Why is Russia prominent in Israel’s “latter days”? (Ezekiel 38-39)

Several weeks ago an agreement was reached between the nations of the world (the United Nations) and Iran.  Immediately after this agreement was initialed (i.e. not completely formalized) a key Iranian figure, Major General Qassem Soleimani, paid a visit to Moscow.  The primary result of this visit was the return, in force, of Russia to the Middle East.  While Russia has maintained positive relationships with many nations in the area, this resulted in the buildup of military bases in Syria in an attempt to shore up the dictator Bashar al-Asaad’s side in the civil war. (This is common knowledge; see Reuters article, Oct. 6, 2015 or almost any other news source.)  At the same time Russia has become a renewed supporter of Egypt as the United States has somewhat drawn back from that roll.  

Observers of Israel cannot miss the interesting twist of events that has brought back Russia into a closer role similar to the situation in the 1973 Yom Kippur war when Egypt, Jordan and Syria attacked Israel with the latest in Soviet tanks, infantry arms and fighter jets.  Observers of Biblical prophecy are not surprised, noting that IF (and this is a big “if”) we are in what the Bible refers to as the “latter days” it is expected that Russia would be prominent.  Why is this so?

The key passage is a battle described in Ezekiel 38-39.  It is not “Armageddon” but is a set-up battle for Armageddon.  It takes place in the “latter years” when Israel has been regathered to the land, living in safety (38:8).  The allied nations involved are identified in 38:1-6.  While these entities might seem odd to us (though some are familiar) they are names referred to in the Bible in Genesis 10.  A study of the accompanying map will show that it includes areas of modern Russia and what we call the “CIS” nations (formerly part of the Soviet Union).

The lead nation (from your place out of the far north, 38:15) is connected to the leader, the prince of Rosh (38:2) which many take to be a reference to Russia.  The ravaging of Israel is quite likely connected with the similar conflict involving the “king of the North” described in Daniel 11:40-45, also said to take place in the time of the end.  

Let us be clear.  We are not saying Russia is about to attack Israel.  We have no assurance of the exact times.  But the Bible says our approach is to be awake, when these things happen, to not be surprised of ignorant of things God has revealed to us.  What we are to remember is that all this movement of nations is tied to what God is doing.  Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations.  Then they shall know that I am the Lord (38:23).  Israel too will come to know the Lord who says I will not hide  My face from them anymore; for I shall have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel (39:29).  This is all about the exaltation of Jesus Christ!