As God’s prophetic timetable moves forward Bible Prophecy is rapidly moving toward fulfillment. Prophecy can be sped up or slowed down but as we draw closer to the end of the age the prophecies of the Scripture must come to pass.
Two nations that play a significant role in these prophesies are Russia and the United States of America. In the writings of the prophet Ezekiel in chapter 38 we find the identity of both countries. Ready to bring forth the war detailed in this prophecy. Each nation must be moved into position by the hand of God. The Father will allow certain events and the appointments of certain leaders to bring these things to pass (Dan. 2:21).
In the opening verses of chapter 38 we see Gog a leader of areas known as Magog, Meshech, and Tubal (some translations add Rosh). When studying ancient geography you find that these areas are today known as Russia. Throughout history geographical locations have changed their names, it is a practice that is quite common. Realizing these areas are now know as Russia, we also know that “Gog” the leader of this territory is currently Vladimir Putin.
and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. Ezk.38:3 NKJ
We see God speaking through the prophet saying “I am against the, oh Gog”. This puts the leader of that territory in a bad position. If God is against you then you obviously are carrying out behavior that is against God. This makes you antichrist and a perfect example of that spirit. Vladimir Putin is operating under the spirit of antichrist. Even with his seemingly pro church references, he is from a period of time where the USSR adhered to strict atheistic values. You must remember that Satan is the father of all lies do not be decived.
At the time of this prophecy being fulfilled, we find Russia in a precarious position. There have been many instances in current times when famines have plagued Russia. In recent years they have had many crop failures and used their economy to rebuild their military instead of agriculture. There is soon coming a time that Russia will not know where to turn. They will find themselves in such a poor economic condition that they will not be able to purchase the staples that sustain life for its people. At this time Russia will take an evil thought. The president of Russia shall say “Let us prey upon the desolate places that are now inhabited and have produced much livestock and agriculture.”
After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.
Ezk. 38:8
You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will go to a peaceful people, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates’ to take plunder and to take booty, to stretch out your hand against the waste places that are again inhabited, and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land. ……‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?’”
Ezk. 38:11-13
This desolate place that is now inhabited is Israel. Israel is now a breadbasket in the Middle East. Israel’s restoration is another prophecy that is in the process of being fulfilled. They have been brought back into existence on May 15, 1948 after WWII. The Scripture refers to this as being brought back from the sword. Since that time the desert filled swamps have become fruitful and produce once again like the Garden of Eden. The desert blooms like a rose and Israel’s fruit goes throughout the world (Isa. 35:1).
Russia will not be alone when they take action to attack Israel. We find that they will have allies in verse five and six. These allies are Iran (previously Persia till 1935), Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer (former Soviet Union countries), and Togarmah (Turkey). Today we see all these nations in alliance with Russia. We also see Russian assisting these nations in the affairs of the Middle East. Russia has now become a guardian of sorts for these nations and has brought their military onto there foreign soil. In doing so we see the fulfillment of this Prophecy being continued (Ezk. 38:7). The Father said he would put hooks in Russia’s jaws, and that he would bring them forth along with their army. This military movement is part of that.
I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.
Ezk. 38:4
The hook was set in 1956 during the Suez Canal conflict between Egypt and Israel. Egypt seized control of the Suez Canal from the French and British. They retaliated by encouraging Israel to take action against Egypt for the raids Egyptian commandos were making on Israel. As Israel retaliated the French and the British inserted themselves in the conflict in order to protect the canal. However, all of the French and British actions were against the Egyptians.
The Russians at that time were supplying finances for a dam Egypt was building on the Nile. Egypt started using the finances for the war. Russia stepped in with an ultimatum. Put an end to this conflict or Russia will come down with full force, nuclear if necessary. As the United States saw the conflict growing into a new world war they use their influence to achieve peace. Once again fulfilling an assignment from God that the United States picked up in 1917. The peacemaker, this is a position that they continue to hold today (Mat. 5:9).
