As you might know, I have been doing a ton of study on the timing of the Gog Magog war. In the past several issues of The PZ Insider Report I have made comments on it in one way or the other.
Just recently we are seeing a Middle East on the brink of exploding.
- Hamas now controls Gaza
- Missiles being fired from Lebanon once again.
- Ahmadinejad still calling for the destruction of Israel
- Syria is arming itself for war with Israel.
- In turn Israel is training to attack Syria.
I can go on, but I think you see the picture. It is pretty bleak with a battle of biblical proportions brewing.
Below is an email I got from a PZ reader named Mike.
Thank you for your website, I really enjoy it. I was wondering when you believe the timing of the Gog Magog battle would be, before or after the Tribulation? It seems everything is lining up pretty well for it now doesn't it? - Mike
I am hoping that through this article I can present a possible scenario with these caveats.
I do not consider myself some prophet or even a son of a prophet.
In today’s events in light of bible prophecy we are sitting on the brink of a Middle East war many feel that some major pieces of the puzzle will soon be dropped in to place.
Many bible scholars place the timing of the Gog Magog war in many places. Some place it in the beginning, some in the middle, and some, at the end during the battle of Armageddon.
Now with that stated, it is my current opinion that we may see the Gog Magog war on this side of the tribulation. We have seen a literal restoration of Israel that is spoken about in Ezekiel 36:24 and Isaiah 11:11
Eze 36:24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.
Isa 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
When one reads Ezekiel 38 -39 we see nothing in these chapters describing Israel that does not fit the reality of the modern state of Israel today.
So why place the Gog Magog war before the Tribulation?
Here are several points to be made.
1. They Do Not Have the Time
There are two major events that Israel performs after the war of Gog Magog.
They bury the bodies of the dead which takes 7 months to perform.
They set fire to the weapons of the enemy which takes 7 years to complete.
Let’s read Ezekiel 39:9-16
Eze 39:9 And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:
Eze 39:10 So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD.
Eze 39:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamon-gog.
Eze 39:12 And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land.
Eze 39:13 Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD.
Eze 39:14 And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.
Eze 39:15 And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man's bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamon-gog.
Eze 39:16 And also the name of the city shall be Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land.
So we know that it is going to take seven months to bury the dead and seven years to burn the weapons of the enemy.
If this takes place during the tribulation, then they might be able to get the bodies buried, but we being students of bible prophecy know that three and a half years into the tribulation the Antichrist is going to persecute Israelites with a vengeance. In fact we know that two thirds of the Israelites will be wiped out. So how are they going to finish burning the weapons when three and a half years into the Tribulation period they are being persecuted? Human nature says that when the bad guys are coming after you, and they are winning, you run. The state of Israel will not be focused on burning weapons during that time; they are going to be worried about saving their lives and getting out of there fast.
So basically the Israelites are going to run out of time to perform both of these feats during the Tribulation.
2. Is It Peace or Is It Security
Eze 38:11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
Often times when people have read this verse it is viewed describing living in peace. The thoughts are that during this time the Israelites do not have any worries; they are friends with everyone, etc. It is my opinion that this is not the proper context.
This is what Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary states regarding the word “safety” found in Ezekiel 38:11.
H983
בּטח
beṭach
beh'-takh
From H982; properly a place of refuge; abstractly safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverbially with or without preposition) safely: - assurance, boldly, (without) care (-less), confidence, hope, safe (-ly, -ty), secure, surely.
Put in the context of the Hebrew word “betach,” we are seeing that very mindset with Israel today. Israel is very over self confident in their standing and in their position today, as described in Ezekiel 38:11.
Examples:
Israel has the upper hand regarding military strength. Right now they are the only nation that has nuclear capability and they are not afraid to use it. Even if it means destroying the entire state of Israel in the process, thus their last ditch effort of protection called the “Samson Option.” This is named from when Samson destroyed the temple of the Philistines and took himself with them.
Israel is the world's fourth largest exporter of aviation and defense technology.
Israel is the “Silicon Valley” of the Middle East.
Israel is one of the primary agricultural countries in the region and in fact they are superior when it comes to agricultural technology. They have made the desert bloom.
So just based on these alone, one can see that Israel has a pretty secure, bold, self confidence. This again reflects the context used in Ezekiel 38 – 39 and also fits present day Israel in their current condition.
