*Vilna Gaon (Public domain via Wikipedia)*

Israel365 News (I365) reported the following:

August 9, 2024
The Russian military recently released a recruitment video showing a military alliance uniting Christians and Muslims in a battle against the “globalist-backed regime in Ukraine.” …
The video goes on to show a sniper kissing his misbaḥah (Muslim prayer beads) before taking a kill shot. Another soldier kisses a silver cross hanging around his neck.
“Save us, God, your people,” he invokes. “Bless us for the victory of Orthodox Christians against the opponents.” …
This multi-national alliance bringing together Christianity, which some see as the spiritual descendant of Esav, and Islam, which many see as the spiritual descendant of Ishmael, can be seen as the precursor to the pre-Messiah War of Gog and Magog.
One interpretation of the Bible has Russia at the head of the multi-national army of the pre-Messiah War of Gog and Magog. This was emphasized in a teaching from the 18th century Rabbinic sage known as the Vilna Gaon who singled out Russian aggression as a precursor to the Messiah.
“When you hear that the Russians have captured the city of Crimea, you should know that the times of the Messiah have started, that his steps are being heard,” the Vilna Gaon told his followers just before his death in 1797. “And when you hear that the Russians have reached the city of Constantinople (today’s Istanbul), you should put on your Shabbat clothes and don’t take them off, because it means that the Messiah is about to come any minute.” …
Russia was also named as playing a major role in events leading up to the Messiah by the late Rabbi Haim Shvili, a Jewish mystic born in the early 1900s. He made some predictions about the messianic era recorded in his book, Heshbonot Hageula (Reckonings of Redemption), which he wrote in 1935. Although obscure and largely unknown, the predictions in the text were shockingly accurate, stating specific dates and names he described a final terrifying vision of Gog and Magog as a war waged against Israel by a Russian-led coalition. He based this on a verse in Ezekiel.
O mortal, turn your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him Ezekiel 38:2
Rabbi Shvili understood the Hebrew word in the verse, rosh (chief) as identifying Russia to be the leader of the Gog and Magog coalition. Rabbi Shvili predicted that the Russian-led coalition will be opposed by a coalition of comparable size, comprising soldiers from all 70 nations.
The Bible explicitly identifies Iran’s role in the War of Gog and Magog. https://israel365news.com/394252/russian-video-shows-christian-muslim-military-alliance/

While yes, Russia now controls Crimea, Rosh is Russia in Ezekiel 38, and Iran is involved, no we are nowhere close to the start of the battle of Ezekiel 38.

While the Gog and Magog war of Ezekiel 38 is NOT for this age, other prophecies are.

Anyway, for more on the identities of Gog and Magog, here are some items from the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God:

The Mongols and their Asiatic kinsmen! In fact, the proper spelling of “Mongol” is ‘Mogol”, obviously a slightly changed form of “Magog”! And in Asiatic Russia live the Yakuts — the Yagog of the Arab historians.
Mongolia today is in the russian sphere of influence. The people of Mongolia, together with China, Manchuria, Korea and Japan, are all of this one great branch of mankind.
A remnant of the people of Magog appear, with pigtails and yellow skin, on the Egyptian monuments. They were called Kheta by the Egyptians and Ketei by the Greeks. (See article “Hittites” in INTER. STAND. BIB. ENCY.) When the Russians first met the Mongolians and Chinese they called them Khitai! Western Europeans used a similar word for China in the Middle Ages: Cathay (ENCY. BRIT., art. “China”). (Hoeh H. The TRUTH about the RACE QUESTION! Plain Truth, July 1957)

You will find “Gomer,” “Togarmah,” “Magog,” “Meshech,” “Tubal'” identified in Genesis 10 as the sons of Japheth, father of the yellow races (Armstrong HW. Russian in Prophecy. Plain Truth, April 1981, p. 26).
“Gog” in the land of “Magog” is the vast regions of the U.S.S.R. in northern Eurasia extending from the Baltic to the Pacific. “Meshech” is Moscow, “Tubal” is Tobol ‘sk (Armstrong HW. Why Russia Will Not Attack the United States, reprint 1980, p. 8).

