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GOG AND MAGOG

 - The Final Rebellion - compiled by Rachel Cory-Kuehl 2011

Last edited: December 2, 2022

Scripture is from the NKJV unless otherwise noted

 

Revelation 20:7-9 “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the

      saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured     them.”



BACKGROUND

 

If this is the first of our studies that you are now reading, then you will need some background and context, to make sense of what I will say next.

 

1. Those who believe in Yeshua Messiah are “grafted in” TO Israel. Hebrews who do not believe are “broken off” FROM Israel. Only redeemed Israel will be “saved.” There is only one “way” to God the Father. That “way” is Yeshua the Son of God, who died on a cross and was raised from the dead. Israel redeemed and victorious, will finally be composed of believers from every nation, kindred, tongue and people. See our study: “Who are Israel?

 

2. The “first death” - physical death, results in a state of unconsciousness, which the Bible calls “sleep.” The LORD will resurrect every human being, some at His Glorious Return, and others 1000 years later, at the 8th millennium. See our study: “Where are the Dead?

 

3. At the Glorious Return of Christ, there will be a great resurrection and a judgment. “Multitudes of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2-3 NIV).


 

The redeemed will receive new “spiritual” bodies (1Cor 15:44), and will go with Christ to the place He has prepared - the New Jerusalem. There they will prepare to serve as priests and kings under Christ, to govern “the rest” who will be resurrected 1000 years later, as “nations in the four corners of the earth.” See our studies: “A Kingdom of Priests,” and “The Change of the Priesthood.”

 

At the Glorious Return, those who lived in rebellion against God and His law (without repentance), will hear judgment pronounced against them. They will then be “consumed by His glory,” or left to die in the wrath plagues. Their bodies will be a “feast” for scavengers, which will themselves finally die because the earth will no longer support life.

 

At the Glorious Return, the Beast and the False Prophet will be thrown into “the lake of fire” (Rev 19:20). The Beast and the False Prophet are Satan’s great systems of domination and deception. They are systems, NOT just two individual persons. Thousands upon thousands have served those systems. Those individuals who understood that they were fighting against the LORD, will be judged and destroyed in a “lake of fire” AT the Glorious Return. I do not believe they will ever be resurrected to continued life.

      See our study: “Judgment Day.”

 

4. The earth will “rest” in desolation (Lev. 26:35, Jer. 4:23), without inhabitant except possibly for Satan and his angels who are imprisoned in the “Abyss” (meaning the “without form and void”). This earth may be the “uninhabited place.” Everything necessary to support life will be gone. See our study: “Millennium.”

 

NOTE: It is entirely possible that this planet will “rest” in desolation for 1000 years. I think it also a possibility, that the redeemed will be “returned to the land” at a point half way through the 7th millennium (at the Jubilee). Every Israelite was to “return to his inheritance in the land,” at the Jubilee (Lev 25:9-13).

 

5. Christ will restore the earth, for human habitation. Israel redeemed, will restore the waste places and rebuild the ruined cities of Israel (Isa 61:4). They will raise up a city on Mt. Zion, and a Temple (10 miles outside of the city) - the Temple seen by Ezekiel the prophet. The healing river will flow out from this Temple, and the earth will come back to life.


      6. At the 8th millennium, “the rest of the dead” will be resurrected, to continue their lives.

 

Revelation 20:5 “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.”

 

These people were not called of God during the first age. They will be those who lived and died in ignorance of God because of immaturity, disability or circumstance. They could not make informed personal choices either for, or against the LORD.


 

Salvation is information based. One must hear, before one can believe (Rom 10:14-17). These people lacked the vital information, or the maturity and mental capacity to understand the truths of God and the Gospel. Describing to believing Gentiles, their former state, Paul wrote:

 

Ephesians 2:12 “remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world” (NIV).

 

It is only right and just that such people have the opportunity to choose. Our God is “not willing that any be lost” (2Peter 3:9).

 

Every human being must fulfill the same requirements, for citizenship in Israel - the people of God: (1) belief resulting in obedience based upon love and respect, and (2) demonstration of that belief in the face of testing. The spirit of the Father, imparted through Jesus Christ, enables that belief and that obedience.

