Russia and the Bible

“I am against you O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal” (Ezekiel 38:3).

Russia is in the Bible. So is Ukraine.

In Ezekiel’s prophecies concerning the end of the age, Gog is identified as a person of interest whom the Lord is against. This person is the prince of Magog, the chief leader of the Russian peoples. The land of Magog is the area known today as the southern part of the former Soviet Union and includes both Russia and Ukraine. The lands north of the Black Sea are the ancient reference points for the land of Magog, and are today the precise areas where war is breaking out.

Gog is the chief ruler, and Russia, Ukraine and Turkey are the lands involved.

Rosh is the ancient name of the peoples living north of the Black Sea.

Meshech and Tubal are the ancient names of the peoples living south of the Black Sea in modern Turkey.

Because biblical prophecy focuses on Israel, all geographical references emanate from Israel as the center. Passages from Daniel chapter 11, as well as chapters 38 and 39 of Ezekiel, specifically identify some of Israel’s greatest enemies as coming from the north. Take a look at a map and notice that the lands of Russia, Ukraine and Turkey are all directly north of Israel.

What is happening today on the battlefields of the Crimea and eastern Ukraine, and soon to be throughout all of that country, is of utmost interest to the student of Bible prophecy. Are these current events the final fulfillment of Ezekiel 38 and 39? Not yet.

But they certainly are setting the stage for what is soon to come.

Be sure to pay close attention.