57 Responses

1. Thanks, Joel! You lay out a good case.

2. Very well laid out and explained. The grammatical historical view, i.e., how Ezekiel and his audiences would have understood these regions to be, seems much more logical to me than the “wild goose chase” approach.

   Does Ezekiel 38:6 (“many peoples with you”) refer to the same gathering of nations against Israel that we see in Joel 3:2, Zech. 12:3, and 14:2?

3. Yes, I see Ezekiel 38-39 as speaking of the same invasion as that discussed in Joel, Zechariah, etc.

4. I believe the war of Ezekiel 38/39, is the same as the war of Zech 12,14 since the result of both wars is the Israel will know their Savior from that day foward, and the nations will know who the Savior is from that day forward…..so they must be talking about the same event! I also believe it is the same war of Joel 3, Isaiah 2 and after the 6th seal of Revelation is opened. There are 2 places in the Bible when men hide in rocks, caves, and underground…….Isaiah 2 and after the opening of the 6th seal of Revelation.

5. An interesting question is why does Zechariah 13 happen between the description of the war in 12 and 14……I believe the poem is a picture of the history of the Jewish people from the crucifixion until their redemption, to be consummated as the result of them realizing who their Savior is after the war….a prophetic poem like the Song of Moses, but more limited in scope.

6. When we say “war” we are simply referring to that which culminates with the return of Jesus and the Day of the Lord. Its far more simple than many have made it.

7. OK Joel I agree with you that Gog is antichrist. I asked you the following question from the previous video for some reason you chose to ignore it. I will try once more. In your opinion does antichrist control every country on earth? Thanks.

8. The reference to a coming invasion of the Mideast by Iran reminds me of Mark Davidson’s book “Daniel Revisited”, which I have been critically examining. My early impression was that this book is laid out too neatly to be reflective of the complexities of human society. But if the three visions Davidson examines, Daniel 7, 8, and Revelation 6, must be fulfilled about the same time, then they must run at least parallel, if not striding together. Recent Russian intrusions seem to be setting up an invasion by Iran rather than by themselves. We shall see.

9. Felix,

   I do not believe he will control every nation of the earth. The fact that there are wars until the end prove there will be resistor militaries an thus resistor governments.

10. So if Turkey fight Iran in the coming future, how do you believe it will turn out? Some other questions

    What Nations support Turkey, what nations support Iran?
    Will Israel site with Turkey ( Because they fear and hate Iran), which will inevitably lead to the two nations becoming “friends” again, hence a (7 year) peace treaty!
    Syria and Iraq are between the two, will they both become obliterated? will each government use Shia and sunni as proxys?
    What will be Saudi Arabia’s job in all this?

    Cheers

11. Hi Joel!

    Everyone is commenting on the substantive portion of your taping which is proper and important. But I want to comment on smaller details that I see that show me you are improving in your presentation approach and becoming more comfortable before the camera audience. You are beginning to follow the camera angles as different shots area are switched and this is very helpful as a viewer. These finer details help viewers feel connected to you as though you are talking directly to them in personal conversation. This is very helpful, Joel. Continue to follow your director ques so that you always look at the camera that is switched on, your a very intense person and totally get into your material, I get that, but don’t lose your viewing audience in the process. Also the sip of your coffee cup was a nice personal touch, its as though you were talking with me over coffee. I liked it.

    This may sound like a trite and trivial post, but it is those finer details that make a firm connection with your audience.

    Blessings!

12. Thanks G4U.

    For what it is worth, I always follow the camera. Its easy to do, as I only have three options. But sometimes the editor often switches it up for interest.

13. Ha Ha Ha, I was wondering what was really in the cup…..:)

14. Instant coffee. Generic brand. $3.33 lasts me 2 months.

15. Gog from Magog = Turkey. Gog from Magog = The AntiChrist. Turkey is Muslim. So, you are saying the Turkish Muslim AntiChrist is coming, NOT Ezekiel 38-39, which is a situation where God DESTROYS countries coming against Israel. You are saying that major wars will happen before Ez 38-39, and that Turkey will defeat Iran in a war.

