Satan Released to Deceive the Nations Once More - Page 2 (series: Lessons on Revelation)

by John Lowe
(Woodruff, S.C.)

The names “Gog and Magog”{1] symbolize all the nations of the earth that join together to battle God. Men have not known the arts of war for a thousand years, but now the master craftsmen is back, and it will not take them long to learn. Noah’s son, Japheth, had a son named Magog (Genesis 10:2). Ezekiel presented Gog, of the land of Magog, as a leader of forces against Israel (Ezekiel 38-39). This comparison is used in Revelation, as is so much other Old Testament prophecy, because of the similarity of evil forces battling against God’s people and God’s cataclysmic victory. In Ezekiel 37, Ezekiel revealed how Israel (God’s people) would be restored to their land from many parts of the world. Once Israel became strong a confederacy of nations from the north would attack, led by Gog of the land of Magog (Ezekiel 38:1-2{3]). Their purpose would be to destroy God’s people. It might be that Gog will be a person, or Gog might also symbolize all the evil in the world. Whether symbolic or literal Gog represents the aggregate military might of all the forces opposed to God. Many say that the battle Ezekiel described will occur at the end of human history, but there are many differences between the events described in Ezekiel and the final battle of Revelation 20. For instance, the army in Ezekiel 38-39, invades from the north, while this one comes from the “four corners of the earth.” These two events are related, however, inasmuch as in both battles, Israel is the focal point. In this case, Jerusalem (“beloved city,” Psalms 78:68; 87:2) will be the target. God will deal with this revolt very quickly and efficiently, and Satan will be cast into hell. Regardless of when this battle will occur, the message is clear: God will deliver His people. No enemy (even an enemy from the “four corners of the earth” and as numerous as the “sands of the sea” will be able to stand against His mighty power.


Scriptures and Special Notes

[1} The “Gog and Magog” here are not necessarily the Gog and Magog of Ezekiel 38-39. While the names are the same, the conflicts differ as to time, location, and participants. The battles, however, are the same in nature, that is, Satan inspires men to war against God. The war in Ezekiel 38-39 relates to Gog and Magog I, and the reference here in Revelation 20:8 is to Gog and Magog II. Although the names are the same this is a different war, the last rebellion of Satan. Just because the two events involve the same names does not mean they are the same.
[2} “Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.” (Isaiah 60:21).
[3} “And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him” (Ezekiel 38:1-2).