Israel National News Wed, 30 Apr 2008 6:51 AM PDT
(IsraelNN.com) Gaza terrorists fired a rocket at Israeli civilians Wednesday afternoon. The rocket exploded in the yard of a house in a moshav (agricultural community) south and east of Ashkelon.

You are currently viewing this from 69.147.86.151 -
Fijilive.com Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:21 PM PDT
WELCOME GUEST! Two rockets fired from the Gaza Strip slammed into the outskirts of the Israeli town of Ashkelon on Tuesday and caused no casualties, an Israeli military spokeswoman said.

Arutz 7 TV
Israel National News Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:06 AM PDT
(IsraelNN.com) A Kassam rocket fired by Gaza terrorists landed near a strategic facility in Ashkelon Tuesday evening, damaging one of the structures during the attack.

Arutz 7 TV
Israel National News Tue, 29 Apr 2008 8:51 AM PDT
(IsraelNN.com) Palestinian Authority terrorists in Gaza launched a Kassam rocket attack on Ashkelon a short time ago. One rocket landed in an open field on the southern outskirts within seconds after an air raid siren was activated throughout the city.

...............................................................benny p.s...just watching with this scripture in mind. Zephaniah 2: 1-7

Gog's Navy



by Gary Stearman



Since the beginning of 2008, Russia has begun to escalate its military presence in the Mediterranean Sea. Observers from several countries are unanimous in their opinion that Russia's strategic positioning marks their return to the old, Cold-War stance of the Soviet Union days.

The Russian Navy, after having sunk into disrepair, is rapidly being rebuilt, and the Russians seem eager for the world to know that once again, they are a blue-water force to be reckoned with.

A DEBKAfile report, dated January 18, 2008, reports on Russian war games in the area: "Russia has drawn eleven warships from its Black Sea and Atlantic Northwest fleets for a joint war game in the Mediterranean to underline its drive for a naval presence in all the world's seas and oceans. They will rendezvous off Malta Tuesday, Jan. 15. The flagship Moskva (Moscow) is on its way from Sevastopol.

"DEBKAfile's military sources report: Air carrier Admiral Kutznetsov is on current missions in the Mediterranean, escorted by four ships, including the large anti-submarine Admiral Levchenko and the command and supply ship Sergei Osipov. On its decks are 47 Su-33 fighter-bombers and 10 helicopters.

"Dmitry Medvedev, President Vladimir Putin's chosen successor, said Friday, Jan. 11: "Russia must restore sea power." Speaking at the giant Russian Barents Sea base of Murmansk, he commented: "The Soviet Union's naval might commanded respect – I won't say feared, but respected."

Without a doubt, Medvedev wants the new Russian fleet to rise to the level of fear, particularly in the arena of the Middle East. Apparently, the current exercises are part of the propaganda drive, designed to boost the Russian presence there.

Nor is it an accident that the Russian fleet is operating out of two Syrian seaports on the Mediterranean coast, just north of Lebanon. Tartous and Latakia are deep-water ports that allow heavy war materiel to be directly off loaded onto railways leading to major Syrian and Iraqi cities.

These recent maneuvers also brought a major Russian flotilla into the port of Tripoli, Libya. The current exercises are scheduled to continue for 71 days, and will utilize eleven major seaports, involving six countries. All this coincides with Russia's recent crash program to arm Syria with modern weaponry, including rockets, tanks, planes and high-tech electronic equipment.

A February 25th report from DEBKAfile reveals yet another classic Russian ploy. Owing to an act of nature, the Russians were recently caught red-handed in a spy exercise:

"DEBKAfile's military sources reveal that the Russian Amur 1 Class PM 138 naval boat, caught up in the heavy storm raging across the Middle East and Mediterranean last week, flashed a distress signal Tuesday Feb. 19. The vessel was on its way from a Syrian port to Sevastopol on the Black Sea when it was thrown off course by the high seas. A Greek Navy frigate responded to the call and escorted the PM 138 to the (Greek) island of Chios.

"The Russian Navy spokesmen said the ship's crew numbered 99. It was unarmed and was heading for home port after a long stay at one of the Syrian Navy's Mediterranean bases.

"Certain facts were accidentally disclosed as a result effect of the storm, DEBKAfile's military sources point out:

Russian naval vessels are spending long periods running into months at the Syrian military bases of Latakia and Tartous.

Witnesses in Greece say the vessel, described officially as an auxiliary repair craft, boasted an unusual number of antennas for gathering intelligence. Its mission was clearly to gather information on Israeli military and naval movements while cruising opposite the Israeli coast."

These observations add a new dimension to Syria's recent furious efforts to arm itself for a future conflict. Numerous late reports have confirmed that Syria is rapidly acquiring rockets and advanced missiles from Russia, with Iranian backing. Intelligence sources say that Syria has set a deadline near the end of 2008 to complete its program of rapid rearmament. One of their goals is to acquire the ability to fire over a hundred rockets an hour into Israel, for long periods of time.

They are said to have three main goals. First, they want to modernize their anti-aircraft capabilities. Radar-guided surface-to-air missiles would give them the ability to stop incursions such as the recent Israeli air force attack on a top-secret Syrian nuclear facility. They now have the Russian S-300 system being operated by Russian crews in Syrian seaports.

Second, they want to acquire newly-developed anti-tank technology from Russia and other suppliers. These are improved forms of the rockets that devastated Israeli tanks during the last Lebanon war.

Third, they have made secret deals with Russia that will allow them to develop a modern ballistic missile technology. Improved Scud B and D missiles with a range of about 250 miles, will give the Syrians the ability to target all of Israel with chemical and biological weapons.

The Israelis know only too well what lies ahead, and they, too, are preparing for war. Biblically speaking, Russia's growing involvement in the process perfectly fits the prophetic scenario.

.....................................................................benny

Ominous Signs That White House Wants More Wars

Tuesday, April 29th, 2008
By Jim Lobe |


Are the latest accusations and tough language leveled against Iran, Syria, and North Korea evidence of a resurgence by the remaining hawks in the administration of President George W. Bush hoping for a final confrontation against one or more members of the revised ‘axis of evil’ before his term next January?

That’s the big question here this week, particularly following Thursday’s long-awaited intelligence briefings to Congress about alleged North Korean involvement in the construction of a ‘covert nuclear reactor’ in Syria that was destroyed in a raid by Israeli warplanes in September last year.

According to some interpretations, the briefing’s timing and content appeared deliberately designed to raise tensions between Washington, on the one hand, and Pyongyang and Damascus, on the other, potentially derailing ongoing long-running negotiations between the State Department and North Korea and Turkish-mediated peace feelers between Israel and Syria.

That Vice President Dick Cheney, whose opposition to engaging both North Korea and Syria and support for ‘regime change’ in both countries is both well known and of long standing, had pushed hard for the briefing to take place has added to speculation that a major power play by the hawks to reverse the diplomacy that has dominated Bush’s second term is underway.

Rumours that the State Department’s point man on North Korea, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill — whose latest accord with Pyongyang negotiated in Singapore earlier this month has been the target of fierce right-wing attacks led by Cheney chum, former U.N. Amb. John Bolton — has told associates that he will resign next month have added to concerns that the hawks have regained the initiative, at least on that front.

Add the promotion of Gen. David Petraeus, the U.S. commander in Iraq who has overseen the past year’s ’surge’ of U.S. troops, to take over the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) this summer, as well as the increasingly harsh charges against Iran’s alleged interference in Iraq that have been coming out of the Pentagon in recent days.

All these developments are seen by some as an answer to the prayers of neo-conservatives, in particular, who had largely given up hopes that Bush could be persuaded to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities before leaving office.

In his testimony about the surge earlier this month, Petraeus had repeatedly blamed allegedly Iranian-sponsored and directed Shi’a ‘Special Groups’ for attacking Iraqi government and U.S. forces in Basra and Baghdad, describing them as ‘the greatest long-term threat to the viability of a democratic Iraq’.

And on Friday, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen, who has generally resisted Iran-bashing, conceded that he was ‘extremely concerned’ about Iran’s ‘increasingly lethal and malign influence’ in Iraq, as well as in other parts of the region.

At the same time, Pentagon officials announced that it will brief reporters next week on newly discovered arms caches in Iraq which they said proved that Iran has not abided by pledges made by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki last fall to curb any cross-border weapons shipments.

Indeed, there appears little question that the rhetoric here has become considerably harsher in recent weeks. The shift became particularly evident in February, when the former Centcom commander and the man whom Petraeus will replace, Adm. William ‘Fox’ Fallon, abruptly announced his resignation following the publication of a profile in Esquire magazine that depicted him as opposing key administration policies and as the one man standing between Bush and war with Iran.

The blunt-spoken admiral had pushed for diplomatic engagement with Iran and aggressively supported efforts to engage North Korea while serving as head of the Pacific Command (Pacom) earlier in the decade. He was in many ways the point man for the ‘realist’ faction in the administration led by Pentagon chief Robert Gates and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

That faction, which had been almost entirely marginalised by the hawks after the 9/11 attacks — at least insofar as the Middle East and North Korea were concerned — has gradually clawed its way back into influence, largely at the hawks’ expense, during Bush’s second term.

But the latest turn of events has raised the question of whether the hawks have reversed the tide or, at the very least, regained enough influence to stymie additional efforts by the realists to reduce tensions with Iran and Syria and keep advancing the de-nuclearisation process with North Korea and the Six-Party Talks, however haltingly.

While few question that the rhetoric has indeed clearly hardened, it remains unclear how much or even whether the most recent developments will translate into major policy changes.

On North Korea, for example, much will depend both on the reaction by Pyongyang to Thursday’s briefing and on the results of a State Department mission — yet to be reported — to follow up on the Singapore accord negotiated by Hill.

If the two key issues on which Hill has been attacked by the hawks — his failure to get a North Korean accounting for an its alleged uranium-enrichment programme and its involvement with the Syrian plant — are adequately addressed in the view of at least some of the critics, the process is likely to go forward.

Indeed, some in the administration itself have argued that the briefing was designed to clear the air on the second issue, and thus set the stage for Congressional appropriation of money needed to provide Pyongyang with energy and food supplies and aid in dismantling its nuclear facilities and thus advancing the Six-Party process.

Some analysts believe that Cheney and his associates had hoped — and Hill had feared — that the briefing itself would provoke such a belligerent reaction from Pyongyang, which has denied supplying Syria with any nuclear-related assistance, that it would effectively torpedo the process. But those hopes have yet to materialise.

As for Syria, which has denied even building a nuclear plant, President Bashar al-Assad’s disclosure this week that Turkey has been mediating between Jerusalem and Damascus for more than a year and had been told by the Israelis that they were prepared to return the Golan Heights appeared designed to help insulate it from the anticipated outrage caused by the briefing. The fact that neither Turkey nor Israel denied Assad’s account makes it that much more credible.

