Gog and Magog

Deception and fearmongering were key strategies used by Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe in his rise to power. When he didn’t receive any votes in one of his provinces, he coordinated the killing of over 20,000 civilians by making up stories of treason. Over three million Zimbabweans lost jobs, homes, and work during his time as president. Even his “land reform program” amounted to bulldozing villages that voiced any dissent.

The biggest of all dictators is Satan, who, after a thousand years to ponder his colossal crimes against humanity, was released for “a little while.” You might think he would learn his lesson—but, no, he immediately goes “out to deceive the nations.” His rebellion against God will never change; with the resurrection of the wicked, his spirit is revived to make one last attempt to overthrow God’s kingdom.

The words “Gog and Magog” are used by Ezekiel to denote a coalition against God’s people after the Jewish exile. Gog is a cruel king of Magog—an unknown historical character—who planned to attack the restored nation. “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him” (Ezekiel 38:2). And then, “I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in security in the coastlands. Then they shall know that I am the LORD” (39:6).

Knowing if there was indeed a historical Gog and Magog is beside the point in our text today. What Ezekiel was emphasizing is that an evil dictator would rally a cruel army to make a final attack on Israel after their restoration, particularly during a time in which God’s people were enjoying His blessings. This is exactly the scenario that John sees occurring after the millennium—a vast army of all the wicked under the leadership of Satan will gather to attack spiritual Israel, who are inside the New Jerusalem.

O Lord, protector of Your people, I am safe in Your hands from all who would attack me. I choose to live in obedience under Your care.

For Further Study: Genesis 22:17; Ezekiel 38, 39; Revelation 16:14, 16

Key Bible Texts

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (Revelation 20:8 KJV)