The Ezekiel invasion of Ezekiel 38 and 39 may be the next major world event after the Rapture of the church. Here are a few of the most important details of this invasion: first, though it may seem like the many nations that come after Israel are great and self-determined with their own plan, it will be God that will summon them into battle. In fact, Scripture tells us that He will put hooks into their jaws and pull them into the war (Ezek. 38:4), where he will bring His fierce judgment on them.

Secondly, this invasion will be at a time when Israel is living securely (vv. 8, 11). And many think that this is true of Israel now, since they have a well-equipped military and a strong economy. So, this war could come at any time.

One more important point is: though there will be millions of troops that will come against Israel, and will cover the land “like a cloud,” (v. 16), there will also be a few nations that will be against the invasion (from Ezek. 38:13). These are Sheba (or Yemen), Dedan (or Saudi Arabia), the Merchants of Tarshish (or Spain and Britain), and the young lions (possibly the USA). We don’t know exactly why they will not get involved; but it is my guess that they just aren’t as hateful toward Israel as the other nations; or they may have more of a commercial interest with Israel.

Here are the invaders—those who are mostly Muslims and who are led into war by one called Gog (from Ezek. 38:1-6).

• Rosh – probably Russia.
• Meshech and Tubal – what is now Turkey.
• Persia – modern Iran.
• Ethiopia – probably Sudan.
• Put – Libya and Tunisia and parts of Algeria.
• Gomer and Beth-togarmah – Turkey.
• Many other people – this refers to people that may not be troops, but civilians, all haters of Jews!

The surprising and miraculous outcome of this invasion is that Israel won’t be touched at all; but the invading armies will be almost completely destroyed. Of course, this will be God’s intention all along. He will summon them to this battle to be judged by Him. And His judgment will be four-fold.

• By a great earthquake (38:19-20).
• By infighting (38:21). By the divine, direction of God, the invading troops will become confused and will fight against each other.
• By disease (38:22; 39:4, 17-20). So many dead bodies lying everywhere will cause an outbreak if disease.
• By rain, hail, fire, and brimstone (38:22; 39:6). This judgment, direct from God, may be the most devastating.
• This very destructive war no doubt will be used to convince the world to establish peace with Israel—and the Antichrist will play a major part in that peace as we will see in the next point.5

5 Ibid., pp. 127-140.