Thus, it was the opinion of Herbert W. Armstrong that Gog basically represents the land of Russia (plus some peripheral lands) as part of Magog, while Magog is mainly the land and peoples of Asia, many of whom in Asia descended, at least partially, from Japheth.

And as Genesis 10 shows, they were Gentile peoples, many of whom were to inhabit coastlands, as many still do today.

Did the Ezekiel 38 war with Gog and Magog start in 2014 with the Crimean situation?

No.

Is it about to start now since Vladimir Putin’s “special military operation” into Ukraine began in February 2022?

No.

Let us look at what the Bible actually teaches on the actual timing.

This war is in Ezekiel 38, so let’s start with its first 7 verses:

1 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. 4 I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops — many people are with you.
7 “Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.

Verses 1-7 talk about a group getting ready to battle. Various nations such as Russia, Iran, China, and others are included here.

What does the Bible actually teach about the timing? Notice the next two verses from Ezekiel 38:

8 After many days you will be visited. In the latter years you will come into the land of those brought back from the sword and gathered from many people on the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate; they were brought out of the nations, and now all of them dwell safely. 9 You will ascend, coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud, you and all your troops and many peoples with you.”

Verses 8-9 refer to a regathering of Israel. Why do certain prophecy watchers say that it is for now?

In addition to misapplications of scripture by some rabbinical writers, some Protestants believe that the creation of the nation of Israel in 1948 fulfills verse 8. Yet, this is not really the fulfillment for several reasons (watch also the video Israel, 1948, and Prophecy).

One reason is that even today most Jews do not live in the nation of Israel. The Jewish diaspora is scattered throughout the world. But the other reason is that many do not realize that there are multiple millions of the descendants of Israel that are not of the tribe of Judah. The Bible shows that Israel split into the kingdoms of Judah and Israel after the reign of Solomon and that later the ten tribes that were part of Israel (cf. 1 Kings 11:31,35; 12:16-17; 12:20-23) were carried into captivity (2 Kings 17:21-23). Those tribes represent hundreds of millions of people currently alive, and as there are less than 6,000,000 Jews in Israel, most simply have not been regathered (more information on the tribes of Israel is in the article Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).

Furthermore, pay close attention to the part of verse 8 about people dwelling safely. That is NOT the case in Israel today.

Jesus had end-time warnings about sorrows including pestilences, wars, and rumors of war (Matthew 24:6-8).

This we are seeing.

That was part of what was covered in a Continuing Church of God sermon:

1:15
Sorrows and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Revelation 6:1-8 shows the opening of four seals and discusses the rides of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Each of which appears to be associated with aspects of the “beginning of sorrows” that Jesus mentions in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. What do each of the horsemen represent? Did the old Worldwide Church of God teach that these rides were still in the future in the late 21st century? Could any have began in the 21st century? Does the rider of the white horse represent Jesus or false religion? Are there ties to the interfaith and ecumenical movements? What might the bow the horseman has represent? Could this be a tie to Satan the Devil? What about the Beast and False Prophet? Has the “beginning of sorrows” started? Could the first seal be opened? Could COVID-19 have anything to do with the second seal? Has “the peace” been taken from the earth? Could the rider of the red horse have began with an opening of the second seal? What about riots, looting wars, and rumors of war? Are food inflation, food shortages, and famines associated with the opening of the third seal and rider of the black horse of famine? Could human actions such as evolution teachings, genetically-modified crops, and viral research be factors in the rides of the four horsemen? Is more than death related to pestilences associated with the rider of the pale horse, the fourth seal? Why might this be a factor in 666? Will most people fail to recognize the rides of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse until it is too late to take action? What about the fifth seal and the start of the Great Tribulation? Are there problems with Roman and Eastern Orthodox prophecies concerning the end and the Great Monarch? What about prophecies related to Noah, the King of the North, Armageddon, and Antichrist? Dr. Thiel covers these issues and also includes some speculation and analysis.

Here is a link to the sermon video: Sorrows and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Yes, we are seeing many conflicts.

Yes, there is a battle in Ukraine.

Yet, this is NOT the start of “the War of Gog and Magog.”

