ultimately all the enemies are defeated. God’s people have peace and all the fortunes of Israel are restored both physically and spiritually. This is a real encouragement in times of chaos and uncertainty. God uses a long process, but he restores his people. God does judge nations, but the ultimate goal is the restoration of his people.
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:1-13
Notes
1. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV)
2. John Hagee, Earth’s Last Empire: The Final Game of Thrones
3. Christopher Tyerman, God’s War: A New History of the Crusades
4. Nick Needham, 2000 Years of Christ’s Power: The Middle Ages, Volume 2
5. James W. Dixon, Chronological Commentary of the Bible
6. Ralph Woodrow, His Truth is Marching On
7. Gary DeMar, Why the End of the World is not in Your Future: Identifying the Gog-Magog Alliance
8. Stephen R. Covey, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
9. Daniel Block, The Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 25-48, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament
10. John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary
11. Daniel Morais, Revelation Revolution, www.revelationrevolution.org
12. John Gill, Gill’s Exposition, www.studylight.org
13. Phillip Kayser, Biblical Blueprints, www.kaysercommentary.com
Add comment
Comments