THE GOG MAGOG WAR - AMERICA'S PLACE IN SCRIPTURE!

INTRODUCTION

As we have watched the world stage over the last decade, we have seen that what was formerly a "taken for granted" idea has been capped into oblivion. The former assumption that America held no place in the scriptures, or in the prophetic end times scenario can no longer be defended when looking at the world stage in 2005. We have pointed to the possible fulfillment of the first two of the seven seals, and we now see the impending arrival of the next two in perfect concert with the scriptures! With here-fore-to unseen and incomprehensible precision, the identity of "THE" end times kingdom is repeatedly manifest! As the unfolding of prophetic scripture attempts to spoon feed American Christianity the reality of America's existence in the world's final days, the Church seems hopelessly unable to see that identification. The positioning of American forces in the middle east "rings no bells" for the American Christian, as he argues that this is a holy nation.

There are some important Maps associated with this Article. Guy from the Tribnet pointed out that it will be difficult to scroll back and fourth between the text you are reading and those maps, so I recommend that before you start reading the article, or when you reach each map, that you right click on each of the Maps, and choose "Print Picture" from your menu. This will only be useful if you have a color printer, since color is a big part of what the maps show.

This way you could hold the maps in your hand as you read the article, and it might be easier to follow the scenario we are drawing here. If you don't have a color printer, (color will be needed for this to make sense) you could bring up the maps in a separate browser, and "Alt + Tab" back and fourth. I have created a separate page with just the maps on it for this purpose

The Maps Are here

THE "BLESSED HOPES" OF AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY!

Resting his faith on one of his "Blessed Hopes" of being raptured by the Lord prior to the time when the Church will make it's greatest and most powerful testimony for the Lord Jesus since the time of the Apostles, he feels no need to spend any time at all pondering the end times Prophecies. The average Christian believes in one of his other "Blessed Hopes" that like America, he "gets a by" on all that "terrible stuff". While proclaiming that "his God would not put him through that", without realizing it he slaps straight across the face every faithful martyr that has died for this faith since our Lord ascended. Making the fatal mistake of placing the tribulation in a class with God's wrath, (which it most definitely is not), he takes all the uncomfortable thoughts of being tried for his faith, and any "hand wringing" that he feels he will do while reading the prophetic warnings of scripture right out of the equation. Let's ask ourselves this question:

"If we did not so desperately love our lives, would the thought of being tried for our faith, or perhaps even martyred by the Son of Perdition be as dreadful a thought as it now is to the Church?"

This Article is written by those who do not believe that the rapture is going to happen before the tribulation and furthermore, that it is very unwise to assume such an escape will occur. The scripture makes clear that the Church will not suffer God's wrath. The tribulation, the seven seals, and the seven trumpets, are not God's wrath. The vials of God's wrath are exactly that, and it is not "trimming our lamps" brothers and sisters, to assume that anything that involves trial and tribulation is God's wrath. We think it is of PARAMOUNT importance to live in anticipation of Christ's return, and that the study of prophetic scripture as well as general scripture is vital to a state of preparedness for his coming. See our article on the Rapture And The Coming Of The Lord for more information.

GOG MAGOG! PLACES EVERYONE, AND... ROLL EM!

What we will do here is lay out some clear indications of what is happening on the world stage at this time, and why it is important to look at these events. We might also add that some of these events are items that the Church believes are to happen after it has departed, which we think needs some CAREFUL CONSIDERATION by the brethren! Finally, we will again point out what we believe to be the obvious. We will show that America is not a fairytale land that sits on the sidelines of world events and end times prophecy, and gets conveniently scooped out before all the tough stuff takes place. Yes, another 21st century "Blessed Hope" shunned by the word of God.

In order to see the argument that we have been making about America's place in scripture, it is necessary to look at the prophetic scriptures that discuss the end times scenario. What will be taking place in the world at the time of the Lord's coming? If we are at the final hours of history, in addition to the seals, the tribulation, the trumpets, the coming of the Lord and the vials of God's wrath, there are TWO major conflicts that will be taking place. These two end times conflicts are The Gog Magog war, and The Battle of Armageddon. (we do not ignore the assertions of the Prophet Isaiah, which mentions a number of other conflicts, However we feel they are part and parcel to these two conflicts), After the millennial reign of Christ when Satan is released to deceive the nations once more, there will be a third and final conflict. The nations that rise up against the saints reigning in the holy city are burned up by fire from heaven, which really isn't much of a battle at all.

In order to see what we believe to be America's place in scripture, we will concentrate on The Gog Magog War. We believe this war is not only at the door, but the preliminary battles have already been fought and have just recently begun. If one accepts our take on this war, then the Armageddon battle, which takes place with Christ himself leading the armies of heaven, Armageddon and its participants becomes elementary. (Revelation 19: 11-21)

In order to explain my position on these matters, I created 3 maps of the middle east, according to how things are lining up today. Let's call this first map the "pre-positioning map" for the Gog Magog War.