    I am confused as to what religion the AntiChrist will be. Will the Jews accept a Muslim messiah? Will the Jews accept anyone as Messiah who allows their temple to be rebuilt? Or will the Jews’ Messiah actually be a different person (such as the False Prophet spoken of in Revelation), controlled by the AntiChrist by Satanic power? What are your thoughts as to where Ezekiel 38-39 fits in, if not here?

    Now I am going to play the devil’s advocate. I am hearing you telling us to evangelize the Muslims in order to save as many from Hell as possible before the Great Tribulation. Do you think that bringing Muslims to Christ will in some way lessen the suffering of the Jews or the Christians before or during the week of Jacob’s trouble? Or possibly do you think it may postpone it? Or do you think it is a moot point, and that a soul is a soul and our efforts at evangelism should include all people groups right now? Has God given up on the Muslims? The Bible says that they will overcome the saints. Is preaching to the Muslims kind of like digging sand out of a deep sand pit with a teaspoon? Personally, I can relate more easily to the Jews. Our God is the same God, while the Muslims worship a different God altogether. It seems much easier to support the Jews and evangelize to them, proud and resistant though they may be. What are your thoughts?

    And, I’m trying very hard to understand the complexity of the troubles today in the Middle East. Allow me to run through what I think you are saying. Iran, Russia and Syria (Assad) are bombing ISIS, while TURKEY is backing ISIS, albeit secretly. Is that correct?

    Now let me rant. As a nation, the United States is also bombing ISIS, but for a different reason. We are bombing ISIS, I assume, because the United States created this vacuum of power and formed ISIS out of stupidity because we gave the Syrian rebels weapons and other war materials, which some of them used when they switched sides and went to ISIS, along with thousands of Iraqi soldiers.

    We are trying to destroy a cancer that we created, and at the same time, destabilize the Middle East further.

    So, in affect, the United States is against EVERYONE in this Middle East conflict:

    Assad, because he supposedly committed war crimes which actually may have been committed by Syrian rebels, or ISIS, (heard that one on television);

    Turkey, (who is supposed to be our ally, right?), but when you get down to it as you said, they support ISIS;

    Russia, because they support Assad;

    Iran, because they are bombing ISIS which we created to overthrow Assad.

    So, you are telling us to watch TURKEY, because they are the ones who will invade Israel, according to the Bible. In other words, ISIS?/Turkey?

    But can you thoughtfully say that if Iran decides to bomb Israel, that Assad/Syria and Russia, will not invade? Many prophecies have only been partially fulfilled.

    Perhaps Ez 38-39 will be partially fulfilled also, stopping at completely destroying these nations. Israel just discovered oil, natural gas and gold in Israel. It would make a great spoil – and the hook in the jaw.

    It looks to me that as a nation, the United States OUGHT TO GET OUT OF THE MUSLIM REGIONS AND SUPPORT ISRAEL. We know that it is the one
    country which supports democracy. And, why do I keep hearing that IRAN is supporting ISIS and terrorism across the world? The Israeli Prime Minister said that. So with the trillion (not just a few hundred billion as previously thought), or so dollars we are giving Iran, they can afford to play BOTH sides – support ISIS and bomb them, just as all the other countries dealing here are doing, with the possible exception of Russia.

    I am just an ignorant housewife, but I believe we are a two-faced nation, mixed up with other two-faced nations, playing silly, deadly games and spending massive amounts of taxpayer money, while Israel is the cheese and the cheese stands alone! We need to be pouring our national resources into protecting Israel, instead, because the U.S. government, (who is now the enemy of it’s own people by the way, because the American people want to support Israel), and the U.N. will be going for Israel’s territory soon, in the name of the Palestinians and their fake nation. It reminds me of the two mothers that fought over the same baby. They both claimed to be the mother, but the real mother refused to have her son cut in two. Israel will refuse to have her baby cut in two. The Palestinians care nothing for the land. They only want it because it belongs to Israel and they are jealous. If they get it, the land will suffer and Israel knows that. Israel will fight for her land, and whether it is a war that is mentioned in prophecy, or just a war, there will be Hell to be paid. Then God have mercy on us all.

