End-times prophecy expert Jeff Kinley believes the battle described in Ezekiel 38-39 — a failed, attempted invasion of Israel — is a prophecy of what’s to come. He recently told CBN News what has led him and other faith leaders to this conclusion and where it all fits into eschatology.
To begin, Kinley said there’s simply no historical indication the Ezekiel battle took place at any time in the past, offering a number of arguments to back his claim.
“You look back on history and you can’t find any recorded episodes in any historical narratives of this particular battle taking place,” Kinley said. “Secondly, the way in which it takes place … these nations come together, they coalesce together to come against Israel. You can’t find that, and, also, the Scripture records that God supernaturally delivers Israel — and in amazing ways.”
As Kinley notes, Ezekiel 38-39 pinpoints a “Gog, of the land of Magog” and details not only an attempted invasion of Israel, but also a victory for the Lord before the world’s eyes. Ezekiel 38:14-16 (NIV) reads:
“Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.”
And Ezekiel 39:1-6 continues by explaining how God will intervene in this attempted battle:
“Son of man, prophesy against Gog and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel. Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals. You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the Lord.
Read the rest of Ezekiel 38-39 here.
With a lack of any historical events matching these descriptions, Kinley is convinced the invasion detailed in these chapters will unfold sometime in the future.
Considering the inclusion of Persia (now known as Iran) in the coalition of nations mentioned in the text, the recent attack on Israel by Iran is obviously raising some eyebrows.
Kinley also helped frame Ezekiel’s intent in writing the chapters as well as some of the specific content within.
“In Ezekiel’s mindset, he’s looking toward the Tribulation … so it has to happen sometime in these latter days,” he said. “So, for that reason, I think we can say, quite frankly, this is an unfulfilled prophecy that could take place in years to come that really are not that far away, to be honest.”
Watch Kinley discuss Ezekiel, Israel, and the end times here. For more on the Gog and Magog prophecies, read our explainer.
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