One other item to point out, the word “peace” does not appear in the context, and yet it is always assumed and inserted into the scripture. Just by the mere fact that Israel is invaded by Gog Magog shows that there is no peace in the land, or a cessation of hostilities or an absence of war. Israel, in this context is one of high confidence, even though they are surrounded by enemies.
So Why Attack Israel?
We read in Ezekiel 38:12 that it is the “spoils” or the “goodies gained” are the driving force behind the attack on Israel.
Eze 38:12 To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
As I pointed out above Israel is sitting pretty, but they are not sitting pretty enough to call an all out invasion. So what would be the one “spoil” that would drive this attack?
Simple…. OIL.
I just finished reading one of most fascinating books called “Breaking The Treasure Code” by James R Spillman & Steven M Spillman. In this book we are shown in scripture, clues regarding Israel’s ancient tribal boundaries that reveal a map that I, as well as many others believe to be the promise of Israel’s wealth and survival in the last days.
"Moses wandered the Middle East for forty years and settled in the only place with no oil." This joke, old as the nation of Israel, may have had its last laugh. According to some Bible scholars and several prominent oil experts, Israel is sitting on a mother-lode of petroleum. Steve Spillman claims that Old Testament Scriptures and Israel's ancient tribal boundaries reveal the location of vast petroleum reserves. "Word clues in Jacob's blessing to his children and the shape of Israel's ancient borders add up to build a convincing case that Israel is sitting on a tremendous oil reserve," says Spillman.
(NOTE – if you order Steve’s book, tell him Prophezine sent you and ask him to autograph it for you)
Not only was I taken and I recommend this book, another man who was good friends with James Spillman, was also taken by James’ idea. His name is John Brown.
As I have mentioned before in prior articles, I have been keeping my eye on a company out of Dallas, Texas called Zion Oil and Gas. The CEO John Brown, who was good friends with James Spillman and now also with his son Steve, believes that there is a vast amount of oil in Israel. I tend to believe him. In fact my personal opinion is that when Israel strikes oil, it will be the best quality and as stated before, vast amounts. When God blesses Israel, He blesses them in a big way. If Israel strikes oil, this will in fact turn the entire global economy upside down. Israel will be able to sell to whom ever, set what ever price, etc. Once again Israel will be in a place of superiority. The Muslim states that control 75% of the worlds oil will not like this either nor will Russia, who are also one of the top producers of oil in the world.
This just in the news…
Zion Oil & Gas to be granted Asher-Menashe Exploration License
Friday, June 01, 2007
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. announced that, on May 30, 2007, the company was notified by the Israeli Petroleum Commissioner’s office that its application for a petroleum exploration license, tentatively denominated the Asher-Menashe License, had been granted. The Commissioner’s office told representatives of Zion that the formal license documentation, including the map showing the license’s boundaries and the special conditions setting out the work program to be required, are in preparation and should be issued within the coming month.
The Asher-Menashe License is being granted pursuant to Zion’s application submitted on January 31, 2007 in accordance with the terms of Zion’s Asher Permit. As reported by Zion on February 1, 2007, in its application Zion applied for an exploration license on 81,000 acres north of Zion’s 99,000 acre Ma’anit-Joseph License. In its application, Zion proposed a work program to include the acquisition of 20 kilometers of new seismic data in the Ramot Menashe (Manasseh Heights) region and the drilling of a test well, tentatively designated the Menashe #1, to the Triassic formation. (1)
You see, a company called Givot Olam Oil Exploration LLC has discovered oil utilizing scripture as well, 980 million barrels of the stuff as well as natural gas too. They have been very successful in capturing the natural gas, but continued having problems with extracting the oil.
Based upon Zion and Givot Olam, both companies believe the area where “Asher dips his foot in oil, there are billions of barrels of oil. The Israeli Government also believes this and is issuing licenses.
Oil is in Israel, this has been proved over and over again. The problem I believe is that it was not in God’s timing. For one reason or another they have not been able to get it out of the ground. Either is has been funding, equipment breaking, and even obstacles in the earth itself.
I personally think that this situation will change here very soon.
Now do you see the “spoils” mentioned in Ezekiel 38:12?
Israel and the US Stand Alone
As we have seen in the news, the US is doing a lot of saber rattling regarding Iran. It is not because Iran is developing nuclear capability, although having a bunch of mad mullahs with itchy, trigger fingers, does not help the matter. It is because Iran and the other oil producing Islamic countries in the middle east are going to wage war with the US and the weapon will be oil. We have already seen an increase in price just in the last year alone.
