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EZE 38:10" `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. 11You will say, "I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people--all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. 12I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land." 13Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, "Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?" ' 14"Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? 15You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. 16You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, O Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. 17" `This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Are you not the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel? At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them. 18This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. 19In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground 21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother. 22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 23 Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD. 39:1 Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: 2 And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: 3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. 4 Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. 5 Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD. 6 And I
will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the
isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD. PROPHESY AGAINST GOG "Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal." (Eze 39:1) Ezekiel's prophesy is directed against Magog's head, the leader of an invading body which consists of the combined forces of the Russian army and their radical Muslim allies. INVASION FORCE DEFEATED "And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel." (Eze 39:2) God himself pulls Russia into the foray to execute judgment upon her, and that judgment results in almost total annihilation of the invading forces (5/6's are destroyed) on the mountains of Israel. "And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand." (Eze 39:3) Ezekiel describes this futuristic scene in the Hebrew language of his day which, in turn, was translated in 1611 into the English language by King James' translators. What Ezekiel actually saw, from an examination of the original Hebrew, was "a piercing shaft that was projected like a thunderbolt from God." In 1611, this was interpreted as a bow and arrow; but in today's vernacular, we could easily translate this verse: "I will strike your missile launchers from your left hand and make your missiles drop from your right hand." "Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD." (Eze 39:4-5) The invasion force only makes it as far as the mountains of Israel, where they are slaughtered and lay in the fields for the beasts and ravenous birds to devour. JUDGMENT BY FIRE 39:6 "And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I am the LORD." Ezekiel tells us that God will judge by fire both Magog (Russia) and another nation that lives "carelessly in the isles". The invasion force is also judged by fire, as recorded in Ezekiel 38:22-23. The fire is accompanied by an "overflowing rain, great hailstones, and brimstone." A nuclear burst could certainly result in these dynamics. For example, a nuclear burst would expand and rise high into the atmosphere where it would cool, condense, and result in giant hailstones and an overflowing rain. The giant earthquake that occurs in the middle of this battle (Eze 38:19-20) could be the aftermath of a nuclear burst which, in turn, could cause the volcanic activity (brimstone) that Ezekiel described. It is also possible that the fire and brimstone that Ezekiel saw was nuclear fire or the heat shields of missiles entering the atmosphere. In any case, it is a major cataclysmic event which will cause the world to acknowledge the existence of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The identity of this other nation is not disclosed by name. There are, however, some clues given and conjectures we can make as to the identity of this "other country" hidden in the text of Ezekiel 39:6. We know that this nation: 1) Is not identified by name. 2) Probably has intercontinental ballistic missile capability. 3) Has inhabitants who live in the far distant coastland. 4) Has inhabitants who dwell under a false sense of peace or security. 5) Is no longer one nation under God. More importantly, whatever country this is, it merits God's judgment. The U.S. is one of 180 countries in the world. There is no question that the U.S. is experiencing many of the "signs of judgment" enumerated in Isaiah 1-5, Deuteronomy 28, and Amos 4:6-8. We have also spilt innocent blood in the land (40 million aborted babies). If you do not have a copy of the three-part series entitled "What in Heaven is Happening to America", which discusses how the U.S. appears to be fulfilling the signs of God's judgment, the links are at the end of this article, along with other links. Whether or not this other nation is the U.S. remains to be seen, but let's look more closely at what we do know about it from Ezekiel's prophesy. THEY HAVE NO NAME This in itself is a clue to the identity of this nation. Genesis, chapter 10, is commonly referred to as the Table of Nations. Nations in the Bible are designated by the names of the sons of Noah who settled there. It is possible, therefore, that this unnamed nation was not directly settled by any of Noah's sons and thus is not on the Asian/European or African continents. INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE CAPABILITY If we assume that God's judgment takes the form of a nuclear exchange, and that the "other nation" exists on another continent, then they must have intercontinental ballistic missile capability. However, I.C.B.M's are not the only possibility. It could be the result of terrorist activity. Russia and the radical Muslim nations that invade Israel will know that the United States is Israel's ally. The invasion will be massive and swift, and the United States mounts only a diplomatic protest. Has the U.S. been caught off-guard? THEY LIVE IN THE DISTANT COASTLANDS A study
of the Hebrew word
transliterated "`iy" which comes from the Hebrew root word "ilya", is
translated "isles" in this passage. It occurs 34 times in the Old
Testament and is usually interpreted as island or coastland. The Hebrew
root word means a remote, pleasant island or coastland.