 

Israel redeemed will act as “a kingdom of priests” to teach and govern those raised to continue their lives at “the 8th day.” Satan will be released from his prison in the “pit,” to test (tempt) these people. See our study: “The 8th Day.”

 

Many of those raised at 8th millennium, will come to Christ as Savior and Lord. They will come up to Mount Zion to learn the ways of the LORD, and they will choose to “walk in His paths.” Christ will even take some of these people for priests, to govern and teach, and for Levites to serve the Temple (Isa. 66:21).


WHY IS SATAN RELEASED?

 

Revelation 20:7-9 “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle.”

 

If the fate of all mankind is forever decided at the Glorious Return, then why allow Satan to “deceive the nations” once again? Very simply, those raised to continue their lives at the 8th millennium have not been “tested” (tempted), to reveal their true heart spirit.

 

Satan demands the right to test each son or daughter of Adam. He especially seeks to test those who proclaim their allegiance to Christ. God’s justice requires that all be tested. Their motives must be made manifest by their actions. (This is because they will finally be judged by their actions.) Those raised to continue their lives in the Kingdom of Messiah on the earth, must LEARN of Christ, of His Father, and of His law. Then they must CHOOSE - to serve Him, or to “harden their hearts.” That “hardening” will culminate in the Battle of Gog/Magog.

            Go to The 8th Day Book page, to find all of the studies in this series.



WHEN?

 

The Battle of Gog and Magog, will take place at a point in the 8th millennium! It is the final battle of the great war with evil. This battle WILL NOT take place at the end of this age, just at, or just prior to, the Glorious Return of Christ. That battle is called Armageddon, and “the battle of that great day of God Almighty(Rev 16:12-16).



TWO BATTLES?

 

I believe that a great battle will take place on this earth, in the last days. Many will call it Gog-Magog, and possibly Armageddon also. But this will be Satan’s deception. He will make it appear that the prophecies of a glorious “savior” have been fulfilled. He will appear to “save” Israel from annihilation by her enemies - Islamic plus Russian and other forces.

 

The State of Israel will welcome him as savior, and will enter into a covenant (treaty) with him, not realizing she has “made a covenant with death” (Dan 9:27, Isa 28:15-18).

      See our studies: “The Evil Prince” and “The Temple of Antichrist.”

 

According to Revelation 20:7-10, the Battle of Gog/Magog will take place at a point in the 8th millennium, after Satan is released from 1000 years in “the bottomless pit.”

      See our study: “The Abyss - Satan’s Prison.”

 

The battle described in Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39, involves a force called Magog, led by a Chieftain named Gog. This force will come against Israel. Is this a duel prophecy? Does the vision of Ezekiel portray both a coming Middle East war of the last days, prior to the Glorious Return, and the final Gog-Magog Battle in the 8th millennium. This study will try to answer that question.


A Duel Prophecy?


1. A battle prior to the Glorious Return of Christ

            Satan’s counterfeit Armageddon

 

2. A battle during the 8th millennium

            The final Gog/Magog Battle

                  After the rest of the dead “live again”

                  After Satan is released to “deceive the nations”

 



  











 

We must remember that this is a prophecy. It very likely includes symbolism and types. Those peoples, tribes and leaders who were ancient enemies of God’s people, may be employed (in this prophecy) to represent the enemies of the LORD in the 8th Day final Battle of Gog-Magog. The “iron chariots” and “many horses” described in Ezekiel’s vision, were employed by the ancient enemies of Israel. It is doubtful that such will be employed in a future great war.

 

NOTE: Gog is a strong leader - controlled by Satan. Satan is pulling Gog to this battle. Yet Ezekiel hears the LORD say that He will Himself, pull Gog towards this battle, in a way that Gog cannot resist (much as He “hardened” the heart of the Pharaoh). We must remember. The LORD always assumes the responsibility Himself, for what He allows Satan to do.

See our study: “The Wrath of God - A Different View.”

