Morning Message: Prophecy Update - The Judgment of Gog

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Judgment of Gog"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The 3rd week of our Prophecy Update Series opens with Ezekiel 39. It opens with an almost identical verse as the previous chapter. The only difference is that in Chapter 38, it is Jehovah directing the Son of Man (Christ) what to speak to Gog, and Magog, that nation north of the Caucasus Mountains between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

In Ezekiel 39:1, it is the Son of Man speaking those words, “I am against thee…” just as the Father had said. There can be no question about how Jehovah (Lord) and Jesus, the Son of Man (Lord) feel about that nation and the one who is their leader. Gog is the nation and Magog is their leader.

The Father is making good on His promise made to Abraham and his descendants, Israel. “I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him who curseth thee.” (Genesis 12:3). To find one’s self in a adversarial position against the God of the Universe, is an unenviable position. God does not speak unless He intends to follow through with His prophetic word.

And hence, Gog and Magog will face judgment at the right time in the future. Ezekiel 39 is a direct description of this judgment against the nation that is modern-day Russia, and we are witnessing the alignment of Israel’s enemies today. We are also witnessing the strength of Israel increasing militarily, and economically, and at least one former enemy is enlisting Israeli defense methods, vis-à-vis Israeli’s Iron Dome defense initiative.

At some point in the future, however, Israel will be isolated to face a coalition of nations that are her enemies, and God’s. And we may be surprised by their names.

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Prophecy Update: Ezekiel 39: 1-13 - "The Judgment of Gog"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

We saw in the first two studies of the Gog and Magog invasion that the Bible predicts an end-time alliance between Russia, Iran and Turkey (along with other countries) that will come against Israel in the last days leading up to the return of Jesus. As they cover the land like a storm it will look like a sure thing win for the invading forces. A sure thing, that is until God steps in! We saw in the first study that God will not allow this invading force to prevail but will supernaturally wipe them out on the mountains of Israel in an event that will literally leave an unbelieving world gasping! It will, the Bible says, be an event that will be used by God to make His name known again to both Israel and the nations of the world.

Ezekiel 39:1-13 describes God's judgment against Gog, a northern invader, foretelling his total defeat by Israel, his vast army's weapons providing seven years of fuel, and a massive, seven-month burial process in the Valley of Hamon-Gog, culminating in the purification of the land and recognition of God's power by all nations.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  Upcoming Soon!

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Behold, I Am Against Thee, O Gog (39:1) - Repeated from Ezekiel 38:3, which is for the confirmation of it, and to inject terror into him. How horrifying to have God against any you. This scene of the army's ruin adds detail to Ezekiel 38:18-23 such as: the disarming of soldiers (v. 3); their fall in death (vv. 4, 5); the gorging of birds and beasts on the corpses (v. 4); fire sent also on others besides the army (v.6); and the burning of weapons by Israelites (vv. 9, 10).

Gog (39:1) - “Gog” is the mysterious leader introduced in the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:2). The prophecy is “against” him, signaling judgment rather than blessing (Ezekiel 25:2; Amos 1:3). The scope is international; God’s concern extends beyond Israel’s borders to global powers (Psalm 2:1-6; Revelation 20:8). The Gog and Magog assault in Revelation 20:7-9 at the end of the Millennium is another assault on Jerusalem patterned after certain images of the invasion here (chapters 38, 39), but it is a distinct event one thousand years after the Millennial kingdom begins.

Burn the Weapons (39:9, 10) - God promised to “break the bow and shatter the spear” (Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 2:4), and here He does so literally. Every category of ancient weapon becomes fuel, symbolizing total disarmament of hostile nations (Micah 4:3). The list is comprehensive, leaving no threat un-neutralized. As shocking as it sounds, there will be enough equipment to provide fuel for seven years. 