It is the US economy that is in danger, and that is just a start of things. Here is another fact regarding this situation. The European Community loves this idea of trading oil in euros vs. dollars. This shifts the balance of global economic power to the EU. Not to mention that the 75% of the worlds oil is in the hands of Muslim oil producing nations and Russia being one of the top producers and suppliers of oil to the world also love this idea. Hmmm do we see a firming up of a “revived Roman Empire” here?
Iran does not need to utilize terrorism against the US, they simply have to knock our economic feet out from under us and they have effectively knocked out the one major power that stands in their way to further the Islamic agenda. If we as the US are no longer a threat, then Gog and Magog have the opening to continue the course of wiping out Israel. They will not have to worry about a full blown attack and support from the US. The US is going to be too worried about things here at home because our economy is going down the tubes, much less spend huge amounts of money to support and aid Israel.
Add to the mix terror cell activity coupled with dirty bombs and you can see that the US will be brought to her knees.
With the possibility of the US gaining a democrat president it is very viable that we will leave Israel hanging. Until that takes place, we are at the moment, the only ones in Israel’s corner. I just do not know how much support or worse how much longer we are going to be in this position of support.
So if the US is not able to give assistance to Israel, who is?
If all goes on as scheduled, the US is not going to be in a great position to support Israel. We are going to support her, but again I do not know to what extent. We are going to possibly face some serious financial difficulties which in and of itself will possibly hamper support and aid we will be able to provide. This is all due again to oil being used as a weapon as Iran has stated it will do.
Here is the good news. We are provided an answer as to WHO will come to the side if Israel. This is given in Ezekiel 39 1- 7.
Eze 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:
Eze 39:2 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:
Eze 39:3 And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
Eze 39:4 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.
Eze 39:5 Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.
Eze 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.
Eze 39:7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
It is God who will come to Israel’s rescue.
It is also shown that ALL the nations will recognize that it is God who is watching out over Israel and that His name will be known to His people. Ezekiel 39:7 wraps it up pretty securely with no question.
Eze 39:7 So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.
One final point in placing the Gog Magog war prior to the Tribulation
As we have read in Ezekiel 39:7, all the nations will know that it is the Lord who saved Israel. God is showing His hand at work in a very mighty way. He also states that He will not let His name be profaned anymore. These are pretty powerful words. People of the world will KNOW it is God who did this, thus proving once again that there is a God in Heaven.
We know that during the Tribulation that 144,000, two witnesses and the very angels themselves will proclaim the Gospel. God does this because He wants all people to come to Him.
Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;
Rev 14:7 and he said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."
Rev 14:8 And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality."
Rev 14:9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,
Rev 14:10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
Rev 14:11 "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name."
This is the last chance that the Lord gives for those who do not know the Lord, to come to the Lord during the Tribulation.
If God is willing to do this during the Tribulation, why wouldn’t God also provide a “last chance” during the time of the Gentiles? There are many examples given in the bible where a warning is given before the event.
It is my opinion that in God showing his protecting hand with Israel, many will come to the Lord. This event, the Gog Magog war, is possibly an event of evangelism prior to the Rapture of the church and the end of the time of the Gentiles spoken about in Luke 21:24.
Just think how many will come to know Christ because they have witnessed with their own eyes God’s hand at work in saving Israel. It just seems to me to be the character of a loving God to perform this. It just seems to make sense to me.
Now I understand and admit that this is a speculative article, one based on one primary piece that has not come about yet and that is Israel striking oil. I may be wrong in how I am reading the signs of the times, but what happens if all the puzzle pieces do fall into place.
Are You Ready For The Rapture?
I would encourage you to not delay in receiving Christ as your Savior today if you have not already done so. He died for your sins, and rose from the dead. He offers you eternal life, but that's your choice to make. I hope you will consider doing that today.
Sinners Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I know that I am a sinner in need of a savior. I need your forgiveness through Jesus Christ who died on the cross just for me to cover the sins that I have committed against you. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. I want to live for you Lord Jesus and from this day forward be known as a Child of God. Thank you for forgiving my sins and coming into my life, in Jesus’ wonderful name. Amen
If you are a Christian, but have fallen away from the Lord, come back to Him. Our Heavenly Father is a good and loving Father. Just ask and commune with Him. You see, He never left your side, we just left Him. Reach out and renew your relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior today.