In BLUE I have designated the countries that I believe comprise the nations that make up the kingdoms allied with THE KING OF THE NORTH.
In RED I have marked the countries that I believe comprise the nations that make up the kingdoms allied with THE KING OF THE SOUTH.
In YELLOW, I have designated those nations that are maintaining a neutral posture at this time, although ALL of them will eventually be forced to "make a choice".
In GREEN I have designated those nations that I believe constitute the nations from which the NEWS FROM THE NORTH AND FROM THE EAST comes.

As you can see I have plugged in all the names of the countries, along with certain designations. I will explain my designations here, and talk about some of the scriptures that bring about those deductions for each identity on the "Pre-positioning map".

MAGOG - OF ALL PLACES, WHY TURKEY??

I think it is important to address in short fashion here, why we identify Magog as being in the land of Turkey. As many people already know and understand, when the Prophets spoke from God they often used names of ancient descendants to speak to "nations and peoples and tongues". In the scripture references to the Gog Magog war in Ezekiel 38 and 39, we see all of the names I placed in purple in Turkey except for two. Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, Javan, Togarmah, and of course Magog. Madai and Tiras are not mentioned in Ezekiel. These men were all grandsons and the great-grandsons of Noah, as shown here in Genesis.

Genesis 10:2-5 The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. 3 And the sons of Gomer; Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. 4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

Knowing that the Ark landed according to Genesis 8:4, on Mount Ararat in Turkey, it doesn't take a stretch of the imagination to realize that the first generations from Noah settled in the region surrounding that landing. After all with only two horses, they weren't going very far right? It was the descendants of these men that spread out over the middle east and world wide. Don't forget, the world was repopulated after the flood from the land of Turkey. Since the Prophet is speaking to peoples and nations that would exist thousands of years in the future, he is given their ancient ancestral identifications (after the flood I might add), as a means by which to identify them. These deductions have been affirmed again and again, by scholar after scholar giving expositions on the meaning of Magog. After naming all of these bloodlines, the scriptures identify these folks spiritually...

Genesis 10:5... By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

THE KING OF THE NORTH

As you can see I have listed a number of nations in the grouping named as the KING OF THE NORTH. As you can also see, by way of the purple scriptural designations of the peoples named in the MAGOG verses of scripture, this is where these designations come from.

Turkey, Azerbaijan, and all of the "Stans" make up what I believe will prove to be Magog and his allies. I am including those whom we believe will ally themselves with the King of the North. Magog is Turkey, the others will be his allies.
Because "TUBAL", and "MESHECH", have been incontestably located on the eastern coast of the black sea in Turkey cradling Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, this is why I place them in the nations that eventually ally with the North.
I believe that Turkmenistan will ally with Turkey and as a result, it's close neighbors, Uzbekistan, and the rest of the "Stans" will follow, especially as "Jihad" becomes clear. These are Muslim nations, (more on that later). This is also becoming evident, as The Uzbekistan Authorities have asked the US to pull all Military equipment and men from their land. .
You may be wondering why I didn't mention Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Authority yet. I will shortly but first, the scriptural references to the KING OF THE NORTH.

(The following scripture references are taken from The King James Version, Please read these important verses of scripture).

Genesis 10:2-5 As I said previously, The exact identification of the of the sons of Noah and his grandsons in the Prophecy concerning the Gog Magog War give the justification for the identification of Turkey as Magog.
Ezekiel 38 and 39 The Designations from Genesis coupled with some of the "Northern" language in these two chapters, pinpoint to a startling degree the location and identity of Magog and it's allies, which participate in the War described in Ezekiel and Daniel.
Daniel 11 Travels through the Persian and Greek empires into the Roman empire. in Daniel 11:28 The Roman empire seems to "return to his land". (recedes from expanding) Daniel 11:29 Marks the beginning of the "end times" part of the prophecy, supported by Daniel 11:40. This is where the Roman empire returns, and is pictured IN BETWEEN the kings of the North and South. (more on the "returned Roman" empire later also I do not see this as a "returned" or even a "revived" Roman empire. This is in fact THE continued in one form or another, same Empire (descendant wise) that ruled the world in Jesus day)

GOG?

We have every reason to believe that the "Gog" mentioned in this end times scenario is an Angelic being or a principality, which is over the Land of Magog (Turkey). The same language is used to describe this Gog as is used to describe a few other beings in scripture. The Prince of Persia, which hindered the bearer of this very prophecy from coming to Daniel was described as a Prince. In the same section of scripture, the bearer of this prophecy mentions two other Princes also. The Prince of Grecia, and Michael one of the chief princes. This creates a context in these end times prophecies, where "Prince" is a term used to describe Angelic hosts given charge over certain areas, seemingly whether they are in rebellion or not...