    You say this current conflict is mentioned in Daniel 8 and 9. I look forward to your interpretation.

    The rant was not aimed at you, it is only a spewing of the growing anger I feel. Feel free to rant back.

16. Joel,

    When dealing with Revelation 20:8 where Gog/Magog show up again, is this the same Gog/Magog in Ezekiel 38-39?

    I’m trying to de-conflict the beast in Rev 20:10 with Gog/Magog in 20:8.
    Is the beast the antichrist … according to this passage I thought he was already in the lake of fire, but there seems to be a differentiation between the beast and Gog/Magog in this passage.

    I have no idea, just trying to get your insight.
    Thanks!

17. Greg,

    Two entirely different events. The terms Gog Magog is simply reused referring to Satan and his human sock puppet rebellion. But there are too many drastica differences between the two.

18. Joel,

    I’m trying to de-conflict Rev 20:8 (and following) speaking of Gog & Magog with Ezekiel 38 & 39.

    In Rev 20:8 it seems like Gog & Magog show up again (after Satan is released) following the parallel passages with Ezekiel 39:17-20 and Rev 19:17-18.

    My question is on the “beast” vs. Gog Magog in the Rev 20 passage.
    If the “beast” is already in the lake of fire per Rev 20:10 and assuming the beast and Gog are the antichrist, then how does this fit together?

    I’m just trying to put this part of scripture together and need some help understanding. Any insight is greatly appreciated!

19. To fully understand that Gog will come from “the heights of the north”, you need more than a map; You need the supernatura world view that Ezekiel had. Check out chapter 40 in Michael Heiser’s new book THE UNSEEN REALM. Ezekiel 38 and 39 is not simply about a human invader and human armies.

20. Again excellent Joel.
    Please don’t tire of getting the message out. Your comment on the application of this knowledge for me shows your integrity as knowledge puffs up but by understanding the times we live in we are then constrained by love to act and apply the knowledge we have and share the gospel to the world.
    Can I suggest an excellent resource available in the uk at least namely the Scofield & Sims world history timeline available http://www.schofieldandsims.co.uk/product/554/super-jumbo-world-history-timeline it pretty much nails the empires which have had control over Babylon. Again it has integrity as it doesn’t have an axe to grind as it is just data and not a religious publication. If you can be bothered one can also get an A3 transparency and overlay it to mark out the true extent of Islams empire over time and space by using a marker to simply colour in its territory over the time line what becomes apparent it the profound extent and reach that mohammidism has taken, it’s truncation during world war 1 and its resurgence (if one adds the modern timeline) during the past few years.
    I have two posters myself Joel if you send me an email with your postal address I would love to send you a copy. One can view a larger image online just poke around in the Internet as one does.

21. Joel,

    Iran and Turkey are enemies. But when it comes to Israel, the enemy of my enemy could make Iran and Turkey be temporary friends.

    It seems to me that this amazing prophecy (Ezekiel 38) seems to have an ultimate purpose of identifying the antichrist (Gog) when when Ezekiel 38 is fulfilled. But this purpose would only be useful if it’s pre-trib. Ezekiel 39, without question, is post-trib. But has anyone explored the possibility that Ezekiel 38 and 39 could be two different events? Ezekiel 38 being pre-trib and 39 being post-trib?

22. I also took that wide spread teaching that Gog is Russia for true till I came across an interview with Walid Shoebat where he was explaining why Turkey is Gog and not Russian and it all made so much more sense to me.
    What confused me a bit in your presentation is that Turkey will fight and defeat Iran. I hear that for the first time. I’ve also heard a lot of bible teachers say that Iran will most probably nuke Saudi Arabia and they back that up with bible verses. So it looks like they will fight and destroy each other there in the Middle East.
    Btw, Ezekiel 38 says that Gog will attack Israel to take a spoil and a prey. Why would the atichrist go for a spoil and pray in Israel? Isn’t it his ultimate goal to destroy them as a nation and not just initiate such a big war only for a spoil? I’m just thinking out loud. Find it all so confusing at times, mainly because there are so many interpretations out there.
    Ezekiel 38 also says that Israel will be dwelling safely in the land, be at rest and have unwalled villages. Well, at the moment it seems like they are only making their walls bigger and wider, especially with what has been happening in Israel over the last 2-3 weeks and they certainly are not dwelling safely in the land, not even close.