Seven Years (39:9) - Seven in Scripture often marks completeness (Genesis 2:2-3; Revelation 1:20). Here it indicates a definite, measurable period during which the refuse of war meets Israel’s domestic needs. The duration suggests both the vast quantity of weapons and the sustained peace that follows God’s intervention (Ezekiel 37:26). A vast army (cf. "many," 38:15) would have much weaponry, requiring seven years to burn.  Since this likely occurs at the end of the time of Tribulation, synonymous with the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16; 19:19-21), the burials would extend into the millennial kingdom.

Give Unto Gog a Place There of Graves (39:11-16) - Israelites moving east from the Mediterranean Sea, with the sea to their backs and the Jezreel Valley before them, bury bodies.  Further, people in the whole land help in the massive interment, which takes seven months.  The description fits the time after Christ's Second Coming extending into the millennial era as those who go into His kingdom do the work (cf. Revelation 20:1-10).

Hamon-Gog (39:11, 16) - Hamon-Gog (Valley of the Multitude of Gog) refers to a prophetic location in the Bible (Ezekiel 39:11-15) east of the Dead Sea, designated for burying the vast armies of Gog, a powerful northern leader who will invade Israel, symbolizing God's ultimate victory over evil forces and the cleansing/restoration of the land. In verse 16, a city in the area will be named Hamonah, "multitude" (cf. a similar idea in Joel 3:14).

Morning Message: Dress Rehearsal

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Dress Rehearsal"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Now that we have undertaken a Prophecy Update Series, things are heating up around the world. Venezuela, Switzerland, and Iran are in the news this week. Scour the news sites to stay abreast of current events, and more so, current events that will impact our faith and understanding of Bible Prophesy. Our faith might be challenged at times.

The world events impact the overall role of Almighty God in the lives of His Creation. He will remain faithful to all generations, but it might require specific changes to keep mankind within His will. And if changes occur, they will always be part of God’s will. Just because we didn’t see something coming, does not mean that He didn’t either. He is all-knowing; we are not.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13: 32). Others think those days are far off in the distance. And some even think we are in the midst of them. Jesus taught that the Father knows His own timetable, and not even the Son knows. What that means might seem confusing, but the Father is truly the mind of God; the Son of the Father is that second person of the Trinity, the Word of God, who also acts out the word of God in the physical realm, and the Holy Spirit is Him Who acts to motivate the Son to the will of the Father. This third person of the Trinity also indwells the heart of every believer. This is the cohesiveness of our great Triune God: Three Persons all acting in union with one another, to perform His will.

I speak in terms of God’s consistency, and of His flexibility to be able to accomplish great things. The Virgin Birth itself is a prime example of this. Keep your eye on Jesus; His plan is the Father’s, and Jesus remains flexible to it.

~ John 14: 20 ~

“At that day, ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” - John 14:20

“That they all may be as one; as Thou, Father, art in me and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world might believe that Thou hast sent Me.” - John 17:21

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Prophecy Update: Ezekiel 38:17-23 - Dress Rehearsal

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In this Prophecy Update Series, we are looking at what Ezekiel saw for Israel and the nations in the last days, we've seen that God has some pretty big events in store! God will make His name known in the last days to the nation of Israel and the nations of the world. Now that is pretty exciting! The Western nations especially live in a post-modern, post-Christian world. The thought of God is often mocked, ignored or not seen as relevant in this day. Yet God has events in store where He will, on a global stage, make His name known again.

Ezekiel 38 and 39 are well-studied chapters amongst Bible prophecy students. Ezekiel foretells of a supernatural war that is coming. It will be one that threatens the very existence of Israel as a nation. Even before drilling down into some of the details it is interesting to note the placement of these Gog and Magog chapters. Chapter 37 speaks of Israel being regathered from their 'graves' in the nations and becoming a nation again in their own land. It was the famous 'dry bones' chapter, and its fulfillment began with Israel becoming a nation again in 1948. Ezekiel 40-48 speaks of the Millennial Kingdom when Jesus shall rule and reign from Jerusalem after His return. But squeezed in between these two book ends are Ezekiel 38 and 39. The position of these chapters show us the timing of these events - The Gog and Magog war will occur somewhere between Israel becoming a nation again and the return of Jesus. And, as we have already seen in our study last week, the players involved in this war are seriously moving into position in our day.

