ASK PASTOR REUBEN
What is this Gog and Magog stuff.... who & why??
What is this Gog and Magog stuff.... who & why??
Our Question:
Frank. from Savannah, GA asks:
Dear Pastor Reuben,
am really getting confused. What and/or should I say is Ezekiel talking about in chapter 38 & 39. Just what does it mean? I Russia really the invaders of my home land Israel in the last days? Many of my friends tell me I am not to read these "mysterious" scriptures nor try to figure them out. Why?
Are these important to understand and if so why. Your help and recommendations of further reading would be appreciated.
Frank B.
YES, these Scriptures are important to us and it is good to seek understanding. While many, especially in the Jewish community, would say not read or seek to understand, I do believe God gave the Scriptures for our edification, peace, direction, help, understanding of His plan and love. And, most of all, to assure us and the world of His redemption/salvation plan in His Messiah.
G O G and M A G O G ---- Ezekiel's vision concerning an attack upon Israel by a violent enemy, Gog and Magog, occupies two chapters (38-39). The prophet foretells the utter destruction of Gog, whose weapons will provide Israel with fuel for seven years and whose corpses will require seven months to bury; then the entire world will acknowledge the power and majesty of the true God. "On that day, when Gog invades the land of Israel....mountains shall be torn apart, and cliffs shall topple over....I will overwhelm him with utter panic...O Gog, I will strike your bow from your left hand and will make your arrows drop out of your right hand. You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and your hordes....I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel..."
Traditionally interpreted, this vision refers to a distant future, at the end of days, in which God will eventually defeat the enemies of Israel in the land of Israel. Gog and Magog are spoken of in connection with the messianic era: "Then Gog & Magog will hear about the descendant of David & the excellence of his people and country & the abundance of their wealth... He will gather people from various nations...notorious sinners marked for perdition...On that day four types of misfortune will descend upon them... Then the spirit of prophecy will descend upon all Israel, young and old. This blessed period will last until the end of time....."
Recommended further reading: The Footsteps of the Messiah, Dr. Arnold Frucktenbaum.
May the Lord bless and keep you Frank. Thank you for your sincere question.
(Yeshua = Salvation = Jesus)
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