What is the Ezekiel invasion?
Some 2600 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel prophesied that the Jews would be regathered from “many nations” to the land of Israel in the end times (Ezekiel 36–37). He then prophesied that, sometime later, there would be an all-out invasion into Israel by a massive northern assault force, with Russia heading up a coalition of Muslim nations, including modern Iran, Sudan, Turkey, Libya, and other Islamic nations (38–39). Their goal will be to utterly obliterate the Jews.
How do we know that “Rosh” in Ezekiel 38:2 refers to Russia (NASB, ASV, NKJV, MEV)?
There are a number of reasons for making this identification. Not only have many highly respected Hebrew scholars come to this conclusion, but there also is considerable historical evidence that a place known as Rosh—sometimes using alternate spellings such as Rus, Ros, and Rox—was very familiar in the ancient world, and was located in the territory now occupied by modern Russia. There is evidence of a people named Rosh/Rashu in the ninth through seventh centuries BC in Assyrian sources that predate the book of Ezekiel. Hence, quite early, we find evidence of a “Ros” people that was geographically located in today’s Russia. Rosh also appears as a place name in Egyptian inscriptions as Rash, dating as early as 2600 BC. One inscription that dates to 1500 BC refers to a land called Reshu that was located to the north of Egypt (as is the case with modern Russia). Finally, in Ezekiel 39:2 Rosh is said to be in “the uttermost parts of the north.” The term “north” is to be understood in relation to Israel. If one draws a line from Israel and goes straight north, one ends up in Russia.
Why does the term “Rosh” not appear in the ESV, NIV, NET, HCSB, and NLT translations except as a marginal reading?
The Hebrew word in this verse can be taken as either a proper noun (a geographical place called Rosh) or as an adjective (meaning “chief”). If it’s an adjective, it qualifies the meaning of the word prince, so that it is translated “chief prince.”
Hebrew scholars debate the correct translation. I believe Hebrew scholars C.F. Keil and Wilhelm Gesenius are correct in saying Rosh refers to a geographical place. The evidence suggests that the errant translation of Rosh as an adjective (“chief prince”) can be traced to the Latin Vulgate, translated by Jerome—who himself admitted that he did not base his translation on grammatical considerations. He resisted translating Rosh as a proper noun simply because He could not find it mentioned as a geographical place anywhere else in Scripture. A number of English translations followed Jerome on this verse.
Taking Rosh as a geographical place is the most natural rendering of the original Hebrew (as reflected in the NASB translation). I see no legitimate linguistic reason for taking it as an adjective.
Does modern Russia have a track record of aggression against Israel?
There’s no question about it. During the 1967 Six-Day War, the Russians were poised to attack Israel, but backed down after President Johnson ordered the U.S. Sixth Fleet to steam toward Israel. When Egypt, Syria, and some other Arab/Islamic countries launched an attack against Israel in 1973, it soon became clear that Russia was providing the military muscle behind the attack, including weaponry, ammunition, intelligence, and military training. In 1982, then-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin revealed that a secret but massive cache of Russian weaponry had been discovered in deep underground cellars in Lebanon, apparently pre-positioned for later use in a future ground invasion into Israel. In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of Russian alliances with Iran and other Muslim countries. This is understandably of great concern to Israel.
What geographical region is Magog in this northern military coalition?
Magog, one of the nations in the anti-Israel coalition (Ezekiel 38:2), probably constitutes the geographical area in the southern portion of the former Soviet Union. Many scholars take Magog to generally refer to the mountainous area near the Black and Caspian Seas, the former domain of the Scythians. More specifically, it likely refers to the area that is today occupied by the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and possibly even northern parts of modern Afghanistan. Significantly, this entire area is Muslim dominated, with more than enough religious motivation to move against Israel.
What geographical regions are Meshech and Tubal in this northern military coalition?
