The Prophetic Significance Of Russia In Ukraine

 

There has been a lot of chatter lately pointing toward Russia’s occupation of Crimea and the possible invasion of Ukraine. Some are saying that this is the beginning of a prophetic move that will ultimately culminate in the colossal end time battle where Russia leads an invasion of Israel accompanied by Iran, Libya, Sudan and a host of other nations hostile to Israel. They point to verses in Ezekiel 38 and 39 to justify their position. They teach that Russia, with Moscow directly North of Israel, is the specific nation that begins the end in this apocalyptic battle. There are a lot of “theories” forwarded by learned men and women about these verses and Russia. But what the does the Bible really say about Russia?

 

Nothing. I am sure that that single word is now raising a lot blood pressures across The Daily Jot readership. But before you push the unsubscribe button and call me a heretic, please indulge me just a little longer. The venerable King James Version of the Bible says this in Ezekiel 38:2-3: “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus says the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.” So where is Russia in this?  Some Bible scholars believe the Hebrew word “Rosh” means “Russia.” In reality, the word “Rosh” has always meant “Chief” or “Head”–never “Russia.”

 

Using the “Complete Jewish Bible” translation, which took the Hebrew and directly translated it to English, these verses read: “Human being, turn your face toward Gog (of the land of Magog), chief prince of Meshekh and Tuval…I am against you Gog, chief prince of Meshekh and Tuval.” If this word “Rosh” meant “Russia,” the verses would read, “I am against you Gog, Russia prince of Meshekh and Tuval.” This makes no sense. Another verse, Ezekiel 38:15 says, “And thou shalt come from thy place out of the North parts…” Because Moscow is directly North of Israel, these theorists use this verse to justify Russia as the leader of this deadly coalition. But they are overlooking a tiny geographical and historical fact.

 

Directly North of Israel, on the way to Moscow, is Turkey. Historically, the regions spoken of in Ezekiel–Magog, Meshech and Tubal–are located on the ancient maps of the former Assyrian Empire, now in Turkey. In fact, the Biblical references to the “antichrist” are “the Assyrian”–that’s another study. There is no doubt that Russia (formerly the Soviet Union) has played a prophetic role in opposing Israel. Russia supplied the weaponry for the Arab nations against Israel in 1948, 1967, and 1973. Russia also supplies weapons to the terrorists attacking Israel today; technology and expertise for Iran’s nuclear program, and on and on. No doubt this will continue. Russia is an instigator, a supplier, a political force against Israel, but it is not Gog or Magog. And more events must align before the Ezekiel 38 prophecy is fulfilled.