Is There Prophetic Meaning In The Russian Ukrainian War?
Directly there is absolutely nothing within Biblical context concerning the Russian Ukrainian war. Indirectly there are some interesting footnotes that hold eerie echoes.
More specifically when the question of prophecy comes forward pertaining to this topic the focus is Ezekiel 38 and 39. The invasion by Russia into Israel within the Gog Magog war.
Know that there are those who are trying to sell the panic or speed up the timeline. I wish to ignore the crazies but rather focus on a few interesting key areas.
No One Will Come To Aid Israel As No One Has Come To Help The Ukraine
Within the context of the passages found within Ezekiel 38 and 39 we know that no one will come to aid Israel. They stand alone while nations look on casting their condemnation or asking questions.
We can look at verse 13 of chapter 38 to see the kinds of questions these onlooking nations are asking.
“13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?”
Before the invasion into the Ukraine I had a difficult time imagining a situation where an invasion could play out in this way. This is especially shocking when the aggressor is as large in power and scale as Russia.
I spoke earlier about eerie echoes. We now have a standard due to this war in the Ukraine where we have seen this happen once.
When Russia invades Israel it will be a specific but broader group of nations which come against her. Suddenly what many believed to be an event which would likely take place after the rapture of the church has a precedence and it is possible it could happen before.
Economic Implications On Russia Which Impact The Invasion Into Israel
The economic sanctions which have been placed on Russia due to the Ukrainian war are actually significant. While they will do little to help the Ukrainians, the impact which will be felt is further down the road.
These sanctions extend well beyond the mere breaking ties with banks or commerce. As Europe moves towards purchasing gas from other nations it is the source of this fuel that is the problem.
As of this writing Israel is selling gas to Egypt which is then in turn selling to Europe. Europe is presently asking whether or not Israel can meet the demanding supply it needs.
The money which was flowing into Russia will now be flowing through Egypt and into Israel. What is more interesting is that the Israeli gas is 2/3 cheaper than its Russian counterpart.
Due to Ezekiel’s writing we know that Russia moves on Israel for economic reasons, or rather the spoils of war.
Russian Israeli Relations Are Under Strain
Israel recently voted to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. This in turn inflamed a sharp response from the Russians.
The Russians claimed that Israel is using the war in the Ukraine to deflect from the conflict with the Palestinians. They also claimed that the issue in the Middle East is a more problematic issue which has lasted for much longer.
How is all of this important?
Going back to Ezekiel 38 we know that Russia has two other key large allies. These allies are Turkey and Iran. At our present day this alliance is alive and well.
Iran has its military and also its irregular forces within Syria. They are using this battlespace to target Israel and also funnel weapons to its proxies in other locations.
Russia is also within Syria controlling a naval base and an expanded air base. With the Russians controlling the airspace Israel cannot strike at aggressive targets without collaboration with the Russians.
Recent strikes have drawn the ire of the Russians. Add to this the recent strain from issues surrounding the Ukraine, suddenly the question of how long the airspace will remain open to the Israelis is real.
How Do These Elements Impact Future Prophecy Within The Gog Magog Conflict Of Ezk 38?
There is no direct implication or impact upon the future conflict found within Ezekiel 38. What we do see is the stage being set.
I say the stage is being set, but how?
First we see the proximity of forces within the present alliance found in Ezekiel. Secondly we also see relationships deteriorating.
What is significant to me is a greater third issue. The economic impact which Russia will soon face due to a major loss in gas sales will draw quick attention.
When Will Russia Invade Israel?
We have no idea of when this conflict will take place. We also have no idea of whether or not this battle takes place before or after the rapture.
What we do know is that this conflict is a pre tribulation event, not to be confused with the Revelation Gog Magog. These two references are two different peoples, in two different times, with two very different enemies.
The only similarity to both battles is where they take place.
Based upon what we see presently within the world I do believe it will be soon. Soon is a very big word with a wide range of possibilities.
Nevertheless, when you arrive at a theatre to see a play performance and the lights go dark as the stage is being set, you know it is very soon.
This to me is the present atmosphere we are living within. It impacts not only the Russia Israel issues, but also the rapture and Tribulation.
What We Still Lack In Seeing In Order For The Invasion To Be More Immediate
What we are missing at the present moment to see this invasion happen comes down to several key factors.
Just as we saw staging of forces outside of the Ukraine before invading, we see no real buildup of military forces within Syria. In fact they are flowing out of Syria to fight with the Russians within the Ukraine.
We also do not see the full and total alliance of the smaller nations mentioned within Ezekiel within an official capacity. In other words as a nation state they have not tied their forces to Russia.
The smaller nations mentioned are largely Islamic State nations which use proxy insurgent forces. Combatants from these various nations have been within the Syrian theatre for some time.
Turkey is the only other nation within the list which has an official military presence within Syria. While they are presently smaller in size their role has predominantly been to secure the interests of Turkey.
When Will The Gog Magog Alliance Be Fully Complete?
Based upon the opening passage of Ezekiel 38 the gathering of this alliance will happen rather quickly. An evil thought enters into the mind of this Russian leader and he acts on it.
I believe that the Shia and Sunni counterparts would not hesitate miss out on such an event when they see their counterparts partaking within the invasion.
It seems logical that the alliance will come to full completion within short time after this evil thought enters the leaders mind.
Why Will The World Watch Russia Invade Israel?
The world will watch Russia invade Israel for much of the same reasons why they watched them invade the Ukraine. No one wishes to start a world war.
If this invasion were to take place after the rapture then the answer to this question is twofold. Not only will they wish to avoid a world war, but the world will be teetering close to chaos hanging by a thread in each nation.
It is possible that Russia makes a knee jerk reaction after a rapture event to secure resources when the world is weakened. After the defeat of the Russians would be a likely point in time for Daniels 70th week.