Meshech and Tubal—often mentioned together in Scripture (for example, Ezekiel 38:2)—refers to the geographical territory to the south of the Black and Caspian Seas of Ezekiel’s day, which is today modern Turkey, though there may be some overlap with some neighboring countries. This is evident in that Meshech and Tubal are apparently the same as the Mushki and Tabal of the Assyrians, and the Moschi and Tibareni of the Greeks, who inhabited the territory that constitutes modern Turkey. This is confirmed by the ancient historian Herodotus.
Is modern-day Iran the same as ancient Persia (Ezekiel 38:5)?
Yes, indeed. Persia occupies the exact same territory as is presently occupied by modern Iran. Persia became Iran in 1935. Then, during the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the name changed to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In view of what biblical prophecy reveals about the alliance between Rosh and Persia (Russia and Iran) as well as other Muslim nations, it is highly revealing that Iran has now become the third largest recipient of Russian arms, with an estimated annual trade of $500 million. The Iranian government is involved in a massive, 25-year military modernization program—one entailing upgrades to its air defense, naval warfare, and land combat capabilities, and built almost entirely around Russian technology and weaponry. Russia has also been assisting Iran in its nuclear program. Through Russia’s assistance, Iran seems destined to become a dominant nation in the Middle East—far more dominant than Westerners (and, obviously, Israelis) are comfortable with.
What geographical territory is Cush (also called Ethiopia) in this northern military coalition?
This territory is just south of Egypt on the Nile River—what is today known as Sudan (see Ezekiel 38:5). Sudan is a hardline Islamic nation that is a kindred spirit with Iran in its venomous hatred of Israel. These nations are already such close allies that a mutual stand against Israel would not be unexpected. This nation is infamous for its ties to terrorism and its harboring of Osama bin Laden from 1991 to 1996.
What geographical territory is Put in this northern military coalition?
Put, a land to the west of Egypt, is modern-day Libya (Ezekiel 38:5). However, ancient Libya is larger than the Libya that exists today, and hence the boundaries of Put refer to in Ezekiel 38–39 may extend beyond modern Libya, perhaps including portions of Algeria and Tunisia.
What is the land of Gomer in this northern military coalition?
Gomer is likely modern-day Turkey (see Ezekiel 38:6). In support of this view, the ancient historian Josephus said Gomer founded those whom the Greeks called the Galatians. The Galatians of New Testament times lived in the region of central Turkey. Hence, there is a direct connection of ancient Gomer to modern Turkey. Moreover, many claim Gomer may be a reference to the ancient Cimmerians or Kimmerioi. History reveals that from around 700 BC, the Cimmerians occupied the geographical territory that is modern Turkey.
What geographical region is Beth-togarmah in this northern military coalition?
Beth-togarmah is a compound word. In Hebrew, “beth” means “house.” Hence, Beth-togarmah is a Hebrew term that literally means “the house of Togarmah.” Ezekiel 38:6 makes reference to Beth-togarmah as being from the remote parts of the north. Hence, Beth-togarmah must be located to the north of Israel. Some expositors believe Beth-togarmah is another reference to modern-day Turkey, which is to the far north of Israel. (Keep in mind that Turkey used to be broken down into several smaller territories.) This view is in keeping with the geography of Ezekiel’s time, for in that day there was a city in Cappadocia (modern Turkey) known as Tegarma, Tagarma, Tilgarimmu, and Takarama. If this identification is correct, this means that Turkey will be one of the nations in the northern military coalition that will invade Israel in the end times (Ezekiel 38:1-6).
Will Iraq be a part of the invading force in the Ezekiel invasion?
It’s hard to say. We know from Ezekiel 38:1-6 that the northern coalition of nations will include Russia, Iran, Sudan, Turkey, Libya, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, and possibly northern Afghanistan. But Iraq is not specifically mentioned. One wonders why not.
There are several possible answers. First, it is possible that Iraq will be a part of this invading coalition. In addition to the specific nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38, we find the phrase “and many peoples with you” (verse 15). It may be that Iraq is among the “many peoples.”