23. Philip,

    The oracle of Ezekiel 38-39 is a singular cycle. The chiastic and thematic structure disallows for two distinct prophecies.

24. The word is yerekah yerekah. It simply means the remote parts of the north. Beth Togarmah is also from yerekah yerekah. Everyone agrees Togormah is in Asia Minor.

25. I’ll address this more in forthcoming shows. Notice also that the Great Feast of Ezekiel 39 is featured in Revelation 19, which features the return of Christ.

26. As a Christian and someone who’s studied Russia for a long time (I have a PhD in Russian linguistics), I have thought for over 20 years (after reading one of Tim LaHaye’s books) that Magog refers to Russia. I’ve watched the events of the last few weeks with interest and even gone as far as asking the question on my Facebook page, in Russian and to my Russian-speaking readers, whether we are seeing the beginning of the Ezekiel 38 prophecy, given that Latakia (the Russian HQ in Syria) is less than 200 miles from the Valley of Megiddo.

    I like to have my assumptions challenged from Scripture, and so I appreciate this teaching by Joel Richardson. I thought the following points were particularly interesting:

    1) the idea that we might be seeing the fulfillment of Daniel 8 rather than Ezekiel 38-39;

    2) the distinction Mr. Richardson makes between the two ways of interpreting the proper names in prophecies like Ezekiel 38 – either (a) that they represent nations, which might have migrated (the “wild goose chase” method!), or (b) that they represent geographical areas.

    While I do agree we should be consistent in which method we use, I am still not completely sold on the idea that (a) is not the way to go, however. The Table of Nations emphasizes the people and tribes more than it emphasizes where they settled. In fact, Genesis 10 points out that these peoples did migrate (e.g. Gen. 10:5,18,32). So I think that Ezekiel’s worldview would have been more focused on the peoples than on the geographical areas, and hard though it may be, we do need to follow that “wild goose chase” approach. But it is not impossible. For example, Mr. Richardson pointed out that Josephus identified Magog with the Scythians. The modern Russian writer Alexander Blok wrote a piece called “Скифы”, or “The Scythians”, in which he draws the lineage of modern Russians from the Scythians. It’s clues like this that make me think that Magog does indeed represent the people that we now call the Russians.

    For the sake of fairness I want to point out the best objection that I had from one of my Russian readers as to why current events aren’t the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39. This is that Revelation 20:7-9 talks about Gog, Magog, and a battle against God’s people in terms very similar to Ezekiel 38-39, but specifically places these events AFTER the 1000-year reign of Jesus Christ. If this is a literal 1000 years, which I believe it is, and IF Revelation 20 and Ezekiel 38-39 are talking about the SAME battle, then this would place Ezekiel 38-39 more than 1000 years in the future. A few ifs here, but worth thinking about.

    I certainly don’t have all the answers and like I said, appreciate having my ideas challenged. As Proverbs 9:9 says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.” I’d be interested if anyone has any thoughts on any of this…

27. Maria wrote: “What confused me a bit in your presentation is that Turkey will fight and defeat Iran.” Those who have read “Daniel Revisited” by Mark Davidson and agree with much of his analysis would not be confused. Davidson observes that Turkey has the largest military of any NATO member except for the U.S.A. and that “a leader of modern Turkey would qualify as ‘the king of Yavan’ in Daniel 8:21, otherwise known in our English Bibles as ‘the king of Greece.'” An invasion of Iran by Turkey would fulfill Daniel 8:5-7.

28. Just re-reading Ezekiel 38 and 39 again. So if Gog is the antichrist, than the Gog and Magog war has to happen at the beginning of his “reign”, which we know lasts 7 years. Ezekiel 39:9 talks about the after math of the defeat of Gog and his coalition and that is the Israelites burning up the weapons for 7 years. This is a clearly given time perimeter we can’t ignore.

