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A Possible Reason Gog Eyes Israel

August 17, 2010 at 6:51 PM 2 comments

Oil could make Israel self-sufficient

I just finished reading a brief article from Bible Prophecy Today (http://www.bible-prophecy-today.com/) in which David Hocking points out that the newly discovered oil reserves in Israel may end up amounting to over 1.5 billion barrels, or 450 barrels per day.  Apparently, there is more oil offshore as well.

Determining how much of the oil will be able to be reached and taken out of the earth for commercial consumption has not yet been made.  Hocking goes on to say, “The new estimate, along with the gas and oil finds off the Mediterranean Coast, raise the likelihood that Israel will be self-sufficient for energy for the next three decades and even become an exporter of gas.” [1]   That’s interesting, isn’t it?  Israel will become self-sufficient because of oil reserves stored deep within her own borders, but not discovered until 2010.

It makes me think of Ezekiel 38 and the Gog-Magog Invasion.  “And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes,” (Ezekiel 38:16; emphasis added)

There is nothing in the text or the context that indicates why Gog (a title, not a name of a leader) will desire to invade Israel.  Could it be because of the oil?  It could be.  Even if Gog (whoever that turns out to be) does not necessarily need Israel’s oil, it would make sense that an individual who wants to invade Israel may do so simply to keep Israel from using her own oil.

It is truly fascinating that God has predicted, Israel – in the latter days – would become nothing but a thorn in the side to all nations.  It is rare to meet a person, much less learn of an entire country, that supports Israel.  Most are against her, and most want her out of the Middle East.  The continuing problem of potential conflict in the Middle East, with the ramifications and consequences of Islamic Jihadists exists largely because (people believe) Israel is in the region.  Take Israel out of the equation and peace is much easier to achieve.

However, since 1948 when Israel became a nation again, and then in 1967, when she was brazenly attacked by numerous nations, but eventually gained the victory, people and nations have hated Israel.  They want their land back that Israel rightfully took during that 1967 Six Day War.  Never mind that they ATTACKED Israel without provocation and have never stopped pouting about their loss.

So in spite of the odds, Israel has maintained her sovereignty and continues to grow.  The world despises it.  Now, we learn that Israel has found a potential way of making herself self-sufficient for energy!  Wow, another blow to those who hate her.  It must be galling.  So galling in fact, that one day, a leader will gather some nations together and attempt to overtake Israel through invasion.  According to Ezekiel 38, God will step up to the plate and defend Israel.  Why?  For one reason and one reason only:  for the sake of His Name!  Read it yourself, and start with Ezekiel 36 and read through to at least Ezekiel 39.

What is going to happen in the coming months over in the Middle East?  I don’t know, because I can’t see into the immediate future.  What I can say is that this latest development will not sit well with Israel’s enemies.  Whereas before, they could choke Israel through supplies and keep her dependent upon them.  If Israel is dependent upon others for her energy needs, they will have at least some control over Israel.  However, with Israel able to take care of her own needs without even going outside her own borders, that eliminates a number of potential problems for Israel.  It also eliminates the potential hold that other countries hope to continue to have over Israel.

So does Gog attack because he sees himself losing ground and decides to throw caution to the wind?  Could be.  In any case, there is some reason that Gog decides to attack Israel.  Bullies are like that, aren’t they?  They harass and harangue until the victim either gives in, or goes away.  When the victim comes to the point of losing concern toward the bully, then the bully often has to do something even more daring to prove to the victim that they are still being bullied.

Israel has been bullied for decades and in some ways, it seems like it is getting hotter for her, thanks in part to our illustrious president – a Muslim in Christian clothing.  If one of the countries that has been against Israel now sees their hold over Israel dissipating, then they may come to believe that their only chance is to attack Israel.  It is certainly a possibility.

Disclaimer:  please note that the above comments are merely my opinion, based on specific Scripture.  I have not stated that theses things WILL occur.  I have said that they are a possibility.  Since no one will know until the event actually occurs, the most we can do is offer our best educated guess, based on biblical interpretive knowledge. 🙂

[1] http://www.bible-prophecy-today.com/2010/08/oil-discovery-in-central-israel.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BibleProphecyToday+%28Bible+Prophecy+Today%29

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