ISRAEL - Gog and Magog War?
The prophecy of Gog and Magog is found in the Book of Ezekiel (chapters 38-39), describing a future battle where a coalition of nations, led by Gog from the land of Magog, will rise against Israel. This event is said to precede the Messianic era, marking a climactic confrontation between good and evil. The prophecy details a catastrophic war followed by divine intervention, where God will decisively defeat the enemies of Israel, leading to a period of peace and recognition of God’s sovereignty.
Many Jewish rabbis have been discussing this issue since October 7. Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon, an influential Jewish educator, and scholar known for his profound insights into Jewish law and eschatology, has provided a detailed interpretation of the recent conflict through the lens of the Gog and Magog prophecy. Rimon noted that the recent escalation coinciding with the Jewish holidays, particularly Sukkot, is significant.
He pointed out that traditionally, the war of Gog and Magog is expected to begin around this time. He explained in October, “The future redemption, which began to sparkle in the month of Nissan, will be completed in the month of Tishrei on Hoshana Rabbah during the war of Gog and Magog.”
The debate over whether the current conflict in Israel is the war of Gog and Magog reflects a blend of religious interpretation and contemporary analysis. For many Jewish and Christian spiritual leaders, these events resonate with ancient prophecies, providing a framework to understand the chaos and envision a hopeful future.
-www.jpost.com, 16 June 2024
Arno's Commentary
While the present situation may foreshadow the Gog and Magog war, as described in Ezekiel 38–39, it is not. Russia is most often identified as the major nation coming against Israel, but it is deeply bogged down in its war against Ukraine.
Furthermore, this will be a gigantic invasion, and some Arab countries will protest: “Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?” (Ezekiel 38:13).
What we do know is that the returning Jews to the land of Israel will experience the salvation of Zion; chapter 39 concludes: “Neither will I hide my face any more from them: for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD” (verse 29).
Arno Froese is the executive director of Midnight Call Ministries and editor-in-chief of the acclaimed prophetic magazines Midnight Call and News From Israel. He has authored a number of well-received books, and has sponsored many prophecy conferences in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. His extensive travels have contributed to his keen insight into Bible prophecy, as he sees it from an international perspective.