29. Felix,

    First, there is zero substance for actually listing any particular nations as “seven shepherds.” This is not only pure speculation, but this is an classic Hebrew expression, and is never intended to be taken as seven literal nations.

    Did you actually listen to the debate? I would be surprised if you had, as personally, I felt Tommy was entirely out of his league. Not only does Alan have a far better grasp of Greek, but his handling of the material was much better. I felt as though most times, Tommy was rambling about unrelated issues. It left me far more convinced of the bankruptcy of pre-tribulationism.

30. Maria,

    The seven years is into the millennium.

31. So the Gog Magog war is Armageddon? Oh! I never knew Armageddon is about spoil and plunder and I thought that the time of Jacob’s trouble precedes the millennium. So how is than Israel dwelling safely in the land as Ezekiel 38 states?

32. It does come before the millennium. Israel is not actually dwelling securely. They are “unsuspecting.” See below:

    You 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. (Ezekiel 38:12)

    So it is merely a perceived security. Obviously, if they are about to be invaded, they are literally secure.

    Notice that this is exactly what is said regarding the invasion of the Antichrist:

    He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. Daniel 8:25

    “He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. Daniel 11:21

    When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time. Daniel 11:24

33. The phrase refers to the messianic age. It has nothing to do with seven nations fighting the Antichrist during his career. I do believe many will, including Egypt. But beyond that, it is merely pop eschatology.

34. Joel, in response to where you said: “Two entirely different events… But there are too many drastic differences between the two.” I assume here you were answering the question someone asked about whether Ezekiel 38-39 and Revelation 20 are talking about the same Gog/Magog event.

    If my assumption was correct, could you clarify why you think these are two different events? One thing that seems very similar to me is the way both passages talking about the “raining down of fire” as God’s retribution against Gog and Magog. This question has been bugging me for a long time so I’d love to know what you think.

35. Peter,

    Perhaps sometime, I will do a show on this. This would be good subject.

36. I am really enjoying your latest videos – keep up the good work

    I think it is worth noting Joel to strengthen the argument were Magog is from is that the sons of Japhethite were Maritime people Gen 10:5 which fits well into the areas of Greek and Turkish Islands that we still see today – which also included Kitttem todays Cyprus

    It also includes the area of Turkey of Pergamum were Satans throne was according to Rev 2:13

37. Thank you for your explanation Joel. Now I’m even more confused. You see I’ve studying the works of bible scholars I respect a lot and see God present in their lives. But they teach totally the opposite of you. So are they teaching lies? Who is telling the truth? Whom do we believe? A while ago I was so confused about the whole pre mid or post trib that I ren away screaming. The body of Christ is so divided it’s even scary. Maybe I should’ve never even taken any interest into end time prophesy because it makes me doubt everything and everybody. Who is telling the truth??!!! And the worst part is – everybody knows to back it up very convincingly with scripture.
    What gives me comfort is the thought that we all understand only so much – 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
    Blessings!

38. nice presentation and studio! professional. good set-up. It will be interesting to see how Daniel 8 unfolds and what a possible timeline is on that. Obama’s surrender of Middle East seems to have sped things up rapidly. if the little horn is to emerge eventually from that Turkey-Iran conflict, it stands he’s probably not Erdogan, and probably not prominent yet. Still lurking under the radar.

39. Next time you film this show, you should have a mugful of raw eggs. I bet it would add something special.

40. Good idea. I could have a actual blender on the desk. That would add something.

41. I definitely feel that the leaders in the Eastern prophecy and prewrath/post trib community ought to unofficially espouse a really obnoxious hard core raw food diet. Imagine Alan K. in a televised debate about “Antichrist, Before the Day of the Lord” and suddenly he just starts cracking raw eggs with one hand into his coffee mug while the other guy is talking. Or grabbing an onion and just eating it like an apple.

