Torch, Fall 1980

4 by Jack R. Riggs, Th.D. The rece nt Russian invasion of Afghanistan has raised the question among Bible students as to Russia's place, if any, in Bible prophecy. Is Russia the evil Gog of Ezekiel's prophecy who will invade the land of Palestine in a future day? Does the occupation of Afghanistan mean that Moscow is one step closer to the fateful day predicted by the prophet? Just a glance at Ezekiel, chapters thirty-eight and thirty·nine, will show conclusively that the prophet saw an invasion of the land of Palestine. The invader will be a ruler by the name of Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, along with several other allies (38:2, 3, 5, 6 ). The intent of the pass– age is to show God's destruction of northern powers because of the attempt to destroy the people of Israel living in the promised land. Magog, Meshech, and Tubal were peoples who lived around the north of the Black and Caspian Seas in Ezekiel's day. The descendants of these tribes have since scattered over the geographic area that today is called Russia. Prince Gog will be assisted by two other peoples from western and southern Germany and Soviet Armenia. These people are the descendents of Gomer and Togar– mah. Other associates of Israel's future foe will be Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya. Persia today is the troubled nation of Iran. Ethiopia and Libya are both North African countries, which along with Iran are committed enemies of Israel. It is no secret that the Russian government has long been an enemy and persecutor of the Jewish people. The attitude and actions of Gog in Ezekiel's prediction are congruous with the present day policy of Russia toward the state of Israel. The Israelis talk frankly of the likelihood of armed conflict with Russia. Gog and his allies will descend upon the land of Palestine in such great hordes that the entire land will be covered like a cloud (38:9). The invader will appear on horses and use bows and arrows, shields, spears, and swords (38:4; 39:9). The use of such antiquated instruments of warfare can be explained in two ways. First, the prophet had to describe warfare in the only way he knew how. A description of modern milita ry weaponry wou ld not have been understood by the prophet and his people twenty-five hundred years ago. Second, the literal use of such primitive weapons should not be easily dismissed. One could conceive of a brief period of world-wide peace