 

As you read the Ezekiel prophecy of Gog/Magog, look for clues. Does this prophecy describe a battle that will take place in our present age, not long before the Glorious Return? Or does the prophecy describe a battle that will take place during the 8th millennium, after “the rest of the dead” have been resurrected, and then deceived by the Evil One? Does it describe one battle only, or two?



THE “RETURN”

 

In the Ezekiel prophecy, the resurrection and “return” of Israel to “the land,” takes place before the Gog/Magog Battle (Ezekiel Chapter 37). Many believe the current nation of Israel is the fulfillment of the promised “return to the land.” They see the nation as “resurrected” - like “dry bones” come back to life. The Hebrew language has been restored to life. The “nation” of Israel is recognized on the world’s stage. But is this really the “return” described in the prophecy of Ezekiel? I say NO. There are just too many inconsistencies.


            Let’s compare the present State of Israel, with the Israel of Ezekiel’s vision. 





continued next page












COMPARE

Present Day State of Israel

The Israel of Ezekiel’s Vision

   Some living descendants have “returned,” but most still reside in other countries. Christ believers are presently refused immigration.

   Certainly NOT “the whole House of Israel.”

The “whole House of Israel” is “returned,”

including faithful descendants of the 10 Tribes,

including all who died in faith (Ezek 37:11), including all “grafted in” Gentile believers.

   Israel occupies only a small portion of the land anciently promised to Abraham’s seed, and only a small portion of the land once conquered by Joshua. Much of the territory once occupied by the 10 Northern Tribes, is now occupied by Muslim neighbor nations.

   Israel occupies all of the land” allotted in Numbers 34:1-12.

   Judah is still alone. The 10 Northern Tribes have not been “returned” to their lands.

   Israel and Judah are joined as “one nation,”

never again to be divided (Ezek 37:21-22).

   The State of Israel has NO separate territories specifically allotted

to each of 12 Tribes.

   Each of the 12 Tribes, is allotted a specific portion or territory (Ezek 47:13-48:29).

Boundary markers are set up.

The State of Israel has no king.

   Israel has “One shepherd” - “One king,

a descendant of “King David” (Ezek 37:22).

   Israel (as a nation) is not “saved” because she has not acknowledged Yeshua born of Mary, as her Messiah and Savior (John 14:6).

   Israel will not “stumble” ever again (Ezek 36:15, Jer 31:31, Heb 8:8, Ezek 36:27).

Each person is filled with the Spirit.

   The present State of Israel is living on high alert, behind a security wall.

   Israel is living in peace and security,

without walls (Ezek 38:11).

 

   All of “the nations” are invited to Jerusalem, for the Feast of Tabernacles.

   A third Temple will be built, on the Mount, inside the City.

Men of the Aaronic line will be the priests.

   Ezekiel’s Temple is built

10 miles outside the City.

All those from the “first resurrection”

will be the priests.


See our study: “Ezekiel’s Temple.”







THE GREAT BATTLE OF GOG AND MAGOG

From the Complete Jewish Bible

          

Ezekiel 38:2-6 [In a vision] “Human being, turn your face toward Gog (of the land of Magog), chief prince of Meshekh and Tuval; and prophesy against him. Say that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshekh and Tuval. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with all your army, horses and horsemen, all completely equipped, a great horde with breastplates and shields, all wielding swords.

Paras, Ethiopia and Put are with them, all with breastplates and helmets; Gomer with all its troops; the house of Togarmah in the far reaches of the north, with all its troops-many peoples are with you.”

 

Ezekiel 38:7-9 “Prepare yourself [Gog], get ready, you and all your crowd gathered around you; and take charge of them. After many days have passed, you will be mustered for service;

 

Gog will serve the LORD’s purpose. He will expose the motive and choice of each person raised at the 8th millennium. Those who choose the LORD, will flee into Jerusalem for safety. Those who are against the LORD, will join the army of Gog, or will act to support that army.

In later years you [Gog] will invade the land which has been brought back from the sword, gathered out of many peoples, the mountains of Isra'el. They had been lying in ruins for a long time, but now Isra'el has been extracted from the peoples and all of them are living there securely.

