Space will not allow us to cover this rather complex subject in detail. In Revelation 17:1 Mystery Babylon is called “the great whore” and in verse 16 her destruction is foretold, “And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire” (NASB). We believe this will take place just prior to the “middle of the tribulation period,” for verse 17 goes on to say, “For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree, and GIVE THEIR KINGDOM UNTO THE BEAST.” The “Beast” is the head of the Revived Roman Empire who will reign over the earth for second half of the Tribulation Period. This is confirmed in Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 & 17.  So now the question is: Will the war of Gog and Magog happen BEFORE or AFTER the middle of the Tribulation Period?

There are 5 views on this; 3 views putting it BEFORE and 2 views AFTER the Tribulation. The war occurs:

1) BEFORE THE RAPTURE of the Church;

2) At the BEGINNING OF THE TRIBULATION;

3) Just PRIOR TO THE MIDDLE OF THE TRIBULATION;

4) At the END OF THE TRIBULATION;

5) At the BEGINNING OF THE MILLENNIUM.

Before we give our opinion, we must ask, “What IS the war of Gog and MaGog?” The battle of Gog and Magog is described in detail in Ezekiel chapters 38 & 39. I would encourage you to read these chapters carefully. In 38:2 we learn that Gog is a ruler of “the land of Magog.” Most commentators believe this is referring to one who rules over “Russia.” According to verses 5-6, he will form a confederacy with Persia (which is modern-day Iran), Ethiopia, Libya and Gomer, with the purpose of invading Israel. What is the purpose of their invasion? The answer is in verses 11-12, “And you will say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will go against those who are at rest, that live securely, all of them living without walls and having no bars or gates, TO CAPTURE SPOIL AND TO SEIZE PLUNDER…against the people…who have ACQUIRED CATTLE AND GOODS.” In a word, they will invade Israel FOR THEIR RICHES! It is amazing to see how wealthy Israel has become since millions have returned to their homeland over the last 100 years. They have productive farmlands and orchards, robust industries, rich mineral deposits in the Dead Sea, and recently oil has been discovered in the Golan Heights that may be greater than any oil discoveries in the whole Middle East. Russia, on the other hand, has a failing economy and thus it is easy to accept the fact that they would go to war with Israel “to capture spoil and to seize plunder.” Since Israel has these riches NOW, any of the 5 views listed above are possible.

We saw in the verses just cited that the invasion will take place “against the land of UNWALLED VILLAGES”….”against those who are AT REST, that LIVE SECURELY.” This is a key to understanding WHEN the invasion takes place. Does this describe Israel today? No way, for they are living in constant fear of terrorist attacks and their Arab neighbors threaten to destroy them. This would rule out view #1. But according to Daniel 9:27 the Tribulation Period begins with a 7-year peace treaty guaranteeing Israel protection from their surrounding enemies. This will be a temporary peace, but it would allow views #2 or #3 to meet the conditions of peace described in Ezekiel 38:11-12. At the middle of the Tribulation the peace treaty will be broken and during the second half the Tribulation we read of armies advancing against Israel from eastern nations, so this would rule out view #4. Regarding view #5, Israel will be AT REST at this time, but it is hard to comprehend that Russia would attack Israel when the Lord has already come and has established His Millennium kingdom. So, I believe views #2 and #3 fit the criteria needed for the invasion and thus it would happen BEFORE the fall of Mystery Babylon or perhaps AT THE SAME TIME that the “great whore” is destroyed.  (194.3)  (DO)