Daniel 10:12-21 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. 15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. 16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. 18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. 20 Then said he, know thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. 21 But I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that withholds with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

Here we see the reasons to believe that Gog, the Chief Prince of Meshech and Tubal, is the angelic host given charge over the land of Magog (Turkey). I do not believe that Gog is a country, nation, or a man on the earth. Gog is an Angel in rebellion against God, who had been given charge over Turkey, that will be cast down in the end! Another interesting point made here is that Michael the Ark Angel is the Angel given charge over Israel, since he is referred to as "your Prince" by someone talking to Daniel.

ROSH?

"Rosh" was one of the sons of Benjamin, (Genesis 46:21), and we know that these men ended up in Egypt. I know most folks place Rosh as Russia, given the name similarity. I don't believe this. After searching around quite extensively and trying to place "Rosh" based on the fact that there was a man named Rosh who was the son of Benjamin, I came across what I believe is the answer. The word rosh is a Hebrew word that has a few meanings. Here is the definition as given by the online encyclopedia, "Wickipedia" Rosh is a Hebrew word meaning "head", "beginning". The root letters (shoresh) of the word are Resh/Aleph/Shin. It is, therefore, the root of the first word in the Bible: Bereishit (Genesis 1:1), meaning "in (be-) the beginning". Alternatively, it can mean "chief" (e.g. Ezek. 38:2,3; 39:1). Here reference is made to the very scriptures we are dealing with. So when certain translations say: "I am against you Gog, chief Prince of Meshech and Tubal.." I think the word Rosh appeared in the original text as the word meaning "chief". In the Contemporary English Translation, the verses read as follows: Ezekiel, son of man, condemn Gog, that wicked ruler of the kingdoms of Meshech and Tubal, in the land of Magog. What I am saying is that the word "ROSH" existing in the Hebrew text was not a reference to the son of Benjamin, and therefore a designation of a tribe or nation, but rather it was an adjective describing Gog as the CHIEF prince of Meshech and Tubal, in the land of Magog. So as a result of these findings, you will not see a location designated as "Rosh" on any of my maps here. However, you WILL see a VERY important designation for Russia who we believe is in fact a serious player in the end times scenario.

THE KING OF THE SOUTH

The King of the South is easier to identify than the king of the North, primarily because the nations in that designation have mostly kept their original names...

Ezekiel 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.

Throughout the Ezekiel 38 and 39 prophecy are the kings of the North and South identified. Iran, Libya, Ethiopia, as well as the ancient designations of Cush, (Sudan) and Egypt. This represents the joining together in the end times of the Kings of the North and South against the "returned?" Roman Kingdom dwelling in between them. I believe that as this War gets under way, both the northern and southern "Kings" will expand quite considerably, as the "neutral" kingdoms are forced to "take sides". I believe this will eventually include all of the southern Muslim nations, with the possible exception of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman. However, I believe it will include all of the northern Muslim nations.

IRAN, SYRIA, LEBANON, and PALESTINE

Now let's discuss Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. I believe that unbeknownst to the average person in the world, the war in Iran has already begun. Not the major operations, but the preliminary ones. There are daily "rumors of war" emerging from Iran, as American forces have been running recon missions over Iranian airspace, and Iran is running combat operations over the border in Iraq. Iran is marked in red on the map, and I do see it as part of the Kings of the North and South mentioned in Ezekiel 38:5, but I believe that it is amongst the first to be brought down, along with Syria, and Lebanon. I believe Iran will mark the real "ramping up", and the momentum building operation that will see the full scale engagement that is the Gog Magog War. The fall of Syria and Lebanon, which I will provide scripture for shortly, do not matter if they happen before or after Iran. They will assuredly happen, and the destruction of these three will show the "Under-way Map" that I will use to show the most astounding reality of this Article, especially astounding for Christians in America.

Our good friends over at the Tribulation Network, have taught us much of the Gog Magog scenario, and we bear witness to their in-depth articles on the subject. As Doug Krieger once said, "There will always be different little nuances in each of our interpretations, but we all agree that the Gog Magog War is upon us." You may see this over here, I may see that over there, but at the end of the day it all comes up that the hope of our salvation is nigh, even at the door! This bit on Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine is truly a well learned truth from their articles. The destruction of Syria is a clearly foretold event, and we believe that it will occur pretty much at the outset of the Iranian operations of this War. I personally think America will let Israel handle its light work here. Damascus will be a "ruinous heap"... Compliments of Israel.

Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

This prophecy concerning Syria is clear, and so are it's allegiances for the War that is beginning to take shape in the middle east. I don't think I'll have to argue this point with many who know the word. Lebanon is for all intents and purposes already taken out of the equation. Notice how on this map of Israel above that "Tyre and Sidon" are Located where Lebanon is today? This is why you see so many references in the articles on our network that relate Tyre and Sidon to the kingdom of the Son of Perdition. Some have said how can you use scriptural references to Babylon, Tarshish, AND Tyre and Sidon, and try to make them point to America, when each of these are different places and entities? Well the Gog Magog War is one of the reasons! Soon ALL of the mentioned lands will be under American control, and this is how they are drawn into common scriptural reference.

I believe Lebanon will suffer a barrage of "terrorist attacks" which will conform the "will of the people", (as America will describe it), of that land to seek protection from the West. Even if the majority of people in that nation do not wish for this, it will be a western occupied or controlled nation soon. When 50,000 Lebanese came out to protest the occupation of Syrian troops after the bombing murder of Hariri, it was broadcast world wide. However, when 10 days later 500,000 Lebanese came out IN SUPPORT of Syrian troop presence, the story barely made an international news depot. So Lebanon will soon be a black mark on the middle-eastern map, as I will show in the second, or "Under-way Map". It seems clear that the operations against Syria have already begun as well, since American forces have set up bases along it's border with Iraq. Fighting is underway, but as I stated earlier, whether before or after Iran is inconsequential. I recently spoke to a woman who's son is stationed in Iraq. I will not giver her name. Her son was home on leave, and although he was unable to giver her details on the assignment he would be carrying out when he went back he did say "Mom, regardless of what the media is saying to the contrary, we are definitely preparing operations against Syria" as he indicated that he would be returning to the area around that border.

As is clearly being shown on the world stage today, the Palestinian Authority has no ability to keep it's people from attacking Israel, and soon it will cost them their lives, and their country's existence. I think the disengagement plan is a clear step in that direction. As the people of Palestine are "separated" from the Israelites, there will be a military destructive option on the table for Israel. I think it was Bill here at 11th Hour who said; "You can't kill the Palestinians if the people of your own country are intermingled with them". I feel that this separation is necessary for the Israeli government at this time, since it seems clear that Palestinians will continue to attack Israel. It would also explain the mass release of Israel's Palestinian prisoners. The two state option suggested by the quartet has been rejected in one way or another by both parties, and the PLO will definitely not have the upper hand in that debate! To me this, (the destruction of Palestine), could be the "public" or "international" reason why "The Willful King" eventually turns his back on Israel. So I believe that Palestine may exist throughout the Gog Magog War, fighting it's lonely little battles with Israel. (Although I am inclined to believe that they will see their end in the same instance as Syria). Then, after the war is over if Palestine is still waging its war on Israel, Israel will destroy them. In light of the Roadmap to peace, this will anger the Willful king, and it will become the impetus for the betrayal. Either way, I see the reality of Palestine's destruction on the horizon.

Iran (Persia) is of course a huge player in this scenario, in that it is described among the nations identified by Ezekiel 38:5 as the King of the south, yet it is clear that it will soon follow the path of Iraq (Babylon). American forces will quickly and decisively bring the land of Iran under western control. This section on Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and the P.A. brings us to the second Map I have made up, and it represents what I say will be the layout of the land as the Gog Magog war gets under way. Here is the second Map...

GOG MAGOG WHEN THE WAR IS UNDER WAY

The following is what we feel will transpire as the Gog Magog war is in full view on the world stage. As in the Map above, or the "Pre-positioning Map". the color coding of the Map is the same: BLUE, for the alliance of the North, RED for the alliance of the South, YELLOW remains neutral, and GREEN remains as the places from which News From The North And The East comes. Here in the "Under Way Map", you can see some of the most astounding things that this article was written to address. Let's take a look at that Map, and let's talk about this color coding here for a few minutes...

As you can see, and as I have stated earlier, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Jordan have joined the black bold designations. Syria will cease to be a city, which will bring it to the "ruinous heap". Lebanon, after a series of terror attacks and unrest will eventually also come under American occupation, or "protection". Jordan has made it clear that it will "play ball" in the war on terror, and thus falls under U.S. hegemony. Iran will fall to the American Military most likely if things continue as they appear, shortly after the completion of the American / Israeli base being built right now on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. That scenario could see the "official" operation transpiring in the winter months THIS YEAR, or in the beginning months of next year. As we have said, we still believe that this war has already begun. Here, we see the successful RETURN of the "Roman" empire to CENTER STAGE, between the scripturally designated Kings of the North, and The South! I will discuss the prophecy of this "return" in the section below by that name. I will also clarify on the "Roman empire" item.

