These days, lots of talk swirls about the stage being set for the Ezekiel 38 prophecy of a northern invasion of Israel by a coalition led by Russia. A careful study of Ezekiel 38:1-6 identifies the ancient names of people groups who will fall under the command of Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal (modern-day Russian territories). Among those submitting to Gog’s command are:

• Persia (modern-day Iran)
• Gomer and Beth-Togarmah (modern-day Turkey and perhaps neighboring areas)
• Ethiopia, also called Cush (modern-day Sudan and perhaps Ethiopia)
• Put (modern-day Libya and perhaps Algeria)

Much has been made of the growing alliance between Russia, Iran and Turkey. In fact, leaders of those three countries have met at least 3 times in the past several months, and are planning another meeting together in Russia within the next few weeks. In the context of Ezekiel 38, most Bible believers agree the stage is being set for the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy.

But what about Ethiopia (Cush) and Put, the other two regions Ezekiel envisioned in the northern invasion? Some have argued the stage is NOT set for the Ezekiel 38 prophecy because those players are not yet in the game. But aren’t they? Check out these headlines (and read an article or two) and you will find that Libya and Sudan are very much in the game!

• Russia has a Plan for Libya
• Russia’s Game in Libya
• Russia Set up Two Military Bases and Sent Troops on the Ground in East Libya
• Algeria has Bought Half the Russian Weapons Sold in Africa
• What’s Behind Sudan’s “Rapproachement” with Russia?
• Russia and Sudan Look to Develop Military Cooperation

Indeed, the Gog-like Russian president, Vladimir Putin, is positioning Russia as a key player in Libya. With a weak Russian economy, it is believed Putin is angling for billions in reconstruction contracts, a share of North Africa’s abundant oil reserves and a naval base on the Mediterranean Sea.

There is most certainly Russian activity in Libya, Algeria and Sudan. Thus, arguments that the entire coalition is yet to take shape are becoming less and less accurate as Russia works for their own best interests in both Libya and Sudan.

More evidence that we are living in the last days. With Russia, Turkey and Iran literally on Israel’s border, and with increasing cooperation with Libya and Sudan, the coalition is intact. Given that, how long before the northern invaders come to capture spoil and take plunder in the land of Israel? (Ezekiel 38:12)

Days are short. Are you ready for the Lord’s return?