 

You [Gog] will come up like a storm, you will be like a cloud covering the land- you and all your troops, and many other peoples with you.”

 

Ezekiel 38:10-11Adonai ELOHIM says: ‘When that day comes, thoughts will well up in your mind, and you [Gog] will devise a sinister scheme. You will say, ‘I am going to invade this land of unwalled villages; I will take by surprise these people who are at peace, living securely, all in places without walls, bars or gates. I will seize the spoil and take the plunder.’”

 

NOTE: The current geopolitical nation of Israel, does have a border wall, and security is vigilant throughout the land.



 

Ezekiel 38:12-13You [Gog] will attack the former ruins that are now inhabited and come against the people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and other wealth and are living in the central parts of the land. . . .”

 

Ezekiel 38:14-16 “Therefore, human being [Ezekiel the Prophet], prophesy! Tell Gog that Adonai ELOHIM says this: ‘Won't you be aware of it when my people Isra'el are living in security? You will choose just that time to come from your place in the far reaches of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them on horseback, a huge horde, a mighty army [Magog]; and you will invade my people Isra'el like a cloud covering the land.”

 

This will be in the acharit-hayamim [latter days]; and I will bring you against my land, so that the Goyim [Gentiles] will know me when, before their eyes, I am set apart as holy through you, Gog.’”

 

By means of My victory over you (Gog), I will be recognized as the Only One.

      The LORD said the same of Pharaoh (Exo. 7:5, Exo. 10:1-2, Exo. 14:4).



THE GREAT BATTLE OF GOG AND MAGOG - continued

     THE LORD DEFENDS HIS CITY

 

Revelation 22:15 “But outside [of the City] are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”


                “Dogs” was an expression meaning male prostitutes (Deut. 23:18).

 

Ezekiel 38:17-23 “Adonai ELOHIM says: ‘I spoke of you [Gog] long ago through my servants the prophets of Isra'el. Back then, they prophesied for many years that I would have you invade them. When that day comes, when Gog invades the land of Isra'el,’ says Adonai ELOHIM, ‘my furious anger will boil up.’”

 

“‘In my jealousy, in my heated fury I speak: when that day comes there will be a great earthquake in the land of Isra'el; so that the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the wild beasts, all the reptiles creeping on the ground and every human being there in the land will tremble before me.’”


          The earthquake of Ezekiel 38, seems to be confined to “the land of Israel” during the       Gog/Magog attack.


 

Earthquakes are a common outpouring of God’s wrath. When the 6th seal is broken, there will be a great earthquake (Rev 6:12). Again, at the 7th bowl of wrath, the greatest earthquake of all time, will liquify the surface of the earth. Mountains and islands will sink out of sight (Rev 16:17-20).

 

The prophecy of Ezekiel Chapters 36-37, describes the resurrection and “return” of “the whole House of Israel, to the land. Israel and Judah are united into one kingdom, never to be divided again. Each of the 12 Tribes are assigned specific territories. Markers are set up to denote boundaries.

 

The Western border of each Israelite tribal allotment, is “the great sea.” We know that in the final home of the redeemed, there is “no more sea”(Rev 21:1). Whether that change will be part of the final restoration of this planet, or will be the condition of an entirely “new” earth, is not clear. I lean toward an entirely “new” earth.

 

Peter said this earth will be “burned up” (2Pet 3:10). Christ will create “new heavens” and a “new earth” for His redeemed. This old earth “will pass away” or “vanish” (Heb 1:10-12). Perhaps our entire galaxy will be drawn into a black hole.

 

Ezekiel 38:21-23 [continued] ‘I will summon a sword against him [Gog] throughout all my mountains,’ says Adonai ELOHIM; ‘every man will wield his sword against his brother. I will judge him with plague and with blood. I will cause torrential rain to fall on him, his troops and the many peoples with him, along with huge hailstones, fire and sulfur [brimstone is burning sulphur]. I will show my greatness and holiness, making myself known in the sight of many nations; then they will know that I am ADONAI.’”

 

More than once, the LORD so terrified and confused enemy troops, that they fought against each other. The battle of Gideon against the Midianites was one such battle (Judges 7:22).