Looking at this Map you can see that I have done a few things that some students of the word don't usually do, but I will explain why I have done them. On this map, I have pictured all of the northern Muslim nations as being allied with the King of the North, Gog of Magog. (Turkey). I have also, due to the indisputable location of Meshech and Tubal in the area cradling Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan have added those nations to the northern allies. The Ukraine, with it's historical allegiance to Russia, will most likely ally itself with that nation. Romania and Bulgaria will remain neutral, and will do little more than express opinions on the world stage in my opinion.

Russia, along with the Ukraine, (and possibly Georgia), China, and in my opinion India, will become the source of the "news from the north and the east" that will alarm the "Willful King", and this will be the trigger that will cause him to "Go fourth to annihilate many". (Daniel 11:44)

In the South, I have pictured what I believe to be the inevitable result of this war. I know a lot of folks couldn't conceive of a day when the house of Saud will turn on America. The same could be said of Pakistan, the United Arab Eremites, and Yemen. However, given the very nature of what this war represents, and what the Satanic purposes entangled in it are, I believe that at some point "Jihad" will become apparent to all of Islam, and enough will be enough. In like manner, with the "Just War" against terror now being "revealed" to the West, I feel certain that this will inevitably be a "Nation Against Nation" war. (Mark 13:8). As you can see here, I have all of Islam placed in the groupings of the King of the North, and the King of the South, and I believe this is the picture that is drawn by scripture. I would concede the possibility that Saudi Arabia will not engage America. When Iran gets taken however, I believe we will see a very different posture being taken by the Islamic nations, which will escalate in the months of 2006 and 7, and Satanic forces are going to be more than ready to fuel those spiritual fires!

THE RETURNED ROMAN EMPIRE. THE WILLFUL KING

I feel the most astounding thing that can be noticed here on this "Under Way Map" is the Black Bold designations, running directly across the center of the Middle East! It is resoundingly and ominously clear to this writer that the supposed "non-existent" place that America holds in the end times scenario, is not only existing, but it is in fact CENTRAL and I might add, smack dab in the spot of the "Willful King" so named in the book of Daniel. As America takes the nations that literally stripe the center of the middle east between North and South, as it occupies the ancient land of Babylon, and has its Military forces parked on the banks of the Tigress and the Euphrates rivers, it steps undeniably onto the prophetic world stage, and takes its place!

America no longer enjoys the "Prophetical exclusion" afforded it by most folks for it's geographical location across the ocean, which seems to them not to be mentioned in scripture. This nation's home base being located here means nothing when America has taken the role it has in the Middle East. THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE AMERICA SHOWS UP IN SCRIPTURE!! Any student of the word of God would have to be incredibly blind, or perhaps even taken in delusion, for the events now taking place in the world to escape having VERY significant meaning for him! God's word now, as it has throughout the ages, delivers clear and precise identification of every major nation that has ever existed, including America! I pray that patriotism and love "for our countries", never keeps us from the Revelation of God!

So the top of the Map is BLUE, the bottom of the Map is RED, the neutrals remain YELLOW, and those looming large ahead remain GREEN. So what about this "Willful King"? What about this "return" we discussed earlier? In order to EVEN MORE CLEARLY show America's place in this end times scenario, we need to spend a little time in the book of Daniel. Daniel made some amazingly accurate prophecies concerning the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman empires while he was in captivity in Babylon. In one of those Prophetic utterances concerning those empires, he made some astounding predictions concerning the Roman empire. He discussed the "RETURN" of that empire to it's former expansion in the middle east. Lets take a look at Daniel 11...

In the first 27 verses of Daniel 11, the prophecy includes the Medo-Persian, Greek, and the ancient Roman Empires, (the one that occupied Israel in Jesus' day). In verse 14 of chapter ten, it is made clear that the following vision stretched forth to the end of days...

Daniel 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.

In verse 28 and 29, of chapter 11, a very amazing thing is said about the Roman empire that occupied Israel in Jesus day...

Daniel 11:28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.

Here the Roman empire is said to recede from its expansion, and to go to it's own land, Then...

Daniel 11:29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

What I believe we see in those verses is significant toward understanding the place we see America standing in, in the middle east today. This Roman empire, after having become a great Kingdom, will be to a certain extent, "plucked up" and he will "return to his own land". (Europe) Earlier in verses 3 and 4 he mentions this kingdom...

Daniel 11:3-4 And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.

The Roman empire was actually split in two by Diocletian in approximately 280-290 AD. Ironically, the split created the "Western" Roman Empire, and the "Eastern" Roman Empire. This is probably the fulfillment of that part of Daniel's prophecy, since the Eastern Roman empire was the Byzantine Empire, and the Western Roman empire the European states from which the immigrants that founded this country came from. This constitutes the "Divided unto the four winds" scenario, as the Western Roman Empire spread to this land and over the whole earth. It is not a disputed fact among Biblical scholars that the American phenomenon is clearly a latter days "descendant" of the "Western" Roman empire. This is where the cultural designations come from that we hear on the news, of the "West" and the "East".

