The curious in searching for the discovery of what is concealed, more than for the improvement of what the Lord hath made known, have been much puzzled and perplexed to explain what is meant by Gog and Magog. Some have contended, that this is the same Gog and Magog mentioned in the Revelations. Chapter 20:8. Others insist upon it, that they were princes in the neighborhood of Israel. But while curious unenlightened men have presumed to be wise above what is written, it will be a safer path, in prosecuting our subject, to leave the prophetical part of this, and the following Chapter, until the Lord (as in all his other prophecies hath done), shall explain the prediction by the event; and take the words here delivered in a general way. We have in them a very plain scripture before us, if we accept what is here said as the Lord's declaration against all the enemies of God's Christ; whether Turks or Russians, Jews or Greeks. When Jehovah saith, Behold, I am against thee, as in this scripture: this is enough to prove the utter destruction of that nation, or people, who fell under this awful sentence. Reader! let you and I be more concerned to discover, whether in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, we are freed from this decree, than to enquire what nation or people is meant for Mesech or Tubal, Persia or Gomar. For what a dreadful thing will it be in the end, if men, professing Christianity, and even writing their opinions upon the prophecies, be found among those concerning whom the Lord saith, Behold, I am against thee! See Matthew 7:22-23.
Ezekiel 38:1-7
1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chiefa prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libyab with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
7 Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.