 

At the Battle of Jabin (King of Canaan), with his General Sisera, vs. Barak with Deborah and the fighting men of Israel at the River Kishon, “the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water(Jdg 5:4). The wheels of Jabin’s 900 iron chariots became bogged in mud, forcing his soldiers to fight on foot. Israel was victorious.

 

At the 7th Trumpet of Revelation, “there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail” (Rev 11:19). At the 7th wrath bowl, “great hail” will “fall from heaven,” (Rev 16:21). Yet another earthquake at a point in the 8th millennium, suggests the planet has not been restored to full geological stability at the time of the Gog/Magog attack. Is this further evidence pointing to an eventual end for this planet, and the creation of an entirely “new” earth and heavens? I believe so.




THE DEATH OF GOG

 

Ezekiel 39:1-5 “So you, human being, [Ezekiel the Prophet] prophesy against Gog; say that Adonai ELOHIM says: ‘I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshekh and Tuval. I will turn you around, lead you on and bring you from the far reaches of the north against the mountains of Isra'el. But then I will knock your bow out of your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand.

 

You will fall on the mountains of Isra'el, you, your troops and all the peoples with you; I will give you [Gog] to be eaten up by all kinds of birds of prey and by wild animals. You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken,’ says Adonai ELOHIM.”

 

The prophecy could also be using the imagery of a former age - Ezekiel’s time. In the final kingdom of Messiah, there are no “wild animals” or “birds of prey.” The age during which Gog/Magog occurs, seems to be an age between our present age, and the final age to come. I believe the Battle will take place during the 8th Day kingdom of Messiah on the earth.

 

Ezekiel 39:6-7 “‘I will also send fire against Magog and against those living securely in the coastlands; then they will know that I am ADONAI. I will make my holy name known among my people Isra'el; I will not allow my holy name to be profaned any longer. Then the Goyim [Gentiles] will know that I am ADONAI, the Holy One in Isra'el.’”

 

CLUE: In the earth made new, there is “no more sea” (Rev 21:1). In the prophecy of Ezekiel, people are living “in the coastlands” (or “isles”). The earth of Ezekiel’s vision does not seem to be the final “new earth” home of the redeemed.

 

Fire will rain down upon lands distant from Israel - from the main battle site, to destroy all those who support the Army of Gog. Every rebel will be destroyed. Just as in the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, those leaders were destroyed even though they remained at some distance from the main confrontation in the Courtyard of the Tabernacle.

 

The “Gentiles” (non-Israelites) who see this, will thereby “know,” that ADONAI is “the Holy One in Israel.” The miraculous and mighty destruction of Gog and his army, will confirm and solidify their faith forever, just as the faith of “last days” believers, will be confirmed at the Glorious Return when Christ slays the wicked and “Babylon” falls.









THE 7-YEAR CLEANUP

 

Isaiah 66:24 “‘And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, And their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.’”

 

Jesus quoted from this passage. See Mark 9:44, 46 & 48. He applied the words to Gehenna, the burning garbage dump outside Jerusalem.

 

Ezekiel 39:8-10 “‘Yes, this is coming, and it will be done,’ says Adonai ELOHIM; ‘this is the day about which I have spoken. Those living in Isra'el's cities will go out and set fire to the weapons, to use as fuel-the shields, breastplates, bows, arrows, clubs and spears; they will use them for fire seven years; so that they will not need to gather wood from the fields or cut down any from the forests; because they will use the weapons for fire.”

 

CLUE: If the Gog/Magog type battle of the last days, happens 7 years prior to the Glorious Return, that is just the right amount of time for the prophecy of Daniel 9:27 to be fulfilled. The “evil prince” of that prophecy, “will confirm a covenant with many for one seven.”

      See our study: “The Evil Prince.”

 

The seven years, fits both the counterfeit Gog/Magog (designed to deceive the “very elect”) and the true final Gog/Magog.



THE BURIAL PLACE

 

Ezekiel 39:11 “‘When that day comes, I will give Gog a place there in Isra'el for graves, the Travelers' Valley, east of the sea; and it will block the travelers’ passage. There they will bury Gog and all his horde, and they will rename it the Valley of Hamon-Gog [Horde of Gog].’”

