“You will hear of wars and rumours of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” (Matt 24:6)

The past few weeks have seen a lot of speculation over Putin’s intentions in Ukraine. With a massive build up of troops on three sides, and the preparation of field hospitals, all the signs of a potential invasion are there. Is Putin playing games to get what he wants, through the unstated but blatant threat? Or does he genuinely intend to invade, come what may? Is it all a big bluff?

Time will tell.

Biblical prophecies

But what does the Bible have to say about this? The question arises whether this has anything to do with the prophesied ‘Gog/Magog war’ from Ezekiel 38:1-23. Whereas the direct events outlined by the biblical prophet are not occurring, could this be a precursor? Many Bible commentators consider Russia to be the modern Magog, the effective leader of the attack, which will eventually come upon Israel. Other countries have been identified, such as Iran (ancient Persia), Turkey (Beth Togarmah), Sudan, or possibly Ethiopia (Cush). But interestingly, what is referred to as Gomer is believed to have covered a substantial amount of Eastern Europe, including Ukraine.

From the fall of the Soviet Republic, any form of union between Eastern European countries and Russia looked unlikely, and those nations have been following a largely peaceful trajectory. But since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, aggression has been continuing, particularly in the last year or so, with now huge numbers of troops looking as if they are poised to attack.

Could this action be a precursor to Ezekiel’s end-time war, which will culminate in the return of the Messiah? 

Could this action be a precursor to Ezekiel’s end-time war, which will culminate in the return of the Messiah? We cannot yet say. But it does nevertheless indicate a Russia that is becoming more and more eager to assert itself on the world stage – a process of which these tensions are only a part.

If Russia does succeed in conquering Ukraine, it adds into the mix another ally – albeit an extremely unwilling one – that comes closer to representing the predicted Gog/Magog alliance. Russia already has close ties with Iran, and Turkey.

Thoughts from Israel

Interestingly, Israel 365 News reports that the annexation of Crimea was considered by many Israeli mystics as a precursor to Ezekiel’s final war. A teaching from the Vilna Gaon, an 18th century Rabbinic sage, indicated in 1797, “When you hear that the Russians have captured the city of Crimea, you should know that the times of the Messiah have started, that his steps are being heard.” He went on, “And when you hear that the Russians have reached the city of Constantinople [today’s Istanbul], you should put on your Shabbat clothes and don’t take them off, because it means that the Messiah is about to come any minute.”¹

Russia currently has no clear antagonism against Israel, despite being heavily involved with her neighbour, Syria. But Putin is heavily driven by what he sees as Russia’s self-interest, and her aggrandisement on the world stage. It is too early to say exactly what is happening, but Putin’s actions merit careful watching – and the people of Ukraine need our prayers.

Notes

¹ As Russia prepares invasion: Israel may rescue up to 75,000 Ukrainian Jews from ‘Gog-Magog’ War, Adam Eliyahu Berkowits, Israel 365 News, January 25 2022