And while the administration’s hawks clearly hoped that the briefing would further isolate and embarrass Damascus, most analysts agree that, given Bush’s own strong hostility toward Syria due to its alleged intervention in Lebanon and Iraq, even the realists had long ago given up on the prospect of improving bilateral ties during his administration.

Finally, despite harsher rhetoric against Iran, observers here note that it falls short of the kind of threats that Bush and Cheney were making against Tehran as recently as last fall. Moreover, as recently as a week ago, Mullen reiterated Fallon’s exhortations in favour of dialogue with Iran, noting at the right-wing Heritage Foundation, no less: ‘We’ve done that in the past with our enemies. We should be able to do that (with Iran) as well.’

Indeed, some analysts believe that Petraeus’ promotion to Centcom was actually engineered by Gates and Mullen not only because he is likely to enjoy exceptional influence with Bush, but also because, despite his championship by neo-conservative hawks, they consider him a fellow-realist who shares the conviction that war with Iran would be a major strategic error.




http://rinf.com/alt-news/war-terrori...ore-wars/3228/
...................................................................benny

Apr 30, 2008 21:00 | Updated May 1, 2008 2:20
Current threats stressed on Shoah Day
By JPOST.COM STAFF
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Talkbacks for this article: 25


As Israel marked the start of Holocaust Remembrance Day under the shadow of Iran's nuclear program, President Shimon Peres said Wednesday that the world must act against global threats in order to ensure that the Holocaust never happens again.


Prime Minsiter Ehud Olmert speaks at Yad Vashem during the opening ceremony of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Wednesday.
Photo: Meir Azulai: Flash 90

Slideshow: Pictures of the week "It is forbidden in history to be late," Peres said at the official state ceremony at Yad Vashem marking the opening of Holocaust Remembrance Day, noting that the world could have stopped Adolph Hitler had it acted in time.

In his address, Peres urged state leaders to stop the eruption of global war before it began, in what aides said was a reference to Iran's nuclear program.

"We will ask ourselves every morning what we must do in order that what was will never return again," Peres said.

The country's elder statesman said that until this very day he could not grasp how the Holocaust - where one third of the Jewish people was wiped out - could have happened, and how other nations stood silently by, or worse, assisted in the mass murder, adding that if Hitler had succeeded in building nuclear weapons, the world could have been destroyed.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert blasted Holocaust deniers for trying to strip the legitimacy of the creation of the State Israel by denying the existence of the Holocaust, and said that no force in the world was stronger than the Israeli spirit.


Haredi men look at banners of swastikas at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Photo: AP
"Even 60 years later, who would believe that the ugly head of Jew hatred and Israel hatred is rearing all over the world; still inciting, poisoning and enticing."

He noted that the Holocaust only emphasized the need for the establishment of the State of Israel, which belatedly rose out of the ashes of the Holocaust.

"There is no force in the world stronger than the spirit of this people, that emerged from the abyss of annihilation to the summits of creation, success, building and might of the State of Israel," Olmert said.

On Thursday, a two-minute siren will sound at 10 a.m. at the start of a series of day-long ceremonies throughout the nation.

The official state wreath-laying ceremony will take place just after the siren is sounded Thursday at the Warsaw Ghetto uprising memorial at Yad Vashem in the presence of the prime minister and other VIPs.

The "Unto Every Person There is a Name" ceremony will follow - in which Holocaust victims' names are read out - at both the Hall of Remembrance at Yad Vashem and the Knesset.
...........................................................benny

May 1, 2008 9:05 | Updated May 1, 2008 11:56
Iran complains to UN over Clinton threat
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
UNITED NATIONS
Print Subscribe
E-mail Toolbar
Shape public opinion:


What's this?





Talkbacks for this article: 3


Iran strongly condemned presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton for threatening to attack and "totally obliterate" the country if it uses nuclear weapons.


Clinton addresses a rally of supporters on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Photo: AP

Slideshow: Pictures of the week Late Wednesday, Iran's deputy UN ambassador, Mehdi Danesh-Yazdi, called an April 22 statement on ABC television by the New York senator, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, "provocative, unwarranted and irresponsible" and "a flagrant violation" of the UN Charter.

Clinton was asked by ABC News' Chris Cuomo in an interview that aired on "Good Morning America" what she would do if she wins the White House and Iran attacked Israel with nuclear weapons, according to the ABC News Web site.

"The question was, 'If Iran were to launch a nuclear attack on Israel, what would our response be?' And I want the Iranians to know that if I'm president, we will attack Iran" to retaliate against an Iranian nuclear hit on Israel, Clinton said.

RELATED
CBS: US to draw up new Iran attack plans
US: Iran 'most active' sponsor of terror
'Iran may get nuke technology this year'

"In the next 10 years, during which they might foolishly consider launching an attack on Israel, we would be able to totally obliterate them."

The Iranians sent the letter to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and asked that he circulate it to the Security Council.

Danesh-Yazdi's letter used a partial quote that did not mention an attack on Israel. It said Clinton "unwarrantedly and under erroneous and false pretexts threatened to use force against the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The council has imposed three rounds of gradually tougher sanctions on Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment. Iran insists it is enriching uranium to produce nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, but the US, key European nations and other countries suspect Teheran's real motive is to eventually produce nuclear weapons.

In the letter, Danesh-Yazdi said "Iran is a leading nation in rejecting and opposing all kinds of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons." He added that Iran has repeatedly declared "that nuclear weapons as the most lethal and inhumane weapons have no place in the defense doctrine of the country."

Iran has also campaigned to make the Middle East a Nuclear Weapons Free Zone since 1974, he said.

"Moreover, I wish to reiterate my government's position that the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention to attack any other nations," Danesh-Yazdi said. "Nonetheless ... Iran would not hesitate to act in self-defense to respond to any attack against the Iranian nation and to take appropriate defensive measures to protect itself" as authorized under the UN Charter.
.............................................................benny

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayA...n=opinion&col=



US Navy changing the rules of engagement in the Gulf
BY DR MUSTAFA ALANI (Gulf Angle)
1 May 2008

Khaleej Times Online
IT WAS just after sunset on Monday, March 24, 2008 when a motorboat carrying three Egyptian traders approached the US container ship ‘Global Patriot’ in the Gulf of Suez as it prepared to sail towards the Mediterranean.

The ‘Global Patriot’ was carrying used US military equipment. When the Egyptian motorboat came too close to the US ship, it was warned to stop. These warnings went unheeded, and the crew of the US ship was ordered to open fire. One person was killed and two were injured as a result.

According to US Navy sources, the crew of the US ship had warned the small boats to turn away via bridge-to-bridge radio besides a series of other warning measures. However, one small boat continued to approach the US ship, and that was when the order to open fire was issued.

Egyptian sources explained that it was usual for fisherman and hawkers on small boats to ply the waters of the canal trying to sell cigarettes and other local products to ships passing through, and that the crew of the US ship possibly acted nervously and in an unjustifiable manner.

A statement issued by the US Fifth Fleet disputed the Egyptian claim about casualties stating that the crew of the ‘Global Patriot’ had only fired warning shots at a small boat approaching the vessel, following multiple warnings to turn away. “There were no reports from the Global Patriot of casualties,” the statement said. Later, however, the US acknowledged that there had been casualties.

This incident in the Gulf of Suez is not an isolated one. In January this year, five Iranian speedboats challenged three US ships (identified as Navy cruiser USS Port Royal, destroyer USS Hopper and frigate USS Ingraham) in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US version of the event, the Iranian speedboats had not only behaved provocatively and harassed the US vessels, but also made a threat through radio communication to ‘blow them up.’ The speedboats, believed to belong to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Naval command, came within approximately 200m (650ft) of the US vessels.

US Navy said that the Iranians withdrew as the US ships prepared to open fire and that the order to the crew to open fire was actually issued. The confrontation, which occurred in international waters, lasted about 20 minutes. This incident happened on a major oil-shipping route, and the consequences of such an incident could have sparked off a major military confrontation that would have undermined the security and the freedom of navigation in one of the most vital regions for the global economy.

Most recently, on April 25, a US ship, Westward Venture, working for the US Military Sealift Command fired warning shots in the direction of two unidentified speedboats in the Gulf waters, a few miles from the Iranian coast. The US military spokesperson said that the speedboats withdrew soon after the warning shots were fired.

What alarmed the US Navy even more, however, is the series of naval exercises conducted by the naval command of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps during 2007, which focused, among other skills, on perfecting mock attacks on ships by small speed boats packed with large amount of high explosives and on operations by divers using limpet mines.

Following the Strait of Hormuz incident, the US naval command in the region expressed its concern over the conduct of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps-Naval command describing it as ‘provocative and irresponsible.’

Indeed, since Al Qaeda organised seaborne suicide attacks just off the Yemen coast on USS Cole in October 2000 and later on the French oil tanker Limburg in October 2002, the US Navy has been fully aware of the threat posed to its vessels by small speedboats and motor powered boats in general and understands the serious consequences of such attacks.

Indeed, from the three incidents which occurred in 2008 — the Strait of Hormuz incident and the Gulf of Suez incident, and the Gulf incident — it seems that the US Navy operating in the Middle East waters has a new and more forceful rule of engagement, which gives ‘standing authority’ to the commanders of US vessels to open fire on any suspected target believed to pose a potential threat to the safety of their ships.

By examining the two incidents when fire was either actually opened and caused casualties (Gulf of Suez incident) or when an order was actually issued to the gunners to open fire (Strait of Hormuz incident), it seems the US Navy’s rules of engagement have specified the danger zone or the engagement zone as a distance not exceeding 200 metres. Thus any unidentified vessel (mainly small boats) approaching US vessels and failing to heed warnings to stop, by coming within the distance of 200 metres (or more) will be subject to attack by US forces.

Such a change in the rules of engagement could be seen as necessary in the context of the escalating and multiple security challenges facing the US forces in the region. These challenges arise from the US confrontation with Iran over the state’s nuclear file and over the Iranian interventionist policy in Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine. Besides, the unstable security situation in Iraq, and the continuing threat from Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups also pose security challenges.

The escalating US-Iran standoff in Iraq and in the Gulf waters has prompted researchers to examine scenarios for conflict between the two states, focusing on two main possible developments: a planned war and an accidental war (basically representing the scenario of a US retaliatory attack on Iran taking advantage of an escalation resulting from an accident).

In view of the recent developments related to the assumed changes in the US Navy’s rules of engagement, the accidental war or accidental military confrontation scenario seems more possible than before.