 

Ezekiel 39:12-16It will take the house of Isra'el seven months to bury them, in order to cleanse the land. Yes, all the people of the land will be burying them; they will become famous for it. It will be a day for me to be glorified,' says Adonai ELOHIM. They will then pick men for the continual duty of going through the land and burying with the travelers the corpses still lying out on the ground, in order to cleanse it; they will begin their search after the seven months.

 

It appears the first clean-up with cover the 7 months following immediately after the battle. Then a force of men will serve “continual duty” to continue the cleanup.


 

“As they go through the land, if anyone sees a human bone, he will put a marker next to it until the grave diggers have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-Gog. Moreover, “Hamonah" [Its Horde] will be the name of a city. Thus will they cleanse the land.” (Complete Jewish Bible)

 

The “fire” of God kills the rebellious, but it does not char or consume the bodies. This explains why the survivors are described – burying the corpses. This explains why the bodies at the Glorious Return, are left unburied (Jer 25:33). There will be no one left to bury them. This explains why the bodies of Nadab and Abihu were carried out of the courtyard, by their tunics (Lev 10:5). All these were “consumed” by the “fire” of God. The glory of God is “fire,” but not fire in the traditional sense.

 

NOTE: If a new high tech energy weapon is used to kill the Magog attackers at a battle in the last days of this age, then the prophecy, so far as “corpses,” can seem to be fulfilled.



FIRE - FIRE - FIRE (A Repeating prophecy)


      1. At the Glorious Return: The earth will be burned up - and the wicked along with it.

      2. At the Gog-Magog battle: The rebellious will be consumed by “fire” from heaven.

      3. At the final judgment of the dead: The lost will be consumed in the “lake of fire.”

 

Growing up, I was taught that the “fire” which destroys Gog and Magog is “the lake of fire” which follows the “great white throne judgment.” I no longer hold that view. The final “Great White Throne” judgment is a separate event, which will take place some time after the Gog-Magog Battle. At that final judgment “the dead” are judged, not living people.

      Read the text of Revelation Chapter 20.

 

I was taught that only the wicked will be resurrected at the 8th millennium, to face judgment and then execution. I no longer believe that teaching. If “multitudes who sleep in the dust” are raised “to shame and everlasting contempt” at the Glorious Return (Dan. 12:2-3), if they are then judged and “cut off” from the people of God, and are either cast immediately into the Lake of Fire, or are left to die in the last plagues - isn’t that execution enough? They will die, fully aware that they are lost - that their death will be eternal. Why resurrect these same people again - a thousand years later - to judge them again, to execute them again? That would serve no purpose. See our study: “Judgment Day.”









Final Thoughts


A GREAT MIDDLE EAST WAR - IN THE LAST DAYS

 

I believe we will see a terrible Middle East war between now and the Glorious Return of Jesus Christ. This war will threaten to destroy Jerusalem (most likely involving Muslim nations, along with Russia and perhaps others). A great “miracle” will “save” Jerusalem. Fire “from heaven” will destroy the attacking forces. “Fire” perhaps from a UAF - from an “alien” spaceship, or “fire” from an orbiting satellite. It is part of Satan’s deception to “make fire come down from heaven in the sight of men” (2Thess. 2:3-4, Rev. 13:13).

 

Churches and Synagogues will call this the Battle of Gog/Magog, or Armageddon. During this battle, I believe a bomb or an earthquake, will open the cave where the Ark of the Covenant was hidden by Jeremiah and the loyal priests, just before Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. This discovery will necessitate the restoration of a third Temple on the Mount. The “son of perdition” will later sit in this Temple..

 

Jews will acknowledge their “savior” by entering in to a seven year covenant/treaty with him. Half way through the covenant period, he will betray them by taking over the restored Temple. He will halt the sacrifices, and will then place “the abomination of desolation” right there in the Temple. He will demand unquestioning obedience and service, and will decree death to all who refuse. He will “sit in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God (2Thess. 2:3-4).


