God foretold a great battle that will take place when three conditions exist (Ezek. 38-39):When the latter years and latter days have arrived (Ezek. 38:8, 16); when Jews have returned to the Promised Land from many Nations (Ezek. 38:8); when the Jews are dwelling safely (Ezek. 38:8, 11).
All three of these conditions exist right now (Israel is dwelling under God’s protection).
This great battle will be led by a man called Gog. He will rule the land of Magog (modern Russia; Ezek. 38:2).
Magog lies north of Israel (Ezek. 38:15). Some translations say the “far north.” Others say the “uttermost parts of the north.” Russia occupies that location.
Only God knows, but many prophecy writers, including this one, believe Vladimir Putin is Gog.
Gog and his hordes are expected to ascend in Syria and cover the mountains of Israel “like a cloud” (Ezek. 38:9). Gog will provide air cover (planes and helicopters) for the multitude of troops he has moving up the mountains on Syria’s side of the border (Ezek. 38:4-6).
His attempt to destroy Israel will infuriate God (Ezek. 38:19). The Almighty will enter into judgment against Gog and his hordes (Ezek. 38:19-22).
God said when the day of the Lord is near He will do to Israel’s enemies what they try to do to Israel (Obad. 1:15). Since Gog and his hordes have gathered to destroy Israel, God will destroy most of them.
The destruction will be so great it will take Israel seven years to burn the weapons and seven months to bury the dead (Ezek. 39:9:12).
With each passing day Vladimir Putin is getting more deeply involved in the Middle East. In the fall and winter of 2015, he sent hundreds of troops, many planes, helicopters, drones and other weapons to a military base in Syria.
He also announced plans for Russia and Iran (a Russian ally in the battle of Gog and Magog; Persia; Ezek. 38:5) to step up their military co-operation.
In the spring of 2016, he suddenly announced that he was removing some of his troops, planes and weapons from Syria. He did, but he replaced them with more troops; better planes, helicopters and drones; and more powerful and advanced weapons. It was even reported that he sent in missiles with nuclear warheads.
In the summer of 2016, he sent two advanced bombers armed with smart bombs to the Syrian air force and announced plans to send eight more in the near future. His stock of troops and weapons included ten naval vessels that were stationed at or nearby a port in Syria.
Vladimir Putin also announced plans for Russia and Turkey (another Russian ally in the battle of Gog and Magog; Togarmah; Ezek. 38:6) to expand their military ties.
Fall has now arrived and before this article gets posted those ten naval vessels will be joined by about ten more naval vessels: An aircraft carrier with more than fifty jets and helicopters, a nuclear missile cruiser, two destroyers, several fully loaded supply ships, submarines and who knows what else.
It is being reported that Vladimir Putin may soon use these troops and weapons against Islamic forces that are holed up in the Syrian city of Aleppo. That may well be true, but Israel considers them to be a threat to her. The IDF is very concerned that Vladimir Putin’s massive build-up of troops and weapons in Syria may head toward the mountains of Israel in the future.
If they do, it will be a world changing event.
Prophecy Plus Ministries
Daymond & Rachel Duck
duck_daymond@yahoo.com