What are Gog and Magog?

Historically, Magog was a grandson of Noah. Genesis 10:2. The descendants of Magog settled to the north of Israel, in Asia. They are described as skilled warriors by Ezekiel.

Gog: from Magog will be the leader of a great army from Northern regions, that will attack Israel in the latter days. Ezekiel 38 & 39, Revelation 20:7-8. While these two instances both mention Gog, a close study of Scripture shows that they do not refer to the same people and events. 

 The first attack, described in Ezekiel 38 & 39, cannot occur during the Millennium, and is quite different from the attack by the Anti Christ at the time of the Return of Jesus. [Armageddon] Therefore, it must happen before then. The strongest evidence for when Gog attacks, is when Israel is at peace and have laid down their defenses. Ezekiel 38:8 & 11. The Jewish State of Israel is currently threatened with war on all sides, but after the next event in the Middle East, as described in Psalm 83 and many other prophecies, then when His people, Christian Israelites, settle into the Land – the Lord promises their peace and security. According to Ezekiel and in Joel 2:20, Gog will be destroyed on the mountains of Israel. The slaughter will be so great, it will take seven months to bury the dead. Ezekiel 39:11-12.

Gog and Magog are mentioned again at the end of the Millennium. This use of their names is to show that these armies demonstrate the same rebellion and antagonism against God, as those in Ezekiel. It is the same as calling someone a name to portray another character similar to their actions. This final, last ditch attack on the Lord and His people, by Satan, results his being thrown into the lake of fire and his army from around the world, being instantly cremated.

An interesting aspect of the attack and destruction of Gog and his army against New Israel is the burning of the weapons for fuel, enough for 7 years. Rifle stocks and many other items, such as mortar bases are made of lignostone – a compressed wood/plastic composite.

This is lighter than steel and cheaper than aluminium. It burns better than coal.

Also this 7 year period, gives us the clue that Gog’s attack will happen at least at the commencement of the 70th “week” of Daniel, but because of the Tribulation, etc, of that time, it seems logical that it will be some years before that.