            This deceiver will finally be overthrown by Jesus Christ at His Glorious Return.

      See our studies: “The Evil Prince,” and “The Temple of Antichrist.”

 

Many are teaching that a Battle of Gog-Magog will take place prior to the return of Christ in Glory. I do believe that a battle will take place. It will be called Gog-Magog, and Armageddon too. But any battle that takes place prior to the Glorious Return, will NOT BE the final battle with Gog-Magog, the one described in Revelation Chapter 20.

 

There is only one final Battle of Gog & Magog. It will clearly be fought more than 1000 years AFTER the return of Christ in Glory (Rev 20:7-10).

 

Revelation 20:3 [Describing the Glorious Return of Christ] “He threw him [the Devil] into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time” (NIV).




 

Revelation 20:7-9 “Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea.”

 

NOTE: The Battle of Gog & Magog is NOT the Battle of Armageddon. The Battle for Armageddon (the Mount of the Congregation - Jerusalem) takes place at the Glorious Return, when the 6th bowl of wrath is poured out. See Revelation 16:12-16.



THE RETURN

                of THE WHOLE HOUSE

 

The battle described in Ezekiel Chapters 38 & 39, takes place AFTER “the whole house of Israel” is resurrected and returned to “the land(Ezekiel 37:11).

 

“The whole House of Israelmust include all those who died in faith. It must include all of the believing Gentiles - “grafted in.” The world has NOT SEEN Abraham or Joseph or Job or Isaiah, or Elijah or Peter or Paul, or any of those who “died in faith,” “returned” to present day “Israel.” Daniel was told that he would “rise” to His inheritance, at the end of the days. Presently, the State of Israel does NOT ALLOW Christ believers to immigrate, regardless of Hebrew DNA.

 

NOTE: Satan will seek to make his deception perfect. Don’t be surprised if Satan and his demons appear, as “resurrected” dead.



THE GREATER EXODUS

 

The future return of Israel to the land is called the “greater exodus” (Jer. 16:14-21 & 23:3-8). Only some 40 thousand returned to “the land” from Babylon. That “return” was NOT “greater” than the first Exodus, when 600 thousand men of Israel left Egypt.

 

We should look to the first exodus from Egypt, to understand the dynamics of any future “greater” exodus. There were plagues in the land. Pharaoh’s army, along with almost the entire nation of Egypt, was destroyed. Israel escaped through the Red Sea - rolled back to make dry land.

 

At the “greater exodus,” God’s people will escape through the sky - rolled back as a scroll. There will be plagues on the whole earth, which will finally render it lifeless and uninhabited.



 

The gathering and return of a remnant of Jews only, to “the land” of Judea, that we see in our world today, does NOT constitute a “greater exodus” similar to the escape from Egypt. We see no supernatural “plagues” on the persecuting power. We do not see the “Egypt” of our day destroyed. It just doesn’t fit.

 


THE CAPTIVES OF EGYPT

 

In my studies of the enemies of Israel, I discovered that only the “captives of Egyptare promised they will be gathered and returned to their lands (Eze. 29:13-15). Why only the “captives of Egypt?” Why not all the captives of Babylon, or Assyria or Rome? I ask the question, to introduce a prophetic TYPE.

 

The original “captives of Egypt” were the TYPE for “the rest of the dead,” raised at the 8th millennium.

 

The original “captives of Egypt” were a “mixed multitude” of former non-Hebrew slaves, who followed Moses to the promised land. The “the rest of the dead” will be a “mixed multitude,” who will follow Israel into the 8th Day kingdom of Messiah’s reign.

 

The original “mixed multitude” went through the Red Sea. They stood at the foot of Mt. Sinai, and they heard the LORD speak His covenant. They could not deny His existence. They understood the Law. The same will hold true for the future “mixed multitude.”

 

The prophecy of Ezekiel 29:13-15 is about the “mixed multitude” of the coming “greater exodus.” The “mixed multitude” of this future “exodus,” will also be from many nations.

 

If the original Exodus is the model, then the greater exodus should include a greater mixed multitude.” And it does! The “rest of the dead” will constitute “nations in the four corners of the earth.”