Another possibility—perhaps the better option—is that Iraq will not be a part of this invading coalition because a rebuilt Babylon (capital of Iraq) will eventually become the headquarters of the antichrist during the tribulation period (Revelation 17–18). Scripture reveals that the antichrist will first emerge as a leader in the United States of Europe (a revived Roman Empire) and will sign a seven-year peace pact with Israel (Daniel 9:27). This will constitute the beginning of the tribulation period. The antichrist will then eventually relocate to Babylon. One can therefore infer that if the Ezekiel invasion takes place in the first half of the tribulation, antichrist-controlled Iraq will likely not be a part of the invading force. There’s a good possibility that the nations of Ezekiel 38:1-6 launch an invasion into Israel in defiance of the antichrist. In any event, God utterly destroys the invaders (Ezekiel 38:19–39:6). Babylon remains as a headquarters for the antichrist (see Isaiah 13:19).
Who is the “Gog” who heads up this northern military coalition against Israel?
The word “Gog” is a reference to the powerful leader of the end-times northern military coalition that will launch an invasion against Israel (Ezekiel 38). Gog is referred to as “the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” (verse 2). This term appears eleven times in Ezekiel 38–39, thereby indicating that he plays a significant role in this end-times invasion.
Gog may or may not be a proper name. There is reference to an altogether different Gog in 1 Chronicles 5:4, where we read that among the sons of Joel were “Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,” and others. This verse at least indicates that the term can be used as a proper name. It would seem, however, that the term is not intended as a proper name in the context of Ezekiel 38–39.
The term may refer to a king-like role—such as pharaoh, caesar, czar, or president. The term literally means “high,” “supreme,” “a height,” or “a high mountain.” Apparently, then, this leader—this czar-like military leader—will be a man of great stature who commands tremendous respect.
It is critical to understand that Gog is not just another name for the antichrist. We will end up in prophetic chaos if we try to make this identification. The antichrist heads up a revived Roman Empire (Daniel 2, 7), while Gog heads up an invasion force made up of Russia and a number of Muslim nations (Ezekiel 38:1-6). Moreover, Gog’s invasion into Israel constitutes a direct challenge to the antichrist’s covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27). Further, Gog’s moment in the limelight is short-lived (it’s all over when God destroys the invading force—Ezekiel 39), whereas the antichrist is in power over the span of a significant part of the tribulation period.
Has an alliance between the nations in the Ezekiel coalition ever occurred in history?
No. But it is occurring in modern days, which lends credence to the possibility that Christians today are living in the end times.
Here’s something else to think about. An alliance between many of the nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38–39 likely wouldn’t have made good sense in Ezekiel’s day since some are not even located near each other. But it makes great sense in our day because the nations that make up the coalition are predominantly Muslim. That in itself is more than enough reason for them to unify in attacking Israel—especially given current Islamic hatred for Israel.
We can also observe that while Ezekiel wrote his book some 2600 years ago, Islam did not come into being until the seventh century AD. This means that at the time Ezekiel wrote his book, the conditions for the unification of these nations did not yet exist. Nevertheless, as a prophet of God, he set forth his divinely inspired prophecies, and in our day—with the existence of Islam—the prophecies make perfect sense, especially when measured against current events.
What about those who claim that the Ezekiel invasion probably took place back in Bible days?
Such a view is untenable. Here are some factors to consider:
1. There has never been an invasion into Israel on the multination scale described in Ezekiel 38–39. Nor has there ever been an invasion into Israel involving the specific nations mentioned in the passage. Since the prophecy has not been fulfilled yet, its fulfillment must yet be future.
2. Ezekiel said the invasion would take place “in the latter years” (Ezekiel 38:8) and “in the last days” (38:16) from the standpoint of his day. Such phrases point to the prophetic end times.
3. Ezekiel said the invasion would occur sometime after Israel had been regathered from all around the earth—“gathered from many peoples” (Ezekiel 38:8,12)—to a land that had been a wasteland. Certainly there were occasions in Israel’s history where the Jews were held in bondage. For example, they were held in bondage in Egypt. They went into captivity in Babylon. But in each of these cases, their deliverance involved being set free from a single nation, not many nations around the world. The only regathering of Jews from “many peoples” around the world is occurring in modern days—especially since 1948, when Israel achieved statehood.
