Torch, Fall 1980

r, in which sophisticated weapons would be destroyed. Then when hostilities break out, men would quickly return to primitive weapons. The reason for the invasion, humanly viewed, is found in Gog's own initiative and diabolical plot. It will be his greedy desire for the wealth of the land (38:10). Until the present generation, the land of Israel was not highly prized. The land had suffered erosion and was agriculturally almost useless. The land, once fruitfully abundant, had become barren. However, fantastic things have taken place since the re– establishment of the state of Israel. Relds have been cleared, cultivated, and irrigated. Swamp areas have been reclaimed and are now among the richest areas of the world. Through much physical effort and with much expense, great progress has been made. The productivity of the land not only has supplied the needs of the people, but also has resulted in a tremendously profitable export business. The greatest wealth for the nation of Israel has been in chemical production due to the natural resources of the Dead Sea. Not to be overlooked are the great oil reserves in the lands lying near Israel. Occupation of Palestine would give Gog another foothold for con– quering those oil rich countries. There is also the divine purpose in the fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 38: 16. Gog will freely act according to the dictates of his lust for conquest and easy spoil. But behind this will be the controlling hand of God who orders all things toward His own glory. He will vindicate His honor among the nations. The time of the invasion is the latter years (38:16). The phrase "lat– ter years" or "latter days" in the Old Testament prophets points to a definite period in the future beyond the present age (cf. Isa. 2:2; Mic. 4:1; Hos. 3:5). Since the scene is one of open conflict, the prophecy will not have its fulfillment during Christ's earthly reign. His dominion will be characterized by peace (Isa. 11:1-9). It will occur during the tribulation period which will be noted for con– tinual warfare (Matt. 24:7-9). Prior to the intrusion of Gog into Israel's territory, the Israelis will be experiencing a temporary and artificial sense of security (38:11). The people will be living in unwalled cities or without military fortifications. It was the custom in ancient times to build walls around cities and towns for the sake of protection. Ezekiel is saying that Israel will relax to the point that she will not have military installations and barriers of any kind. This is not the case with Israel today. She is an armed camp. Her enemies would drive her into the Mediterranean Sea if they could. Every young Israeli man is required to have two and one-half years of military training. Even young women must spend two years in military train– ing. The present state of unrest could quickly change-and it shall. At the beginning of the tribulation period, a strong man will emerge into world politics who will become Israel's protector. He will enter into a cove– nant with her which could be an agreement guaranteeing her peace and protection (cf. Dan. 9:27). This covenant will be signed for seven years, which is the length of the tribulation period which preceded Christ's earthly kingdom. After three and one-half years of the covenanted period have elapsed, Gog will attack. The Lord will directly undertake the defense of his helpless people. He will be incensed at the unprovoked invasion by the hordes from the north (38:18, 19). In holy anger, He will massacre the invaders so that their bodies will be scattered on the moun– tains of Israel to be prey for wild beasts (39:17). Several kinds of natural disasters will be brought upon the enemy. There will be earthquakes, pestilence, torrential rains, hailstones, fire, brimstones (38:19-22). In addi– tion to the natural catastrophes, the demoralized enemy soldiers will slay each other in their confusion and panic (38:21 ). Debris from the battle will serve Israel as kindling wood for seven years, which will alleviate any possible fuel shortages (39:9, 10). An initial burial period for the bodily remains of Gog's fallen warriors will take seven months (39:12). This will be followed by a permanent commission set up to search for any unburied remains to make sure that no cause of pollution is left in the land (39:14-16). Divine involvement in the plight of Israel will be a revelation to Israel and all nations that God is still Israel's God (39:25-29). The destruction of Gog's army in the future will be a part of God's gracious restoration of His ancient people to Himself and their homeland forever. They will be safe and secure under His protectorate. The name Russia is not found in the Bible. However, Russia may be identified with the northern invader of Ezekiel 38 and 39, as stated above. This does not mean that the prophecy could not have been ful– filled before Russia became such a great world power to the north of Israel. But since God has not chosen to fulfill the prediction of Ezekiel to this point, Russia with her unsym– pathetic attitude toward Israel indeed can be looked upon as Ezekiel's Gog! Dr. Jack R. Riggs is Professor ofBible at Cedarville College. There is a divine purpose in the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy. Behind Gog's evil actions will be the controlling hand of God, ordering all things for His own glory. 5