Ezekial to "the merchants of Tarshish with all the young lions thereof." We learned that "young lions" was derived from the Hebrew word for "whelps" or "cubs" and, in the context of the passage, refer to future nations that result from the colonization activity of traders from Tarshish. The fleet of Tarshish was sometimes used in scripture to describe an ocean-going navy. We surmised that when Ezekiel mentions "the merchants of Tarshish and the young lions thereof", he was most likely referring to a future nation, with an ocean-going navy, that was associated with or colonized--directly or indirectly--as a result of the Phoenician's colonization activity. This activity includes the United States. We discussed Isaiah chapter 60, verse 9, which tells us that, in the last days, some of the Jews return home to Israel in "ships of Tarshish." We identified the U.S. as having the largest concentration of Jews in the world and conjectured that when the mass exodus of Jews from the U.S. begins, undoubtedly many will seek transit by ships which can carry thousands of passengers at a single crossing. Isaiah 60:9 refers to the departure point for this ocean-going navy that transports the Jews home to Israel as "il"', the same term used in Ezekiel 39:6 to describe the "other nation" that is judged with fire. This distant island or coastland is "in the lead" (which means, from the Hebrew, first in rank). The text also tells us that the ocean-going ships of Tarshish bring home the children of Israel from "afar" (which, in Hebrew, means a remote, precious place). In all cases, the United States is definitely a candidate. "Surely the islands (Strong's reference number 0339, the Hebrew word transliterated `iy, meaning remote island or coast land) look to me; in the lead (Strong's reference number 7223, the Hebrew word transliterated ri'shown, meaning first in place, time or rank) are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your sons from afar, (Strong's Reference Number: 7350, the Hebrew transliterated word: rachowq, meaning remote, lit. or fig., of place or time; spec. precious) with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor." (ISA 60:9) THEY DWELL UNDER A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY God tells us that this nation "is dwelling carelessly". The word carelessly is translated from the Hebrew word transliterated as "betach" (Stong's Reference number 983). We are familiar with this term. It is the same term that was used to describe the mental state of Israel just prior to the Magog Russian invasion. It refers to the state of mind of feeling secure (not actually being secure in a physical sense). The United States does live in the safety of the far distant coastlands. Although we have endured two world wars, no foreign invader ever set foot on U.S. soil; we were effectively protected by thousands of miles of ocean on all sides. However, with the advent of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles and the escalation of international terrorism, we are no longer physically secure. Furthermore, with the so-called demise of Communism in Russia, the media tells us that the Cold War is over, and that not only is Russia no longer a threat, but that she is our new democratic friend. What deception. We are to believe that Russia suddenly decided to abandon its communist goals of the last 70 years. And since Russia is now our trusted friend, the U.S. has shut down its early-warning radar systems, grounded its strategic bombers, closed its bases, and reduced troop strength. Everyone is talking about the peace dividend, is in essence crying "Peace, peace", but there is no peace. We are certainly experiencing a sense of security such as we haven't known since the beginning of this century. While the U.S. unilaterally disarms, Russia continues to build its military machine at unprecedented rates. Intelligence reports indicate that Russia has now built over 60 Typhoon class submarines ("Red Octobers"). These submarines are silent and undetectable by sonar nets. Each has 20 missile tubes; each missile has 10 independently-targeted warheads. They have a range of 5,000 miles and can conceivably reach the United States from their homeports. With all the unrest in Russia, she is more dangerous today then at any time in history. The current movie "Crimson Tide" dramatically illustrates how easily a nuclear exchange could be precipitated. Russia is currently building a new class of attack submarines which is far advanced of anything else afloat. They have also developed an underwater missile and anti-ship cruise missiles which can be launched by submarine. Deception is one of Satan's key devices. Russia's false liberalization and deliberately-painted picture of stagnation and economic deficiency has not only stimulated the largest unilateral disarmament of the United States in history, but has duped us into sending money so they can build the armament necessary to neutralize us. We are funding our own possible destruction! The fact is that we are more vulnerable today to a surprise nuclear attack than at any other time in history. In spite of Russia's economic problems, they continue to build up their Military. Yet we are supposedly friends and at peace. It begs the question: What are they preparing for? Meanwhile the U.S., under