Understanding a Future Prophetic War from Ezekiel 38–39

Since Israel’s stunning victory in the Six-Day War of 1967, the tiny Middle Eastern nation has become a formidable military power. With cutting-edge defense systems like the Iron Dome and deep ties with global allies, Israel appears well-prepared for any external threat.
But Bible prophecy tells us a different story—one that has yet to unfold.
The prophet Ezekiel, writing more than 2,500 years ago, describes a future military invasion of Israel unlike any seen before. This prophetic war, often referred to as the Battle of Gog and Magog, is detailed in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39.
According to Scripture, a vast coalition of nations will rise up against Israel in the last days. Their motives? Greed, destruction, and a desire to wipe Israel off the map.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Who Gog and Magog are,
- Which modern nations are involved,
- When this battle may take place,
- And why it matters for believers today.
Let’s dig into one of the most compelling end-time prophecies in the Bible.
Who Are Gog and Magog?
The prophecy begins in Ezekiel 38:1–7, where God speaks directly to an individual named Gog, described as “of the land of Magog,” and the “prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.”
“Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him.”
—Ezekiel 38:2 (NKJV)
Here’s a breakdown of the names mentioned—and their possible modern counterparts.
Gog
Gog isn’t a place—he’s a person, a powerful leader who orchestrates the attack against Israel. He’s addressed directly by God multiple times (Ezekiel 38:14; 39:1), indicating that he is a key figure, possibly a political or military leader from the future.
While we don’t know exactly who Gog is, we can be sure he’s real, and his ambition will have catastrophic consequences.
Modern Nations in the Ezekiel 38 War

Ezekiel uses ancient tribal and regional names familiar to his time. Today, scholars and Bible students have traced those names to modern-day nations. Let’s walk through them:
1️⃣ Magog – Central Asia
Historian Josephus wrote that Magog was inhabited by the Scythians, fierce nomadic warriors. Their territory spanned what is now:
- Kazakhstan
- Uzbekistan
- Turkmenistan
- Tajikistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Possibly even Afghanistan.
These nations formed part of the former Soviet Union and still maintain ties with Russia.
2️⃣ Rosh – Russia
Though debated, many scholars—especially ancient ones like Wilhelm Gesenius—believe “Rosh” refers to modern-day Russia. The text points to a powerful nation from the “far north” (Ezekiel 38:15), and if you trace directly north of Israel, Russia fits geographically and politically.
Russia’s increasing alliances with Iran and other Middle Eastern nations may be a precursor to this future coalition.
3️⃣ Meshech and Tubal – Turkey
Mentioned together several times in Scripture, Meshech and Tubal likely refer to ancient people groups that once lived in modern-day Turkey. These tribes—Moschoi and Tibarenoi—are referenced in Assyrian and Greek texts.
Turkey’s current geopolitical position, straddling East and West, makes it a plausible player in the end-time alliance.
4️⃣ Persia – Iran
This one is straightforward. Persia officially became Iran in 1935. The 1979 Islamic Revolution turned Iran into a theocratic regime with a strong anti-Israel stance.
Iran’s partnership with Russia and its support of proxy groups like Hezbollah highlight its growing role in Middle East tensions.
5️⃣ Cush – Sudan (and possibly Ethiopia)
Ancient Cush was located just south of Egypt, covering modern-day Sudan and possibly extending into Ethiopia. Today, Sudan has experienced political unrest and has expressed hostility toward Israel in the past.
6️⃣ Put – Libya (and parts of North Africa)
Put (or Phut) was an ancient nation west of Egypt. Most scholars agree it corresponds to Libya, and possibly includes parts of Algeria and Tunisia.
These North African countries have historically been involved in conflicts and alliances that oppose Israel.
7️⃣ Gomer and Beth-Togarmah – Central and Eastern Turkey
Gomer is believed to refer to the Cimmerians, an ancient tribe from central Turkey. Beth-Togarmah refers to the “house of Togarmah,” also located in present-day Turkey.
Turkey appears multiple times in this prophecy, indicating a significant role in the future invasion.
Why This Coalition Will Invade Israel
Ezekiel 38:12 gives the motive:
“To take plunder and to take booty… against a people gathered from the nations.”
