With the Great Tribulation, Armageddon, and the first resurrection behind us, let’s take a look at the prophecy of Gog and Magog.
Israel’s History and Prophecy
Israel’s story is one of ups and downs, starting with the patriarchs, their time as slaves in Egypt, the exodus, and the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. Later, the kingdom split after King Solomon’s idolatry, with 10 tribes in the north and 2 in the south.
The northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians due to idolatry and bloodshed. They were wiped out as a nation and scattered. The southern kingdom, Judah, was exiled to Babylon and later ruled by the Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Finally, Rome destroyed Judah, scattering the people again. Both kingdoms faced the ultimate consequences for their sins under the Mosaic Law—destruction and exile.
Promises of Restoration
Despite their punishment, God promised to restore Israel. In Deuteronomy 30, He said He would gather His people from the nations where they had been scattered. The prophets, also spoke of a future when God would bring Israel back, restore their fortunes, and make them a united nation not to be uprooted again.
Today, we’ve seen this promise fulfilled. The modern nation of Israel has risen from the ruins – resurrected just as foretold by the prophet Ezekiel.
The Vision of the Dry Bones
In Ezekiel 37, the prophet was shown a valley of dry bones, symbolizing Israel’s destruction. God commanded him to prophesy, and the bones came together, gaining flesh and breath. This vision represented the resurrection of Israel as one united nation under God.
Ezekiel also described two sticks—one for Judah (the southern kingdom) and one for Joseph/Ephraim (the northern kingdom). God said these sticks would become one in His hand, symbolizing the reunification of Israel into one nation. This prophecy is being fulfilled today.
Conditions of the Prophecy
Ezekiel’s prophecy outlined key conditions:
- Israel would no longer be divided into two kingdoms.
- Idolatry would no longer be an issue.
- Israel would live on their land forever under a ruler from David’s line—this refers to the Messiah.
Christians believe Jesus is the promised Messiah. The New Covenant is seen as the covenant of peace Ezekiel mentioned. In the New Testament, Paul described believers (Jews and Gentiles) as God’s sanctuary, built on Jesus as the cornerstone.
Gog and Magog: A Future Battle
In Ezekiel 38, God speaks of Gog from the land of Magog, leading an army to attack Israel. This event happens after Israel’s regathering. Ezekiel described Israel as living securely in unwalled villages—a condition that matches modern Jerusalem.
Gog’s attack will result in God’s intervention. Ezekiel’s poetic imagery—earthquakes, hail, and fire—emphasizes the significant impact of this event. Revelation 20 confirms this battle will occur after following the fall of Jerusalem and a long period of Christ reigning with His people.
The Timeline of Revelation 20
- The First Resurrection: This happened during the fall of Jerusalem, rewarding prophets and the righteous.
- The Reign of Christ: A long period (symbolized as 1,000 years) where Christ rules.
- Gog and Magog: A final battle against Israel.
- The Second Resurrection: All the dead are judged.
- The End of Death: Death and Hades are destroyed in the lake of fire.
Is Gog and Magog in the Past or Future?
Some believe this battle has already happened, with hypotheses for either war during the Persian empire or the Crusades, but Israel wasn’t a unified nation under one leader for either of those events. This major founding premise of the prophecy wasn’t met. This suggests the battle of Gog and Magog is still in the future.
What Comes Next?
The prophets say Israel will turn to the Messiah. Hosea 3:4–5 predicts, “The sons of Israel will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king.” This national turning to Jesus as Messiah is expected before the final events unfold.