4. Since chapters 36–37 are being literally fulfilled (a regathering from “many peoples”), it is reasonable and consistent to assume that chapters 38–39 will likewise be literally fulfilled. This is in keeping with the well-established precedent of biblical prophecies throughout the Old Testament being literally fulfilled.
What does Scripture mean when it says Israel will be dwelling securely—at peace—when the Ezekiel invasion takes place (Ezekiel 38:8,11)?
There’s quite a bit of debate on this issue. Some prophecy experts believe that Israel is already in a state of relative security. Among the factors leading to this security are Israel’s well-equipped army, first-rate air force, effective missile-defense system, strong economy, and strong relationship with the United States. Such factors are said to account for Israel being “at peace.”
Other interpreters relate this state of security and peace to the covenant that the antichrist will sign with Israel—the covenant that marks the beginning of the tribulation period (Daniel 9:27). The backdrop is that since Israel became a nation in 1948, she has had to stay on high alert because of the danger she is in from all her Arab and Muslim neighbors. There has never been a time when Israel has been able to let her guard down. Because of the constant conflict and tension in the Middle East, one Western leader after another has tried to broker a peace deal for the region. After all, stability in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf is a high priority for the entire world, especially pertaining to the uninterrupted flow of oil to world markets.
In view of this, some believe that Israel will experience true security only when the leader of a revived Roman Empire—a European superstate—signs a peace pact or covenant with Israel, an event that will officially begin the tribulation period (Daniel 9:27). This leader—the antichrist—will seemingly accomplish the impossible, solving the Middle East peace puzzle. From the moment of the signing of the covenant on through the next three and a half years, Israel will enjoy a heightened sense of security, and this security will be backed by the military might of the most powerful political leader in the world.
How does Israel’s state of security and peace relate to the actual timing of the Ezekiel invasion?
If one holds to the view that Israel is presently in a state of security, the invasion of the northern military coalition could take place at any time, even before the tribulation period begins. If one holds that Israel’s state of security depends on the antichrist’s signing of the covenant with Israel, then the invasion cannot take place until the tribulation period begins.
What is the case for the Ezekiel invasion taking place after the rapture but before the beginning of the tribulation period?
I believe there are five key considerations:
1. The world will likely be in a state of chaos following the rapture. Since the United States has such a heavy population of Christians, the rapture will have a devastating effect on the U.S. Russia and her Muslim allies may well seize the moment, considering this the ideal time to launch a massive attack against Israel, which, up until this time, had been protected by the United States.
2. Once God destroys Russia and the Muslim invaders prior to the tribulation period, this may open the door for an easier rise of the antichrist as the leader of a revived Roman Empire—a European superstate.
3. With the Muslim invaders having already been destroyed prior to the beginning of the tribulation period, this might make it easier for the antichrist to sign a peace pact with Israel (Daniel 9:27), guaranteeing that Israel will be protected (especially from Muslim attacks).
4. This scenario may account for Israel’s ability to construct the Jewish temple on the temple mount in Jerusalem. With Muslim forces decimated, Muslim resistance will be greatly minimized.
5. If the invasion takes place after the rapture, and the rapture takes place at least three and a half years prior to the beginning of the tribulation period, then this scenario would allow for the weapons used in the invasion to be completely burned for seven years (Ezekiel 39:9-10) prior to the midpoint of the tribulation, when Israel is forced to take flight from Jerusalem (Matthew 24:15-21). It may well be, then, that a significant time lapse exists between the rapture and the beginning of the tribulation.
What will motivate this invasion into Israel?
Not only do Muslims hate the Jews because they believe the land of Israel belongs to them by divine right (Allah allegedly gave it to them), they also want Israel’s wealth (see Ezekiel 38:11-12). Ezekiel states that the invaders want Israel’s “silver and gold” and “cattle and goods” and “great spoil” (38:13).