But make no mistake about it, this country is a new and different thing than the ancient "Roman Empire", as signified by the "11th horn" description of Daniel 7:8 and 8:9. It "came out" of what was the remnant of the western roman empire, as the immigrants that made up this country came from those nations, but as signified by this "little Horn" which became exceedingly great, this Kingdom is a new and different thing altogether. There is a definite connection though in the verses mentioned here saying that "he will return, and move toward the south". Let's go on to the "end times" part of Daniel's prophecy which we started in verse 27 and 28 of Daniel 11. The following starts from verse 29...

Daniel 11:29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; (expansion) but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

Here is the signification that this is the end times part of Daniel's prophecy which will again be supported by verse 40 below, and is the scenario we describe here...

Daniel 11:36-45 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
38 But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

Again, it is not a disputed fact that the verses you just read of this prophecy was concerning a latter day manifestation/resurgence/revival/extension (as you choose) of the 4th kingdom from Babylon (as per Daniel's vision in the time of Darius the Mede ruler of Babylon) or the Roman Empire that occupied Israel in Jesus day. I feel that America, although a new and different kingdom than the Roman one, remains connected by the fact that it "came out" of, and I might add plucked up 3 of the ten that were connected by lineage or founding to the ancient Roman empire. Continuing...

40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

In the bold text above is another little tidbit: Edom, Moab, and Ammon. You may have noticed on the "Pre-positioning Map" we marked Jordan in gold. I did this, and mentioned that Jordan turns to black bold indicating American hegemony, because it is willing to "play ball" in the war on terror. Edom, Moab, and Ammon is Jordan. We see that Jordan will in fact "escape out of his hand". And it remains clear that the scripture calls it perfectly as usual, far beyond the scheming minds of men.

So we see this "Western Roman Empire" (of the time right after the split of 209AD) will fade away, and do "exploits" (which means borderline miraculous achievements in technology, science, sports, human achievement, etc.), which is clearly what the "West" has done for over a millennium, accelerated exponentially in the last two centuries, (since America was founded). And "at the time appointed he will return and move toward the south" (Daniel 11:29). This is exactly what America is doing today in the middle east. Starting in Iraq, and soon moving through Iran, America has "returned, and moved toward the south", especially since Persia, (Iran) is mentioned in Ezekiel 38:5 as one of the nations in the South. Is it still possible that some Christian reading this can not see America's place being made manifest on a grandiose scale today? Another very important point made in the bolded text above, is that the Willful King WILL come to his end, and when he does, no one will help him. (verse 45) Remember that the glory of God is the final outcome of all these human designs, and Satanic activities, and that glory will not be taken away by the hideous events we describe here. As men, we certainly cannot see the divine and eternal purposes of God, but as promised, we will see his glory in all of this!

HOLY "JIHAD" AND THE AMERICAN "JUST WAR"

As most Christians are aware from their occasional study of prophetic scripture, these end times battles will be "nation against nation", meaning literally "culture against culture". Here is why I believe that the currently neutral kingdoms will at some point "take sides" in this War. The hideous deception that God would have people kill one another in his name, is in full swing throughout Islam and Christianity (on a world scale) today. As a religious sect, radical Islam believes and has believed this deception for centuries. Today as a Church, the Christian faith has also embraced this insanity, only with a pious, imperialistic viewpoint that America somehow is above wrong doing since it is "God's country".

We all in the network spend a lot of time working out the "who's who" of this war, and trying to point out the truth of the coming, inevitable tragedy that is the Gog Magog War, but I believe that the Gog Magog war is far more than those who are involved in it. It is also a Satanic War against humanity, and no one will escape some kind of involvement here. Why a Satanic War against humanity? Satan's desire is to destroy man, and the Gog Magog war presents a formidable opportunity to do so, both spiritually, and physically!

This is going to be a "Holy War" on all sides of the fence, and there is no escaping that fact. The destruction comes primarily from the Spiritual nature of this "Holy War" principle. On the Islamic side, Satan has skillfully deceived Muslims for centuries to believe that killing and bloodshed or "Jihad", is the way to promote Islam, and the Gog Magog war for them will be the ultimate expression of that deception. On the Western side of the equation, Satan has also now deceived modern Christianity into believing that it has a "duty" or a "divine mandate" to free the world from the terror that Islam represents by means of "Just war", which is point in fact the EXACT SAME PRINCIPLE. Could the "strong delusion" of the latter days be exactly this LIE?

All of the kingdoms that are represented in yellow on the "Pre-positioning Map" will in one way or another choose a side. I showed a second Map, which I called the "Under-way Map" for the Gog Magog War, which showed what I believe will transpire during this War.