To sum up, Ezekiel 38 and 39 speaks of a coming alliance of Russia, Turkey, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and possibly Germany. Russia and Turkey will descend upon Israel from the north. Iran will come from the east. Libya from the southwest. Sudan and Somalia will rush from the south. Israel will be entirely circled by some of the greatest threats and military powers that the world currently knows.

The main players being Russia, Iran and Turkey... It is VERY interesting that these countries are coming together today, strengthening military and financial alliances at the current time. The war in Syria over the last few years have seen Russia and Iran draw closer in a joint effort to control the Middle East. Turkey, while a NATO member and supposedly aligned with the West, has in recent years been moving in the other direction. Under the near dictatorship of President Erdogan, Turkey has been moving from a secular society to an Islamic one. Their alliance with the West has been waning while its ties to Russia deepen.

Now we don't interpret Bible prophecy by current events for things can move quickly and in unexpected directions. But it is interesting to see this Russian - Iranian - Turkish alliance as the Bible predicts. The other nations mentioned such as Libya, Somalia and Sudan are certainly no friends of Israel today either. They are all hotbeds of Islamic fundamentalism and strongly anti-Israel.

In verses 10-16, Ezekiel explained why these nations are going to come against Israel. Given the increasing anti-Semitism in the world today, it is not hard to see these nations wanting to destroy Israel. Iran especially is famous for its constant decrees and threats of destroying the Jewish nation and driving them into the sea. We have seen this 'everlasting hatred' mentioned in previous chapters of Ezekiel. But hatred ISN'T the primary reason given for this invasion. It is something less spiritual and far more material... MONEY! Ezekiel prophesied that thoughts would come into Gog's mind and he will device an evil plan. The reason for the invasion is to 'capture spoil' and 'seize plunder'. What are those spoils? Perhaps the vast oil supply that was found, or the abundant wealth from the minerals of the dead sea. Wherever the riches come from, it will be a strong enough hook in the jaw of Gog that will draw him out of his own country to invade, destroy and plunder another sovereign nation. There is of course one small problem... The nation that Gog has decided to invade, Israel, will be under the protection of the God of Israel!

This week we will be looking at Ezekiel 38:17-23. What will God do? With the coalition army surrounding Israel, and with no hope in sight for the nation of Israel, Yahweh, the God of Israel will act. Though the enemy will cover the land like a storm, and with certain victory within their grasp, they shall come to the same fate that the Egyptians experienced when the closed in on Israel at the Red Sea. As the scripture says, "Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever." - Psalms 121:4-8

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Are you he? (38:17) - God's foreknowledge. This verse is a prophetic question from God in the Bible, asking an enemy leader (Gog) "Are you the one I spoke about in former times through my servants, the prophets of Israel, who for years prophesied that I would bring you against them?". This refers to the general references to this time and the participants (cf. Joel 3:9-17; Amos 5:11, 23; Zephaniah 3:8).  Even Daniel (Daniel 2:41;44) referred to this time at least three decades prior to Ezekiel 38.  The nature of the question presupposes that the previous generalities are now being particularized in the person of Gog.

My fury will show (38:18-23) - God's patience will be exhausted with the repeated attempts to annihilate Israel since the "abomination" by Antichrist (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15), and He will employ a great earthquake in Israel; panic will seize the invading soldiers (verse 21), who will turn and use their weapons against one another (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:22, 23).  He will further decimate the invading ranks by pestilence, a deluge of rain, large hailstones, plus fire and brimstone.  The descriptions here are identical to that of the last half of the seven-year Tribulation in Revelation 6:12-17; 11:19; 16:17-21; 19:11-21.