42. Maria,I would just like to jump in here. When it comes to prophecy teachers, I really think Joel is among the best, and here’s why. He absolutely insists on a thorough reading of the Bible prophets, AND he has a pretty good grasp of history. Over the years I have had to wade through much confusion. Through it all, however, I kept on studying Scripture and praying. It is, for instance, the plain reading of Scripture itself that clued me into the pre-trib rapture being an extra-Biblical teaching. I wasn’t argued out of it by anyone. What is priceless about Joel’s teachings is that he will make us look closely at the things Jesus actually prophesied and line them up with what the Old Testament prophets said. I have never seen or heard anyone do that. Maybe there are other Bible teachers who do that, but this is the first time I have ever come across it. Listen and study carefully. Ask God for discernment. He will give it generously. Blessings.

43. Maria, don’t lose heart! Even satan quotes scripture for his own purpose. (I’m not suggesting that some Bible teachers are influenced by the devil, just making the point that simply quoting scripture doesn’t necessarily lead to truth.)

    Here is a good way to approach conflicting teaching: Ask yourself which conclusion a new, non-biased reader would have after studying the applicable sections of scripture. For example, if a person is confused by all the different positions about the rapture, they should ask themselves what a person who has never been exposed to these conflicting ideas would believe from simply reading Matthew 25-25, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Revelation. I think it is clear that the unified message of these chapters is that the church will see the revealing of the antichrist along with great persecution before the rapture. The confusion arises when teachers attempt to insert their own biased conclusions into the biblical narrative.

    We could take this approach to simplify many controversial subjects. Take “once saved, always saved”… what would a person conclude about this subject after reading Paul’s letters, and Hebrews, if they had not been exposed to the subject previously?

    It is the same with the end time scriptures. To be sure, some of them are difficult and take time to study and understand. But we don’t begin with those, we begin with the very clear message that has been told from Genesis, the prophets, Jesus, and on through the Revelation. Then as we study and pray with an open heart, He has promised to give us wisdom. And also remember: Prophecy is not given to us so that we can work out every nuance and detail in advance; prophecy is given so that we may understand what is happening when we see it, and that we may remain faithful to Jesus no matter what comes.

    Bless you!

44. Excellent Joel.
    Turkey is NATO member and very obvious Iran would be defeated. With the growing number of Middle East Refugees into Europe, would that mean other NATO members would bow down to Turkey ?

    Bless you.

45. Thanks Joel,

    Like so many, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into these teachings. They are very helpful at providing insights into a lot of questions many of us have about eschatology. I know you have helped me work through many such questions and helped clarify them. Keep up the great work.

46. Hey Joel!

    I know this is off topic…but didn’t know if you had seen this and it worth a look as a film maker. Check it out!

    http://www.thefilmmakersguild.com

    Blessings!

47. Thanks so much. Great info. Will you be commenting on Isaiah 17:1 and the destruction of Damascus. Satellite imagery makes it look like this prophesy is starting to be fulfilled! http://adf.ly/NrDWx

48. Hi Joel, thanks for your interpretations, which have many great insights.

    What are your thoughts about the current situation in Israel? Do you see a future for Palestinians? What would you say to them? How can they change their situation? Should them leave their homes and land and go off into other nations as refugees? Should they submit to the occupation and poverty and misery that they face daily?

    Do you have a perspective on what they should do?

    Is there any word in the prophetic about this situation which gives light and direction to Israel? Where do the prophecies speak about two people in the land?

    Thanks

    Jack

49. What is the song in the intro??? My wife and I love it!! May God bless you Joel.

50. Joel:

    Thank you for the excellent teaching. I have been viewing the previous postings and appreciate the perspectives you provide that I believe give us a more accurate understanding of the times ahead.

    Questions:

    1) Does the current western global financial, military, religious system that seems to be merging into the final one world system get absorbed, destroyed, or will it merge / align with Islam as the beast comes to power?

    2) Does the beast take advantage of the western global system to issue the mark of the beast, mark all unbelievers, etc.

    3) Will the west’s global system willingly submit to Islam?

    4) Will Islam be an accepted equal part of the “all religions are equal and accepted except Christianity” world religious system?