 

Jeremiah, in his “judgment on the nations” calls them “all the mixed multitude (Jer. 25:15-17). Did you know that there was also a “mixed multitude” at “the return” of Jews to the land, (Neh 13:3) in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah? Very interesting! History repeats.

 

The Gog-Magog battle is a rebellion. During The 8th Day (8th millennium) those raised last will be taught about Yahweh, and about of His law, just as the original mixed multitude heard the Ten Commandments, and the words of Moses. They will no longer be ignorant or uninformed!





 

Many of “the rest,” will enter into covenant with God through Christ. In the TYPE, Caleb - a man of great faith - was one of the original mixed multitude. He was a “Kenezite,” meaning a descendant of Kenaz, a son of Esau (Num. 32:12; Josh 14:6,14; Gen. 36:8-11). Yet he was “grafted in” to the Tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:13). Only Eleazar (the High Priest), Caleb (grafted in) and Joshua (born as Israelite), crossed the Jordan into “the land” of promise, out of all the men who left Egypt. Together, they represent Christ with His Kingdom of the redeemed, who will enter “the land promised.”

 

Enoch (Gen. 5:24) may be a TYPE of those (from the resurrected nations) who come to know the LORD, during the 8th millennium. After walking with God for many years, they will be given new spiritual bodies, and will become “sons of God.”

 

Others - multitudes - like the sand of the sea (Revelation 20:8) will resent the reign of Christ. They will be deceived (by Satan) into thinking they can overthrow the rulership of Christ, and they will come up to attack Jerusalem, where Christ sits as King. God will then defend His city. Fire will come down from heaven, and will consume them.



CHAPTER SUMMARY


1. At the 8th millennium, a last great resurrection will take place.

            The “rest of the dead” will “live again” (Rev 20:5).

 

2.   All of those who could not choose the LORD, because they lacked information or maturity,

            will be resurrected to continue their lives in the Kingdom of Messiah.


3. They will be governed by Christ and His “kingdom of priests.”


4. Many from these nations will come to know the LORD and His ways.

            They will choose to serve Christ as their King.


5. Most from these nations will rebel against the reign of Christ.


6. They will follow a leader named Gog.


7. Gog with His horde of followers (Magog) will invade the land of Israel,

            seeking to overthrow the reign of Christ.


8. Fire will come down from God out of heaven, and will consume them.

 

This “fire” will consume all of the rebellious,

            including those who remain at some distance from the battle site.



 

9. Cleanup of the bones will take seven months and beyond.

            Bones will be buried at a city set aside for that purpose.



A NEW EARTH

                after GOG/MAGOG?

 

Several details suggest the “earth” of Ezekiel’s vision, is not the final “new earth” promised in Isaiah and Revelation.

 

1. The border of each tribal territory is “the great sea(Ezek 47:15, 19, 20, 28). “Coastlands” are mentioned in 39:6. In the “new earth,” there is “no more sea(Rev 21:1).

   

2. The New Jerusalem, when it descends, will completely COVER “the land” of Israel, and more. It’s base is square, and is 345 miles on a side (Rev 21:16). It will cover the land area promised to the Seed of Abraham.

 

3. “Birds of prey,” “scavengers” and “wild animals” are mentioned in Ezekiel’s vision. For the cleanup crew to gather bones, the corpses must be picked clean. In the final Kingdom, the animals and birds are tame (Rev 11:6, 8).

 

4. The earthquake of Ezekiel 38:23, suggests the earth’s crust is still geologically unstable when the Gog/Magog Battle takes place - a condition resulting from the flood of Noah’s day. I seriously doubt that such will exist in the forever “new earth” created by Christ.

 

5. God, speaking to His Son, said, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” (Heb 1:10-12 ESV)


 

After the Battle in the 8th millennium, the redeemed who watch that horrendous battle from the safety of Jerusalem, will most likely need some recovery time to process all that has happened, and to recover from this exposure to violence and death.

 

We do not know how much time will pass, from the final Battle of Gog&Magog, to the Great White Throne Judgment, to the “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17).


  






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