The Gog-Magog War
There are many who argue that the battle of Armageddon is the Gog-Magog war of Ezekiel 38 and 39. It is not. The proof of this is manifold. First, let us look at what the Scripture says about that war.
- Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer 3681 and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.’” (Ezekiel 38:1–6)
These are in no way “armies from the east,” which is what the Bible says, are brought to Armageddon. This is a specific cohort of enemies of Israel. Gog, of the land Magog, is likely a descriptor of a demonic force as there is not a single nation that is associated with it. The Gog of Magog cohort is very likely the dreadful army that the Lord brings upon Israel as described in Joel 2.
- But I will remove far from you the northern army and will drive him away into a barren and desolate land, with his face toward the eastern sea and his back toward the western sea; his stench will come up, and his foul odor will rise, because he has done monstrous things. (Joel 2:20)