However, the hook was set, Russia had been drawn into the Middle East. They have been there ever since. With the recent Syrian conflict they have moved their military troops into Syria and Iran. This puts them into a better position to collect intelligence about Israel and placement for a swift advance upon Israel. Ezekiel says their advance “shall ascend and come like a storm”(Ezk. 38:9) and that when Israel is dwelling safely “shall you not know it?” (Ezk. 38:13)
God never leaves His people without the comfort of others. There are nations that God has declared would stand with Israel at this time. We see the nations of Sheba and Dedan along with the merchants of Tarshish and all their young lions coming to the defense of Israel.
Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?
Ezk.38:13
I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains,” says the Lord God. Ezk 38:21 (biblical interpretation of the word mountain is kingdom or nation)
As with the land of Magog one must research the history of Israel’s allies. Sheba and Dedan are Arab nations that will be at peace with Israel at this time. Currently Israel has peace treaties, brought about through wars, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia. There may also be others before this prophecy comes to pass. We also see the merchants of Tarshish an ancient city that was located on the western side of the Mediterranean Sea, which is currently in the country of Spain. These merchants have a long history going back to the time of Solomon. However, after the Roman empires arose a group called the Colonial Powers. Both the Romans and the Colonial Powers used this part of Spain as a port city for trade because of its key position.
The Colonial Powers later formed into what we know today as the European Union. The keys Colonial Powers were Spain, France, Italy, England and Portugal. God has often used animals to portray nations in Scripture. Of these key powers only one had and still has an animal as its emblem. That nation is England and the animal is the lion. Everywhere this vast empire grew the gospel would go with it. As the lion nation many young loins were birthed from England. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States of America.
When you study lions you find out that a group of them are called a pride. It is not the eldest lion that leads the pride, but the strong young lion that leads the pride. This would be the United States of America. In recent years the USA has not seemed to be very strong with there lead from behind attitude. However, that seem as if it will change with the new president.
The United States and the Soviet Union went through a long period of conflict during the Cold War. With the dismantling of the Soviet Union in 1998 it seemed that relationships we get better. During this time Russia became very weak, it’s military became depleted it was almost to the point of being a third world country. Today that has changed under the leadership of Vladimir Putin. They’re once again a strong nation with a military that has grown. However their agricultural situation has not changed much.
Under the Obama administration the United States’ influence in the Middle East dwindled. This left it open for the influence of Russia and Vladimir Putin. It has allowed Magog to be lead out of the north parts by God back into the Middle East with its military this time.
With accusations from the Obama administration about Russia’s meddling in the past US election sanctions have been applied against Russia. It’s not clear whether the new president Donald Trump will keep those sanctions in place. President Trump seems to want his administration to have a clean start concerning international affairs. However, I don’t believe it will take him long to find out that Russia will not easily be dealt with and their intentions are not good. This could cause major problems for Russia because President Trump is a man of action that will not be pushed around easily.
That being said even more sanctions then that are currently in place maybe levied. This can cause Russia great financial distress giving them the thought of overtaking Israel for their goods since they are already so strategically placed in the Middle East.
According to these Scriptures Russia and the United States will be on opposing sides at the time of the Ezekiel 38 war (the side of Christ or antichrist.) The United States support for Israel under Pres. Trump will be greater than it has been for some time. Remember, it was United States president Harry Truman that walked down the aisle of the United Nations with Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion in 1948. They came to declare Israel nation after 2500 years of non-existence. President Trump has stated he would like to have the US embassy moved to Jerusalem. Believing this would be a blessing to Israel backing up their claim to the city. This could cause quite a stir and bring more Bible Prophecy to come to pass. Remember, God told Abraham “I bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you.”(Gen. 12:3). That is another assignment the United States has picked up from God.
God sets up leaders and takes leaders down. He controls the times and the seasons. They all serve their purpose and that purpose is to climax the ages. We are living in exciting times, the End Times. It is the Spirit of Christ against the spirit of antichrist. You must chose which spirit you will operate in, I strongly suggest Christ! Your focus must be on Jesus, it is His guidance that leads us through these perilous times. Bible Prophecy is one way He shows us our way.
Time is short and now more than ever we need to tell people about the love Jesus has for them. It is time for harvest because the age of the Church is almost over. Rejoice for He has called you to be a carrier of the good news! That news is God is good, He loves you and Jesus is coming soon!
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