Spiritual allegiances will eventually over rule reason, logic, and any sense of human decency, as the cultures engage in a battle to the death. This is the Satanic War against humanity, and it seems inevitable that he will win many a heart to this evangelical "revival", to the principles of self preservation, love of life, and "Holy War".

When you look at the map above, do you as an American say to yourself "Turkey? The "Stans"? Egypt, Sudan and Libya?? This is going to be a massacre!" Well you are probably right Brother, or Sister. As I said; reason, logic, and any sense of reality will be lost in the Muslim mind as he marches on to the "end all / be all" of Jihads. It is quite possible that most of Islam as we know it will be wiped out by this war. It rings chilling and eerie, as I remember that the fourth seal of the Book of Revelation talks of the death of a quarter of Humanity...

Revelation 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Is the Gog Magog War in the fourth seal of the apocalypse? I sure think so, but current world events all have an astounding harmony when looked at in this light. Roughly 20 percent of the world population is Muslim. If anyone thinks that another 5 percent couldn't possibly die in the remaining disease, hunger, and by the beasts of the regions they are in are very wrong! Can it be imagined that another 5 percent will ally themselves with Islamic nations? Is it hard to see 25 percent of the human race perishing in such a war? The War now shaping up in the middle east could very easily end up killing one fourth of the world's population. This brings us to the final Map of the three, which I will call the "End Results Map" of the Gog Magog War...

THE AGREEMENT WITH MANY - THE END OF THE GOG MAGOG WAR?

The sad picture that must be drawn here is that All of the nations that are now marked in the bolded black text, are either completely destroyed, or completely under the control of the Willful King. Here, I believe some kind of an agreement is needed, since a treaty of some kind has ended pretty much every major war that has been fought in the world. Also, I think scripture indicates that the winning of this war is the pinnacle of the Son of Perdition's Kingdom, so it makes sense that the items listed here would take place right after the major operations of the Gog Magog War are complete. We have speculated that "The Roadmap to Peace" may be the "agreement with many" spoken of by Daniel the prophet. As I put this article together it becomes clear that whatever "Agreement" that is signed here, (Roadmap to Peace or not), by the nations that have surrendered, by Israel, and by The Willful King, which may also include the surrounding nations that managed to survive this long such as Russia, China, India, and most of the European States, this will in fact be "The Agreement With Many"!

CAVEATS TO THE SCENARIO DRAWN OUT HERE

There are a few caveats lurking in the shadows around some of the countries and designations I have made here. They involve the following nations in my opinion; Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Armenia and Georgia. My reasoning for placing all Muslim nations among the kings of the North and South are obvious, but there are a few facts that show other possibilities. I have read for years that the Saudi leadership are "Westerner wannabes" and that they only put on a Muslim face. If this is the case, what I said before about them not engaging America may come to pass. I am really not sure if the Saudis will enter this war, even in the name of Allah.

I have also been reading reports about Azerbaijan allowing America to build a base in their country. If that is the case, for whatever reason, (maybe the same as the Saudis), Azerbaijan will have decided to join the black bold designations. This being a predominantly Muslim country, that would have seemed unlikely. We will see what happens when the realization sets in that this is a "Nation against Nation" war.

I suspect civil war in the Muslim countries that the leadership sides with the Americans, and Azerbaijan seems like a good candidate for this. Since Uzbekistan has asked America to pull its military out of its country, I think things are being said by America in that region, and decisions are being made by these countries. Like the Ukraine, I wouldn't be too surprised to see Georgia submitting to Russian interests given their close proximity, and I honestly do not know which way Armenia will go in this struggle. I have prepared what I will call "The Caveat Map" which makes some considerations based on these seemingly unpredictable items. It is a variation to the "The Underway Map"...

As you can see, even though I made the adjustments for the possible caveats I mentioned, the situation doesn't change much. Azerbaijan is still on the northern tip of the black bold designations, Georgia goes green, and Armenia and Saudi Arabia remain neutral. I still feel that most of the "Stans" are going to help out their Muslim neighbors when the "Jihad", and "Just War" is fully under way. There is still a strong Islamic base in Saudi Arabia, and it is going to be in real unrest if the Leadership decides not to come to the aid of Islam here, but only time will tell.

Still, when you look at this Map, the primary truth remains in either scenario that represents the "Underway" scene. The Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabian factors, and even the Georgia and Armenia factors don't really bother me at all. Where ever they end up, the point of the article stands. The Willful King has an unbroken position across the center of the Middle east, and the Kings of the North and the South remain in their positions.

There is almost NO WAY to talk ourselves out of the fact that the Gog Magog War mentioned in scripture is shaping up right now on the world stage. This would set the stage for the son of perdition's entrance into the holy land, the agreement with many, "The Abomination of Desolation", the breaking of that agreement after 3.5 years, the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the inevitable destruction of the kingdom of The "Willful King". The word of God will remain true throughout the coming events, and nothing can stop that.

