Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. The Lord God says, 'Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.' I will turn you back, putting hooks into your jaws to bring you forth with all your army - horses and horsemen clad in various types of armor, a vast company equipped with bucklers, shields, and swords.

Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will be with them, all of them equipped with shields and helmets. Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah from the northern regions, and all his bands: you will be joined by many peoples. Prepare yourself and your entire army to serve as a guardian over these forces.

After many days, you will come into the land that has been restored from war and gathered out of many peoples against the mountains of Israel, which have long been desolate but are now inhabited by those who have returned from among the nations and live securely there. You will ascend and come like a storm, you and all your bands, and many peoples with you, to cover the land.

I will go up to the land of unwalled villages where people dwell securely without walls or bars or gates. I will take a spoil and a prey; I will turn my hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited and upon the people gathered out of the nations who have gotten cattle and goods, living in the midst of the land.

Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish's merchants with all its young lions will say to you, "Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your forces to seize a spoil, to carry off silver and gold, livestock and goods, and to take a great plunder?" But I ask you, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: Thus says the Lord God; in that day when my people Israel dwells securely, will you not know it? You will come from your place out of the northern regions, you and many peoples with you, all riding on horses - a great company and a mighty army.

You will come against my people Israel like a cloud covering the land in the latter days, and I will bring you against my land. Thus says the Lord God: Are you he of whom I have spoken through my servants the prophets of Israel who prophesied many years ago that I would bring you against them? At that time when Gog attacks Israel, says the Lord God, my fury will erupt in my presence.

For in my jealousy and the fire of my wrath I have spoken, and there will be a great shaking in the land of Israel on that day. So all creatures in the sea, air, and land - including every person on earth - will tremble at my presence as mountains crumble, steep places collapse, and every wall falls to the ground.

I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains; every man's sword shall be against his brother. I will plead against him with pestilence and blood; I will unleash torrential rains, hailstones, fire, and brimstone upon him, his bands, and the many people who are with him.

I will magnify myself, sanctify myself, and be known in the eyes of many nations so they will know that I am the Lord.