End Times Prophecy: Which Nations Will Come Against Israel?

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As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, interest in biblical prophecy has surged—especially surrounding the fate of Israel in the “last days.” For many Bible readers, Ezekiel 38-39 stands out as a key chapter, pointing to a time when a coalition of nations will rise against Israel.
Thousands of years ago, the prophet Ezekiel described a coming invasion involving multiple countries that, remarkably, align with modern geopolitical entities today.
Ezekiel 38:2-6 reads, “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal… Persia, Cush, and Put are with them… Gomer and all its troops… Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.’” These names, while ancient, are widely interpreted by scholars to represent present-day nations.
So, who are these nations?
- Magog, Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal: These are typically associated with Russia and parts of Turkey. “Magog” is believed to be a northern nation, and many scholars identify it with Russia, citing both geography and historical records.
- Persia: The name was officially changed to Iran in 1935. As a prominent nation in today’s Middle East, Iran has long opposed Israel and maintains open hostility toward the Jewish state.
- Cush (or Ethiopia): This refers to regions south of Egypt, corresponding to modern-day Sudan.
- Put: Historically linked to North Africa, most agree this represents Libya today.
- Gomer and Togarmah: Often interpreted as parts of modern-day Turkey, particularly the regions in the north and west.
Together, these nations form a prophetic alliance that will, according to Scripture, invade Israel “in the latter years.” Notably, Ezekiel 38:8 describes Israel as “a land restored from war, gathered from many nations,” aligning with the modern rebirth of Israel in 1948 after nearly 2,000 years of diaspora.
Today, we see many of these nations forming new partnerships, especially with Russia playing a central role in Middle Eastern diplomacy and military operations. These developments echo the ancient text, raising the question: Are we witnessing the early signs of Ezekiel’s prophecy being fulfilled?
Further insight is offered in Zechariah 12:2-3, where the Lord declares, “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling… and all the nations of the earth shall be gathered together against it.” The passage speaks of a time when the global consensus will shift dramatically against Israel. Some believe we are already beginning to see the early signs, especially as support for Israel appears to wane in global institutions and mainstream narratives.
In Revelation 16, the apostle John foresees a gathering of the kings of the world at Armageddon, pointing to a final global conflict centered in Israel. While interpretations vary, many agree that these passages together highlight a dramatic convergence of world powers against the Jewish nation.
Whether these events unfold in our lifetime remains unknown. But for believers, prophecy offers a reminder: God is sovereign, and His word is trustworthy. As Scripture unfolds, it calls us not to fear, but to watch, pray, and stand firm in faith.
*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from aish.com