Dr Mustafa Alani is Senior Advisor and Director of Security & Terrorism Department at Gulf Research Center, Dubai
.............................................................benny

Commentary on Israel's 60th Anniversary:
The Birth of a State
By Sarah Ann Haves

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Jerusalem, Israel

"Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once....? (from Isaiah 66:8)

In just a few short weeks, people from all over the world will be converging on Jerusalem to celebrate 60 years since the birth of the modern state of Israel. Celebrations are occurring globally, as countries stand in solidarity with the goals and purposes of this unique nation.

Israel's government leaders have been questioning whether the establishment of the state of Israel is a miracle of the 20th century, or a miracle of all history. In a recent speech commemorating the opening of an exhibit at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust museum, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said, "We can say with certainty that the State of Israel is a wondrous phenomenon, unique in human history. There was never such a human phenomenon in the history of any other people; there was never the phenomenon of a people returning to its land, of reviving its language, renewing its culture, rehabilitating its national and sovereign existence in the ancient land as happened to this people - as happened to us in the middle of the 20th century and since."

But, if Olmert were to give a State of the Union message now, assessing issues of safety and security for the Israeli population, his account would fall far short of marked goals for the survival of the Jewish people in their own sovereign state.

A majority of Israelis, who once supported the signing of the Oslo peace accords in 1993, have admitted that the agreement between former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, and former Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat failed to achieve peace. Instead, Israel experienced violent Palestinian uprisings, with suicide bombings and rocket wars leaving hundreds of Israelis dead and thousands wounded.

The 2005 unilateral withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza along with the transfer of thousands of settlers to other parts of the country, has now been seen as a significant failure of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government. Gaza has become an Islamic state with Hamas and Palestinian terrorists intent on destroying all of Israel. Hamas has built a formidable army of 20,000 men who have learned advanced methods in Lebanon from Hizbullah fighters and Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Al Qaeda now has a presence in Gaza thanks to weakly controlled border crossings and the smuggling of terrorists through underground tunnels.

Hamas continues to upgrade its military arsenal with arms received from Iran and Syria. Longer-range Katyusha rockets have recently entered Gaza along with anti-tank missiles, thousands of rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft missiles and machine guns. The Hamas terrorist army is being trained to use these weapons, preparing for Israel's future incursion into Gaza. Both Israel and Hamas have assessed that a future war will result in heavy losses. Learning from Hizbullah, Hamas is shielding its weapons arsenal and rocket launchers within the Palestinian civilian population. Hamas also has aspirations of wrenching control of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) from the Palestinian Authority. It is only the presence of Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) in that area that has limited Hamas advances.

While Israel today enjoys a cold peace with Egypt on its southern border, it is threatened by terrorists infiltrating the Sinai, and smuggling high quality weapons into Gaza to use against Israel. Egypt, itself, is under pressure from radical Islamic groups such as the Moslem Brotherhood, which hopes to eventually control the Egyptian government. Egypt could very well become an Islamic fundamentalist state once there is a transition of power from President Hosni Mubarak's long-time rule over the nation. Meanwhile, a change in public opinion is needed as blatant anti-Israel sentiments plague Egyptian newspapers, and Egyptian children grow up indoctrinated with anti-Semitic ideology.

Israel enjoys a warm peace with Jordan on its eastern border, with increased cooperation in many fields, especially domestic intelligence. But, Jordan's leader, King Abdullah refuses to consider a joint Jordanian-Palestinian federation in which Jordan would take partial responsibility for the millions of Palestinians living in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria). Nor is the King willing to receive Palestinian refugees, in spite of the fact that the majority of Jordan's population is Palestinian. Furthermore, under the peace treaty with Jordan, Israel is required to give Jordan a substantial amount of water resources, despite the fact that Israel, itself is experiencing drought like conditions throughout the country.

Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 by Defense Minister and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak advanced the causes of the Iranian backed terrorist army, Hizbullah. This created another Islamic stronghold in Lebanon, resulting in the Second Lebanon War of 2006 in which Israel did not experience a decisive victory. Hizbullah has now re-armed itself with three times as many missiles in its arsenal. It is building an army of fighters ready and willing to fight Israel, as it gains political popularity and military strength throughout the country. Despite UN Resolution 1701, international UN peace-keeping forces in Lebanon refuse to stop the infiltration of Hizbullah's terrorist army into southern Lebanon. Nor will Syria stop the continuous illegal flow of Iranian weapons to Hizbullah through its borders.

Despite Turkish third-party negotiations between Israel and Syria towards a peace treaty, Ehud Olmert does not have a public mandate from the Israeli people to give up the Golan Heights. Both Syria and Israel are using back channels to finalize an agreement on the Heights while, at the same time, preparing for war. Israel's alleged bombing in September 2007, of a North Korean nuclear plant in Syria's desert raises speculation as to whether Syria was trying to acquire or develop nuclear weapons along with its large arsenal of chemical and biological weapons. Israeli defense officials concede that Syria's current missile arsenal is capable of reaching most of the state of Israel.

Public opinion in Israel has changed dramatically as the population grapples with failures that have come in trusting false peace agreements and hallowed government policies. For example, polls published in the Jerusalem Post in April 2008 state that a majority of Israeli Jews are now wary of establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank. Seventy-three percent of Israelis polled think that a Palestinian State would not solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sixty-three percent think of the settlements as part of the land of Israel and would rather refer to them that way, than call them part of the so-called "territories." And, a majority of Israeli Jews now want to see the settlements remain in Jewish hands.

While Olmert and his Foreign Minister Tzippi Livni have secretly negotiated with the Palestinians on the division of Jerusalem, 71% of Israelis oppose handing over Jerusalem's Old City and Temple Mount to Palestinian control. Olmert's low popularity ratings have not changed, and half of the Israeli population believes he has continued to negotiate the division of the city despite his denials. Sixty-two percent of Israelis are against the discussion of Jerusalem in peace negotiations with the Palestinians. A substantial majority of Israeli's -- 71% -- do not want Israel to give up Arab neighborhoods to Palestinians in any final status agreement. The same amount of Israelis (71%) believe that a national referendum would be needed before any agreement with the Palestinians could be finalized on the division of Jerusalem. More than half of those polled think that if the Palestinians were to control Jerusalem, it was "likely" or "very likely" that the city would serve as a basis for terrorist acts against Israel.

Changes are not only occurring on the home front. There have been substantial economic and diplomatic advances throughout the international community, with some positive developments.

Through wise financial policies implemented by former Prime Minister and former Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli economy has improved and there is economic growth in large sectors of the Israeli population. Many high tech industries are now listed on international stock exchanges. The Gulf States, especially Qatar, have shown increased interest in doing business with Israel.

Europeans have elected new leaders in France (Nicolas Sarkozy) and Italy (Silvio Berlusconi) who are more pro-Israel than their predecessors. Recently, Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel brought cabinet leaders to Israel in a first-ever joint meeting. In Great Britain, Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government has shown increased interest in furthering strategic cooperation with Israel. NATO's defense command has increased its cooperation with Israel in joint military exercises as part of its new partnership with Mediterranean countries.

However, economically, the poor are getting poorer in Israel, and food prices are soaring as international markets deal with a global recession. And, despite improved relations with European leaders, including some defense cooperation, there is still a great need for change in European public opinion, where anti-Semitism continues to increase on a wide scale. This is due to an increased presence of Moslem ideology that has infiltrated governmental arenas in European Union countries.

Meanwhile, in the West, a majority of Americans have consistently and faithfully expressed solidarity with Israel. All three presidential candidates have voiced their support for the Jewish state. American foreign policy vis-a-vis Israel will be tested in 2009 after the population goes to the polls in November 2008 to elect the next president of the United States. Time will tell if the future U.S. president will insist on a two-state solution (Palestine and Israel), and pressure Israel into painful concessions on settlements and Jerusalem, despite the change in Israeli public opinion.

As Israelis look ahead, anticipating what the future State of the Union will look like, one can only wonder how long it will take before the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to Moses, and to Joshua, will become a sovereign and safe place to dwell for the people of Israel. Perhaps, this will be the greatest God-given birthday present the modern state of Israel has ever known.


...........................................................................benny

I believe that all evil comes from the fallen angels including satan (who is their leader and the start of all pride against God). To me, it is of no importance whether satan is a seperate entity or a spirit that controls the fallen angels, who on their turn infest humans who allow it.

Gog is a nation leader, an army, a fallen angel for sure. Since nowhere in Scripture God gets SOOO enraged and victorious about anyone, than the defeat and burial of Gog, it is clear to me that this IS the adversary.

Oh Gog comes from the north. Look at Israel's current north and what do you see between Israel and the North Pole? Syria-Russia

I see a leader that comes out of Moscow, that leads the invasion against Israel......Ezekial 38;15(king james amplified)..."It shall be the power, from the uttermost north".......................Draw a line due north, starting from Jerusalem,......you will find that you have drawn a line straight thru Moscow.(Center-For-Center)..............benny

It is the most northern capital, yes I checked it. So we agree on Gog = Russia = Satan-ruled?

I have followed events with Russia all the time. After the fall of Communism, the West felt relieved, but vigilance is still required here.
For although Michael Gorbatchov did a good thing, Jeltsin stumbled through gov like a drunken bear, creating a vaccuum that the KGB (!!) filled up quickly with Putin.
You see that now Russia is recovering with help from the west (gas & oil infrastructure), it drifts apart from the West again, especially since their help to:

- Iran
- Syria
- Egypt
- Lybia

and their hostility towards:

- former eastblock countries joining EU and NATO
- tensions with Ukrain, Georgia and other former eastblock countries
- the idea of a rocket defense shield is offensive to Russia, unless it is included.

The Russian nation is not named in the following vision and must be inserted by speculation. Included are the ancient post flood names and places of the northern Middle East. The Lord uses these original habitations for defining the setting of the time of the end. Further migrations out of the area are not part of the vision.

Ezekiel
38:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

38:2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

38:3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

38:4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:

38:5 Persia, Cush, and Put with them; all of them with shield and helmet:

38:6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.

38:7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.

