As Christians, we believe the Bible is God’s true and living Word. When we look at the world today, wars, political tension, growing hatred, and fear among nations, we are reminded of what Scripture says about the last days. Many believers ask: Are the events we see in global politics connected to Bible prophecy?
Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 give us an important prophetic picture of the end times. These chapters do not exist to scare us, but to strengthen our faith, remind us that God is in control, and prepare us to live holy and watchful lives as we wait for Christ’s return.
Understanding Ezekiel 38–39 as Christians
Ezekiel was a prophet chosen by God to speak to Israel during a time of exile. In chapters 38 and 39, God reveals a future event that will take place near the end of the age.
The prophecy speaks about:
Gog, a future leader moved by pride and evil intentions
Magog and other nations forming a powerful alliance
A sudden attack against Israel, God’s covenant land
God Himself stepping in to defend His people
A final defeat that brings glory to God’s name
For us, this prophecy shows that history is moving toward God’s planned conclusion.
Israel and God’s Covenant Plan
The Bible makes it clear that Israel has a special place in God’s redemptive plan. Ezekiel describes Israel as restored to the land after long suffering and living with a sense of security.
Today, Israel exists again as a nation and remains at the center of global attention. This strongly reminds believers of God’s faithfulness to His promises. While we must avoid political extremes, we cannot ignore that Scripture consistently places Israel at the center of end-time events.
As Christians, we see this not as politics alone, but as God working through history to fulfill His Word.
Modern Political Alliances Similar to Ezekiel 38–39
Ezekiel 38 describes many nations joining together against Israel. Below are the nations and their alliances:
1. Russia–Iran–Turkey Cooperation
(Often linked to “Gog, Magog, Persia, and Togarmah”)
Why it is noted:
Russia, Iran, and Turkey have cooperated militarily and politically, particularly in Syria and the broader Middle East.
All three oppose Western influence and NATO expansion.
Each has direct or indirect involvement near Israel’s borders.
Common prophecy associations:
Magog → Often associated with regions north of Israel (linked by some to Russia)
Persia → Ancient name for modern Iran
Togarmah → Often associated with parts of modern Turkey
2. Iran and Its Regional Proxy Network
Key partners and groups:
Hezbollah (Lebanon)
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad
Syrian government
Shiite militias in Iraq
Houthis in Yemen
Why it is noted:
Iran openly calls for Israel’s destruction.
Its proxy forces surround Israel geographically.
Iran supplies weapons, funding, and military training.
Prophecy connection:
Viewed by many as forming a surrounding coalition that could participate in a future large-scale assault on Israel.
3. Russia–China Strategic Partnership
Why it is noted:
Deepening military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation.
Joint resistance to U.S.-led global order.
Shared interest in reducing Western dominance.
Prophecy relevance:
China is not named in Ezekiel.
Some interpret China as a powerful eastern partner that could support a northern coalition indirectly.
4. BRICS Alliance
(Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa — plus newer members)
Why it is noted:
Designed to counter Western-dominated financial systems.
Expanding influence in global trade, energy, and currency alternatives.
Operates increasingly outside U.S. and EU control.
Prophecy relevance (indirect):
Signals a shift away from Western dominance.
Creates conditions for large non-Western coalitions acting independently of Europe and the U.S.
5. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Includes:
China, Russia, Iran, and multiple Central Asian nations
Why it is noted:
Focuses on military, intelligence, and security cooperation.
Covers vast territories north and east of Israel.
Coordinates defense strategies among authoritarian states.
Prophecy relevance:
Reflects a multi-nation alignment similar to Ezekiel’s description—built on shared interests rather than shared values.
6. Shifting Arab–Israeli Relationships
Examples:
Abraham Accords (Israel with UAE, Bahrain, Morocco)
Quiet security cooperation with Saudi Arabia and others
Why it is noted:
Israel experiencing periods of normalization and reduced regional isolation.
Some Arab states prioritize economic growth and shared security concerns over hostility toward Israel.
Prophecy connection:
Ezekiel describes Israel as living in “unwalled villages”, often interpreted as a time of relative confidence or reduced immediate threat.
7. Declining Western Unity and Influence
Why it is noted:
Political division within NATO and the EU.
War fatigue and internal polarization.
Reduced appetite for long-term Middle Eastern military engagement.
Prophecy relevance:
Ezekiel 38 describes limited protest, not decisive intervention, from other nations during the invasion.
Summary Table
Modern Alignment Why It Is Watched
Russia–Iran–Turkey Resembles northern coalition pattern
Iran + proxies Persistent, organized hostility toward Israel
Russia–China Major shift in global power balance
BRICS Economic bloc outside Western control
SCO Large eastern/northern security alignment
Arab–Israel normalization Israel dwelling more securely
Weak Western response Matches limited resistance in Ezekiel 38
God Fights for His People
Apart from the end time, one of the strongest messages in Ezekiel 38–39 is that God Himself defends Israel. Victory does not come through human weapons, but through God’s mighty power.
God brings:
Confusion among enemy armies
Earthquakes and natural disasters
Judgment that reveals His holiness
For us, it reminds us that our trust should never be in governments or armies, but in the Lord alone.
“The battle is the Lord’s.” (1 Samuel 17:47).
A Call to Watchfulness and Faithfulness
Jesus told His followers to watch and pray, not to fear or speculate. End-time prophecy should lead us to:
Stronger faith
Deeper prayer
Holy living
Greater love for others
Urgent sharing of the Gospel
Ezekiel 38–39 reminds us that time is moving toward God’s final victory and Christ’s return.
Conclusion
Ezekiel 38–39 shows us that the chaos in today’s global politics is not random. It fits within God’s larger plan for the end times. As Christians, we are not called to panic, but to trust, remain faithful, and keep our eyes on Christ.