Introduction: The Coming Invasion
Will Iran attack Israel?
If you’re asking about another small-scale conflict or missile exchange—maybe. Iran has attacked Israel multiple times, most recently in June 2025.
But if you’re asking about the prophesied invasion where a massive coalition tries to destroy Israel and God supernaturally intervenes—
Yes. Absolutely. Scripture is clear.
Ezekiel 38-39 prophesies a future invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations led by “Gog, of the land of Magog.” Among the attackers: Persia (Iran).
“Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet.”
— Ezekiel 38:5
This isn’t speculation. This isn’t sensationalism. This is biblical prophecy.
The question isn’t if Iran will be part of this invasion. The question is when and how.
In this post, we’ll examine:
– What Ezekiel 38-39 actually says
– Who the nations in the coalition are
– When this invasion will happen
– How it will end
– What it means for Iran, Israel, and Christians today
Ezekiel 38-39: The Text
The Coalition Leader: Gog of Magog
“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of 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 you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.'”
— Ezekiel 38:1-3
Gog = A leader (possibly a title like “Pharaoh” or “Caesar”)
Magog = A land/people north of Israel
Meshech and Tubal = Regions in modern Turkey
Rosh (in some translations) = Possibly Russia (debated)
Most scholars identify Magog with regions north of Israel—likely Russia, or a Russian-led coalition.
The Coalition Members
“And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords. Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.”
— Ezekiel 38:4-6
Let’s identify these nations:
Persia = Iran (name changed to Iran in 1935, but historically Persia)
Cush = Sudan/Ethiopia (northeastern Africa)
Put = Libya (northern Africa)
Gomer = Parts of Turkey/Eastern Europe
Beth-togarmah = Armenia/Turkey
Magog (Rosh, Meshech, Tubal) = Russia and regions in Turkey/Central Asia
Modern Translation
The coalition attacking Israel will include:
– Russia (or Russian-led power from the north)
– Iran
– Turkey
– Sudan
– Libya
– Possibly other Islamic nations (“many peoples”)
Notice what’s NOT listed: Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria—traditional enemies of Israel in past wars.
This suggests a different geopolitical alignment than we’ve seen historically. But recent developments are moving nations into position.
Why Will They Invade?
Ezekiel Gives Three Reasons
1. Plunder and Spoil
“Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?”
— Ezekiel 38:13
Israel has:
– Natural gas fields (Mediterranean coast)
– Advanced technology
– Strategic location
– Economic prosperity
2. Evil Schemes
“Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day, thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil scheme and say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates,’ to seize spoil and carry off plunder…”
— Ezekiel 38:10-12
The invasion isn’t defensive. It’s aggressive, premeditated, and evil.
3. God’s Sovereign Purpose
“Thus says the Lord GOD: Are you he of whom I spoke in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel, who in those days prophesied for years that I would bring you against them?”
— Ezekiel 38:17
Ultimately, God orchestrates this invasion—not because He wants Israel destroyed, but because He will use it to:
– Demonstrate His power
– Vindicate His name
– Bring Israel to repentance
– Judge the nations
God uses evil intentions for His holy purposes.
When Will This Happen?
Timing Indicators in Ezekiel 38
1. Israel regathered from the nations
“After many days you will be mustered. In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them.”
— Ezekiel 38:8
✓ Israel regathered (1948 onwards)
✓ Restored from war (wars of 1948, 1967, 1973, etc.)
⏳ Dwelling securely (debatable if this is fulfilled yet)
2. “Dwelling securely”
“I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates.”
— Ezekiel 38:11
The Hebrew word “securely” (betach) can mean:
– Free from fear
– Complacent/unsuspecting
– Trusting in their defenses
– At peace (false sense of security)
Question: Does Israel dwell “securely” today?
Arguments it’s not yet fulfilled:
– Israel is constantly under threat
– Surrounded by enemies
– Missile defense systems running
– Mandatory military service
– Can’t be described as “quiet people dwelling securely”
Arguments it could be fulfilled:
– Israel is more secure than any time in history
– Abraham Accords normalized relations with Arab states
– Military dominance over neighbors
– Economic prosperity
– Could become complacent trusting in own strength
Most likely: Israel will experience a period of relative peace/security before this invasion—possibly after a false peace treaty or regional stabilization.