QUESTIONS THAT REMAIN ABOUT THE GOG MAGOG WAR

After reading this article to this point, I anticipate a few questions in the minds of people reading it. I will bring up some of those questions and address them if I can here.

If God is "against Gog of Magog", then wouldn't it be a good thing that America is lining up as the Nation that will destroy that land?

I don't agree with that speculation because every time God judged nations in the history of scripture, he used wayward, powerful, ungodly kingdoms. Babylon was used to judge Israel, Egypt under Pharaoh was used to judge Israel, Rome was used to judge Israel. So I don't necessarily agree that because America will wipe out Magog, that it therefore means that America is a godly nation. If you are asking this question though, I am happy that you at least see that America IS LINING UP AS THAT NATION. A concept most Christians absolutely refuse to consider.

You said earlier that some of the stuff happening in the world now is stuff that a lot of Christians believe are supposed to happen after the rapture of the Church. What are some of those things?

Since the Church seems to place itself in heaven in the third chapter of revelation, the entire description of the "returned king" positioning himself between the Kings of the North and the South described in this article, are supposed to take place after they are gone. This would include everything that has occurred since America took control of ancient Babylon in 2003. The entire war described here and the rise of the Son of Perdition's kingdom, which we assume is among the Seals, would fall at a time after the Church has been raptured according to current Church belief. I have repeatedly stated that it is not "trimming our lamps" to assume that the rapture doesn't occur at Christ's coming. This is the way scripture describes it, and this is the way it will happen. In fact, this is why so many Christians refuse to accept that what we are saying about America's place in this scenario is true, because at that point in the prophetic scenario, they believe they should be gone.

All along since America became the most powerful nation the world has ever seen, a crown that was placed on its head at the end of the cold war, it seemed kind of strange that the Bible would not mention such a kingdom. Well, you know what? It would be strange for the scriptures, which have identified and foretold the outcome of every world dominating power from the beginning to the end, not to mention this country. America has made its identity known when it stepped on to the middle eastern map and took residence, PERMANENT residence in the exact position in between the EXACTLY identified Kings of the North and South! If you want to know what the future holds for the war on terror, the situation in the middle east, and the great kingdom of the United States of America, turn to the book of revelation, and carefully consider chapters 17 and 18. The only country that has ever stood in the position as Israel's protector has now taken its place in prophetic history, and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is finally, with no puzzle pieces missing... in view!

Either way, as long as Christians in America loathe the idea that they may some day be tried for their faith, it will be difficult to get them to even look at this stuff. They believe that they won't be here for it, so "what's the point"? I know a lot of Christians that believe that the Church doesn't exist in the book of revelation beyond the third chapter, and so they believe that they will miss everything. The seals, the rise of Antichrist's kingdom, the Gog Magog War, the tribulation... all of it. What need does a man feel to be prepared for something he will not be present for? This is the danger of the teaching of the rapture, as it is now interpreted by the Christian Church. We don't believe that the scripture guarantees an escape from the time of the refining and separation of the "Wheat and Tares" by a generation of "regal" believers who think that they are meant for nothing but blessing, while they cheer on the Willful king killing hundreds of thousands of people in the middle east in the name of "freedom and democracy".

FINAL OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS

I think the section you just read is the most important section of the article. Eric pointed out after reading the preliminary version of this Article, that we need to be reminded that the ultimate end of the unfolding of prophetic scripture is the eternal glory of God, and the redemption of his children in the face of all manner of Satanic activity. If we as Christians were to live our lives, and to maintain our attitudes with this realization, the world, persecution, and all manner of unjust and evil activity in the world would be easier to both understand and bear. If we understood this important truth, the coming persecution would also be much easier to cope with, knowing that it is not THIS life, but the next one that God wishes to bless us in, and to give us an eternal home in his house.

Our purpose here, is to bear witness to the one who saved us, and to stand for his truth, even if that results in our death. Hard to cope with when one stands to lose SO MUCH in this world. When our time here has been spent accumulating wealth, riches and building treasures in this life, the most unappealing option in existence is to lose one's life. God WILL be glorified in the end, and THIS is the defining principle of a Christian's life. DO NOT FEAR brothers and sisters, God is able to help us through the times ahead, and he is able to return a crown of righteousness that fades not away to those who love and speak his truth!

If you are one who has been reading here at 11th Hour, and at the sites of our "internet brethren" and have seen the truth of God's working in the world, but are not a Christian, why not give your heart to the Lord today? It is not too late to surrender to him, until the day that he is standing in the sky. I say this will happen soon! Stand with us, and speak against the deceptions of apostasy and the gospels of prosperity and convenience. Offer your life a living sacrifice in thankfulness to God's son for his salvation, and for his coming return!

In Christ, F. E. Reilly