Stephen,...I suggest that you re-evaluate all that you think you know about Ezekial 38....................I have already proven that your illogical theory had way too many flaws........but I suppose that you will go down screaming and kicking that only you are correct....I mean after all,you spent 40 years believing what you believe,and it would be a big shock to your ego, to realize that you are wrong..........and believe me...you are definately wrong!!!..........When one, such as many of us, watch current events....it is obvious that Russia is involved in Ezekial 38......Even "JUSTICE" can figure out that it is Russia. The evidence is extremely, and I do mean EXTREMELY AGAINST YOUR THEORY!.......You do not have much of anything that would back your statements, other than erroneous interpretation.I tell you again....the anti-christ does NOT,NOT,NOT....lead the Ezekial 38 invasion against Israel!....I do not believe that you are going to convince anyone on this forum for that to be true. Stephen,it sounds to me that you are the lone voice crying in the wilderness...........If there is anyone one this forum that believes that the anti-christ leads the Ezekial 38 battle against Israel, then I say ....please stand up and be counted...................................................................................
..........................................................................................
.
............................Will God Destroy Russia
by Tim LaHaye


The unbelievable upheaval in the Soviet Union that has already toppled that government has caused many to ask, "Will God still destroy Russia on the mountains of Israel the Way the prophet Ezekiel described in Ezekiel Chapters 38 and 39.
Since that prophecy has never been fulfilled, you can be sure that as long as there is a God in heaven who always keeps His Word, it will come to Pass some day. The fact that the Arab "hordes," even after the war in the Persian Gulf of 1991, are still allies of Russia indicates it may be sooner than most people think.

If, as biblical prophecy predicts, Russia is going to lead an attack on Israel and be destroyed by God in the process, that nation had better get with it or they will no longer be a world power. At the rate they are collapsing internally, Russia will be a fifth-rate nation by the twenty- first century.

To help you put all these events in perspective, read Ezekiel 38 and 39 before proceeding with this chapter.

Why Single Out Russia?

Next to His Son, human beings are dearest to the heart of God. He seems to love them even more than He does the angels, for He sent His only begotten Son to die for human beings. Only mankind can sin against God yet be forgiven and granted eternal life through belief in His Son.

In two chapters of the Book of Ezekiel, however, God establishes that He is against the nation of Russia. That is most unusual because history shows that God is for mankind. There must be some compelling reason why God, who loves us so much that He gave His Son for us, would turn so aggressively against an entire nation.

The key, I believe, is the satanic presence that indwelt many of the Russian leaders for so many years. In several Old Testament prophecies, God's proclamation of judgment went far beyond the immediate kingdom to the spirit of Satan that controlled the rulers.

The power of government to oppress billions of people was never lost on Satan. Early in human history he learned to give special attention to world leaders - as he will to the Antichrist world dictator during the Tribulation period. For if Satan controls the dictator, king, or leader of a country, he can ultimately tyrannize that country.

In Daniels day the supreme example was Nebuchadnezzar. Satan exercised dominion over both king and country; thus God opposed both the nation of Babylon, because of its unrighteous ways, and the spirit of Satan, which indwelt the king

So it has been with Russia since 1917. God not only abhors the philosophy of the former Soviet system but the source of power behind it, Satan himself. Consider these prophecies from a loving God who declares He is against Russia, her leader, her capital city, and one of her major provinces.

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, And say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, 0 Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (Ezek. 38:1-3).

Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, 0 Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand (Ezek. 39:1-3).

God not only opposes Russia but vividly describes her coming destruction, vowing, "I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals" (Ezek. 39:4;NIV). This is similar to our Lord's prediction concerning the armies of the Antichrist. (See Matt. 24:28 and Rev. 19:17-21.) Such graphic prophecies are reserved not just for Stalin-like dictators who brutalize their subjects but the satanic spirit that indwells them. This judgment is really aimed at the satanic power within "Gog," the chief ruler of the Russians.

God Against Gog

Ever since the Bolshevik Revolution, Satan has ostensibly made his anti-human headquarters the city of Moscow and his personal dwelling such leaders as Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, Andropov, and for six and one-half years, Gorbachev, who was more subtle than all of them. Under satanic influence, they incited communism's anti-human governmental systems to enslave upward of 1.5 billion people and thus incurred the wrath of God for three reasons:

1. They propagated an atheistic religion.

The most heinous sin in God's eyes is to deceive people by teaching a religion other than the gospel of Christ.

Our Lord revealed the attitude of God in every deed. He always had time for repentant sinners and showered mercy upon them. He reserved His severest strictures not for adulterers, tax collectors, or other sinners but for the religious leaders of His day. Why? They had deceived people about God.

The doctrine of atheism is such an integral part of communism that wherever the philosophy has gone - either in a totalitarian takeover of a country or in the infiltration of the universities of the free world - its teachers have always taught materialism and atheism, the fundamental doctrines of Karl Marx and his disciples. They have appealed to the masses with their philosophy of economic socialism because it attracts votes.

An irony of history is that the precepts of communism have never worked successfully. Never has communism raised the standard of living in any country. In addition, every country that has voted Communists into power in a free election has always voted them out of power at the first opportunity. Witness the dissolution of the USSR.

Since its inception, communism has consistently fostered a rejection of God, supplanting Him with a belief in "man's potential, not God's.'' It is safe to say that no other philosophy of life has created more skeptics, agnostics, and unbelievers, and it would never have had the worldwide impact it has had without the power of the former Soviet Union behind it.

Communism has been effective in polluting the minds of young people in the Western world because it is so close to secular humanism. This philosophy of life, to one degree or another, is held by most of those who occupy chairs of philosophy, law, or education in the major universities and other educational institutions of the West. As I have explained in my four books on secular humanism, not all secular humanists are Communists, but all Communists are secular humanists.' Therefore, it would be easy for Communists to infiltrate educational institutions in any country, even in the free world.

Posing as secular humanists, these Marxist professors teach their anti- God, anti-morality, anti-free enterprise, and anti-Christianity philosophy. Many Communists have used this subterfuge to earn their living at taxpayers' expense in our educational institutions, spending their entire lifetimes polluting the faith of as many of the thirteen million college students in America as they can. Despite recent events, they continue to pursue the same ends throughout the rest of the Western world.

I debated one secular humanist who has been a philosophy professor in a major educational institution on the West Coast for forty years. He proudly testified that he had changed the faith of many of his students who came from "fundamentalist Christian homes." I do not know whether the man is a Communist, but it really doesn't matter. The shocking effects on his students are the same whether he is or isn't

The great tragedy in all of this is that young people do not become unbelievers because of lack of evidence. God has supplied overwhelming testimony in the Bible regarding His existence, His supernaturalness, and the supernaturalness of Jesus Christ. I have had the joy of leading many people to Christ after they have thoroughly investigated the logical reasons for accepting the bodily resurrection of Jesus as historical fact.

Why, then, in the face of persuasive evidence, do so many young people become unbelievers in our secular institutions? It is simply that the evidence is not taught in those institutions. Consequently, young people become atheists or agnostics after examining only one side of the issue - the infidels side.

Most college professors believe that their anti-God position is the only one entitled to exposure in the halls of acafemia. When one contemplates the infiltrated universities of the West- world, and the many other places that Communists and humanist sympathizers have penetrated with their educational missionary work, it is probably safe to say that Russia has damned as many souls intellectually as she has destroyed physically. No wonder God says, "I am against you, 0 Gog."

2. Russia has violated more biblical principles than any other nation.

The former Soviet Union continually taught people to act as she did. It is one thing to blatantly teach atheism; it is another to infuse a lifestyle that is diametrically opposed to the purposes of God.

The Bible makes it clear that happiness is the result of obeying God's principles (Luke 11:28). We are seeing this vividly illustrated in the social and family scene in the United States today. The Christian families who practice biblical principles enjoy harmony and love in an openly anti-Christian culture. By contrast, those who follow the philosophy of secular humanism and communism - man as the center of all things, and self-indulgence, self-actualization, and self- realization as his primary purpose - seriously compound their difficulties.

It is one of the long-standing tactics of Communists to pollute the morals of a nation they have targeted for takeover. They successfully assaulted the morals of Great Britain before and during World War 11, then came to Canada and America to duplicate the process during the past three decades.

For example, who has advocated "free love," permissive sex," "abortion on demand," "homosexual rights," "the free distribution of pornography," and "the removal of laws against non-prescriptive drugs and marijuana?" It has not been parents, church leaders, construction workers, or family-oriented people. These radical social activities have been consistently advocated from the halls of our prestigious universities and colleges, where secular humanist and Communist teachings are welcomed with open arms.

If Jesus were on earth today, He would say of the Communists what He said of the Pharisees in Matthew 23:15-16;NIV: "You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. Woe to you, blind guides ... !"

God is against Russia because of its soul-damning philosophy of atheism.

3. Russia has persecuted the Jews.

Everyone knows that Karl Marx was a Jew, and most people realize that both Lenin and Stalin were partially Jewish. But, many do not realize that the majority of the leading fifty men who seized control of Russia in the Bolshevik Revolution were also Jews.

Since then, however, there has been a systematic purge of Jewish leadership within the Communist party in Russia, primarily instigated by Stalin. He authorized the extermination of many Jewish leaders in the party as well as ordinary Jewish citizens.

We cannot identify with certainty the reasons for this deep-rooted antagonism between Communist leaders and the Jews. It could be nationalism - that is, Russian Communists do not trust non-Russians. Consequently, they might have used the Jews to foment revolution early in the century then have them systematically removed from positions of power. But quite possibly the Communists felt intimidated by the intellectual gifts of their Jewish comrades.

Not content just to silence Jewish opposition in Russia, the Communists were unwilling to permit the large Jewish population of the nation to emigrate to Israel until forced to do so by the refusal of our government to grant them "Most Favored Nation" trading status. Even when they have begrudgingly permitted them to emigrate, it has been accomplished by difficulty and disagreement.

God made it very clear in His Word that He would bless the nations that are good to the Jews and curse those that persecute them. In all history there has never been a case where a nation that has mistreated the Jews has conquered a nation that was benevolent to them. As we will see later, America's policy of defending Israel is probably our greatest line of national defense. By contrast, Russia's policy of persecution will prove to be her death knell.

The Coming Destruction of Russia

It appears now that the days of the Soviet empire are over. But be sure of this, Russia will come out of all the present turmoil in charge. Why is that? She already has control of the thirty thousand missiles and the military capability of the country. A new and more ruthless men could emerge and consolidate the empire and still maintain good relations with the Arab allies.

No rational person takes pleasure in the destruction of an entire nation, not even when that destruction is an act of judgment by a righteous, sovereign God. However, we must recognize that Z500 years ago the Hebrew prophets, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, made such a prediction, and world conditions seem to indicate that the coming destruction cannot be far off. Russia is unquestionably the nation identified in the prophecies of Ezekiel 38 and 39.

It is not sufficient just to say that Bible scholars for several hundred years have interpreted Ezekiel 38 and 39 as referring to Russia. We must be more explicit than that, for the proper identity of "Gog" and "Magog" is essential to the interpretation of this passage. Therefore, I suggest three reasons that confirm the identity of that nation, which is also predicted to invade Israel in the last days.

1. Russia's Philosophy

We have already seen in the Bible that God is against "Magog" (the country) and "Gog" (the chief prince of the country). Why would a loving God who has always been fir mankind be against this nation? Because the nation is against Him.