The invading nations will be driven by greed, hatred, and divine influence (Ezekiel 38:4). God Himself will draw them in with “hooks in their jaws”—not to destroy Israel, but to showcase His power.
Israel, “dwelling securely,” will seem vulnerable in this time of peace, making it an attractive target for enemies.
When Will the Battle of Gog and Magog Happen?

This is one of the most debated topics in Bible prophecy. Scholars place the timing of this battle at several possible points:
- ✅ Before the Rapture
Some believe the battle happens before the Church is taken out of the world, which could serve as a final wake-up call to unbelievers.
- ✅ After the Rapture but before the Tribulation
Others think it takes place in the gap between the Rapture and the 7-year Tribulation period.
- ✅ During the First Half of the Tribulation
This is one of the most popular views. Ezekiel 38:11 describes Israel living in peace, which aligns with the false peace guaranteed by the Antichrist in Daniel 9:27.
- ✅ At the End of the Tribulation (Armageddon)
Some link this to the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 16:16), but the descriptions differ significantly in scale and outcome.
- ✅ At the End of the Millennium
Revelation 20:8 refers to “Gog and Magog” rising again, but this is widely believed to be a separate event—a final rebellion after Christ’s 1,000-year reign.
Most conservative scholars agree that Ezekiel 38-39 refers to a distinct battle, likely early in the Tribulation.
What’s the Outcome?
Spoiler alert: God wins.
This isn’t just another Middle Eastern skirmish—it’s a supernatural intervention. God defeats the invaders in a miraculous way:
- Massive earthquake (Ezekiel 38:19)
- Confusion and civil war among enemy troops (v. 21)
- Plagues, torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone (v. 22)
The destruction will be so overwhelming that it will take seven months to bury the dead and seven years to burn the weapons (Ezekiel 39:9–12).
Why It Matters Today
This prophecy reminds us that history is moving toward a divine conclusion. Though it can be tempting to fear global chaos, wars, and unrest, Bible prophecy offers comfort:
✅ God is in control.
✅ His Word is trustworthy.
✅ Israel’s future—and ours—is secure in Him.
As believers, we don’t study prophecy to predict dates but to prepare our hearts and share the hope we have in Christ. Every fulfilled prophecy strengthens our faith and reminds us that Jesus is coming again—just as He promised.
Final Thoughts: Are We Watching the Stage Being Set?
While the Battle of Gog and Magog hasn’t happened yet, we may be witnessing its setup. Global alliances are shifting, and the nations mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39 are increasingly in the headlines—aligned against Israel.
Rather than fear the future, let’s trust the One who holds it. God is sovereign, and His plans cannot be stopped.
Are you ready for what’s coming?
Editor’s Note: This post was updated on June 21, 2025, to provide clearer explanations, enhanced visuals, and the latest insights on the prophetic timeline of the Battle of Gog and Magog. We remain committed to offering biblically grounded and relevant content for our readers.
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📖 Recommended Resource for Further Study
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Number one: The teaching of rapture is a delusion.
The Bible doesn’t teach it, in fact, it was not taught until 1830. Search “Manuel Lacunza” for he is the author of rapture.
Jesus returns once as His Second Coming and judgement of souls. 30 days later, following the Wedding feast, He returns with ten thousands of His Saints to execute part 2 of God’s Wrath against the ungodly.
Part 1 is executed by the Father (Isaiah 63: 2,3 and Daniel 12:11).
Gog and Magog is an Apocryphal Reality, that is: it is something spoken of forever, but never substantiated.
To get a full understanding, write me, tom buttram at gee male. kom
Hello Tom,
I’m not gonna argue with you regarding the Rapture. But the Bible does teach it — read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 in Greek and you will find the word “Harpazo.” That, my friend, is the word rapture.
Regarding the Battle of Gog and Magog, I guess we’re gonna have to wait and see if it’s true or not. But I believe God’s Word and that’s all I can say.
Blessings!
As today in 4/15/24 and just after Iran sent hundreds of drones into Israel which were destroyed by coalition forces and Iron Dome. One has to wonder if this is the beginning of whatever leads up to the battle of Gog and Magog?
Israel is in the middle of a bloody war with Hamas and draining itself pretty quickly. US debates funding of two wars, Israel & Ukraine. I could honestly see Israel going broke over this current war, winning it and then building back to being a rich and profitable nation.
