Ezekiel 38-39 – Russia! Russia! Russia?

A future confederation of nations, believed by many to be led by Russia, will invade Israel.

Ezekiel 38-39
Pastor Gene Pensiero
Series: Cry Me A River (Ezekiel)

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Join us for another installment in our ongoing Bible study series through the book of Ezekiel! In “Ezekiel 38-39 – Russia! Russia! Russia?”, we delve into one of the most discussed and debated Bible prophecies concerning the end times: the mysterious invasion of Israel. This deep dive is designed for Bible students, those interested in Christianity, and anyone seeking to understand Bible prophecy in greater detail.

Many speculate about the identity of the nations and the timing of the events described in Ezekiel 38-39. With the current global climate, especially the “drone war” and even surprising military tactics like Russia utilizing horses, some might jump to conclusions. However, as we examine the text, we will see that identifying “Rosh,” “Meshech,” and “Tubal” with modern-day Russia and its cities, while popular, relies heavily on pronunciation and lacks strong historical and linguistic support. We seek to approach this Bible study with careful consideration, acknowledging the complexities and avoiding dogmatic interpretations, as even respected scholars like Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum highlight the difficulty of these passages.

Our aim is to un-dogmatically explore the indications within Ezekiel 38-39 that suggest this conflict may align with events at the very end of the Millennial Kingdom, just before the New Heaven and New Earth. We will carefully read and discuss verses 1-6, identifying the possible locations of “Magog,” “Persia,” “Ethiopia,” “Libya,” “Gomer,” and “Togarmah,” and why connecting “Rosh” to Russia is more speculative than some assume.

Beyond the geographical and timing debates, this sermon and Bible study will also take a devotional pause to consider the powerful concept of God putting “hooks in the jaws” of invaders, drawing them to Israel for His glory. We’ll draw parallels to the story of Job and Satan, revealing how God uses seemingly adverse situations to showcase His faithfulness through His servants. This section offers a moment of inspiration for those grappling with burdens, reminding us that even in difficult circumstances, God is at work.

We will then return to the text, examining Ezekiel 38:7-12, where Israel is depicted dwelling safely in “unwalled villages” during “latter years,” having been “brought back from many people.” This peaceful setting, which goes beyond modern defense systems like the Iron Dome, strongly suggests a post-Tribulation, Millennium context. We’ll also consider Ezekiel 38:13-23, noting the global scale of God’s judgment and the “era-ending” effects described.

A crucial point of discussion will be Ezekiel 39:9-10, which describes the burning of ancient weapons like “bows and arrows” for seven years. This seemingly anachronistic detail, often ridiculed by critics, may in fact be key to understanding the “when” of this prophecy. We will contrast this with the prophecy in Isaiah about beating swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4) and Joel’s description of beating plowshares into swords (Joel 3:10), offering insights into the type of weaponry present at this future time.

Finally, we will connect Ezekiel 38-39 with Revelation chapter 20, where John also speaks of “Gog and Magog” being released at the end of the Millennium for a final battle. We’ll explore how these two accounts, from different biblical authors, may describe the same event from different perspectives, supporting a literal interpretation. This Calvary Chapel style Bible study humbly seeks to present a cohesive understanding of these challenging yet encouraging Bible prophecies. As we conclude, we remember that these chapters were originally given to encourage a scattered people, reminding us that Christians have a hope that comes from the future.

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Prophecy Update #827 – Home (Almost) Alone

Israel becoming a nation again, being re-gathered to the Holy Land from all over the world, are the fulfillment of many prophecies. Not vague, predictions, or hopes, but very exact prophecies.

Pastor Gene Pensiero

Find audio, video, and text of hundreds of other prophecy updates at: https://calvaryhanford.com/prophecy

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Welcome to Prophecy Updates #826, our ongoing series where we prayerfully examine current world events through the lens of Bible prophecy. In this session, “Home (Almost) Alone,” we delve into a critical sign of the Last Days: the alarming global rise of antisemitism. As Bible students and those interested in Christianity and the end times, we seek to understand these trends in light of God’s Word.

Jesus himself warned that His followers would be “hated by all nations” for His name’s sake, and Zechariah 12:3 speaks of Jerusalem becoming a “heavy stone for all peoples.” These Bible prophecies paint a clear picture of escalating hatred towards the Jewish people. In this Bible study, we humbly present recent statistical conclusions that underscore this reality. Reports from May 2025 reveal a staggering 340% to 450% increase in anti-Semitic incidents worldwide in 2024, with significant surges in the UK, France, Australia, Canada, and Germany. The ADL also highlights the normalization of antisemitism through anti-Israel rhetoric and Holocaust denial. In the U.S., ADL data shows a 360-477% increase in incidents post-October 2023, particularly impacting college campuses, leading to a decline in personal safety for many Jews. These statistics, while sobering, affirm the accuracy of Bible prophecy.

We also consider the miraculous re-gathering of the Jewish people to the Holy Land in 1948, a clear fulfillment of numerous specific prophecies. This event sets the stage for future end times events, including the Great Tribulation, also known as the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble,” which will focus on Israel’s ultimate salvation at Jesus’ Second Coming.

A key aspect of our Bible study focuses on the resurrection and rapture of the church. We hold to the belief that this is an imminent event, meaning no further prophecies need to be fulfilled before it can occur. While the Great Tribulation is a future event designed for Israel’s salvation, Revelation 3:10 provides comfort that the church will be kept out of this intense period.

As we consider these prophecy updates and end times signs, a vital question emerges for all Christians and those exploring Bible prophecy: “Are you ready for the Rapture?” We encourage you to seek readiness, remain watchful, and keep looking up. Whether you are a long-time student of Calvary Chapel teachings or new to Bible prophecy, we pray this video is a blessing as you seek to understand God’s plan. Ready or not, Jesus is coming!

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