How Close is the Gog-Magog War?

Four views about the timing of this end-times invasion of Israel

Recent events in Israel and the Middle East have spotlighted how the stage is being set for the Gog-Magog War in Ezekiel 38–39, a massive invasion of Israel in the latter years, led by a Russian-Iranian coalition. (Jimmy Evans and I write at length about this event in our new book, What’s Next? Israel-Gaza War.)

There is a consensus among prophecy teachers about who will be involved in the invasion, where it will happen, what will happen, and why it will happen. The main disagreement concerns when it will transpire—the timing of this war. Considering all that’s happening in Israel right now, I thought it would be helpful to briefly lay out the four main views of the timing of this invasion.

View 1: The war will happen before the Tribulation, possibly even before the Rapture

An impressive array of prophecy experts believes all the pre-conditions for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38-39 are currently in place, including Israel’s prosperity and security as required by Ezekiel 38:8 and 38:11. These scholars and teachers maintain this war can happen at any time. 

Those who reject this view are quick to point out that Israel today—while secure in one sense—is far from living “at rest” or living “securely,” as described in those verses. Israel today is an armed camp. The prerequisite of living in safety does not seem to be fully in place, but it could be soon.

View 2: Ezekiel 38-39 is the same as Revelation 20:8

The simplest view for many scholars is to equate the only two biblical references to Gog and Magog in the Bible. These are found in Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 20:8. While this view is attractive in connecting the biblical dots, the different setting for these two passages eliminates this view from consideration.

Let’s compare them:

Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38

• The Period: Before or during the Tribulation

• The Participants: Specific list of nations

Gog and Magog in Revelation 20:8

• The Period: After Christ’s 1,000-year reign (Revelation 20:1-6)

• The Participants Worldwide enemies of Christ

In fact, the only thing these battles seem to have in common are the terms “Gog and Magog.” But, if we view these two events as distinct, the question arises: How do we explain the identical names used for them?