Morning Message - "A Ruinous Heap"

Bobservations' Column

Titled - Prophecy Update: Ezekiel 38:1-8 - "A Ruinous Heap"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Many are wondering what lays ahead for us in the year ahead, and the future, in general. Matthew 24 and Luke 21 speak of the end times and describes the social, political, climatic, and even financial troubles that will plague all the Earth at that time. Matthew also says this: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” (Mt. 24:6)

If we think the last several years have been bad, the Gospels tell us that things will get much worse. But there’s more. We see what is happening in our own countries, wherever we may live. There are certainly wars and rumors of wars all over the world, but we must not overlook a singular fact that tends to get overlooked regularly: Bible prophecy has everything to do with the nation of Israel, and the Jewish people. It is God dealing with God’s People!

What we see happening around the rest of the world can become very personal as it affects us, and it definitely does have an effect on us. Many things in this wicked world are tragic, and there’s no denying that fact. But the Lord has told us, “...the end is not yet.” The Nation-State of Israel and the Jewish people have always been the focal point of Bible Prophecy, and they always will be.

We frequently gasp when we hear in the media about the problems in the Middle East, and that’s as it should be, because that is where Israel is located. It is also where the nations that will ultimately attack Israel are also located. Pay attention to Middle East News, and then filter it through His promises to the Jews, AND to His Church! God is always faithful to His word!

Since His church has been adopted into the inheritance of His Chosen People (Galatians 4: 5), then He will be as faithful to His Church, as He has always been to the Jewish people. So instead of shrinking in fear, let us think about God’s faithfulness to all generations. During various times of danger described in the Gospels, when Jesus appears to His Disciples and followers, His words are as comforting to them, as they should be to us: “Fear Not.”

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4: 19

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Prophecy Update: Ezekiel 38:1-8 - "A Ruinous Heap"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Ezekiel 38:1-8 prophesies an end-times invasion of Israel by a powerful coalition led by Gog of Magog, a ruler from the far north (often associated with modern-day Russia/Turkey region), drawing many nations like Persia, Cush, and Put (Libya) into an attack on a peaceful, unwalled Israel. God declares He is against Gog, promising to put hooks in his jaws to lure him, along with his vast armies, into a trap to invade Israel, setting the stage for God's dramatic judgment and the revelation of His power.

Key Points in Ezekiel 38:1-8

• Gog's Identity: God identifies Gog as the chief prince of "Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal" (likely northern regions) and a leader from "the land of Magog" (a northern land).
• The Call to Prophesy: God tells Ezekiel to prophesy against Gog, indicating divine opposition to this future enemy.
• The Lure: God says He will "put hooks in your jaws" and bring Gog and his massive confederation against Israel, drawing them into a devastating conflict.
• The Target: Gog's plan is to attack "a land of unwalled villages," a peaceful, unsuspecting Israel that has been restored and gathered from the nations.
• The Coalition: Gog will bring many allies (Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, Togarmah, etc.) from various directions to attack Israel.
• Divine Purpose: God's intervention isn't just to save Israel but also so "the heathen may know me," revealing His sovereignty through the destruction of His enemies.

In essence, this passage sets up the great battle where God Himself orchestrates the invasion of Israel by Gog and his allies, only to unleash His fury and defeat them utterly, proving He is the Lord.

Please Note:  As we get into this prophecy series, a map of the Middle East is provided here for you.  In Ezekiel 38, the Lord revealed a ten–nation coalition that will assemble in the Last Days. The names and places that Ezekiel describes are foreign to us today, but a closer look at Scripture and history will help us translate these into modern times. These are the countries that we will be talking about in our Prophecy Series.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Against Gog (38:2) - This name is found in 1 Chronicles 5:4, a general title for an enemy of God's people.   Gog most likely carries the idea of "high" or "supreme one," based on the comparison in Numbers 24:7.  It refers to a person, described as a prince form the land of Magog, who is the final Antichrist (Revelation 20:8). These titles are used symbolically of the final world uprising against Jerusalem, its people, and Messiah King.  This attack comes not just from the north, but from the four corners of the world, as a world of sinners at the end of one-thousand-year kingdom come to fight the saints in the "beloved city" of Jerusalem.  On that occasion, there is only one weapon used - divine fire.  This is the climax to the last battle with Satan and his armies, whose eternal destiny is set.  It is followed by the final judgment of all the ungodly before the Lord (Revelation 20:11-15) and the creation of the eternal, sinless state (Revelation 21:1).

