Is Gog a Russian?

By: Randall E. Pickens, Sr.

Is Gog a Russian? Many try to answer this question based on the use of a single word in Ezekiel and the use of a questionable translation technique.  The technique they apply is, “sounds like”.  Really?  Yes, they say that the Hebrew word roshe, H7218, which actually means “chief or head”, sounds like Russia.   

This is hardly the process one would expect professional theologians to trust when translating the word of God.  Also, when viewed in context this word is clearly used to describe a man named Gog and specifically addresses his title as “chief or head” Prince of the territories named Meshech and Tubal.  So, if you want to determine his origin, then these two territories should be investigated not his rank, roshe. 

When these two territories are researched, we find that the more probable origin of this man would be from Asia Minor or modern-day Turkey/Syria.  Eleven major Atlas Publications agree with Turkey/Syria, of Asia Minor as the location of ancient Mesheck and Tubal. 

The Masoretic OT, Septuagint LXX, and 11 major English translations agree that roshe is a rank/title “NOT” a location.  Frankly, I would be embarrassed to use the “sounds like” argument; we are not playing Charades here…  This is the word of God and deserves our most careful and skillful linguistic handling.  It should be considered malpractice for a translator to consider a sounds like argument.

In addition, the word roshe, H7218 is used 598 times throughout the Bible and not once is it translated as a place.  Did you hear this?  NOT ONCE!  The word roshe, H7218 is translated either as chief, head, or top. 

I would never deny that Japheth’s descendants would eventually migrate and settle territories now known to include European, Russian and Post-Soviet Union enclaves.  I wouldn’t even deny that Russia will likely have its place in the Ezekiel 38/39 federation or even later in the Antichrist federation of John’s Revelation. 

I just don’t believe Ezekiel’s Gog is a Russian nor is he the antichrist of John’s Revelation!  Keep in mind, Ezekiel’s Gog dies and is buried in Israel at least 7 years “prior” to the end event or what we call the Second Coming of Christ in John’s Revelation!  As revealed in;

Ezekiel 39:9.  And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years: 

Also, I would draw your attention to the fact that Apostle John only referenced Gog and Magog once in Rev 20:8. This reference is not to Satan or to the antichrist but rather a group of people that Satan deceives. This reference is to a time when Satan is released after the 1000-year reign (Millennium) and is a symbolic reference to a collective group of nations of the earth. This group is said to number as the sand of the sea, NOT JUST A HAND FULL OF NATIONS like Gog of Ezekiel!

Rev 20:7  And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 

Rev 20:8  And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 

Another argument you may hear proponents of a Russian Gog is associated with his location in relation to Israel.  The phrase “King of the North” is often used however this phrase is actually used only in Daniel and not Ezekiel.  Ezekiel 38 mentions Gomer and Togarmah as coming from the north but not as a King.  So this phrase “King of the North” is never used by Ezekiel or by John in Revelation.  You may choose to associate Daniel’s reference to the antichrist but as I mentioned earlier the Gog of Ezekiel must not be confused with either Daniel’s “King of the North” or the Antichrist of John’s Revelation.

Ezekiel’s Gog is neither of these…

In Summary:

I believe Gog is the name of a man who is a chief prince from the territories of Asia Minor, Mesheck and Tubal.  He will form an alliance with numerous kingdoms with the intent to invade Israel and plunder Israel’s wealth.  Gog will invade from the north which is typical of all historic invasions from the kingdoms of Daniel’s prophecies down through the ages with the exception of Egypt.  The Via Maris (way of the sea) and Kings Highway both represent the common trade routes from north to south thus the typical path of any of Israel’s enemies during their conquests with the exception of Egypt. 

The topology of Israel makes it clear why no army would choose to march from the east across the Arabian deserts.  God will intervene on Israel’s behalf and Gog and his alliance will be defeated in the north of Israel.  Gog will be destroyed and will be buried in the plains of Israel.  The city will be named after him and his allies.  The weapons of this war will be burnt for 7 years.  An annual holiday will be established where the destruction of Gog and his allies will be celebrated.  The event will prove to the world that there is a God in Israel.  This event will occur prior to the tribulation period of John’s Revelation.  It will set the stage for the close of the Church Age with the Rapture and the beginning of the 7 year tribulation called Jacob’s Trouble. 

I have published a verse by verse commentary of Ezekiel 38 and 39.  I suggest you read these commentaries.    

   

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