The leaders of Turkey and Russia met in Iran to discuss oil supply chains and mutual security. The Jerusalem Post reported that the gathering “signifies a new era of Turkey- Iran-Russia relations.” No doubt, this meeting has significant prophetic meaning as the three countries continue to build stronger ties both economically and militarily. This meeting drew little public attention beyond Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei telling Russia’s President Vladimir Putin that had he not started the war in Ukraine, NATO would have done it eventually. But the three countries went behind closed doors to discuss several matters including terrorism, military campaigns, and mutual security—all having prophetic significance.
Ezekiel 38:2 says, “…set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against them.” Magog, Meshech, Tubal are all located in what is now modern Turkey. Verse 5 says, “Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them…” Persia is modern day Iran. Turkey and Iran are rivals as they are positioning for control of the Middle East. We know, however, that Magog (Turkey) eventually leads and Persia follows. These players represent both Shiite and Sunni Muslims who unite against Israel in the “acharit-hayamim,” meaning the end of days. God will destroy them with earthquakes, fire and brimstone. Ezekiel 38: 21 says, “…every man’s sword shall be against his brother.”
In 2017, tensions between Iran and Turkey were increasing as both countries vie for dominance in the region. The Islamic Sunni Turkey, under Erdogan, has become increasingly totalitarian and Shiite Iran is a formidable terrorist sponsoring state working to attain nuclear weapons. Turkey has been supporting the terrorist Islamic State, while publicly denying that support, in an effort to block Iran from gaining a stronger foothold in the Middle East. It’s a complicated mix of treacherous foreign policy involving Syria, Iran, Turkey, Israel and several outside forces, including Russia, Europe, and the US. Russia has been supplying weapons and skills to Iran and its vassal state Syria against the Islamic State.
For Gog (the beast/antichrist) to lead Magog, Meshech, Tubal, and a broader coalition of what are currently Arab-dominated nations and Persia, against Israel, Persia must submit to Gog. The developments in Iran this week bear careful watch as Erdogan continues to woo Iran and Russia. Iran seeks to gain more Russian support. And Russia wants to solidify its domination over the oil market throughout the region. For the end time battle of Ezekiel 38 to play out, there must be an alliance, however fragile it may be, to move against Israel. We know that these nations may not trust one another, but a greater distrust, even hate for Israel unites them. Watch Turkey and Iran to see how it all comes together and how Russia, as a member of the UN Security Council runs interference for them.
