by: Randall Pickens, Sr.
I notice most references to Gog in modern publications and Blogs associate him with the anti-Christ of John’s Revelation chapter 20. There is much to do about the rise of the anti-Christ and little mention of his demise. The prophet Ezekiel gives us a vivid description of Gog’s demise and the specific timing of his demise should eliminate his consideration as the personage of John’s anti-Christ. These two references are clearly not the same individual.
I would bring your attention to the fact that this Rev. 20 is a single reference in association with the battle of Armageddon finale. This is a “END” event.
I believe the use of his name and his home region by John to be likened to current day usages of the term “coke” or “soda”. A “generic” reference or even intentionally veiled. We must keep in mind the prophet Ezekiel is called to speak specifically to Gog and reveals details that are not found anywhere else in scripture. These details reveal Gog’s heritage, regional associations, motive, and final demise; all of which disqualify him as the Beast of Revelation. The Beast of Revelation rises during the 70th week of Daniel or Jacob’s trouble. He will have 3 ½ years to rise to the height of his power and 3 ½ years to rule to his final demise at Armageddon. Also, the Beast is not to be confused with the Dragon or Satan. See my article “The Beast and False Prophet” for explanations of the Dragon’s “Beast and False Prophet”.
This article speaks to the characteristics of the Dragon’s Beast and False Prophet.
Ezekiel 39 deals specifically with the details of Gog’s demise. As I have said, this detail clearly differentiates Ezekiel’s Gog from John’s Gog of Rev. 20.
Let’s look at this detail:
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. This occurs in Daniel also. The vision Daniel interrupts is used to communicate the coming secular history as well as Israel’s future and then finally the 70th week. Likewise, Ezekiel 39 is a continuation of the base prophecy starting Ezekiel 38.
Remember there were no chapter and verses in the scripts of antiquity. So, Ezekiel 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 or demise of Gog. We will also see references to the where, why and the timing of this event. 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” (Strong’s 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.
To glean every clue possible from this prophecy we need to look at specific Hebrew/Greek 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.
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 as possibly the Beast/False Prophet system of John’s Revelation 20.
This is an important clue that differentiates this event from the battle of Armageddon. The other clues from chapter 38 is the motive of Gog being “plunder” and that there is no mention of a religious system associated with the Gog of Ezekiel. In fact, there is no mention of a Messiah, False Prophet or Temple.
I find the absence of these topics to be very curious and telling. Can you imagine a Prophecy about the end times without mention of the Messiah? No “Stone” to crush the “Little Horn”. Can you imagine a Prophecy about the End Times that doesn’t mention the 3rd Temple? No abomination of desolation here… No “Stone” to crush the 5th kingdom of “mixed iron and clay”.
Now here is a nice clue that gets over looked. Hebrew “mixed” H6151 means “ARAB” Wow, now isn’t that interesting?
Eze. 39:2 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. Note in this cover page map the direction and location of Gog’s demise. Note Gog and his federation never make it to Jerusalem but fall in the mountains of Israel and the southern plains. This is more proof that Ezekiel’s Gog and federation are unique to the Gog of John’s Revelation.
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-front 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. Selah
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