Posted on 09/01/2011 3:42:39 PM PDT by GiovannaNicoletta
Q. What are some of the main differences between the Battle of Gog and Magog, and the Battle of Armageddon?
A. This is a vital question to answer, because many people equate the two, or include the first as part of the second. But there are many differences that make these conclusions quite improbable. First there is the time element involved. While no time is specified for the Battle of Gog and Magog, most evangelical, premillennial, pre-Tribulational scholars place it at or near the beginning of the Tribulation. The Battle of Armageddon takes place at the end of the Tribulation (Revelation 16:16; 19:11-21).
Second, the participants of the conflicts are different. In the Battle of Gog and Magog, a great power to the north (possibly Russia or one or more former “southern-tier” Islamic Soviet republics) will move against Israel, along with specific nations, mostly Islamic and in the Middle East or northern Africa (Ezekiel 38:1-6). The Battle of Armageddon will include representative armies from all nations of the world (Joel 3:2; Zechariah 14:2).
Third is the direction of the attack. Since the Battle of Gog and Magog is led by a great power to the north of Israel, and some of its allies are from that direction as well, the attack will come primarily from the north (Ezekiel 38:15). Since the Battle of Armageddon involves all the nations of the world, they will come from all four directions.
Fourth, there is the purpose for the attack. The Battle of Magog’s objective is “To take a spoil, and to take a prey” (Ezekiel 38:12). Perhaps some of the attackers, several of which are virtually landlocked, will seek a warm-water port in Israel. Others may seek some of Israel’s mineral deposits, such as are purported to be in the Dead Sea. At Armageddon, the intent is to totally eliminate Israel once and for all (Zechariah 12:2-3) and later, to oppose Christ Himself who returns to fight on behalf of Israel (Revelation 19:19).
Fifth, the leaders of the attack are also different. At Gog and Magog, the leader will be Russia or another former Soviet republic (Ezekiel 38:3). At Armageddon, it will be the Antichrist, who, by that time, will be the undisputed world leader (Revelation 19:19).
Finally, the casualties will be disposed of differently. At Gog and Magog, the dead will be buried (Ezekiel 39:12-15). At Armageddon, the dead will be left on the field of battle, to become food for birds of prey (Revelation 19:17-21).
However, despite all of these differences, we should point out one similarity, and that is the outcome. In both cases, God will win and will gain victory on behalf of His people, Israel. After the great victory at Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 39:1-7), one would think that the unregenerate world would get the message. But only a few years later, on an even larger scale, the world will again gather its forces against Israel and against the Lord at Armageddon. The old adage will be proven again: the one thing people learn from history, is that they don’t learn from history.
Ping!
Thanks for the ping GN. It’s the battle just before the battle of Gog and Magog that could come soon. I’m not so sure we will be around for the battle of Gog and Magog but we could be.
I believe they are two separate wars.
When the true messiah returns there will be a new temple built,armageddon will have just happened,the sheep and the goats will have been separated and there will then be a golden age of peace.
If there is a massive war at or around the beginning of the trib the antichrist will claim that that was armageddon,the rapture was actually the separating of the sheep and goats,the peace treaty (covenant of death)between Israel and her enemies will then allow the rebuilding of the temple and the world will now now enter a golden age of peace (read 'new age').
Many will be deceived when when the antichrist points to scripture and tells the world."I" have ended armageddon,"I" have finally brokered peace in the middle east,"I" have separated the sheep and the goats,"I" will now help the Jews build the Ezekial temple and the world will now have peace because of "ME" who else could I be but your messiah?
The whole world will wonder after this person and no surprise,since in many minds he will have just saved the world from the brink of (possibly) nuclear devastation.Anyone who,from then on,pronounces this person to be the very devil himself will not be popular.
Now there's a powerfull deception that,if it were possible,could deceive the very elect.
I have to agree - very good and very probable scenario.
It's no wonder many think the two wars are only one,there are many similarities,maybe for a reason.Mabye some of those lying signs and wonders are because the antichrist will be claiming credit for things God has done ie:rapture,destruction of many of Israel's enemies etc.
Anyone who has spent more time being contentious about the word,especially the prophetic word,than actually studying it for it's own sake will be more easily deceived when they are shown,by the antichrist,just how many of the prophecies he has now fullfilled.
Mitch, that is an excellent post. What a convenient way for the antichrist to explain the massive disappearance of millions of people. Thank you for your post! Keep up the great work!
ragmop
This passage from Acts 13 stands out...
"And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand."
Here we have a false prophet who stands against those bringing the truth,who then becomes blind and is not able to to see the "sun" (Son?)..."for a season" and then goes about "seeking some" (someone else?) to lead him.
At least worth a hhhmmmmmm.
Important word..NOW...because we see deception operating 24/7 and in full view of the audiance in our nation and world today. We are primed to believe lies and easily misled.
When God permits the grand deception....all will yield to it. A good example is how people still voted for Obama after the facts were presented....the "crowds" roared for him despite the truth...of which people do not want to hear today.
When the "counterfeit" savior comes...they will welcome him.
Aint that the truth!
Add to that the fear of nuclear war (started incidentely,by the evil 'monotheists') and many of those 'easily deceived' will feel they owe the antichrist their very lives!
That's always been a powerfull motivation.
This site is the crossroads of the known world and many battle have taken place there, enough in history that if they "had" happened the same day the entire vally would have been coverege in blood.
You have outlined some possible battles, but what I have always beleived since a child is that the Eagle, or the protector of Israel turns her back on the children of God and God; thus making conditions for the attack on Israel which is repelled.
Malachi 4:2 "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall."
oooooookiedooookie!
" Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another (or posted < grin >): and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name."
and then this...
"And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not."
The language of Ezek. 38 & 39 clearly indicates Gog is a person and Magog is a land.
Very interesting, indeed. Do you have any Bible references for that belief? It seems to describe what is happening in the US perfectly!
Thanks much.
Good points.
Thanks for your post.
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