This “great spoil” might actually take a number of forms. A number of wealthy people live in Israel—over 6600 millionaires with total assets exceeding $24 billion. Moreover, the mineral resources of the Dead Sea, including 45 billion tons of sodium, chlorine, sulfur, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and bromide, are worth trillions of dollars. There is also the possibility that gas and oil discoveries in Israel will be part of the spoil. All in all, whoever controls the land of Israel can look forward to an incalculably large economic boost.
Will any nations come to Israel’s defense when she is invaded by this vast force?
Not a one! Israel will stand alone when attacked by the massive northern military coalition. Some nations—“Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish” (apparently Saudi Arabia and some Western nations)—diplomatically ask, “Have you come to seize spoil?” (Ezekiel 38:13). But all they offer is words with no action. Israel will stand utterly alone.
How does God destroy this massive invading force?
Ezekiel 38:17–39:8 describes God’s fourfold judgment of the invaders:
1. There will be a massive earthquake (Ezekiel 38:19-20). The result is that transportation will be disrupted, and apparently the armies of the multinational forces will be thrown into utter chaos (verse 20).
2. Infighting will break out among the invading troops (Ezekiel 38:21). God sovereignly induces the various armies of the invading force to turn on each other and kill each other. It is possible that this may be at least partially due to the confusion and chaos following the massive earthquake. Fear and panic will sweep through the forces so each army will shoot indiscriminately at the others. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the armies of the various nations speak different languages, including Russian, Farsi, Arabic, and Turkic, and communication will be difficult at best. It may also be that the Russians and Muslim nations turn on each other. Perhaps in the midst of the chaos, they mutually suspect that the other is double-crossing them, and they respond by opening fire on each other. In any event, there will be countless casualties.
3. There will be a massive outbreak of disease (Ezekiel 38:22a). Following the earthquake, and following the infighting of the invading troops, countless dead bodies will be lying around everywhere. Transportation will be disrupted so it will be difficult if not impossible to transfer the wounded or bring in food and medicine. Meanwhile, myriad birds and other predatory animals will feast on this unburied flesh. All this is a recipe for the outbreak of pandemic disease—disease which, according to Ezekiel, will take many more lives.
4. There will be torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur (Ezekiel 38:22b). It is possible that the powerful earthquake may set off volcanic deposits in the region, thrusting into the atmosphere a hail of molten rock and burning sulfur (volcanic ash) which then falls upon the enemy troops, thereby utterly destroying them.
Will nuclear weapons be detonated at any point?
It’s hard to say. It is interesting to observe that after God destroys the invaders, He says: “I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts” (Ezekiel 39:6). “Magog” seems to refer to the geographical area in the southern part of the former Soviet Union—perhaps including the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and possibly even northern parts of modern Afghanistan. We are told in this prophetic verse that God will rain fire down upon this area of the world, as well as Magog’s “allies who live safely on the coasts.” Destruction may include not only military targets such as missile silos, military bases, radar installations, and the like, but also religious centers, mosques, madrassas, Islamic schools and universities, and other facilities that preach hatred against the Jews. This may be a direct infliction of fire by God Himself, or God could cause this fire through Israel’s (or some other nation’s) nuclear weaponry.
How does God’s protection of Israel relate to the Abrahamic covenant?
As the Protector of Israel, God’s primary purpose in destroying the coalition will be to deliver Israel from harm. Ultimately, this is an outworking of the ancient covenant God made with His friend Abraham. In Genesis 12:3, God promised Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse.” Surely the Muslims—those who comprise this vast invading force—dishonor Israel by seeking her destruction, and hence God’s curse falls upon the invaders in the form of an annihilating judgment.
Are there any indications that the Ezekiel invasion is drawing near?
The very nations prophesied to join this alliance in the end times are already coming together in our day. The fact that this alliance is beginning to emerge after Israel became a nation again in 1948—with Jews continuing to stream into their homeland ever since, so that today there are more Jews in Israel than anywhere else on earth—is considered by many to be highly significant.
It appears that the stage may be being set for this prophesied future invasion into Israel.