An Invasion and Victory is Coming

O. T. #1932  "An Invasion and Victory is Coming"

May 3, 2021

Ezekiel 38

LET IT GLOW

We have been reading along in the Psalms, looking for encouraging verses, since Ezekiel is mostly doom and gloom.

Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. (Ps.54:4) Uphold means to prop, lean, rest self. Are we praying and helping those in need? do we prop them up with Scriptures?

I will freely sacrifice unto Thee: I will praise Thy name, O LORD; for it is good. (Ps.54:6)

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Ps.53:1)

There is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Ps.53:3c)

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. (Ps.53:2) Understand refers to consider; behave self; intelligent; wisdom. Are we wise enough to seek God?

Since God says that none of us are good, it shows us that we need a Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the only way to God, and the only way to heaven. Do you know Him today?

Are we praising Him for who He is, thanking God for all He has done for us?  

LET IT GROW

 Folks, the chapters of 38 and 39 are definitely prophetic chapters. It takes a person that is a Biblical scholar to explain them, and I am not one. I have read through seven conservative commentaries involving this focus and am more confused than before starting this chapter. (This country gal has a very simple mind, so bear with me.) Most agree that this gives details about the 7 year tribulation period. Each commentary has some good points to say. So I think we will just have an overview discussion in order for it to not be too lengthy.

The main idea is God has a plan, is in control, and will receive glory through it all. I believe that the church and believers will not have to experience the 7 years of the Great Tribulation. Jesus Christ, the King of kings, will reign for a thousand years in Jerusalem in peace before this. (Revelation 20:4) Satan will be bound during this time, but released out of his prison after the Millennium. (Rev. 20:7) This is the future time involved here. Some say it is speaking about the invasion with the Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:13-16).

Keep in mind, there will be victory of Israel over Gog and Magog.

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.          (Rev. 20:8)

First, let's take a look at verse 2 and identify who those names are:

Gog seems to be the king; his name means roof, the man on top. However, Gog is only a dictator, a Czar. (God is ultimately in charge of events on earth and will use him for God's purpose.) Gog was a Reubenite and grandson of Joel (BC 1600), not the prophet. Gog was a prince of ancient Scythia.

 Magog is the kingdom of Gog; it means head. Magog is probably identified as the land of Russia (Rosh). Russia was first call Muscovy, derived from Meshech, which sounds like Moscow (Ivan the Terrible came to its throne in 1533) and Tubal sounds like Tobolsk, which is way over in Siberia. (Keep in mind that Russians are mostly atheists, who believe there is no God, while other nations are polytheistic, believe in many gods.) 

Meshech is modern-day Moscow, while Tubal is Tobolsk.

Gog's allies are mentioned in verses 5 and 6:

Persia (Iran), Cush (ancient Ethiopia), Libya (Put), Gomer (Germany), Togarmah (Turkey or Armenia).

Ezekiel tells the end of the story to his listeners before it begins, that it will end well. According to verse 3, God is against those mentioned above. This confederate of nations will form a great army intending to attack Israel, since they are against God. They will come down through the mountains, as hooks in their jaws. However, God says in 39:11, I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel.

J. Vernon McGee explains why three of the hooks God could use to bring these enemies down into the land of Israel:

1. Russia needs a warm-water entrance into the waterways of the world. Israel offers that, so Russia will be heading to the Mediterranean Sea.
2. The second hook will be oil, which is needed by Russia. the Suez Canal is a waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea for 163 years. Conquering Israel would provide a faster passage for the shipping of oil from the Arabian countries to Russia.
3. The third hook concerns the Dead Sea in Israel. There are tons of minerals within the Dead Sea-potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, cerium, cobalt, manganese, and even gold. Several are used to enrich the soil to grow food. Others are needed in the human body.

Verse 13 further explains why that coalition would want to rule Israel-wealth of silver and gold, cattle and goods. Also, those Arab nations are identified with the Islam religion. (The Dome of the Rock is built on the Temple site of the Jews.) Whoever controls Israel could control the world commerce.

But before the European leader has time to act, God will intervene in His jealous wrath and wipe out the invading forces! He will cause an earthquake that will be felt around the world. (verses 19-20) That army will panic and men will begin to slaughter one another. Then God will send rain, hailstones, and fire and brimstone (sulfur) from heaven as a plague on the army. This will end the invasion on Israel. It will take 7 months to bury all of them. (39:12) (Wiersbe)

Because of the victory, God's name will be known throughout the world. He alone is in charge and is all-powerful. God will show His love for His people by restoring them.

Whose side are you on? Are you trusting in the Lord God today? 

LET IT GO

Are we seeking God?

Are we loving Him with all our heart?

Are we trusting Him with our future?

Do we give Him glory daily?