As the preceding section showed, "Magog" exhibits her antagonism toward God by opposing humanity, the special object of God's love, defying God's Word; and above all, antagonizing His people, the nation of Israel. Philosophically and religiously, the nation of Russia qualifies in every way. It is anti-God, anti-human, anti-Bible, and anti-Israel. But there is another reason for recognizing "Magog" as Russia.

2. Russia's Geographical Location

Another significant reason for identifying Russia as Magog is her geographical location. The Bible usually describes geography in relation to Israel. For example, "south" means south of Israel; "north" signifies north of Israel.

The only likely exception would come in this instance, in that Ezekiel was in Babylon when he spoke the prophecy. A case could be made that he may have meant "north of Babylon" when he said, "You will come from your place in the far north" (38:15;NIV), or, "I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel" (39:2;NIV).

The following map shows that it doesn't matter whether one starts in Israel or Babylon; north in either case leads to the broad expanse of the former Soviet Union. Unquestionably, the invading forces that will march against the nation Israel, recalled from the nations of the world and established in her own land, come from none other than Russia.

3. The Study of Etymology

Etymology is the study of linguistic changes and the history of words. We will investigate the etymology of the names of nations. As we will see, "Magog" is an ancient name for the nation now known as Russia. "Gog" merely means "the chief prince of Magog," or more literally, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (38:2-3; 39:1).

Genesis 10 helps to establish the identity of these people. Magog was the second son of Japheth who, according to Josephus, the great Jewish historian, settled north of the Black Sea. Tubal and Meshech were the fifth and sixth sons of Japheth, and their descendants settled south of the Black Sea. It is believed that these people intermarried and became known as Magog, the dominant tribe.

The name "Moscow" derives from the tribal name "Meshech," and "Tobolsk," the name of the principal state, from "'Tubal." The noun "Gog" is from the original tribal name "Magog," which gradually became "Rosh," then "Russ," and today is known as "Russia."

In The Late Great Planet Earth, Hal Lindsey offers a helpful discussion on the identity of these nations.

Dead Men Do Tell Tales!

It is necessary on the next few pages to establish some documentation from ancient history. Some people find this subject "a little dull," to say the least. If this is your case, you may wish to skim over the high points. For others, it will prove to be rewarding to check carefully the grounds upon which the historical case is built.

Herodotus, the fifth century B.C. Greek philosopher, is quoted as mentioning Meshech and Tubal. He identified them with a people named the Samaritans and Muschovites, who lived at that time in the ancient province of Pontus in northern Asia Minor.

Josephus, a Jewish historian of the first century, says that the people of his day known as the Moschevi and Thobelites were founded by Meshech and Tubal, respectively. He said, "... Magog is called the Scythians by the Greeks." He continued by saying that these people lived in the northern regions above the Caucasus Mountains.

Pliny, a noted Roman writer of early Christian times, said, "Hierapolis, taken by the Scythians, was afterward called Magog." In this he shows that the dreaded barbaric people called the Scythians were identified with their ancient tribal name. Any good history book of ancient times traces the Scythians to be a principal part of the people who make up modem Russia.

Wilhehn Gesenius, a great Hebrew scholar of the early nineteenth century, discusses these words in his unsurpassed Hebrew Lexicon. "Meshech," he says, "was founder of the Moschi, a barbarous people, who dwelt in the Moschian mountains.

This scholar went onto say that the Greek name, "Moschi," derived from the Hebrew name Meshech is the source of the name for the city of Moscow In discussing Tubal he said, "Tubal is the son of Rapheth, founder of the Tibereni, a people dwelling on the Black Sea to the west of the Moschi."

Gesenius concludes by saying that these people undoubtedly make up the modem Russian people.

Rosh is Russia

There is one more name to consider in this line of evidence. It is the Hebrew word, "Rosh," translated "chief" in Ezekiel 38:2-3 of the King James and Revised Standard Versions. The word literally means in Hebrew the "top" or "head" of something. According to most scholars, this word is used in the sense of a proper name, not as a descriptive noun qualifying the word "prince."

The German scholar, Dr. Keil, says, after a careful grammatical analysis, that it should be translated as a proper name, i.e., Rosh. He says, "The Byzantine and Arabic writers frequently mention a people called Ros and Rus, dwelling in the country of Taurus, and reckoned among the Scythian tribes."

Dr. Gesenius in his Hebrew Lexicon says, "... Rosh was a designation for the tribes then north of the Taurus Mountains, dwelling in the neighborhood of the Volga." He concluded that in this name and tribe we have the first historical trace of the Russ or Russian nation .

In 1857, Rev. F. E. Pitts delivered two sermons on prophecy before a joint session of the houses of the United States Congress. His was one of the most respected prophetic voices of his day. Sixty years before the Communist conquest of Russia, he had the boldness to warn the United States government of the coming day when Russia would be a dominant world power. Obviously he had insight, unpopular in his day, derived from Ezekiel 38 and 39.

Pitts had access to prophetic literature that is no longer available - literature showing that more than a hundred years ago it was popular to identify "Rosh" as Russia.

The Sons of Japheth

The very name of the ancient patriarches of the Russian dominions determine their location and nationality. "Gog" signifies a prince, or head, of many countries. Magog, Gomer, Meshech, and Tubal are four of the seven sons of Japheth. (See Gen. 10 and 1 Chron. 1.) These patriarches, according to Calmet, Brown, Bochart, and others, settled within the bounds of what is now the Russian dominions.

"Magog," says Josephus, "founded the Magogue, whom the Greeks call Sythee." The Scyth form almost one-fourth of the Russian population. They extended from Hungary, Transylvania, and Wallachia, on the west, to the River Dan on the east. The Russian territory of this people embraces a large portion both of Europe and Asia.

Meshech, the sixth son of Japheth, settled in the northeastern portion of Asia Minor. His posterity extended from the shores of the Euxine [Black] Sea along to the south of the Caucasus. He was the father of the Rossi and Moschi, who dispersed their colonies over a vast portion of Russian territory. And their names are preserved in the names of Russians and Muscovites to this day. The Septuagint version of the Old Testament renders the term "Meshech" by the words "Mosch" and "Rosch;" while "Moscovy" is a common name for Russia, and the city of Moscow is one of her principal cities.

Tubal, or Tobal, the fifth son of Japheth, settled beyond the Caspian and Black Seas in the eastern possessions of Russia, embracing a very large portion of these dominions. The name of this patriarch is still preserved in the river Tobal, which waters an immense tract of Russian territory; and the city of Tobalski in Russia is still a monument to this son of Japheth.

All these facts make it certain that, as Magog, Meshech, and Tubal compose the present possessions of Russia, the sovereignty of that empire is the chief prince addressed in the prophetic message.

Destined for Greatness

We must look to Russia, then, as the colossal giant of reconstructed monarchy, embodying the show of autocracy in the last grand organization - embracing all the principles foreshadowed in the metallic symbol of the vision "whose brightness was excellent, and the form thereof terrible." In fact, the emperor of all the Russians still bears the royal cognomen of the golden-headed monarchs of ancient Babylon.

Who is the present emperor of Russia? Alexander the Czar. And who are found among the monarchs of Assyria? Nobonazar, Nebuchadnezzar, and Belshazzar. These were not accidental terminations of their respective names but were doubtless terms of Assyrian royalty. So also the Roman Caesars, which scarcely vary from the true pronunciation of the czars. We behold in Russia the original trunk of autocracy.

In the time of Catharine, she arose in august magnitude and entered into the European state system about the time of the rise of our great country. We see rising on the one hand and on the other, the two great powers that represent, respectively, their opposing principles of government that will come in collision in the last dreadful fray.

In the light of the evidence that is available, we are not surprised that students of prophecy foresaw Russia's role as a world power years ago - long before her country showed any signs of greatness. Bishop Lowth of England wrote in 1710, "Rosh, taken as a proper name, in Ezekiel signifies the inhabitants of Scythia, from whom the modem Russians derive their name." It should be remembered that most of these quotations were written many years before the Bolshevik Revolution and the rise of Russia to power. Bible scholars anticipated Russia becoming a dominant power in the end time while she was literally a nonentity as a nation. Early in this century, she was still a second-rate influence in the affairs of nations; in 1905 little Japan defeated Russia in the Russo-Japanese War.

Why Will Russia Attack Israel?

During the past sixty years, Russian diplomats and foreign policy strategists have proved that they are much smarter than their Western counterparts. Every time our diplomats engage them in conference, we lose land, friends, people, or rights.

What would make a superpower like Russia, at the end time, abandon the path of diplomacy and attack the little nation of Israel? There are four possible reasons.

1. Russia's Long-Standing Hatred of the Jews

It is clear from history that the Jews cannot be intimidated by the Russians or anyone else. We can be certain that the Russians are not pleased with Israel's four military victories since 1949.

It is highly possible that the Russians will finally decide that they cannot defeat the Israelis through their Arab allies without personally engaging them on the field of combat. This decision could be the one that summons them to march against Israel.

2. Plunder, Spoil, and Wealth In Ezekiel 38:12-13;NIV we read,

I will plunder and loot and turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land. Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, "Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?"

These verses seem to suggest two important possibilities. One is that the economic conditions of Israel are destined to improve and those of the former Soviet Union deteriorate. We have already seen that, as a result of the peace treaties made between the Jews and the Arabs, Israel will experience a time of phenomenal material blessing, making her an object of greed on the part of those who will again inevitably be the Russian dictators.

As we see from daily news accounts, the future is not so bright for Russia. One way in which God has manifested His displeasure with Russia as a nation during the past six decades, lies in her total economic failure under communism. The Crimea was known under the czars as "the breadbasket of the world." The wheat harvested there was bountiful and more than sufficient for the needs of the Russian people; large quantities were exported to other nations of Europe.

Since the Russian Revolution, however, the severe weather of the Soviet Union has worsened, producing some of the harshest winters on record. Russia has become notorious for poor wheat crops - partly because of the weather and partly because of the lack of motivation among the Russian workers under communism.

Reports from Russia that scientists have desperately tried to manipulate the weather are probably fraudulent; if they are true, they give evidence that the scientific endeavors have not worked or have even made the situation worse.

Economic judgment from God is destined to continue, bringing the need to purchase increasing quantities of foreign grain. Again, daily news accounts tell of their plight. It appears critical.

3. God's Sovereign Will

The primary reason Russia will invade Israel is that God has decreed it. Ezekiel 38:3-4,8;NIV declares:

This is what the Sovereign Lord says ... I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army - your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords.

After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety.

Ezekiel 39:2;NIV adds: "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."

Why? "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme" (Ezek. 38:10;NIV).

The attack on Israel is conceived and mobilized by almighty God. This implies that God will stir the Russians' greedy plan, fulfilling Ezekiel 38:4;NIV: "I will ... put hooks in your jaws and bring you out ......

