The defeat of Gog and Magog

Ezek 38-39   Ezekiel prophesies that, after the restoration of Israel, 'Gog' - a king from the far north – and the 'people of Magog' will lead a large army consisting of soldiers from many nations and will attack Israel. Gog will be defeated and he will be buried in 'The Valley of Gog’s Army' east of the Dead Sea (Ezekiel 39:11).

“Then my people will know that I am the LORD their God… I will not turn away from them any more, because I will put my Spirit into the people of Israel.” (Ezekiel 39:28-29)

 

Gog & Magog statues in the Royal Arcade, Melbourne (John O'Neill)

Statues of Gog and Magog in the Royal Arcade, Melbourne   (John O'Neill)

 

Gog and Magog

Ezekiel prophesied that, after the exiles returned, Israel would be attacked by a powerful army. He predicted that Gog - a king “from the far north” – and the “people of Magog” would lead a large army consisting of soldiers from many nations and would attack Israel. This army would be defeated, and Gog would be buried in a valley near the Dead Sea.

King Gog and “the people of Magog” (‘Magog’ is a person rather than a place) are not identified in the Bible. They may represent people during the ‘end times’ (known as ‘eschatological’ figures) rather than contemporary historical characters.

Some believe that the prophesy has not yet been fulfilled. Others believe that Ezekiel’s prophesy was fulfilled by the Romans – or the Crusaders – both of whom came from the north, fielded soldiers from many nations and were ultimately defeated.

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