CFBC Wed Study | 12-13-23 | Israel, Prophecy and the Middle East | Session 7

Dr. Chuck Herring | Ezekiel 39:1-29

The battle of Gog and Magog described in Ezekiel 38 and 39 is one of the most debated events in biblical prophecy…

§  Some approach these chapters as non-literal, having only an idealist or figurative meaning, without any historical reality. 

§  Others approach these chapters as having a literal fulfillment, being an invasion of some kind, but differ on its participants, location, and timing. 

Last week we moved to the deep end of the prophetic pool as we considered the war of Gog and Magog.  The Bible predicts an end-time alliance between Russia, Iran and Turkey (along with other countries) that will come against Israel in the last days leading up to the return of Jesus.  As they cover the land like a storm it will look like a slam dunk for the invading forces, that is until God steps in!  

We saw in last week’s study that God will not allow this invading force to prevail but will supernaturally wipe them out on the mountains of Israel.  This turn of events will literally leave an unbelieving world gasping for answers!  It will, the Bible says, be an event that will be used by God to make His name known again to both Israel and the nations of the world.

In Hebrew literature, it was common to give an account and then to repeat it to give emphasis and to add a few additional details.  Ezekiel 39:1-8 is a summary of what was described in Ezekiel 38.  

ÞChapter 38 concentrates on the danger this evil coalition presents to Israel.

ÞChapter 38 concentrates on the defeat of Gog.

ÞChapter 39 concentrates on the disposal of Gog.

ÞChapter 39 concentrates on the deliverance of God’s people.

Ezekiel 39:1–6… “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal; 2 and I will turn you around, drive you on, take you up from the remotest parts of the north and bring you against the mountains of Israel. 3 “I will strike your bow from your left hand and dash down your arrows from your right hand. 4 “You will fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you as food to every kind of predatory bird and beast of the field. 5 “You will fall on the open field; for it is I who have spoken,” declares the Lord God. 6 “And I will send fire upon Magog and those who inhabit the coastlands in safety; and they will know that I am the Lord. 

Verse 4 reveals some new information not found in Ezekiel 38.  It states that the armies associated with this evil coalition will fall on the Mountains of Israel and their bodies will be given to the birds and to the beasts to eat. This is similar to the events of Armageddon as described in Revelation 19:17-18.  Some have suggested that the Gog and Magog invasion is actually describing the war of Armageddon. While there are similarities there are also some major differences. The most notable is that this war of Gog and Magog will come at a time when Israel is living in peace and security, in unwalled villages. 

This certainly WILL NOT be the case at the end of
 the tribulation as the inhabitants of Israel has to
 flee for their lives at the mid-point of the tribulation.
(Matt 24:15-22, Rev 12:6,13-17)

For another new piece of information look at verse 6.  This verse speaks of a fire in Magog (Russia) itself.  Let’s piece together the scenario we’ve already been presented…

§  This massive army covers the mountains of Israel and bears down on the people of God.

§  God sends an earthquake that wipes out a large segment of the troops.

§  Chaos breaks out within the ranks of the remaining army, and they begin to kill each other. 

§  Next, fire and hail are poured out on what remains of the invading army. 

This is a picture of the total devastation of a vastly superior army that attacked a noticeably inferior nation.  Surely anyone in their right mind would assume that these events have the supernatural fingerprints of God all over them.  Well, if that weren’t enough, God unleashes His judgment on Magog (Russia) itself.  Fire falls from heaven.  All doubt as to the source of this judgment is removed.  This is the hand of Almighty God!

“Not only is the Russian and allied army destroyed in Israel, but the land of Russia itself is devastated by the raining of brimstone, causing much destruction to the nation itself. It will cause Russia to cease being a political force in world affairs.”  Arnold Fructenbaum, Footsteps of the Messiah, page 115.

I want you to see how verse 6 ends—“…And they will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One of Israel.”  Even hard-hearted unbelievers will finally recognize that there is a sovereign, holy, and righteous God to whom everyone must answer to.  

Ezekiel 39:7–8… “My holy name I will make known in the midst of My people Israel; and I will not let My holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations will know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel. 8 “Behold, it is coming and it shall be done,” declares the Lord God. “That is the day of which I have spoken.”

The prophet Ezekiel records the heartbeat of God.  First, that the nations of the world will know that HE IS THE LORD.  Second, in verse 7, the prophet reveals God’s desire for the nation of Israel—"MY HOLY NAME I WILL MAKE KNOWN IN THE MIDST OF MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.”  This is the first time that it specifically says that God will make His holy name known to the nation of Israel and it will not be profaned anymore.  

When the reality of this invasion and God’s supernatural deliverance is witnessed, it will jolt Israel out of its current spiritual slumber. Though Israel was gathered to the land and lived in relative safety and prosperity, a true relationship with Yahweh had not yet been restored.  It will be after this battle. They will know, once and for all, that they are the Lord's people and they need to repent, uphold His name, and believe in their Lord God once again.  In verse 8, the living God solemnly affirmed this powerful prophecy that Ezekiel recorded.  Revival will one day come to Israel!

Ezekiel 39:9–10… “Then those who inhabit the cities of Israel will go out and make fires with the weapons and burn them, both shields and bucklers, bows and arrows, war clubs and spears, and for seven years they will make fires of them. 10 “They will not take wood from the field or gather firewood from the forests, for they will make fires with the weapons; and they will take the spoil of those who despoiled them and seize the plunder of those who plundered them,” declares the Lord God. 

The new information revealed here concerns the...