Ezekiel 38:8 (NKJV)
After many days
you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of
those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the
mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out
of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely.
This verse is key
in that this time is when Israel has been regathered from the time of
war (World War II and the Holocaust) and the dispersion. The Land of Israel was
also desolate, but it has been renewed and the Israelis have
lived in security. Some take issue with this and have said that since
Israel is not now at peace (as of 7/13/06) and Russia is not
presently involved, that therefore it cannot develop into Gog and
Magog since it seems to fail on technicalities. However, I believe the security
spoken of in Ezekiel has been especially from 1973 to 2006 where
no invasion has taken place. The emphasis is also on a peaceable people,
which I believe is true since Israel has only defended herself. The mentioned security
is also right after they were brought out of the nations, so I would not
try to void the significance of their security all of these years.
I believe this is the big picture here and it is in error to
over analyze the passage to make it of no effect. To me it is harder to
say this is not the start of Gog and Magog. Only a few players have not
yet aligned themselves--at least publicly. That Israel's security is failing
should sound the alarm that the foretold war is in motion. I believe
the pieces will soon come into place, especially after the Rapture. I will
be watching at least for the time being...
The 9th of
Av may prove interesting (8/3/06) since it is the day when WW1 began.
Also, a big thank
you to those of you who have read the book and have encouraged me.
To be continued
. . .
In Christ,
Daniel Matson