More on that is in the new BibleNewsProphecy video:

16:45
Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?
On February 24, 2022, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin announced a ‘special military operation’ into Ukraine. Are Jewish sources correct that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the start of the Gog and Magog war of Ezekiel 38? Are Protestant sources, and people like Trumpet editor Gerald Flurry right that Vladimir Putin is the ‘prince of Rosh/Rush? Does Ezekiel 38 include Russia? What are some of the other nations involved in Ezekiel 38? Does this battle happen BEFORE or well AFTER Jesus returns? Can you know the answer from the actual passages in Ezekiel 38? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more.

Here is a link to our video: Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?

What is happening now is NOT Ezekiel 38, but this is consistent with taking peace from the earth and wars and rumors of war.

Notice something involving Iran and Israel:

Israel and U.S. bracing for imminent Iranian attack
August 8, 2024
Any moment now, Iran is expected to launch an attack on Israel over the Jewish state’s killing of top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, as well as several top Hezbollah leaders, including Fouad Shukr in Beirut.
Two unnamed U.S. officials are claiming that Gen. Michael Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command, has already arrived in the Middle East for a preplanned visit expected to center around mobilizing a broad regional and international coalition to protect and advance Israel’s interests.
While Israel has not yet confirmed nor denied the strike on Haniyeh, it did admit to ending the life of Shukr, who is blamed for killing 12 minors on a soccer field in the Golan Heights in a recent attack.
Iran promised to retaliate within 72 hours, which did not end up happening. However, reports indicate that Iran could strike at any moment with “imminent” plans for retaliation. …
Chances are that Iran’s retaliatory attack this time around will be much larger than the last one. Officials are expecting something bigger that could include Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, seeing as how Iran is promising that the “entire Resistance Axis” will participate this time in striking Israel.

Isaiah 22:6-9 tells of an Iranian-led confederation which includes Syria and parts of Lebanon attacking Israel and causing great damage to Jerusalem. That, unlike Ezekiel 38, IS FOR THIS AGE.

More on that can be found in the following video:

Iran and Israel Conflict
European Union foreign policy chief, Josep Borrel, has been brokering the nuclear negotiations involving Iran and said that he thinks the deal is “in danger.” Iran blames the United States, whereas the USA says they are not delaying it. Israeli sources stated that Israel will stop Iran from getting a nuclear bomb. Joe Biden says the USA would use its own military power to prevent Iran from getting such a bomb if need be. In 2021, Iranian lawmakers have submitted a bill seeking the government by law to commit to Israel’s destruction by the year 2040. Does the 22nd chapter of Isaiah point to damage coming to Israel from Iran and possibly Syria? Might Iran be concerned enough about limited progress with the USA to launch some type of attack? Is Iran the prophesied ‘King of the South’? Is it reasonable to think that the prophesied peace deal of Daniel 9:27 will not happen until after a military conflict. like a regional war? Should Christians watch the Middle East? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie discuss these matters.

Here is a link to our video: Iran and Israel Conflict.

So, while Israel is soon to be attacked, it is NOT the attack mentioned in Ezekiel 38.

Related Items:

Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future Russia in prophecy. Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end? There is also a video sermon available: Russia in the Bible and in Prophecy as are two video sermonettes Russia, Ukraine, Babylonian Europe, and Prophecy and Ukraine in Prophecy?

Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?

Ezekiel 38: For Russia & Iran in Our Day? Is Ezekiel 38 about to be fulfilled? Are we close to the battle with Gog and Magog? Four related videos are available: Ezekiel 38 Gog and Magog War: Is it Soon?, Ezekiel 38: For Russia, Ukraine, & Iran Now?, Russia, Iran, Syria, & the Bible (Code), and Gog, Magog, Vladimir Putin, and Ezekiel 38?

Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There are also two related videos: Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.

Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future What does the Bible say about Jerusalem and its future? Is Jerusalem going to be divided and eliminated? Is Jesus returning to the area of Jerusalem? There are also two related YouTube videos you can watch: Jerusalem To be divided and eliminated and God’s and Satan’s Plan for Jerusalem.

Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about the peoples of Africa, Asia, South America, and the islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon; When Will the End of the Age Come?; Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God.