It appears that we are witnessing another piece of prophetic scripture being fulfilled in our lifetime.
In 1948 after the Allied Forces defeated the Nazi regime, the United Nations restored Israel as a nation and placed them back in their homeland. This action is widely believed to have been the fulfillment of Ezekiel 37:21-22.
Since this marker theologians and prophetic scholars have been wondering what would occur within 1 generation of this event. Why would we be concerned about what happens 70 years after the fulfillment of this key piece of scripture?
Because unless otherwise specified the blessing a generation receives from obeying God does not necessarily carry on to the next generation. In this case it would be the support of Israel through WWII.
Also, once this generation is gone it opens up the opportunity for the next piece to prophecy to be fulfilled. Like clockwork, as we are ending this 70 year period (which ends in 2018) the next chapter may be coming true before our very eyes. What is it?
The rise of Magog (Ezekiel 38).
The Person
Magog was the grandson of Noah and one of Japeth?s seven sons. Japeth?s decedents went on to settle Europe.
In Prophecy
Magog is an enemy ?from the far North? (Ez 38:6) which will come down on Israel with it?s allies in the last days. This war will lead to the necessity of a peace treaty that the Antichrist will broker between Israel and the neighboring Arab nations. This treaty marks the beginning of the 7 year Tribulation. Many believe Magog to be Russia and this line of thinking was pervasive during the Cold War. However Magog represents a consortium of countries which will include Russia and in particular modern day Turkey.
?You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.? Ezekiel 38:16
Gog?s (the leader of Magog) allies include ?Meschech, Tubal, Gomer and Beth Togarmah” which can be identified as modern day Turkey. Cush (Sudan or Ethiopia), Persia (Iran) and Put (Somalia). These, among others, will be allied with Gog.
This alliance would be many countries aligned together against Israel. These nations would support and move with Arab nations against Israel.
If we are in fact witnessing these events the following points are something to consider.
- As with Georgia and Crimea, Russia will continue to occupy and take new territory. Russia will become increasingly allied with Turkey. With Russia growing in strength and power Turkey, which is struggling with the tension and influx of refugees from neighboring Syria, will most likely look to align as stability will continue to weaken in that region.
- Israeli and American relations will continue to decline, as a result America will continue to weaken.
- We could be approaching the War of Gog and Magog.
This war however is not the final war. Gog and Magog is mentioned in Ezekiel as a symbol of dark powers from the north that are hostile toward God. In Revelation Gog and Magog is mentioned to represent all nations of the world. Satan is released from his 1,000 year bondage and will ?go and and deceive the nations? bringing them together for the final war.
All in all, current geopolitical tension and moves are appearing to be bringing us into a ‘brave new world’ where the current order and structure is turned upside down. The reason for confidence to view current events in this light is due in part to the nearing 70th anniversary of Israel?s statehood.
I would not be surprised to see the tension between Russia and the United States continue to rise. From there I see American power weakening and from 2015-2018 the War of Gog and Magog could commence.