God Invades Israel

INTRO

The previous chapter of Ezekiel told the account of the vast valley of dry bones coming together and the rising up of an army. Ezekiel prophesied to the wind and then the army came to life. Revelation 20 dovetails with Ezekiel 38—39 in the description of the end times. It has been difficult to understand the eschatology [science of last things] of Ezekiel, so many people choose to avoid any study of end time events and Scripture. The need is for all believers to let the Scripture define the end times.

There are some amazing themes in Ezekiel 38—39 that connect with the future and connect with passages in Revelation. These chapters give accounts of what is to be expected in the end times. There has also been an ignorance about any eschatological stance. Ezekiel 38—39 offers insight into the events of the end times.

Some suggest that if the book of Acts was the actual blueprint for the early church, then the book of Revelation would be the blueprint of what the church should expect at the end of the age. In Revelation 20 the New Testament will confirm the Old Testament.

TEACHING

Ezekiel 38:1-3: In verse 1 Ezekiel was told to turn his face toward Gog, who was a person from the land of Magog. Two of the capital cities of Magog are Meshech and Tubal. There are numerous theories on exactly where Magog would have been located geographically. There is not a lot of specific information in Scripture to let us know where Magog was located. It was believed (this is one example) centuries ago by some people that Napoleon Bonaparte, when he was partnering with other nations to wage war, might have been Gog out of Magog.

Ezekiel 38;4–6: In verse 4, God told Ezekiel about a war that would end all wars. There would be a huge army with full armor, swords, and horses that God would turn around. The armies of Gog and the armies of numerous nations including Persia, Cush, and Put were all gathered together against a single foe. All these nations were Gog’s allies.

Ezekiel 38;7–23: Verse 7 explains that God instructed these armies to be ready and to wait. After a long time, the armies would eventually be summoned. In the last years they would enter a land restored from war. They would attack Israel from the north. Israel would be found resting on the mountains—the nation was fully restored, and the people were now living securely. They were living without walls and gates. But God was with Israel and would bring about the destruction of prince Gog and his armies (Ezekiel 39).

These armies were out to rob and pillage the land of Israel. They would encircle Israel, as they dwelled securely, and they would prepare to attack Israel. This was a dark day, a day of the Lord when there was a cloud of thick darkness. Israel was living in tranquility without borders, without walls, and without gates.

God was bringing Gog and the mighty horde against Israel so that the nations, the whole world, might know Him when He shows Himself. God ultimately was the great king over all the earth. Gog and his armies were coming against Israel with a heart of vengeance and violence.

This same Spirit of God was found in Revelation 20 and in other passages of Old Testament Scripture. Relevant verses include: Isaiah 27:1, where the leviathan was found and God would slay the monster; the Assyrian found in Micah 5:5, where God would be their peace; Ezekiel 30:20–26, where Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, was mentioned with two broken arms so the sword would fall from his hand; Ezekiel 28:12–15, about the King of Tyre; and Isaiah 14:3-12, when the King of Babylon, as the oppressor, has quieted down and has become weak. The same Spirit of God was recognized in these various verses. These enemies were coming to kill, steal, and destroy Israel. In the end, after the wars are done, there will be peace for Israel.

Revelation 19:17–21 and Ezekiel 39:17–20 explain the exact same situation that was described as the supper of God. Play by play, there is a similarity between these two passages that use the same language.

Revelation 20 confirms that after the return of Jesus the false prophet and the beast are put in prison and the rest of the armies are defeated by the sword. Satan will no longer deceive the nations.

CLOSING

The resurrection of the dead is mentioned in Revelation 20. John 14:3 states Christ has gone to prepare a place for us. Christ was talking to the Gentiles and the Jews. Matthew 24:30–31 says Christ will appear with great power and glory. We will either rally with the Lord or be against the Lord.

In this world, we will have trouble, but take heart! Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). Near the end of his life, the apostle Paul said he wanted to know Christ and the power of the resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:7-11). Philippians 3:18–21 assures us Christ has overcome the world. Our citizenship is in heaven. We will be transformed into the likeness of His glorious body. Those who have the hope of Christ have it all. The Lord is with us as we wait for the coming of Christ.