| by Mary Miller, Koinonia Institute |
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The final installment of this series focuses on the most controversial member of the treacherous trio of Ezekiel 38—Russia. Parts 1 and 2 of this series discussed the rise of Turkey and Iran, respectively. Historically, each of these three countries enjoyed grand imperial pasts. All are ambitious. All are making a move to achieve a measure of their previous success.
Why Russia?
The inclusion of Russia as an ally in Ezekiel’s “Magog Invasion” has become one of controversy in recent years. Many early Biblical scholars identified the Hebrew word “rosh” in Ezekiel 38:3 with Russia; “Tubal” with Tiblisi or Tobolsk; and “Mechech” with Moscow. This interpretation would therefore point to Russia as the primary leader of the invasion force.
This interpretation is rendered: “Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal.”
However, a variant translation from the Hebrew within the Massoretic text indicates the word “rosh” should be interpreted as “chief” (as it is 423 times in the Old Testament) and not as a proper name.
This interpretation is rendered: “Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the prince, {pause} chief of Meshech and Tubal.”
If it is possible that “rosh” does not refer to Russia, why would we (Continue here)
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