Ezekiel 38
Chuck Smith explains the prophecy of Ezekiel 38, describing the coming war between Israel and Russia, and its significance for the Church.
Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic implications of Ezekiel 38, emphasizing the necessary conditions for Israel's restoration as a nation and the significance of the coming war involving Magog. He highlights the transformation of Israel's land, the identity of the invaders, and the timing of the battle in the latter years. The sermon outlines the devastating results for the invaders and the sanctification of God in the eyes of all nations, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Smith also addresses the implications for the Church, noting the current blindness of Israel and the role of the restraining force against the anti-Christ.
Text
"THE COMING WAR"
I. NECESSARY PRE-EXISTING FACTORS.
A. Israel had to become a nation again.
1. God began giving details about this in chapter 34.
2. Chapter 36, He speaks of the agricultural developments.
a. "The desolate area has become like the garden
of Eden."
3. Chapter 37, valley of dry bones and two sticks.
B. There were to be forests again. 34: 25 / 39: 10
1. The Turks in their long occupation denuded the land.
2. The Israelis in one of the first major projects began
planting trees.
3. Millions of trees now planted - they proudly point out
their forests.
II. THE IDENTITY OF MAGOG - ROSH, MESHECH, TUBAL.
III. THE TIME OF THE BATTLE - "LATTER YEARS". ( 38: 8 )
IV. THE RESULTS OF THE BATTLE.
A. 5 / 6 of invaders destroyed. 39: 2
B. Weapons cache will provide fuel for Israel for seven years.
C. Seven months in burying dead.
D. The end of Israel's backsliding and blindness. 39: 22
V. GOD BEING SANCTIFIED IN THE EYES OF ALL NATIONS.
A. He speaks of ten of that day that will come.
Ez. 20: 41 / 28: 22,25 / 36: 23.
B. This promised day comes when Russia and allies destroyed.
C. Ez. 39:27-29.
VI. WHERE DOES THIS PLACE THE CHURCH?
A. Romans 11: 25 - "Blindness has happened to Israel till the
fullness of the gentiles be come in."
B. Il Thess. 6,7.
1. The restraining force holding back the power of the
anti-Christ. That which hinders shall hinder until He
be taken out of the way.
Sermon Outline
- I. NECESSARY PRE-EXISTING FACTORS
- A. Israel had to become a nation again
- B. There were to be forests again
- II. THE IDENTITY OF MAGOG - ROSH, MESHECH, TUBAL
- III. THE TIME OF THE BATTLE - 'LATTER YEARS'
- IV. THE RESULTS OF THE BATTLE
- A. 5 / 6 of invaders destroyed
- B. Weapons cache will provide fuel for Israel for seven years
- C. Seven months in burying dead
- D. The end of Israel's backsliding and blindness
- V. GOD BEING SANCTIFIED IN THE EYES OF ALL NATIONS
- A. He speaks of ten of that day that will come
- B. This promised day comes when Russia and allies destroyed
- VI. WHERE DOES THIS PLACE THE CHURCH?
- 'A. Romans 11: 25 - ''Blindness has happened to Israel till the fullness of the gentiles be come in'''
- B. Il Thess. 6,7
Key Quotes
“The desolate area has become like the garden of Eden.” — Chuck Smith
“Blindness has happened to Israel till the fullness of the gentiles be come in.” — Chuck Smith
“The restraining force holding back the power of the anti-Christ. That which hinders shall hinder until He be taken out of the way.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should be aware of the events unfolding in the Middle East and their significance for the Church.
- The Church will be removed before the events of Ezekiel 38 unfold, as the fullness of the gentiles must come in before Israel's blindness is removed.
- We should be encouraged by the promise of God's restoration and redemption for Israel.