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Gog and Magog - Bible Story

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Gog and Magog - Bible Story

The story of Gog and Magog in the Bible is primarily found in the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation, presenting a prophetic narrative that has been subject to various interpretations over time. Gog and Magog are often depicted as forces of chaos and savagery. Interpretations of Gog and Magog are commonly linked to eschatological themes, which relate to the end of the world or events of great upheaval.

Here's a brief overview of how Gog and Magog are depicted in these two biblical texts:

Gog and Magog in the Book of Ezekiel

In the Book of Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39, Gog is described as the prince of Magog and is foretold to lead a grand coalition of armies against Israel in the end times. This alliance includes various nations, some identifiable with known historical regions or peoples, while others remain speculative. God is said to lure Gog into attacking Israel, only to intervene then supernaturally, destroying Gog's forces and showcasing His power and sanctity to the nations, thus leading to a recognition of His sovereignty. The detailed prophecy includes descriptions of divine judgments such as earthquakes, disease, torrential rains, hailstones, fire, and sulfur falling upon Gog's armies.

Ezekiel 38-39: The Lord’s Great Victory Over the Nations

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him 3 and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. 5 Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, 6 also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.

7 “‘Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes gathered about you, and take command of them. 8 After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety. 9 You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.

10 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. 11 You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. 12 I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land.” 13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, “Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?”’

14 “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? 15 You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. 16 You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

17 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: You are the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel. At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them. 18 This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign Lord. 19 In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20 The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. 21 I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. 22 I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. 23 And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.’

Gog and Magog in Revelation

In the New Testament's Book of Revelation, Gog and Magog are mentioned again in a different context, symbolizing the nations of the world that Satan will deceive and gather for battle against the saints and the "beloved city," Jerusalem, after being released from a thousand-year imprisonment. This final rebellion is quickly quashed by God, who sends fire from heaven to devour the attackers. Following this, Satan is thrown into the lake of fire, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown earlier, to be tormented day and night forever.

Revelation 20:7-10: The Judgment of Satan

 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

ESV Study Bible Commentary on Revelation 20:7-20 - Satan’s release after the thousand years will free him to 'deceive the nations' and to 'gather them' for the last 'battle'... The gathered armies are called 'Gog and Magog,' titles of Israel’s pagan oppressors, who would be destroyed by 'fire...from heaven' (Ezek. 38:22; 39:6) and consumed as carrion (Ezek. 39:1-6, Ez. 17-20; Rev. 19:17-18, 21). Although the 'saints' are exposed as a 'camp' and, as inhabitants of God’s 'beloved city' (Rev. 11:2; 21:2), are besieged by foes as countless as 'the sand of the sea' (see 12:17), their enemies will be consumed by God’s fiery judgment. The deceiver will be 'thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur.'

Interpretations and Symbolism of Gog and Magog

The identities of Gog and Magog and the symbolism of these prophecies have been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian and Jewish eschatologies. Some view them as literal future events involving identifiable nations and real battles. Others interpret them allegorically or symbolically, representing the perpetual struggle between good and evil, God's ultimate victory over chaos and unbelief, and a new era of peace and righteousness.

Historically, these names have also been used in different cultures and religions to represent demonic forces, barbarians, or distant and mysterious enemies. The apocalyptic nature of these prophecies has inspired a wide range of interpretations, reflecting the diverse perspectives within Christian and Jewish thought on the end times.

Battle of Gog and Magog Map

Battle of Gog and Magog Map
Photo credit: Tristan Sturm, ResearchGate

Gog and Magog Meaning

The etymology and meaning of "Gog and Magog" have intrigued scholars, historians, and theologians for centuries, with various theories about their origins and significance. The names appear primarily in biblical texts, notably in the Book of Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation. Still, they have also been referenced in various historical, mythological, and religious contexts over the millennia. Here’s a look at the etymology and meanings associated with these names:

Gog

Etymology: The etymology of "Gog" is not definitively established. Some scholars suggest it might have originated from early Semitic languages, with no apparent meaning attached to it. It is possible that the name was used symbolically or allegorically in the biblical text to represent a figure of opposition or enmity against the people of God.

Biblical Context: In the Book of Ezekiel, Gog is called the prince of Magog, leading a coalition of nations against Israel in an end-time battle. The name is likely symbolic, representing hostile forces against God's people.

Magog

Etymology: The name "Magog" is believed to have ancient Near Eastern origins. In the Bible, Magog is mentioned as one of the sons of Japheth in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, which lists the progenitors of various peoples and nations known to the ancient Israelites. The name Magog might thus refer to a people or region known to the Israelites, possibly located north of Israel, but the exact historical or geographical reference remains speculative.

Biblical and Historical Context: Besides its biblical usage, Magog has been associated with various historical and mythological narratives, often representing barbarous or unknown northern peoples. For example, in medieval European lore, Gog and Magog were often associated with apocalyptic invaders or were linked with the legends of Alexander the Great, who was said to have enclosed them behind a massive wall.

Gog and Magog Together

Symbolic Meanings: Collectively, Gog and Magog have come to symbolize the forces of chaos, evil, or opposition that will be ultimately defeated in the eschatological (end times) scenario described in religious texts. They embody the concept of a cosmic battle between good and evil, with their defeat heralding the triumph of divine will.

Cultural and Mythological Uses: Beyond their biblical origins, the names have been used in various cultural, mythological, and religious contexts to represent enemies or monstrous beings. For instance, in Islamic eschatology, Gog and Magog (Ya'juj and Ma'juj) are described as people who will break free from a barrier to cause widespread destruction before being defeated by God's intervention.

The precise origins and meanings of "Gog and Magog" remain somewhat elusive, partly because they have been absorbed and reinterpreted in various traditions, acquiring layers of symbolic meaning beyond their possible historical or geographical roots.

Read more Bible passages relating to the story of Gog and Magog below:

Ezekiel 38

1 The word of the LORD came to me:
2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him
3 and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal.
4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords.
5 Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets,
6 also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.
7 “ ‘Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes gathered about you, and take command of them.
8 After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety.
9 You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.
10 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme.
11 You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars.
12 I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land. ”
13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, “Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?” ’
14 “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it?
15 You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army.
16 You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.
17 “ ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You are the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel. At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them.
18 This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD.
19 In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.
20 The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground.
21 I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man’s sword will be against his brother.
22 I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.
23 And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’

Ezekiel 38 Commentaries

Revelation 20:7-15

7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison
8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.
9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.
10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.
14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20

1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.
2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
7 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison
8 and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.
9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them.
10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.
14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20 Commentaries

Ezekiel 39:1-6

1 “Son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal.
2 I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel.
3 Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand.
4 On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals.
5 You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign LORD.
6 I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the LORD.

Revelation 19:17-21

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God,
18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.”
19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army.
20 But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
21 The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

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