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WHO
WILL BE INVOLVED IN THIS INVASION OF ISRAEL?
We
have seen in the recent events in the United States, that dramatic circumstances
can happen in an instant to change the whole perspective of the world
into a state of panic and war. For instance, just imagine if these
terrorist attacks had have been carried out by Israelis against European,
Russian or Islamic cities!
We
cannot be sure of the exact details surrounding this final world war in
the Middle East, except for what is revealed in the Bible. We have seen
from the above mentioned Scriptures that the final battle in Jerusalem
is going to be a World War. Ezekiel 38 & 39 also reveals
that the invasion of Israel will involve a large number of nations. Nations
are referred to in Ezekiel 38 by their ancient names. Some of these are
easy for us to recognise, whereas others are historical names: Persia
(38v5) is the area inhabited today by Iran and Iraq. Gomer (38v6)
can be shown historically to represent the nations of Eastern and Western
Europe. Libya and Ethiopia (38v5 - referred to as ‘Cush’
and ‘Put’ in the NIV) are known today as the areas of Libya,
Ethiopia and Sudan. At this time of crisis, we are told that a power to
the “far north” (38v6,15) will lead these nations in
the invasion of Israel. This is clearly referring to Russia, which is
the only country which has “its place” to the “far north”
of Israel. This is also supported by prophecies in Daniel and Revelation
which we are unable to deal with here. Russia is also referred to by name
in the original Hebrew text of Ezekiel 38v2.
While
Russia may have been weakened militarily in recent years, Russia along
with China are still the major players in this part of the world. Russia
also has significant allies in the Islamic world. Only a few months ago
the 6 nations of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan signed a military alliance uniting these eastern countries
together into a powerful military bloc known as the Shanghai Co-operation
Organisation.. Also, thousands of Russian scientists remain in Iran developing
nuclear and conventional weapons. Russia has also very recently given
significant military assistance to Iraq, Syria and Greece.
Leadership
of the invading force is said to be from “the land of Magog”
(38v2), which can be linked historically to the Scythian peoples
which for over 1000 years inhabited Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe
and possibly as far west as Germany. Historically the Scythians (or Magogites)
were from lands to the east of the Rivers Don and Danube. Ezekiel 38
presents us with a massive coalition of nations stretching from east to
west. Daniel 2 also tells of a united coalition of nations from
the lands of ancient Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and the Roman Empire
- in other words from France in the west to Afghanistan in the East. We
are also told of this invasion led by the “King of the North’
in Daniel 11v40-45. Much also could be said about the Scriptures
which tell us that this will be a holy war. The ancient “high
places” or “holy sites” (both Christian and Muslim)
will become the focus. It is significant that, in addition to the Islamic
threat, Russia and eastern Europe have experienced the greatest religious
revival in world history since the fall of athiestic Communism in 1989-91.
The
Roman and Russian Churches are very significant and powerful players in
events concerning Israel and Jerusalem today. They will also want to protect
their interests and will do so using whatever means possible. So watch
Jerusalem and the Holy Sites!
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