It is interesting that in these days there is so much focus on the “Battle of Gog and Magog” as found in Ezekiel 38 and 39. In these chapters, the Prophet describes the gathering of several nations which come against Israel militarily. I have written before of the difference of opinion on which nations these are. Many think that Russia is included. I agree with the view that the listed nations are the Islamic countries of the “Shiite Core,” plus Turkey and the southern Caucasus “Stans.” Please see my lesson on the Shiite Core.

Another disputed view is the concept that this invasion of Israel will occur before the Tribulation. The only reason for this view is the prophecy that Israel will use the weapons of the fallen armies for fuel for seven years. (Ezekiel 39:9) Because the Tribulation is thought to be seven years long, some think that this event will happen before the Tribulation. I also disagree on this. There is no other Scripture that I am aware of that gives us this indication.

Further, the Jews look at Ezekiel 38 and 39 as describing the final action of the Lord. This is their “Armageddon.” Remember, Armageddon is only named one time in the Bible, and that is in the New Testament. I do agree with this view that Ezekiel 38 and 39 is a description of the final battle.

All this review is to present an alternate perspective of Ezekiel 38 and 39. Chuck Missler, a very bright Brother-in-Christ who is noted for thinking “outside the box,” has given a different idea in the April 2010 of his Personal Update journal. He starts by noting that Ezekiel 38:8 and 11 speak of Israel having recovered from war and living in safety in unwalled villages. This is clearly not true today. The Palestinians daily lob missiles over the twenty-five foot high wall that separates Israel from the “West Bank.”

Read Psalm 83 and see how much it describes current events in the Middle East, particularly Israel. “They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.’ (83:4) and, ‘Let us take for ourselves The pastures of God for a possession.’ (83:12)” This is exactly what the Islamic neighbors of Israel have been saying for years. The neighbors listed in Psalm 83 are all near Israel; the Palestinians, Jordan, Lebanon; the furthest being Saudi Arabia (the Ishmaelites). The conclusion of this Islamic confederation against Israel is found in Psalm 83:17-18. “Let them (the Islamic neighbors) be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, That they may know that You, whose name alone [is] the LORD, [Are] the Most High over all the earth.” God is the Lord, not Allah, the Islamic moon god.

Brother Missler proposes that if Israel were to be forced to go to war against its neighbors and win an overwhelming victory, it would then have some peace. Quite separately, the nations in Ezekiel 38 are not interested in wiping Israel off of the map, but rather in taking the spoils (gold, silver, cattle and other goods). There are several differences between Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38, and they certainly are worth studying.

For more of Missler’s insights, please see Khouse.org. An interesting quote is given by Brother Missler, “The only certain barrier to the truth is the presumption that you already have it.” Study the Lord’s Word and discover the secrets held within it. May His name be praised forever!