In studying these two chapters of Ezekiel, I sense that God will pour out His wrath upon Russia not only to demonstrate His power but also to heap judgment on those who have persecuted human beings, especially Israel.

When will this happen? The prophetic scenario is plain: at a time when Russia does not have Israel as her primary target. Russia's major objective has admittedly been world conquest. One way in which the Communists were consistent for the last seventy-four years was in their implacable movement toward that primary objective.

God has proclaimed that He raises up whom He win and puts down whom He will. (See Ezek. 21:26 and Dan. 4:24-25.) Even at the end time, when Russia reigns as a superpower, God will still be in control for He is able to "put hooks in her jaw" and lead her to obey His will.

4. A Matter of Safety

We have said that Israel is the third most powerful nation in the world, particularly if we limit that assessment to nations within a thousand miles of her homeland. Apart from world conquest, what was the chief objective of the former Soviet Union? To conquer the United States of America. Who is to say that quest was lost in the recent changes - or if it was, that it won't be returned in a short time?

At present, no one really knows whether the United States military forces are more powerful than Russian's or whether our government leaders will have the moral courage and national will to oppose Russia when these climactic events occur. Many knowledgeable people believe that the mood in this country is so anti- war as to be anti-self-defense. Our nation may prefer to capitulate even to Communist domination rather than to fight.

My point, however, is that no one - not even the Russians - really knows whether they would be victorious in a firststrike attack against the United States, particularly after the incredibly accurate, pinpoint bombing and the use of "smart weapons" during the attack on Saddam Hussein, who was using Soviet-built equipment. Therefore, before attacking the United States, they would surely attempt to nullify military assistance from any other source on earth.

The government of Israel is pragmatic enough to know that if Russia attacks the United States, Israel herself would be the next target. Therefore, the Commonwealth of Independent States' military leadership, headed by Russia, may theorize that an invasion of Israel must precede a frontal assault on the leader of the Western world. Consequently, an invasion of Israel may be just one more step in the fulfillment of their objective of world conquest.

Russia's Allies in the Attack on Israel

The only war that Russia has ever fought alone, they lost - against Afghanistan. We can be certain that the Russians will not invade Israel alone. The prophet Ezekiel stipulates that they will bring "many nations with you .... hordes gathered about you..." (Ezek. 38:6-7;NIV) But, he also notes that Russia will be in command (38:7).

1. Persia, or Iran

Russia's confederates, as disclosed in Ezekiel 38:5-6, are among her current friends. Those not in her orbit of friends at present are being cultivated either secretly or openly. Hal Lindsey offers interesting suggestions as to the identity of Russia's allies.

All authorities agree on who Persia is today. It is modem Iran. This is significant because it is being wooed to join the United Arab Republic in its hostility against Israel. The Russians are at this moment seeking to gain footholds in Iran by various overtures of aid.

Secret information coming out of Iran indicates the government is shaky and could easily be toppled replacing it with a ruler favorable to Russia and the eventual leaders. It would not be surprising to see Russia invade Iran if it seemed necessary to achieve her ends, particularly now that Iran is weakened militarily and economically through her long war with Iraq.

Lindsey continues, In order to mount the large-scale invasion predicted by Ezekiel, Russia would need Iran as an ally. It would be much more difficult to move a large land army across the Caucasus Mountains that border Turkey, than the Elburz Mountains that border Iran. Iran's general terrain is also much easier to cross than Turkey's. Transportation, however, will be needed through both countries.

2. Ethiopia or Cush (Black African Nations)

Ethiopia is a translation of the Hebrew word, "Cush." Cush was the first son of Ham, one of the sons of Noah. Moses mentions "the land of Cush" as originally being adjacent to an area near the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (Gen. 2:13).

After examining many authorities on the subject, the writer discovered once again why Dr. Gesenius is recognized as one of the great scholars of history. Gesenius summarized all of the evidence as follows: (1) The Cushites were black men. (2) They migrated first to the Arabian peninsula and then across the Red Sea to the area south of Egypt. (3) All the black people of Africa are descended from Cush.

Cush is translated "Ethiopia" twenty-one times in the King James Version, which is somewhat misleading. It is certain that the ancient Ethiopians (modem Abyssinia) are made up of Cushites, but they do not represent all of them, according to history.

The sobering conclusion is this: many of the African nations will be united and allied with the Russians in the invasion of Israel. This is in accord with Daniels graphic description of this invasion (Dan. 11:36-45).

The Russian force is called "the King of the North" and the sphere of power that the African (Cush) will be a part of is called "the King of the South."

One of the most active areas for the Communist "gospel" is in Africa. As we see further developments in this area in the future, we realize that many African nations will become converted to communism.

3. Libya or Put (Arabic African Nations)

Libya is the translation of the original Hebrew word, "Put." We have the same problem pinpointing these people as with Cush. Put was the third son of Ham (Gen. 10:6). The descendants of Put migrated to the land west of Egypt and became the source of the North African Arab nations, such as Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. The first settlement of Put was called Libya by the ancient historians, Josephus and Pliny. The Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, called the Septuagint, translates Put as Libya in about 165 B.C.

The conclusion is that Russia's ally, Put, certainly included more than what is now called Libya. Once again, there are current events to show the beginning of this alliance. The territory of Northern Africa is becoming solidly pro-Soviet. Algeria appears to be already Communist and allied with Russia.

As we watch this area in the next few years, we will see indications that it is destined to join the southern sphere of power that will attack Israel along with the "King of the North."

4. Gomer and All Its Hordes (Iron Curtain Countries)

Gomer was the eldest son of Japheth and the father of Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. These people make up an extremely important part of the future Russian invasion force.

Dr. Young, citing the best of the most recent archaeological finds, says of Gomer and his hordes, "They settled on the north of the Black Sea, and then spread themselves southward and westward to the extremities of Europe."

Gesenius speaks of part of Gomez's "hordes" as being Ashkenaz ". . . the proper name of a region and a nation in northern Asia, sprung from the Cimmerians who are the ancient people of Gomer. The modem Jews understand it to be Germany, and call that country by this Hebrew name - - . ."

Josephus called the sons of Ashkenaz' "the Rheginians," and a map of the ancient Roman Empire places them in the area of modem Poland, Czechoslovakia, and East Germany to the banks of the Danube River. The modem Jewish Talmud confirms the same geographical picture.

The conclusion is that Gomer and its hordes are a part of the vast area of modem Eastern Europe that was totally behind the Iron Curtain. This includes East Germany and the Slovak countries.

5. Togarmah and All Its Hordes (Southern Russia and the Cossacks)

In Ezekiel 38:6;Amp. "the house of Togarmah... and all his hordes" are specifically pointed out as being from "the uttermost parts of the north and all his hordes." Dr. Bauman traces evidence of some of the sons of Togarmah to the Turkoman tribes in central Asia. This would explain the statement, "of the north quarters, and all his bands."

The conclusion is that Togarmah is part of modem South-Russia and is probably the origin of the Cossacks and other people of the Eastern part of Russia. It is interesting to note that the Cossacks have always loved horses and have been recognized as producing the finest army of cavalry in the world. Today, they are reported to have several divisions of cavalry.

It is believed by some military men that cavalry will actually be used in the invasion of the Middle East just as Ezekiel and other prophets literally predicted. During the Korean War, the Red Chinese proved that in rugged mountainous terrain, horses are still the fastest means of moving a large attacking force into battle zones. Isn't it a coincidence that such terrain stands between Russia and Israel?

6. Many People Are With You

Ezekiel indicates that he hasnt given a complete list of allies. Enough is given, however, to make this writer amazed by the number of people and nations that will be involved.

Ezekiel, prophetically addressing the Russian ruler, commands him to "be prepared; yes, prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and you be a guard and commander for them" (Ezek. 38:7;Amp.).

In other words, the Russian ruler is to equip his confederates with arms and to assume command. If you have doubts about all that has been said in this chapter, isn't it a bit unnerving to note that almost all of the countries predicted as part of this great army are already armed with weapons created and manufactured in Russia or her satellite nations?

What's Your Name, Gog?

We have seen that Russia will arm and equip a vast confederacy. This powerful group of allies will lead an attack on restored Israel. Russia and her confederates, however, will be destroyed completely by an act that Israel will acknowledge as being from their God. This act will bring many in Israel to believe in their true Messiah (Ezek. 38:16).

Additional insight is found in the address delivered by the Rev. F. E. Pitts before the U.S. Congress more than 135 years ago.

"Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee" (Ezek. 38:6).

"Gomer," another son of Japheth, settled farther down westward in Europe; and has left his name entailed in Hungary, in a city and country both known to this day as the city and country of Gomer. "Togarmah," the son of Gomer, according to Cicero and Strabo not only peopled a large portion of Western Europe but sent settlements into Turcomania and Scythia in Russia.

Russia, then, according to the Scriptures, is the headship or leading power around which the multitudinous armies of allied monarchy shall be gathered together.

"Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet" (Ezek. 38:5).

Persia here represents the swarming hosts from the Asiatic possessions; Ethiopia, Libya, and the armies's of Africa.

"Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee" (Ezek. 38:9). The invasion is here announced by an armament such as the world never saw. For the millions that are to assemble under Gog or Russia embrace nearly all of Europe, as well as a large portion of Asia and Africa. This army is drafted from three continents to invade a fourth. It rises dismal as a cloud, and dreadful as a storm.

From all this we learn that a dominant leader, called Go& described as the "chief prince of Rosh," is going to arise and lead Russia into a vast northeastern confederation of nations including Iran, Ethiopia, and other African nations, Germany, Armenia, possibly Turkey, conceivably some orientals, and whoever else can be included with the statement, "And many peoples with thee." This group of nations, headed by Russia, will advance against Israel in the last days.

The Russian Invasion of Israel

Some. 2,500 years ago the Hebrew prophet Ezekiel described in considerable detail the circumstances under which God-rejecting Russia and her hordes of anti-Semitic nations would attempt to invade the little nation of Israel.

I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army - your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords.

After many days you will be called to arms In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety. You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.

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 win advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, 0 Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I show myself holy through you before their eyes (Ezek. 38:4,8-9,15-16;NIV).

There are two legitimate ways to interpret the kind of weapons used in this prophecy - literally and symbolically. Bible-believing scholars can be found on either side.

A literal interpretation of the passage suggests that modem methods of warfare may someday become obsolete, and man will return to primitive weapons. That is not as far-fetched as it may appear at first. For years, electronic scientists have reportedly been working on heat- ray devices that would have the capacity from many miles distant to render metallic surfaces so hot they could not be touched.