3. “In the latter years” / “latter days”
“In the latter years you will go” (Ezekiel 38:8)
“In the latter days” (Ezekiel 38:16)
This indicates end times, before Christ’s return.
Three Main Views on Timing
View 1: Before the Tribulation
The invasion happens before the 7-year tribulation begins.
View 2: Early in the Tribulation
The invasion happens in the first half of the 7-year tribulation.
View 3: At the End of the Millennium
Revelation 20:7-10 mentions “Gog and Magog” attacking after the 1,000-year reign.
Most scholars hold View 1 or 2—the invasion happens before or during the tribulation, not after the millennium (Revelation 20 may be a different event with the same name).
How Will It End?
This is the most important part: God supernaturally destroys the invaders.
God’s Judgment on the Coalition
1. Great earthquake
“On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.”
— Ezekiel 38:19
2. Infighting among the invaders
“I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord GOD. Every man’s sword will be against his brother.”
— Ezekiel 38:21
3. Plague
“With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him.”
— Ezekiel 38:22
4. Torrential rains, hailstones, fire, sulfur
“And I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur.”
— Ezekiel 38:22
5. Total destruction
“I will strike your bow from your left hand, and will make your arrows drop out of your right hand. You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your hordes and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.”
— Ezekiel 39:3-4
Result: 5/6 of the invading army destroyed (Ezekiel 39:2).
Cleanup After the Battle
Ezekiel 39:9-16 describes the aftermath:
– Israelis burn enemy weapons for 7 years (39:9-10)
– Burial of the dead takes 7 months (39:11-16)
– Valley of Hamon-gog becomes burial site
This is not symbolic. This is literal judgment.
What This Means for Iran
1. Iran WILL Be Part of This Coalition
“Persia” is explicitly named. There’s no way around it.
Iran will attack Israel as part of a multinational coalition.
2. Iran’s Military Will Be Destroyed
When God judges the coalition, Iran’s forces will be destroyed along with the others.
This could mean:
– Complete destruction of IRGC
– Annihilation of military leadership
– Loss of most combat-capable forces
3. Iran’s Current Hostility Is Positioning
Iran’s current threats against Israel aren’t random. They’re positioning Iran exactly where prophecy said it would be.
God is using:
– Islamic ideology (hatred of Jews)
– Nuclear ambitions
– Regional alliances (Russia, Turkey)
– Economic desperation
To move Iran into position for Ezekiel 38.
4. God Will Judge Iran’s Leadership
The “king and officials” God promised to destroy (Jeremiah 49:38) may fall in this invasion.
The current regime’s hostility toward Israel may be the very thing that brings about its final judgment.
Current Geopolitical Alignment
Is the coalition forming now?
Russia-Iran Alliance
Ezekiel 38: Magog (Russia) leads, Persia (Iran) joins
Today: Russia and Iran are closely aligned:
– Military cooperation in Syria
– Arms sales (drones, missiles)
– Joint opposition to US/Israel
– Economic partnerships avoiding Western sanctions
– Nuclear technology sharing
This alliance didn’t exist 30 years ago. It exists now.
Turkey’s Shift
Ezekiel 38: Gomer, Beth-togarmah, Meshech, Tubal (Turkey regions) join
Today: Turkey is shifting:
– Away from NATO/West
– Toward Russia/Iran
– Increasingly anti-Israel rhetoric
– Erdoğan embracing Islamic identity over secular Kemalism
Turkey was Israel’s ally. It’s becoming an enemy.
Sudan and Libya
Ezekiel 38: Cush (Sudan), Put (Libya) join
Today: Both are unstable, Islamic-dominated states with:
– Anti-Israel ideologies
– Russian/Turkish influence growing
– Terrorist group presence
– Economic chaos driving desperation
They could easily join an anti-Israel coalition.
Notable Absences
Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE are NOT listed in Ezekiel 38.
