The prophetic chapters of Ezekiel 38 and 39 describe a dramatic and supernatural invasion of Israel by a coalition of hostile nations. This event, often referred to as the “War of Gog and Magog,” is distinct from the final Gog and Magog rebellion described in Revelation 20:7-10. In the context of biblical prophecy and the redemptive timeline, this first Gog and Magog war is best understood as a pre-tribulation event—occurring after the rapture, after the restoration of Israel, but before the full unfolding of the Great Tribulation.
1. The Rapture: Removal of the Church
According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 and 2 Thessalonians 2:7, the restraining presence of the Holy Spirit through the Church is removed before the rise of the Antichrist. This moment, often referred to as the Rapture, marks the transition from the age of grace to the age of judgment.
“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:17
This divine event sets the stage for Israel’s prophetic destiny and the events of Ezekiel 38–39.
2. The Mysterious Complete Regathering of Israel
Before the Gog and Magog invasion can occur, God will orchestrate a complete regathering of Israel, including all 12 tribes. This will be a supernatural fulfillment of prophecies found throughout Scripture:
“He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; He will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.”
— Isaiah 11:12“I will take the children of Israel from among the nations… and will bring them into their own land.”
— Ezekiel 37:21“Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment?”
— Isaiah 66:8
This regathering, occurring after the rapture, is not dependent on modern identification methods like DNA. God will reveal the identity of His people through spiritual awakening, angelic guidance, and prophetic leadership. Some may feel an irresistible divine pull toward Israel; others may receive dreams or visions. God’s knowledge of His people transcends all human limitation:
“The Lord knows those who are His.”
— 2 Timothy 2:19
Just as the Exodus from Egypt was miraculous, so too will be this end-time gathering—a new, greater Exodus, fulfilling Jeremiah 23:7–8. In a single day, as prophesied by Isaiah, Yahweh will miraculously restore His people to their land in a divine act of covenant fulfillment. Once restored, the people will dwell in security, setting the stage for Gog’s invasion.
3. Restoration and Divine Indwelling: Ezekiel 37
Ezekiel 37 sets the spiritual tone for the coming events with the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, symbolizing the resurrection and reunification of the people of Israel. This is followed by the prophetic unification of Judah and Ephraim, and culminates with God’s declaration:
“My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
— Ezekiel 37:27
This indicates that God has spiritually restored Israel and begun to manifest His presence among them. The land is secure, the people are regathered, and the covenant is being fulfilled in a renewed dimension.
4. Ezekiel 38:1–6 — The Invading Coalition
After this restoration, Ezekiel 38 introduces the enemies of God and Israel:
“Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him.”
— Ezekiel 38:2
The coalition includes:
- Gog: A symbolic or literal leader from Magog. Gog is the title of the leader.
- Magog: Generally understood to refer to Scythian peoples, possibly linked to modern Russia or Central Asia.
- Meshech and Tubal: Associated with regions in modern-day Turkey.
- Persia: Clearly modern-day Iran.
- Cush: Likely Sudan or Ethiopia.
- Put: Corresponding to Libya.
- Gomer and Beth Togarmah: Regions often associated with Turkey and the Caucasus.
This alliance suggests a massive geopolitical union of northern, eastern, and African nations, bound together by mutual hostility toward Israel and perhaps a shared religious or ideological vision.
5. The Timing: Before the Tribulation
The key to identifying the timing of this war lies in several clues from Ezekiel:
“In the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from war, whose people were gathered from many nations… now dwelling securely.”
— Ezekiel 38:8
This suggests that Israel is:
- Back in their land
- Dwelling securely (possibly under a peace agreement)
- Restored from war, which could refer to modern statehood and past conflicts
It also says:
“On that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel… My fury will come up in My face…”
— Ezekiel 38:18
God responds directly and supernaturally:
- A great earthquake (38:19)
- Panic among the armies (38:21)
- Plagues, hailstones, fire and sulfur (38:22)
This is not a battle that Israel wins militarily. Yahweh Himself intervenes, which suggests a miraculous deliverance that occurs while the Church (raptured) is in heaven, and before the Antichrist is fully revealed.
The aftermath involves a massive cleanup:
“For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them in order to cleanse the land.”
— Ezekiel 39:12
6. A Divine Setup for the Tribulation
This stunning victory is intended to awaken the nations and reveal God’s glory:
“I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the LORD.”
— Ezekiel 38:23
Following the defeat of Gog, Ezekiel 39 describes a long burial process and a cleansing of the land. This transition sets the stage for the final seven years of judgment — the Tribulation.
It is likely that the Antichrist will rise in the aftermath of this war, perhaps taking credit for the victory or offering peace to a shaken world. Israel, feeling secure, may agree to his covenant (Daniel 9:27), which he will later betray.
“And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week… and on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate…”
— Daniel 9:27
Summary: The First Gog and Magog War
- Occurs after the rapture and Israel’s complete restoration
- Involves a coalition of northern, eastern, and African powers
- Ends in supernatural defeat by God’s hand
- Prepares the world stage for the Antichrist’s deception and the start of the 70th Week of Daniel
- Includes a miraculous regathering of all 12 tribes of Israel from every nation in a single day
- Leads to international shock and reevaluation of divine sovereignty
This invasion, while terrifying, is part of God’s sovereign plan to display His glory, to protect His covenant people, and to initiate the final sequence of redemption. The war of Gog and Magog, as described in Ezekiel, is thus not the final battle of all time, but the turning point that readies the earth for its final testing.
