Ezekiel’s Prophetic ‘Quadfecta’ (Part 3)

See the series here

Chapter 38

 

NB: Many earlier posts and series explore and exposit this chapter. Accordingly, this post serves primarily as a condensed overview with hyperlinks to the broader, analytical framework behind the points summarized herein. 

 

This is the only chapter in Ezekiel’s ‘prophetic quadfecta’ (chapters 36-to-39) that does not include an ages divider. It predicts a Russia and Iran-led invasion of Israel at a time when it will be peaceful and relatively defenseless. The invasion will be supported by other fighters, possibly including African mercenaries. It will not be Armageddon—the final event of the predicted 42-month long apocalypse. The chapter focuses heavily on Gog as the personality who will trigger this invasion. There are many different understandings about who or what Gog may be. The Bible reveals he will trigger two invasions of Israel, sandwiching The Millennial Reign age. His repeated appearance across separated ages is one reason I intuit Gog may be much more than a human ruler—perhaps satan’s top demon general. For more, see: Revelation – Future Attacks in Israel. 

 

In First Ukraine, Next Israel’s Terrain? (Series) and other posts on Ezekiel 38, I ponder whether Russia’s coalition invasion of Ukraine might be a precursor—effectively a practice session—for this predicted invasion of Israel.

Israel, Defenseless?

 

Verse 11 twice signals Israel will be a people without walls. In ancient times, walls were a major defense against attacks. The modern equivalent of a country’s walls include an effective governance, military and allies. It is nearly impossible to imagine Israel—a current regional and nuclear power—being ‘without’ such walls, i.e., defenseless! In A People Un-walled (Series), I review these ‘3 legs’ of modern defenses, and consider conditions under which Israel might become ‘a people without walls’. See also: Missed Insights In Ezekiel (Series).

 

When and Why?

 

NB: These possibilities are not presented as certainties, but as one plausible convergence model.

 

The Bible provides no direct indication of the timing of this invasion. I intuit it will likely occur during the short, 7-year, 4th age—the tribulation age. Daniel 7 indicates that age will be divided into 2 halves of about 42 months each. The first half will be during the global rule of the final anti-Christ leader; and the second half will be when the apocalypse erupts across the Earth when that man will defile the (pending) 4th Jewish temple, declare himself to be The Almighty, and demand to be worshiped as such. 

 

Verse 13 hints this invasion will not be directly motivated by political objectives, but possibly at a time when the leading nations (Russia and Iran) will be desperate for the basics of life. Both nations have suffered greatly from years of international sanctions, from gross mismanagement of their financial and natural resources, and from heavy infrastructural and equipment losses during (a) Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and (b) the early 2026 joint Israel-U.S. attacks across Iran. Both countries suffered massive brain-drains, the loss of countless commercial enterprises, and the loss of soldiers—young people who would have sired many new citizens. Recovery from such deep and broad losses will likely require several decades. If-IF the Ezekiel 38 invasion occurs within their very steep recovery periods, the predicted hint in verse 13 might be fulfilled. 

 

The Biblical prophetic calendar hints that the next major cosmic event may be the opening of the 6th seal on The Lord’s scroll, with incredible global impacts across the Earth. (Revelation 6:12-17). In The 6th Seal, Civilization’s Reset? (Series), I intuit this might be the event that will trigger the close of this current, 3rd age of human history. If so, it might also trigger a reactive process that will culminate in the sudden rise of the final anti-Christ global leader. People the world over, will likely demand somebody/ANYBODY to step forward and catalyze the relief, recovery and rehabilitation process from: 

 

•  A GREAT (possibly GLOBAL) earthquake that will move all islands and mountains, 

•  Meteor/meteorite showers, and 

•  Possible volcanoes erupting across the world.

 

If-IF the recovery period from that broad destruction, happens to overlap with Russia’s and Iran’s recoveries from their current economic and societal damages, the predicted hint in verse 13 might be fulfilled. 

 

The Biblical prophetic calendar hints of a 4th, hasty, Jewish migration from across the world. In Hasty Jewish Migrations (Series) and S. Lebanon -- Buffer Zone of Refugee Camp?, I consider the implications of such a massive migration. One MAJOR implication could be a seriously over-crowded Israel, with migrants predicted to spill into Northern Jordan and Lebanon. Such an influx of migrants could seriously upset Israel’s absorptive capacities, and trigger the breakdown of several key institutions, possibly including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). NB: Unlike about 90 percent of all nations, Israel’s military is not a professional force. Rather it relies on a mandatory conscription model, combined with a large reserve force.

In Why Would Russia Invade Israel? (Q&A), I consider the implications of a possible ‘Goshen-effect’ protection over Israel during the first few global judgments of the apocalypse.—the trumpets judgments. A key implication is that Israel’s allies at that time may be simply unable to respond to this invasion. See also: To My Jewish Kinfolk (Letter).

The Lord concludes His vision to Ezekiel by promising to FIGHT on Israel’s behalf, not because the nation itself will then be spiritually righteous, but as one of His long-promised judgments on Gog, and people grossly deceived by him. Yet His judgment on Gog will effectively shelter most Jews in Israel to be alive for His (a) subsequent revealing Himself to them as The Messiah, and (b) His promised purging of the global Jewish diaspora. See: Pre-entry Purging Patterns (Series).