Ezekiel 37
Ezekiel's prophecy foretells a coming war led by Russia, but God's intervention will ultimately prevail, and the church will play a key role in this event.
Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic significance of Ezekiel 37, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the latter days and the return of Israel to its land as a sign of the end times. He outlines the geopolitical implications of Russia and its allies in the context of biblical prophecy, detailing the motivations behind their potential invasion of Israel. Smith reassures believers of God's intervention during these tumultuous times, highlighting the church's role and the outpouring of the Spirit upon Israel. The sermon serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over history and the ultimate outcome of His plans.
Text
"THE COMING WAR"
Intro: Prophesy is history spelled out in advance. Ezekiel wrote these
things 2,558 years ago.
I. THE TIME OF THEIR FULFILLMENT.
A. Vs.8 - Latter years.
B. Vs.l6 - Latter days.
C. What is meant by these terms?
1. The disciples asked Jesus about the signs of His
coming, and the end of the world - "aionios".
2. End of man's attempt to govern self.
D. Many prophesies deal with last days.
1. Knowledge increased world travel.
2. Spirit poured out on all flesh.
3. Israel brought back into land.
a. Jesus said when this happens it is the sign of
the last generation.
E. Israel back into the land - signals the time for the
fulfillment of this prophecy.
II. RUSSIA AND HER ALLIES.
A. Land of Magog - Herodotus vast boundaries lying north of the
Black and Caspian Seas and Caucasus Mts.
B. Prince of Rosh, Mescheck, Tubal.
1. Rosh "chief".
2. Mesheck "Muscovi" Moscow.
3. Tubal - Josephus calls the children of Tubal the
Mosachoi.
a. Also they are linked in Assyrian records.
"Tobali" and "Muski" lived in vast land north
of the Black Sea.
C. Vs. 5 - Persia, Ethiopia and Libya, Gomer, Togarmah.
1. Persia (Iran).
2. Ethiopia "Cush" Black African Nations.
3. Libya "Put" Libya - Algeria.
4. "Gomer"- Balkan States including Poland and East
Germany.
East of Danube.
5. Togarmah - Armenia.
III. MOTIVATION BEHIND INVASION - vs.l2.
A. To take a spoil.
1. Thus far Israel has spoiled.
2. Geographical location of Israel.
3. Russia desires to reopen Suez.
IV. OUTCOME OF INVASION.
A. ( Vs. l8-23 ) - God's intervention - "I"
B. ( 39:1,2 ) - leave but a sixth part.
C. ( Vs.9 ) - Burning last seven years.
D. ( Vs.12 ) - Seven months burying dead.
V. WHERE WILL THE CHURCH BE?
A. Vs.29 - "I have poured out My Spirit upon the house of
Israel."
Sermon Outline
- The Time of Their Fulfillment points: - Ezekiel's Prophecy Written 2,558 Years Ago - Understanding 'Latter Years' and 'Latter Days' - Many Prophecies Deal with Last Days - Israel's Return to the Land Signals Fulfillment
- Russia and Her Allies points: - The Land of Magog and Its Boundaries - The Prince of Rosh, Mescheck, and Tubal - Other Nations Involved in the Invasion
- Motivation Behind the Invasion points: - To Take a Spoil and Reopen the Suez
- Outcome of the Invasion points: - God's Intervention and Judgment - Leaving Only a Sixth Part of the Population - Seven Years of Burning and Seven Months of Burying the Dead
- The Church's Role points: - God's Spirit Poured Out on the House of Israel
Key Quotes
“Prophesy is history spelled out in advance.” — Chuck Smith
“God's Spirit poured out on all flesh.” — Chuck Smith
“Israel back into the land - signals the time for the fulfillment of this prophecy.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should be prepared for the coming war and trust in God's intervention.
- We should pray for God's protection and guidance in these uncertain times.
- We should be a part of God's plan by spreading the Gospel and pouring out His Spirit upon the house of Israel.