Prophecy Watch: Russia in Syria

Not far from the Israeli border, Russian jets are making bombing runs. The French and the US State Department (whose credibility themselves is questionable these days) say, however, that Russia is actually assisting the Assad government (a vassal state of Iran). According to AP, “the Russian Defense Ministry said its warplanes targeted and destroyed eight positions belonging to extremists from the IS group…But French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told lawmakers in Paris: “Curiously, they didn’t hit Islamic State…US Defense Secretary Ash Carter also said the Russians appeared to have targeted areas that did not include IS militants.” Those who watch prophecy may be drawing different conclusions.

Some use verses in Ezekiel 38 and 39 point to a colossal end time battle where parts of modern day Turkey, Iran, Libya and others led by Russia attack Israel. But what the does the Bible really say about Russia? 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 Hebrew 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 God (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.