If such an invention were produced by the West, Russia could not invade Israel with tanks, bazookas, and modem weaponry. They would have to resort to horses. Metal weapons would be replaced with wooden; these would not be wooden swords and spears as used in ancient days, but implements fashioned with enormous strength out of basic wood materials seasoned with resin or lignostone, or other chemically treated woods that already are used industrially and have an amazingly long bum life.

If, on the other hand, the passage is to be taken symbolicaIly, the prophet Ezekiel is merely describing implements of war in terms meaningful to his contemporary audience. We must always remember that the Bible was written to specific people at a specific time and must therefore be meaningful to them. If the prophet Z500 years ago had addressed himself to tanks, half-tracks, aircraft carriers, and airplanes, no one would have understood what he meant.

Regardless which approach we take in interpreting this passage of Scripture, Russia will mount a massive military attack on Israel, and only God will be Israel's defense. God's supernatural intervention will save her.

"The Hordes" Who join Russia in This Invasion

Russia almost never does anything alone. We have already seen that when they pursue a goal unilaterally, as in Afghanistan, they get bogged down in an endless war. That is usually not Russia's style. Instead, she prefers to supply the military technology and money to her satraps, such as the Palestine Liberation

Organization, Cuba, Syria, or Egypt. Consequently, when Russia comes down to invade Israel, she will use Middle East hatred of the Jews to her advantage and inveigle these nation to help her in the fighting.

This will probably be the most massive invasion army assembled in the history of the world - all in opposition to Israel, a nation of less than four million people. For the first time since World War IL Israels friends will betray her.

Two Confederations of Nations

I am convinced, for two reasons, that the invasion described by Ezekiel is not the Battle of Annageddon - warfare between Jesus Christ and the nations - described in Revelation 16.

First, at this time there will be two leagues of nations: the northeastern confederation that invades with Russia, and the western confederation that has befriended Israel in the past.

Second, in Ezekiel's account only a certain number from the armies of the world will march against the Jews. In the Battle of Annageddon, am-des will come from all the countries of the world against Christ - not Israel. Yet, while this warfare will not be the real Battle of Armageddon, to the participants it will seem like it.

The Northeastern Confederation

We have already identified some of the nations that will join Russia. Actually, five countries will constitute the northeastern confederation:

1. Russia, the instigator and leader;
2. Persia (Iran), if the former Soviets can somehow repair the breach between Iraq and Iran, Iraq may also be included;
3. Ethiopia (Cush), which could involve Libya and representatives from many other African nations;
4. Gomer (Germany) "and its hordes," now that Germany has been unified, this is even more plausible;
5. Togarmah "and its hordes" - Armenia, which may well involve Turkey and other nations or peoples remaining from the Turkish Empire. Some diplomatic efforts are needed here, but remember, those allies have a common religion.

The Western Confederation

The western confederation of nations also appears in Ezekiel's prophecy. Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, "Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?" (Ezek. 38:13;NIV).

Who are these nations that greet force with diplomacy? There is little doubt that the western confederation comprises the democracies of the West, principally the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. "Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish" were the seafaring Phoenicians, many of whom migrated to Europe, particularly the British Isles and Spain. These countries, the colonizers of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, provide the only vigorous anti-Communist spirit in the world today.

The American Standard Version renders "Tarshish and her villages" in verse 13 as "Tarshish and her young lions [or strong lions]." For this reason, many Bible scholars identify America, Canada, Australia, and other western democracies as the "cubs" of Great Britain and Spain, the colonizers of the West. Certainly, that is historically valid. Therefore, this probably does identify the nations of the prophecy. If the invasion were to take place in the decade of the nineties, the western democracies would qualify.

It stands to reason that Russia does not take the entire world with her against Israel. At a time when two confederations of nations exist - basically still Communist versus antiCommunist - Israel is allied with the anti-Communists, as it is today.

Unfortunately for Israel, instead of meeting the gathering invasion horde with force, the western democracies will confront it with diplomacy. This historically represents the weak response of the democracies in both the world wars and in almost every conflict since. Instead of sending help at the moment when Israel needs the support of her allies, they will send a diplomatic note (perhaps through the United Nations) that essentially inquires of Russia and her hordes, "What are you going to do in little Israel - loot and carry away silver and gold, take away livestock and goods, and seize many riches?"

This may be the most breathtaking, dramatic moment in the history of modem Israel. Until this time, Israel could depend at least on the United States of America.

I well recall an incident that occurred as I jogged along a Mediterranean beach during one of my trips to Israel. A young English-speaking college student - an Israeli - began to jog with me, and we started a conversation. As we discussed Israel's victory in the Six-Day War, I asked if it ever occurred to him that Russia might someday invade Israel herself instead of sending the Arab nations.

Pointing through the evening fog that was settling on the waters of the Mediterranean Sea (where the U.S. Seventh Fleet sailed in military splendor), he responded, "Oh, we're not worried about that; we know America would come to our rescue!" He was right for it was our Patriot Missiles that saved Israel from Saddam Husseine's Scud Missiles in the Persian Gulf War.

According to Ezekiel's prophecy, the day will come when Israel's friends will not always come to her aid. When Russia's invasion forces rattle their spears, the western democracies, including America, will use the impotent instrument of diplomacy instead of the one power that all terrorists, murderers, dictators, and lawless individuals or nations understand: force.

In the history of the world, no nation except Switzerland has ever enjoyed peace through weakness, and her peace was only an accommodation by the militaristic nations of the world wars to maintain free access to the exchange of money. All other nations have found that peace comes exclusively through strength.

The use of diplomacy, at this strategic time in prophetic history, would indicate that the Western democracies will continue to dissipate their strength and military might while Russia builds her power base, probably through unfair trading policies that permit Russia to rape the technology of the West.

Nevertheless, when she finds herself confronted by her enemies and betrayed by her allies, the little nation of Israel, who has not set her heart toward God since returning to the Promised Land, will turn to Him in desperation - and in that moment find Him a ready deliverer.

How God Delivers Israel

The scenario that develops at this point in our prophetic story is exciting. Confronted by overwhelming forces from Russia and forsaken by her friends, Israel will turn to God, and He will do for modem Israel what He did for ancient Israel. As the God over all forces, He will deliver Israel from the hands of the oppressor. As certain as it is that Russia and her Middle East hordes will come down against Israel, so certain is it that God will destroy the invading forces and deliver Israel supernaturally.

The prophet does not leave us in doubt as to the methods that God will use in this destruction. It is noteworthy that this is not the first time they will have been used by the Almighty, for all of them have precedence in the Old Testament.

1. A Mighty Earthquake

In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground (Ezek. 38:19- 20;NIV).

Evidently, God permits the Russians and their hordes to begin an airborne invasion while the infantry launches aground assault. But at a strategic moment, He generates a powerful and destructive earthquake that causes people to "tremble" at His presence. This catastrophe will manifest the power of a supernatural God.

Earthquakes were, of course, used by God in ancient days; Amos 1:1 and Zechariah 14:5 recount the terrible earthquake that rocked the land of Palestine in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah. It was no doubt a special intervention of God that caused that earthquake.

Jesus predicted that earthquakes would be one of the signs of His return and the end of the age (Matt. 24:7-8). The record shows that we have experienced an alarming increase in earthquakes during the past fifty years. One seismologist has stated that in each of the past five decades, the number and severity of earthquakes have surpassed the preceding decade. We should also remember that the Book of Revelation predicts that during the first quarter of the Tribulation, a mighty earthquake will create havoc throughout the entire world (Rev. 6:12-17). Another earthquake in the middle of the Tribulation will rock the city of Jerusalem (Rev. 11:13), and still another at the end of the Tribulation could well be the mightiest earthquake ever to shake the earth (Rev.16:17-21). Consequently, it is not unlike God to use His power to create earthquakes in defense of Israel when Russia's armies come against her.

2. The Sword of the Lord

I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord. Every mares sword will be against his brother (Ezek. 38:21;NIV).

Nothing shakes man from his independence and false sense of security like an earthquake, particularly one having the magnitude that God will provide for Israel's deliverance. And because Israel is no match for the invading hordes of military personnel about to devour her, the Lord will confuse her enemies, and they will do battle with each other. If they are using tanks, they will train them on each other. If they are using airplanes, they will dogfight against their own planes. Or if, as already indicated, they have reverted to more primitive weapons of warfare, Israel's enemies will skirmish among themselves rather than against their originally intended foe.

One precedent for such an incredible event appears in Judges 7:8-22, where the story is told of a large army becoming so confused that the soldiers attacked each other and fled in fright from a mere three hundred Israelites.

3. Plague and bloodshed

I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed ... (Ezek. 38:22;NIV).

History shows that plagues have often accompanied the wanton killing of human beings in battle. Human carnage, blood, and the remains of a battlefield breed disease. But in the case of Russia's invasion of Israel, the plague seems to be something uniquely manipulated by God to further destroy the effectiveness of the enemy.

The next judgment to befall the invaders is a plague-like pestilence that causes much bloodshed. Pestilence associated with the aftermath of war is similar to that foretold by our Lord in Matthew 24. Those who survive the earthquake and the hand-to-hand combat will certainly perish in the plague.

4. Floods

- I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him (Ezek. 38:22;NIV).

The portion of the invading force that is left after the earthquake, the fighting, and the plague will be destroyed by hailstones and burning sulfur.

For those who interpret this verse literally, there are Old Testament precedents both in the destruction God reigned down on Sodom and Gomorrah and in some of the battles of Israel. For example, Joshua 10:11;NIV, states that when Joshua's armies fought against the Amorites that "the Lord hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites."

This final stage in God's judgment on the invaders could create not only a muddy terrain that would bog down any military advance but also flooding conditions that would imperil human life.

5. Burning sulfur

The use of burning sulfur as a means of judgment recalls the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, with both earthquake and fire and brimstone - that is, burning sulfur.

The troops who survive the other four judgments win die as a result of the falling, burning sulfur. No wonder God says in Ezekiel 39:4; NIV, "On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you ......

These five judgments of God will result in the annihilation of the armies of Gog and his allies. This will undoubtedly be the greatest holocaust fulfilled in a single day in the history of the world. But, there is more.

God Destroys the Spies "In the Isles" 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 (Ezek. 39:5-6;NIV).

As a special demonstration to the world of God's omnipotence, Ezekiel gives an unusual prophecy. God will not only destroy the entire army of Magog but also consume with fire those who "live in safety in the coastlands." The word "coastlands" is understood by Bible scholars to mean "the nations," some older translations render it "in the isles."

Who would qualify as those who live in nations not involved in the conflict? They could be individuals who live in safety or security on islands, or this could refer to uninvolved coastland nations.

The verse probably refers to the many Communist spies and sympathizers who live in the western democracies - who regularly take advantage of their freedom by pursuing subversion for the cause of Moscow and the Kremlin. Such spies or Communist infiltrators occupy many key positions throughout America - in the bureaucracy, universities and colleges, and the media - and subvert the minds of our citizens.