Magog (38:2) - Modern day Russia. Some see this people as derived from Japheth (Genesis 10:2), later called the Scythians.  Others propose a people in southeast Anatolia, later known as Asiatic people such as the Mongols and Huns.  Others see Magog as an overall term for barbarians, north of Palestine, around the Caspian and Black Seas. Magog seems to be used to refer to "northern barbarians" in general, but likely also has a connection to Magog the person. The people of Magog are described as skilled warriors (Ezekiel 38:15; 39:3-9).

The Prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal (38:2) - This should be translated "chief prince of Meshech and Tubal" because: (1) Rosh (more than 600 times) in the Hebrew Old Testament is an adjective, "chief," often in reference to the "chef priest" (2 Kings 25:18); (2) most ancient versions took it to mean "chief" or "head"; and (3) in all places other than chapters 38 and 39 where both Meshech and Tubal are mentioned, Rosh is not listed as a third people. The word rosh describes the greatness of the prince, not a place where the prince rules.

Meshech, and Tubal (38:2) - Two peoples were recognized on ancient Assyrian monuments: one called Mushki (Mushku) and the other Tubali (Tabal).  Both were in Asia Minor, the area of Magog, modern-day Turkey.  In summary, a chief prince, who is the enemy of God's people, will lead a coalition of nations against Jerusalem.  The details of this enemy force and its destruction are given by Ezekiel in the rest of chapters 38 and 39.

I Will . . . Put Hooks Into Thy Jaws (38:4) - Just as God used Assyria (Isaiah 8) and Babylon (21:10) as human invaders for His judgments, He aims to use this army.  Here, He brings the invaders to Palestine so that He may visit judgment (vs. 8) on the invaders themselves (38:18-23; 39:1-10).  He, thus, uses the language of hooks in the jaws, as in judging Egypt (29:4).  From the aggressors' perspective, they think that it is their plan only to seize the spoil which draws them to Palestine (vv 11, 12). 

Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya (38:5) - The invasion involves a coalition of powers form the east and the south of Palestine.  Persia is modern Iran, Libya is in north Africa, west of Egypt, and Ethiopia is south of Egypt.

Gomer (38:6) - Today the area is Armenia/Turkey which also was known as Cappadocia, having a people called Gomer in Assyrian inscriptions.

Togarmah (38:6) - Today's eastern Turkey.

Ezekiel 38:7, 8 - Describes the great time of Israel's cleansing, salvation, and spiritual life, getting them ready for Messiah's return and kingdom.

In the Latter Years (38:8) - In the context of Israel's restoration (Ezekial 34-39), the invaders will make their final bid for the land.

Brought Back From the Sword (38:8) - This refers to Israelites who have been returned to their land, after the sword had killed or scattered many of their people.  the Hebrew word for brought back means "to return" or restore" (Genesis 40:13; 41:13).

Gathered (38:8) - This word also frequently refers to God's final regathering of Israel (37:21; Isaiah 11:12; 43:5; Jeremiah 32:37).  It has begun historically and will continue until the latter days.  In the final millennial kingdom, there will occur the full national and spiritual regathering, when all Israel is saved to enter their promised kingdom. (cf. Zechariah 12-14; romans 11:25-27).

Dwell Safely (38:8) - This term occurs in several contexts devoted to the Israelites blessed estate after God has brought them back to their land (28:26; 34:25, 28; 39:26; Jeremiah 32:37; Zechariah 14:11).