strong delusion, disarms. NO LONGER ONE NATION UNDER GOD Verse six also tells us that Russia and this other nation, as a result of this judgment, "will know that I am God." The word "know" in this passage is the transliterated Hebrew word "yada`" (Strong's Reference number 3045). The word "yada`" occurs 897 times in the Old Testament; 439 times it is translated "to know" in an experiential sense, as in "seeing is believing". As a result of God's judgment, these nations will know that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the one true God. Which is exactly what God tells us later in Ezekiel, chapter 39. We can certainly visualize that godless Russia, as a result of this judgment, will come to know God. However, we must consider other countries, as well. Today, Russia, the United States, and many other nations have lost their God-consciousness. Many people are rebellious and hedonistic, lacking morality and respect for God, country, parents, the elderly, property, etc. As a result of God's judgment, the unbelieving people of Russia, the United States, and other countries will once again know that He exists, because they will personally see His hand protecting Israel while executing judgment on Russia and the "other nation." In Proverbs 30:4, the term "yada`" is also used. It reads: "Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know! [yada`, 3045]." These nations will again know the name of God and the name of His son, Jesus Christ. The desired of the nations shall come; and many will be saved by seeking and coming to know (in a spiritual sense) the Holy One of Israel. In closing, recognize that the text in Ezekiel 39:6 did not say to what extent this "other nation" will be judged by fire. God's word says that I [God] will judge those that judge thee [the Jewish people] and bless those that bless thee. America is still Israel's leading supporter. In addition, 85% of world evangelism originates from the United States. Pat Robertson feels, and this author agrees, that we are on the verge of the largest harvest of souls in the history of the world. If God tempers his wrath for these reasons, it is possible that only limited destruction will be forthcoming. Pat Robertson feels that the world will experience God's progressive judgment upon the earth and increased harvest. Natural disasters are increasing world-wide, as well as within the U.S. These judgments are God's "signature judgments." They are designed to cause man to turn back to God, not to utterly destroy him. But do not be deceived. Neither America, nor any other nation, is exempt from God's judgment. For more information on the Ezekiel 38 invasion, please visit the web site at http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory In the interim, stay close to God, repent (2 Chronicles 7:14), listen to His voice, and be faithful and obedient to whatever He tells you. Remember, "A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." (Proverbs 22:3) "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. "And where I go you know, and the way you know." (John 14:1-4) "I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty." (Hag 2.7) "Watch and pray, therefore, that you would be counted worthy to escape the judgment that is coming upon the earth and be able to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36). How to Be Saved Through Jesus http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/salvation/index.html Prophetic Links: Prayer Warriors Against Abortion http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/warrior.htm Twilight's Last Gleeming - 6/11/2001 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/up061101.htm Ezekiel 38 Alert - 4/17/2001 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/is041701.htm Invasion of Israel - Part 1 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade01.htm Invasion of Israel - Part 2 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade02.htm Invasion of Israel - Part 3 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade03.htm Invasion of Israel - Part 4 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade04.htm Invasion of Israel - Part 5 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade05.htm Invasion of Israel - Part 6 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade06.htm Invasion of
Israel - Part 7 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/invade07.htm
What in Heaven is Happening to America - Part 1 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/america1.htm What in Heaven is Happening to America - Part 2 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/america2.htm What in Heaven is Happening to America - Part 3 http://prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory/america3.htm Prophetic Links: Return Home: prophecyandcurrentevents.com/thglory "Prophecy and Current Events" is published by: "To His Glory Ministries", P.O. Box 31, Syracuse, New York 13215. Permission is hereby granted to copy and distribute for non-commercial purposes. Consider duplicating and distributing to friends, relatives, pastor or your church congregation. However, copying for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited. CopyRight 2001, To His Glory Ministries, All Rights Reserved. We value your comments. Please forward them to us. |
