MPV Commentary

The objections to a literal interpretation of this prophecy are several. Firstly, the name Gog is ideal and not found in Scripture or history, making it difficult to pinpoint its origin. Secondly, the nations mentioned as participating in the invasion are from distant lands, making it unlikely they would act together (Persians and Libyans, for example). Thirdly, the spoils of Israel could not have sustained such a massive army, nor could they have maintained themselves for even a short time. Fourthly, the wood used by the invaders' weapons was to be used as fuel in Israel for seven years, and all Israel were to take seven months burying the dead, which would result in an unimaginable number of corpses.

Some argue that this scene is inconsistent with Messianic times due to its gross carnality. However, it's possible that a non-literal interpretation is required here, as the prophetical delineations of God's dealings are often presented in familiar forms from Old Testament relations. The final triumph of Messiah's truth over distant and barbarous nations is represented as a literal conflict on a massive scale, with Israel as the battlefield.

The details may not be entirely literal, but the distinctiveness of this picture gives probability to a more definite and generally literal interpretation. The desolations caused in Judea by Antiochus Epiphanes seem to be an earnest of the final desolations to be caused by Antichrist before his overthrow.

Gog is described as the prince of Magog, with Gog being a common title for kings in the region. Magog refers to a land belonging to Japheth's posterity, and Gog is its ideal political head. The chief prince is likely Rosh, or Rhos, which was a name given to the Scythian Tauri in the Crimea.

The high-sounding titles of Gog are repeated to convey his haughty self-confidence as if invincible. However, God will permit Satan to deceive him and lead him to destruction (Re 20:7-8). The nations mentioned as participating in the invasion include Persia, Libya, Gomer, Togarmah, and others.

The irony of preparing for war is that they will perish together. They will be visited by God in wrath, likely referring to Isaiah 24:21-22, where the host of heaven is gathered as prisoners in a pit. The mountains of Israel have been waste for a long time, but now they are being brought forth out of the nations and dwelling securely.

A cloud will cover the land with the multitude of their forces, and an evil thought will come to attack God's people in their defenseless state. They dwell safely without fear of danger, as Antiochus did when he took Jerusalem without a blow.

The navel of the land is where Israel is situated, morally elevated above the rest of the world. The mercantile peoples of Sheba and others are pleased to see God's people attacked, as they prioritize gain over godliness. Gog will be punished for his actions, while Israel dwells safely.

God will bring Gog against His land so that the heathen may know Him. This is similar to how He told Pharaoh in Exodus 9:16 that He raised him up to show His power and declare His name throughout all the earth. Gog is identified with the enemies spoken of in other prophecies, such as Numbers 24:17-24 and Isaiah 27:1.

Fury will come up in God's face, and a great shaking will occur, likely an earthquake. The seas will be disturbed by fleets brought by God, and the fowls will be frightened at the sight of so many men. Every wall will fall, and every man's sword will turn against his brother.

God will plead His case with Gog on the principles of His own immutable justice, not by arbitrary impulse. The imagery used is taken from the destruction of Sodom and the plagues of Egypt, where blood, hailstones, fire, and pestilence were used to destroy the enemies of God.