These people who have spent much of their adult life betraying the country that gives them freedom and safety will suddenly be consumed by fire. The United States will not have to reactivate the House Un-American Activities Committees to administer justice. Rather, the God who knows "the thoughts and intents of the heart" will judge these traitors by fire.

We can only imagine the number of vacancies that will occur in one day in the federal and state governments and in the three thousand universities and colleges of America. In all likelihood, this same judgment will create similar vacancies in Canada Australia, and the British Isles. At the United Nations, divine fire judgment will suddenly fall and reveal the identity of those who really are Communist spies or sympathizers. Such an event will create electrifying headlines.

The World in Chaos - Time for the Antichrist

Can you imagine the chaos into which the world's nations will be plunged the day after God destroys not only the invading armies of Russia but also the Communist spies in the Western world? On the one hand, the skeptical attitude of the secular humanists toward the existence of God will suddenly be confronted with irrefutable evidence of a supernatural God. There will be absolutely no other explanation for these events. In addition, many trusted leaders in key positions of influence will have been destroyed by fire because they were traitors to their country.

Probably the greatest result of this chaos will be that Western democratic leaders who survive will become the dominant leaders of the world. The threat of worldwide communism will have been destroyed in a single day, leaving Israel and the Western confederation of nations in a world-dominating position.

We cannot be certain what will occur politically immediately after this awesome event. But I believe that the rising tide of interest in world government under the guise of the New World order will suddenly find little opposition. Communism will have been removed as a world threat - in reality rather than merely in rhetoric as with the supposed changes that have taken place in the former former Soviet Union. The humanistic politicians of the world will naturally assume, therefore, that a one-world government - within either the United Nations or its replacement - should provide the solution to this planet's ills.

.........

Russia Adds Tu-160 “Blackjack” Strategic Bomber to Fleet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Russia has officially inducted a new Tu-160 “Blackjack” long-range bomber into its air force, RIA Novosti reported Tuesday (see GSN, April 24).

The bomber is one of 16 Blackjacks in operation and only the second built in Russia since the end of the Cold War. The Soviet Union began producing the bombers in 1984 and added them to its air force in 1987.

Designed to launch nuclear or conventional attacks on strategic targets deep inside enemy territory, the bomber features extendable wings to accommodate both low and supersonic speeds as well as updated navigation, fire-control and computer systems.

“Together with Tu-95 ‘Bear’ bombers, these aircraft will help us maintain strategic parity with potential foes and will bolster Russia's national security,” said Igor Khvorov, chief of staff of the Russian air force.

“We will soon complete the construction of several more strategic and long-range bombers and deliver them to the Russian air force,” said Alexei Fyodorov, head of Russia’s Unified Aircraft Corp. He did not disclose the number of new bombers.

Russia’s 121st heavy bomber regiment at Engels air base is expected to receive the new Blackjack. Russia’s air force also includes 141 Tu-22 M3 bombers and 40 Tu-95 MS bombers, sources told RIA Novosti (RIA Novosti, April 29). http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080429/106194482.html
...........................................................benny

No Russian bombers in Ezekiel's vision of the attack against Israel

That may very well be true........I have front row seats in heaven.....popcorn anyone?............................................benny

IS WAR IMMINENT?
Almost certainly, the NIE conclusions have put the kabash on a U.S. military strike on Iran's massive nuclear facilities during the remainder of George Bush's term. Yet one thing is for sure. Israel cannot entertain the slightest possibility of a first-strike against her, as one nuclear bomb would obliterate the Jewish state.
That possibility may bring Israel to face the need for a pre-emptive strike. But the chances of success are not very great. There are hundreds of known nuclear sites in Iran and Israel's air force assets are small compared to U.S. missile capabilities.

"There are multiple targets, all well protected, [plus] full Iranian awareness that Israel has them within range," reflects editor Horowitz. Besides that, Iran has the expertise and the raw materials to rebuild after any attack, "and a terrifying Iranian capacity to retaliate."

Yet it may fall to Israel to choose between accepting a nuclear Iran or going it alone to knock them out. Indeed, if the ayatollahs do get the bomb, "they wouldn't even have to use it in order to totally destroy our Israeli economy and shatter our national psyche," observes Horowitz.

Another incredible danger would be if Iran supplied Hizbullah or some other terrorist group with a nuclear weapon. "Iran seems to be gaining the upper hand," writes Horowitz. "For when all the nuances of the latest American intelligence estimate are digested, the fundamental message is that Iran, as things stand, is serenely enriching the material it needs for a bomb and will be able to weaponize as soon as it wants to." (JP 7Dec07)
Without ever detonating a nuclear weapon Iran could wreak havoc both in terms of international security and the world economy.

Analyst Yaakov Katz reminds at the same time, however, Israel is aware that even if it might be left alone to deal with Iran militarily it will need American assistance. Without the codes to American fighter jets in the region - particularly those operating over Iraq and Afghanistan - an attack by Israel's air force would go from extremely difficult to almost impossible. When Israel requested these codes in 1991 during the First Gulf War to respond to Saddam Hussein's Scud attacks on Israel, the U.S. said no and the Israeli planes stayed at their bases.

Katz emphasizes that Israel should be investing great effort in making sure that if the time comes, the U.S., its Number One ally, will deliver the needed assistance. (Ibid.)

ISRAEL'S UNDERSTANDING OF THE GLOBAL STRUGGLE
Israeli Journalist Menashe Amir puts it this way. The ayatollahs have three ambitions they plan to accomplish in three phases.

1. They want to destroy Israel. They see it as a religious imperative. We are on "occupied Muslim territory." We must be removed.

2. They want to assert leadership over the Muslim world. And they are using Israel and the Palestinian issue as the focal point to draw the Muslim world behind them.

3. Furthermore, they want to confront Christianity and Western culture - to defeat the infidels. (ibid.,15Dec06)

Conservative opinion makers such as Daniel Pipes believe that the NIE report could bring war closer than ever. "The NIE has sent a signal," says Pipes, "to the apocalyptic-minded leadership in Teheran that the danger of external sanctions has ended, that it can go undisturbed about its bomb-building business." If the NIE weakens the already shaky U.N. resolve to invoke sanctions then the only solution to stop Iran would be an attack - either by the U.S. or Israel. (http://www.danielpipes.org/)

This morning, the day I am finishing this article, I woke up to the headlines: Dichter: U.S. report on Iran may lead to a 'Yom Kippur' war. Avi Dicter is Israel's Public Security Minister and former head of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and probably knows as many of Iran's secrets as any westerner alive. He warns that Israel could suffer a surprise attack from Iran just as she did on Yom Kippur of 1973 when the combined armies of Egypt and Syria attacked Israel. (Ibid., 18Dec07) For the first few days of that war, it appeared that Israel might be thrown into the sea. Once again, the God of Israel did not let that happen, but Israel lost more than six thousand soldiers within three weeks.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE REACTION OF BELIEVERS?
It might be the tendency of born again believers, Jews or Christians, to be somewhat unperturbed, even with this information. The reason being that we all know what the Bible promises: Israel will never cease being a nation before God (Jeremiah 31:36), one day all Israel will be saved, (Romans 11:26) and God Himself will fight for Israel (Zechariah 14:3). Israel will not be thrown into the sea.

However - and this is a very big "however" - the Bible does not say how many wars Israel will have to go through before the end comes, before Israel is saved - both physically and spiritually. The prince of Persia, of whom the angel Gabriel spoke to Daniel, is obviously on the war path again. Gabriel explained to the prophet that he, Gabriel, had no one fighting with him except Michael, Israel's prince. (Daniel 10:20)

If you will bear with me, I don't believe the success of Israel's military in this existential struggle is dependent on how many Russian Jews immigrate to Israel, although this phenomenon is clearly prophesied in the Old Testament. Nor is it dependent on bringing Jews from Ethiopia or any other country to the land, although the Word of God promises this will happen. It isn't even how many hospitals or orphans Christians give to in Israel, or how many trees they plant - although these are good and righteous things to do, and should be done.
Before you wonder where I am going, let me simply put the emphasis where I think it should be. Israel's future is dependent on Jewish men, women and children turning back to the God of Israel, repenting of their sins and receiving the atonement of God's sacrificial Lamb, Yeshua.

Help will come from the Lord as more and more Israelis turn their faces towards heaven, pleading for mercy and help from above. The angel Michael will bring in His troops at the Lord's directives when the Jewish people call on Him to do so.

The Gospel must be preached to the Israeli people.

It's that simple.


Ari and Shira Sorko-Ram are the founders of Maoz Israel Ministries. The mission of MAOZ is: 1) To declare the Message of Messiah and make disciples in the city of Tel Aviv and throughout Israel. 2) To raise up Israeli leaders to prepare for the coming spiritual awakening among the people of Israel. 3) To educate and inform Christians world-wide of the strategic importance of Israel and the Jewish people in God's plan for world revival. The MAOZ web site is http://www.maozisrael.org/.


.................................................................benny

This commentary I agree with

It might be the tendency of born again believers, Jews or Christians, to be somewhat unperturbed, even with this information. The reason being that we all know what the Bible promises: Israel will never cease being a nation before God (Jeremiah 31:36), one day all Israel will be saved, (Romans 11:26) and God Himself will fight for Israel (Zechariah 14:3). Israel will not be thrown into the sea.

However - and this is a very big "however" - the Bible does not say how many wars Israel will have to go through before the end comes, before Israel is saved - both physically and spiritually. The prince of Persia, of whom the angel Gabriel spoke to Daniel, is obviously on the war path again. Gabriel explained to the prophet that he, Gabriel, had no one fighting with him except Michael, Israel's prince. (Daniel 10:20) [The prince of Persia is a fallen angelic just like the chief prince of Mesheck and Tubal ..... Gog ..... Satan]

Hi Stephen, I see that you did a lot of homework, and excellent, if I may say so! My compliments =)

Scythes
How often did I see that name in demonic tales.

Russia
- recovery: same bear in a western style cloak, simply used for economic recovery, after which it will resume its original stance, although it tries to hide this.
- always fights its wars through proxies.
- proxy hierarchy: 1. Russia 2. Iran 3. Syria 4. Hezbollah 5. Hamas

Young Lions
- May I remind you that the Netherlands have a national symbol, the Lion and that these were world traders before the British stole the dutch seamaps?



Stephen, that is an assumption, for you do not know what impact it will have when the West will take a hard yet defensive stance with a vow to retalliate any agression against Israel (which is what I saw in the Vision).



And Europe, under the flag of NATO (the Cross as a symbol).
As I have always understood, Philadelphia will be the USA and Efeze Europe.