Today: These nations have:
– Abraham Accords with Israel (UAE, Bahrain)
– Peace treaty with Israel (Egypt, Jordan)
– Quiet cooperation against Iran (Saudi Arabia)
The nations listed in Ezekiel 38 are aligning. The nations NOT listed are moving toward Israel.
This is exactly what prophecy predicted.
Is June 2025 War Part of Ezekiel 38?
No. Here’s why:
Differences
Scale: Ezekiel 38 is massive coalition. June 2025 was bilateral (Israel vs Iran).
Initiative: Ezekiel 38 has coalition attacking Israel. June 2025 had Israel attacking Iran preemptively.
Outcome: Ezekiel 38 ends with supernatural destruction. June 2025 ended with negotiated ceasefire.
Geography: Ezekiel 38 battle happens on “mountains of Israel” (northern Israel). June 2025 strikes were inside Iran.
Fulfillment: Ezekiel 38 results in Israel recognizing God (39:22). June 2025 didn’t produce this.
But June 2025 May Be Setting the Stage
The June 2025 war may be positioning nations for Ezekiel 38:
– Increased Iran-Russia military cooperation
– Turkey’s rhetoric growing more hostile
– Regional tensions escalating
– Israel’s military superiority demonstrated (which may lead to complacency—”dwelling securely”)
June 2025 wasn’t Ezekiel 38. But it may be a precursor.
How Should Christians Respond?
1. Don’t Sensationalize
Not every Middle East conflict is Ezekiel 38. Not every tension is “THE END.”
Be discerning. Study Scripture. Avoid date-setting.
2. Watch the Alignment
Pay attention to:
– Russia-Iran-Turkey alliance deepening
– Israel’s security situation
– Prophetic markers being fulfilled
We don’t know the day or hour, but Jesus told us to watch (Matthew 24:42).
3. Pray for Both Israel and Iran
For Israel:
– Protection from enemies
– Salvation through recognition of Messiah
– Fulfillment of God’s promises
For Iran:
– Fall of the regime before they lead millions to destruction
– Salvation of the Iranian people
– Spiritual awakening to accelerate
Remember: Iranian believers are our brothers and sisters. Millions of Iranians oppose their regime. We’re not praying against the Iranian people—we’re praying for their salvation.
4. Trust God’s Sovereignty
Ezekiel 38-39 isn’t about nations running wild. It’s about God orchestrating history for His glory.
“So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”
— Ezekiel 38:23
God will use this invasion to:
– Vindicate His name
– Demonstrate His power
– Judge the wicked
– Save Israel
– Reveal Himself to the world
Even in judgment, God is working salvation.
5. Share the Gospel
If we’re in the latter days, time is short. People need to hear about Jesus.
Iranian underground believers are doing this. Are we?
God’s Ultimate Purpose
Why does God allow this invasion?
“And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.”
— Ezekiel 39:7
Purpose: God will reveal Himself so powerfully that:
– Israel will recognize Him (Ezekiel 39:22)
– The nations will know He is LORD (Ezekiel 38:23, 39:7)
– His name will be vindicated (Ezekiel 36:22-23)
This isn’t about geopolitics. It’s about God’s glory.
Prayer
Father,
You’ve told us what will happen. Nations will attack Israel. You will judge them. You will vindicate Your name.
We pray:
– Fulfill Your Word in Your perfect timing
– Save millions of Iranians before that day
– Protect Israel from her enemies
– Reveal Yourself to both Israel and Iran
– Use even judgment to bring people to salvation
– Vindicate Your holy name
– Keep us watchful and faithful
You are sovereign over all nations. Do what You have promised.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sources
Scripture
- Ezekiel 38-39; Revelation 20:7-10; Matthew 24:42
Prophetic Background
- Multiple evangelical commentaries on Ezekiel 38-39
- Articles on Gog/Magog invasion timing
Geopolitical Analysis
- Russia-Iran military cooperation reports
- Turkey’s shifting foreign policy
- Abraham Accords implications
Theological Foundation
- God’s sovereignty over nations (Daniel 2:21) – Savage Mercies Library
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