It is public knowledge that Russia has annexed Crimea, in Ukraine, and threatens the stability of the Ukrainian Government. Our interest here is to survey the prophetic aspect of this move in the light of the Scriptures.
The book of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 described the future of Russia. Ezekiel 38:1, reads,
“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him…” KJV.
When we read this verse and some other verses in chapters 38 and 39 from some translations like KJV, NIV, NLT, we may not see Russia in the picture. But when read from the Greek version (LXX manuscript), we see allusion to Russia.
The word, “Rosh” was used in Ezek.38:1 and 39:1. Some English translators chose to use the word, “chief” instead. Other Bible translators however, used the word, ‘Rosh’. That is the rendering found in The American Version, Darby Bible Translation, English Revised Version, World English Bible, and Young Literal Translation. For instance, Ezek.38:1 is rendered as follows,
“And thou, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal:…” (ASV).
The connotation of this rendering in the Hebrew and Greek versions is that, Rosh would be the captain, leader, or chief of the invading army.
God’s wrath was against Gog. We could see from the rendering of that prophecy that Gog is an entity; a being, but not necessarily a human ruler. The prophecy against Gog was addressing the spiritual ruler of Russia and her satellites. In Daniel 10, the spiritual ruler of the Kingdom of Persia, which was called the Prince of Persia, posed a stiff resistance to Daniel’s prayer for twenty-one days. This wicked Prince of Persia and his principalities arrested Angel Gabriel and detained him for twenty-one days until Angel Michael showed up. The judgement that was pronounced on the Prince of Persia was executed on the Kingdom of Medes and Persia. (Dan.10). Similarly, when Gog begins to stir, Russia and the Regions of the Northern Quarters begin to agitate.
“Benjamin’s sons were Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.”
The lineage of Rosh in the course of history became one of the Scythian tribes under Magog. The modern names of the countries described in Ezek.38:1-6, 39:1 are as follows;
1.
Land of Magog
Northern Quarters
2.
Rosh
Russia & Ukraine
3.
Meshech
Moscow
4.
Tubal
Tobolsk
5.
Persia
Iran
6.
Cush
Ethiopia, Sudan
7.
Put
Libya, Somalia
8.
Gomer
(Eastern) Germany
9.
Togarmah
Turkey, Armenia
10.
Many people with thee
Unclassified military coalition
11.
Note:
Cush and Put figuratively represent large part of Africa, especially the North Africans and Mesopotamia in which Iraq is founded today.
Knowingly or unknowingly Russia is laying foundations to fulfill the prophecies of Ezekiel 38 and 39. There has been an alignment of almost all the countries mentioned above, whether covertly or overtly. Virtually all of them are currently pro-Russia. The invasion of Ukraine is aimed at making Ukraine a Russian ally.
Crimea in Ukraine is a strategic spot for Russian military campaign and economic strength. Controlling Crimea would give Russia access to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. In other words, the battle for Crimea is the battle of marine supremacy! Without this access, Russia is disadvantaged in the event of war. But with Crimea under control, Russia can further flex military muscles.
Besides the military advantage, Russia went after Crimea for economic strength. Crimea has many oil fields both onshore and offshore. One of their offshore fields has 21 billion metric cubes of oil reserves. Without question, in no distant time, oil would become the main source of economic control. That is why the major super powers (USA, China and Russia) are desperately working towards securing their future oil supply.
Another reason for the stirring of the King of Rosh is to retaliate the invasion of Libya (Russian ally) by Western forces, which was instigated by the USA.
In any case, whether now or later, Ukraine would fall in line with Russia, and other Northern countries that would eventually invade Israel. Would America succeed in temporarily halting this move? Time will tell, but the scriptures of Truth shall not be broken. Eventually, Ukraine would be allied to Russia.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father..." (John 14:12).