by: Randall Pickens, Sr.
Chapter 38/39 are one prophecy
Ezekiel 39:1 We pickup in verse 1 with a repeat of the prophets charge to prophecy to Gog. It is customary for prophets to repeat and build on previous revelation. Chapter 39 is a continuation of the base prophecy of Ezekiel 38 to Gog. Remember there was no chapter and verse in the scripts of antiquity. Chapter 38 and 39 are really one continuous prophecy that progressively gets more descriptive as it proceeds. As I stated in my commentary on chapter 38; this prophecy starts out with an emphasis on the who, what and where and now we will receive more detail as to the judgement of Gog and the specifics of his demise. We will also see references to the where, why and the timing of this event and how it is associated with future end time events. Pay attention to the details of his demise; these details distinguish Gog from being considered the Anti-Christ of John’s Revelation.
The word “chief” refers to rank not a location!
Before we proceed to verse 2 there is a Hebrew word that appears in both chapter 38 and 39 that has been seriously abused by interrupters. This word has been used to attempt an association with a location or nation; that being Russia. The phrase is “chief H7218 and prince H5387” (Strongs ref.). The word “chief” is an adjective associated with the word “prince” which is a rank for a leader, NOT A LOCATION. Attempts to associate this with Russia is a serious error. As the attached map reveals the more likely modern nation to fill this prophecy would be Turkey or Syria not Russia.
I want to glean every clue possible from this prophecy. To do so we need to look at specific Hebrew words and be open to consider “nontraditional” interpretations. As I have stated throughout my teachings, I believe each generation has a responsibility to review prophecy and apply knowledge obtained throughout history and to apply these revelations to our current understanding. I am committed to reassessing interpretations-based context with subsequent fulfilled prophecy and advanced knowledge of the paleo Hebrew and Greek language and historic events.
God will handle Gog!
Ezekiel 39:2 This verse reiterates the fact that God is the force that will come against Gog. There is however an interesting revelation detail; God reveals that 1/6 of Gog’s federation will survive. This is an important detail because it reveals that a portion of this federation will survive to reconstitute later in the Beast/False Prophet system of John’s Revelation. This is an important clue that differentiates this event from the battle of Armageddon. Another clue from chapter 38 is the motive of Gog being “plunder” and also that there is no mention of a religious system associated with Gog.
Reference to the “mountains of Israel” reiterates the north region of Israel as the direction of the primary assault and the location of the battle and demise of Gog’s federation.
Ezekiel 39:3-6 These verses continue to give details of Gog’s demise. The reference to the bow in the “right” hand and arrows in the “left” hand have a potential dual meaning, as well as a reference to ancient armaments. The Hebrew words right and left were also used to denote direction. This could be a reference to “north” and “south” which would indicate that the federation launches a “multi-frontal attack”. This is also borne out with the reference to the federation “falling on the mountains” and “open fields”. This implies at least “two” locations of fallen foes. Verse six adds to this consideration by revealing that God will rain fire on Gog’s region of Magog and the federation members of the Isles regions (Mediterranean) based on their association with this invasion.
Ezekiel 39:7-8 These verses reiterate the motive of this Godly intervention. This is another important distinction from the battle of Armageddon. This event is intended to make the World and Israel aware of the fact that there is a God in Israel. This event is not the final “judgement” of the World or Israel but rather the redemption of Israel! This is the beginning of a renewed relationship with Israel. There is to be no mistaking that this is a GODLY INTERVENTION.
Ezekiel 39:9-10 This verse gives us a clue that unquestionably distinguishes this event from the battle of Armageddon of Rev. 16:14. This verse reveals that this event occurs at least seven years prior to the final battle. It will take 7 years to burn the armaments of this war. We also see that Israel will reverse the intent of Gog. Israel will reap the plunder of Magog. Could this imply that Israel will finally claim the boundaries that were originally prophesied to Abraham as defined in Ezekiel 47?
Gog and his federation will be buried in Bashan. A cemetery, city, memorial and valley will be named after Gog.
Ezekiel 39:11-24 These verses mention a cemetery, valley, and city in Israel to be named after Gog and his slain federation soldiers. Even a memorial and holiday are to be established for celebrating this victorious Godly intervention. The fowls and beast of the mountains and plains will join in a feast of the fallen as a sacrifice to God for the cleansing of the land (Israel). Just another proof of the intent to reestablish the relationship of God with Israel. This is not characteristic of the final judgment of Rev 16:14 and the battle of Armageddon. Verse 18 references Bashan which is modern day Syria (northeast of the Jordan river). Bashan was of the first conquests of the promised land and was given to the tribe of Manasseh. This is another region of the north.
Ezekiel 39:25-29 This chapter concludes with Israel being saved from Gog and his federation and restored unto the God of Israel. It is important to recognize that this event restores Judaism in Israel. There has been no mention of a Messiah in this account. In fact, we will see that this renewed relationship leads to the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-institution of sacrifices. This is the end of Gog and his federation but the beginning of the final plan to save Israel. This brings Israel back to the status of their departure and to the beginning of the end time Revelation of John. Israel must now accept Jesus as the Messiah. The unfinished business of God with the Church, Satan, his rebellious angels, and the children of disobedience can now begin … Let it begin!
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