    Thank you.

    Dave

51. Hi Joel! I didn’t where esle to write to you than here, I’m not good at computer stuff! Next week we will be in Israel… How exciting! I’m bringing you a box of Swiss goodies, and would like to know what your daughter would prefer : a t-shirt (black or white) with a sparkling edelweiss (the national flower) or Swiss chocolates….
    Thanks for your answer. Can you answer on my email address? Can’t wait to be with all of you ! Cordialement, Olivia

52. FOLGERS instant coffee is lots better than those generic brands;
    stronger so it takes less to make a decent cup of coffee.

53. Gog Magog certainly seems to end with a final destruction of Satan’s army. Peace follows. The destruction of Gog explained by Ezekiel, also fits the exact pattern of the sixth and seventh bowls of wrath in Revelation. Massive earthquake, huge hail stones, etc. This is certainly after Jesus returns. Toward the end of the 1335 days after Jesus returns.

    When Jesus returns physically at the seventh trumpet, the wrath of God continues to the bowls. While Jesus is gathering Israel back to her land, and providing safety for them, the bowls of wrath continue to pour down on his enemies. The armies of Gog will realize they are like cornered animals and have no choice but to go on a suicide mission against Jesus. They will choose to die fighting rather than be wiped out by the plagues. It is a perfect psychological checkmate.

    When Jesus returns and gathers his people he will show great mercy to them. They will mourn for him etc. He will restore them and care for them. But, when he shows his extreme anger at Gog, causing a massive earthquake, hail and fire, then they WILL KNOW, he is there God. They will understand love, mercy, and fear in a very short period of time. So will the world, for that matter. No one will question is authority. He is the King of kings. The millennial table is set in a mere 1335 days.

54. Hey Joel I was talking with this guy about Gog and Magog the other day and he said he believes it was fulfilled in the story of Esther about Xerxes and different things. I told him this can’t be because you have the Jews back in the land and Israel a nation again at this point, plus you have Christ present on earth at the conclusion of this battle. And lastly you have the parallels between Gog-Magog and Armageddon talking a the sacrifice where the fowls eat the flesh of horses etc. Do you have any idea why he would think this was fulfilled in the story of Esther?

55. Gary Demar argues this in one of his books. He argues that Gog is Haman. His case is so utterly full of holes and just wild leaps of assumption. One thing you may wish to highlight is the fact that God directly declares that Gog is the one that the other prophets have spoken of. Ask your friend to show you where in all of the pre-Ezekielian prophets God is speaking about Gog Magog.

56. Hey Joel was wondering if yo could help clear some things up for me. I have been finding more and more people who think that the Gog-Magog war happens after the 1000 yrs. And they say this based on one verse where it says that at the time of the invasion Israel will dwell safely and at rest with no bars or gates. I have believed as you do about this invasion since the last couple years but my only small hangup would be if this invasion happens right at or very near the end of the trib how would Israel be dwelling safely with no walls? Because after the Abomination of desolation the Jews and Christians will know who the Antichrist is and also we know the last 3.5 years there will be tons of war over there in that area.

57. I’ll have to do a show on this sometime.

    First, the Gog Magog of Revelation 20 and the Gog Magog of Ezekiel 38-39 are CLEARLY two very different events. Revelation is clearly a failure, whereas Ezekiel’s description is clearly a success. Note in Ezekiel, the prophecy begins describing a people who “feel secure.” It ends with them being brought back as former captives.

    Second, the prophecy encompasses a broad period. It begins with the simple thought being placed in Gog’s mind to invade and ends with Jesus on the ground. It is not a prophecy that encompasses a very short period. It essentially covers at lest several years. This is common in prophecy. Isaiah 9 for instance, “Unto us a son is born… the government will be on His shoulders. His kingdom will have no end” Encompasses over 3000 years in a mere two sentences.

    Third, it is not referring to a nation without any walls whatsoever per say, but simply a nation of unwalled cities. They are unsuspecting in that they do not expect such a vast invasion.

    Hope this helped, sorry for the brevity.