Generally, after wars countries receive all sorts of money and help that goes to rebuilding.
However, in Matthew, Jesus tells us that there will be wars and rumors of wars – Earthquakes in diverse (various) places.
On TV and radio, all we hear are war and rumor of more war. And there has been a significant increase in earthquake activity on both sides of the world with the two most recent in New York and Taiwan.
Nations are beginning to rise against each other and while I haven’t heard of anyone claiming to be Messiah, a quick you tube search will easily come back with hundreds of videos of Social preachers claiming a whole host of false things and teachings.
Oh, and lets not forget NeuroLink, the brain implant technology that is getting better and better, quicker and quicker that could lead to connecting all humanity to one big cloud of technology which would be mandatory in surviving in the future.
We ain’t there yet, but MAN! Is is ever materializing fast!
Hello Steve,
As Jan Markell likes to say, “Things are not falling apart, they are falling into place.”
For us who know God’s Word, we do not feel anxious when we see what’s going on in the world, especially in the Middle East. We are looking for our blessed hope!
Thanks for your comment. God bless!
It does appear that God has all these players already assembled, now it’s just a matter when.
I also think that America seems to be mystery Babylon, which will be destroyed in one hour, and everything that is taking place in America is definitely designed to weaken America quickly, from within and from without, like China, Russia, Iran and turkey plus N. Korea, and right now they can wipe out America rather quickly.
Jesus Christ can return for his people any day.
Hi John,
Thank you for your comment.
America as Mystery Babylon is possible but most scholars seem to agree that it would be the revived Roman Empire.
America is never mentioned in the Bible and I believe this is because Israel has to be left standing alone so that they have no one to rely on but God when they get attacked. This is when God will restore His people in fulfillment of His promise to them.
And yes, everything is set in place; the key players for the Battle of Armageddon are now getting ready.
Thus, we must always be ready for Christ’s return. God bless!
Mystery Babylon isn’t destroyed in one hour, John, that would be Damascus. I believe Mystery Babylon is Babylon.
It really doesn’t matter, all that matters is we are washed in the blood.
Indeed, Amy. The only thing that matters now is knowing that we have been forgiven and given access to God’s heavenly kingdom.
Shalom,
Great article…very much needed on this subject which is not very clear as to when it will take place, very helpful!
Hello Simon,
There are still so many things we do not know but we can trust God for He always knows what’s best.
In regards to end-time events, we may see so many signs and warnings. But at the end of the day, only God knows exactly when they will be taking place.
God bless!
Great analysis captured in short version. Helped me with my refresher studies greatly.
Good job!!
Pastor Phil
I’m glad you found this summary of the Battle of Gog and Magog a good refresher, Pastor Phil.
Blessings! ☺
It is indeed very clear, to the point, so I can understand the Word of God more and more.
Thank you very much and God bless
God bless you more as you continue studying God’s Word.
Please do come by again, thanks!
It has helped me understand Gog and Magog so much better.
Great article.
Hello Lois,
I’m glad to know that this article was of great help to you regarding Gog and Magog.
God bless you richly. 😇
Antisemitism will certainly be one of the reasons for this attack on Isreal.
I don’t believe racism was the correct word to use. There is only one race, the human race, but the word is also used to talk about the hatred of people, based on the color of their skin.
It seems to me, this will not be a war about skin color or even ethnicity. Won’t this war be more about destroying God’s people? I understand all followers of Christ, are now God’s people, but Muslims and many others have long hated those of the Jewish faith.
Many don’t even understand the difference between the practice of Judaism and the Jewish ethnicity. Not all Jews practice Judaism and not all who practice Judaism are of the same ethnicity. I understand the other reason for the attack, just not the racism point.
Thanks for sharing your insights, Rachel.
You are probably right; it’s all about antisemitism which is evidently on the rise even today. But as the Scriptures say, there will be no true peace on earth until the Prince of Peace comes.
Blessings!
Has anyone here read the quran? It instructs Muslims to kill and subdue all infidels!
Read it and learn!
Does anyone Christian believer here think that they won?
I am a peacemaker. Great article!
Hey Patti,
The Lord Jesus called us to be peacemakers. Thanks for dropping by.
Blessings indeed!