PWMI

When hostilities began to erupt recently in the Middle East and a sorely provoked Israel attacked Lebanon, a man came to see me, severely concerned that the third world war was about to begin.  He was not a Christian and did not generally show great interest in the Gospel, in fact he was usually quite difficult to talk to about Christian matters.  Although the world appears to go heedless on its way, there is an underlying concern on where the world is heading. His approach opened the door to quite a deep discussion of Salvation, the things of God and future events. God reveals to us in His word many details of the future and what we can expect to happen in the world. One of the great events that the Bible foretells is the Battle of Armageddon.[Ezek 38 & 39] There appears to be not one but two of these.  The first battle where the local Arab armies attack Israel, who by that time have secured an uneasy truce or peace treaty with surrounding nations. This is already on the agenda of the United Nations, USA and the EU. Unfortunately it will give the Arab nations time to re-equip and re-arm. The later one is when Christ returns and destroys the world’s armies which surround Jerusalem [Rev 19: 11-21].

We do not know when the first battle will take place, it may be before the Great Tribulation begins or it may be the catalyst to help the Antichrist emerge. Whenever it is; it is interesting to note the nations at present at variance with Israel are those on the list of nations mentioned in Ezekiel. Let us look at these various nations and where they stand at present in the scheme of things:

Magog: The most likely contender for these people, are the countries surrounding and north of the Caspian and Black Sea’s. Most Bible scholars identify Russia with Magog and the current military help and assistance being given by Russia to Iran, Syria and other Arab countries in the Middle East, and points to the possibility of them being the leaders in the attack on the land of Israel. We are told Noah’s descendent Magog settled in the Caucasus region [Gen 10:1-2]. Some of Magog’s descendents moved into Europe, and others became the Tartar’s, Cossacks, Mongols and others identifying themselves with Russia. This nation is not only supplying arms and support to the Arab nations but also actively passing on technical knowledge and assistance to Iran in their nuclear projects.

Persia: This Old Persian Empire generally covered the whole of the area North East of Israel and today includes such nations as Iran, Iraq, Syria and Kurdistan. Of all the surrounding nations, Iran is probably the biggest danger to Israel. Its development of nuclear capabilities, the inclusion in its armaments of missiles sourced from the Soviets, and their Presidents constant call to wipe Israel off the map has made them a very dangerous neighbour. If Iran succeeds in developing nuclear missiles and uses them on Israel there is no doubt that Israel, who already has Nuclear capability will retaliate. If Iran does attack Israel then Iran’s allies like Syria will join in. In Jeremiah it states: And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad. (Or rulers of) [Jer 49:27]. A Nuclear bomb is the only weapon capable of performing this type of destruction on a city where both Hamas and Hezbollah have their headquarters.

Cush: This was the land which makes up Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia who have elements who are hostile to Israel and would join in any a full blown attack on Israel.

Phut: The present nation of Libya who although they feign peace with the western world and are at present quiet about Israel, they are ardent Moslems at heart and were a training ground for terrorists up until quite recently.

Togarmah:  Armenia, Turkey and other Turkic speaking nations in that locality. Once a very Christian nation has now changed, with a high degree of Moslem influence. In Daniel’s prophecy [Dan 2: 24-47], the two legs of Iron and feet of iron and clay, of the statue are believed to represent the Roman Empire. This split when Rome moved some of its governance to Constantinople. With Turkey attempting to join the common market, it possibly points to the Apostate church of Revelation being a combination of Christian and Moslem values. However it would be quite possible for Turkey to join in the attack of Jerusalem spoken of in Ezekiel 38. Although Turkey professes to be on good terms with Israel, recently a mob of students attacked a car carrying Gabi Levy; Israel’s Ambassador in Turkey. Police intervened but it didn’t stop eggs and abuse being thrown at Mr. Levy.  Tensions have increased between Turkey and Israel recently, which began when Turkey called off a joint military exercise with the Israeli IDF and then proceeded to go ahead with one in collaboration with the Syrian army.  Turkey’s television recently broadcast a fictional programme portraying the IDF as cold blooded murderers. There have been various demonstrations against Israel with the waving of Palestinian flags and burning Israeli flags.

Gomer:  These peoples are thought to have spread out to the eastern states of Europe. Many of the smaller nations which separated from the Soviet block in the late eighties could be included here. Many of them are predominantly Moslem and no doubt might respond to a united Moslem call to capture Jerusalem.  

In Ezekiel 38 we are told the more neutral nations such as Sheba and Dedan [Jordan, Saudi Arabia and UAE], and Tarshish [Europe] query what Russia and Iran etc are doing attacking Israel in the light of the apparently arranged peace treaty. If the attack occurred now this is exactly what would happen, especially with NATO [Including Britain, Europe and the USA] probably having secured the peace treaty. Jordan and Egypt already have a peace treaty with Israel and appear at present to be concerned only with trade and a quiet life.

As we look at the daily movement of world events, it seems as though Jesus’ statement “Even so when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door” [Matt 24:33], might be very relevant to current events. Be ready! It may be this year.

Brian D. Papworth
Representative for the Prophetic Witness Movement International in New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific.