Protestant Archeologist Right and Wrong About Russia & Prophecy

Patriarchate of Moscow

A Protestant archeologist’s views of prophecy were in the news:

Christian archeologist Dr. Jeffrey Goodman in his book “THE COMETS OF GOD” pokes a big hole in the theory long held by most evangelical Christians that Russia will be one of the bad guys during the end times. Based on misconceptions about Russia’s origins, many evangelicals believe Russia is to be the evil empire of Ezekiel 38-39 that is to attack Israel during the end times…

Most end times Bible prophecy authors…wrongly believe the “Scythians,” a group of nomadic tribes from Central Asia traveled across the Russian steppes, and came to live in the territory north of the Black Sea…

Goodman says that since Gog, Lydia (Magog) and their confederates no longer exist, Ezekiel 38-39 uses them as “historical types” of those who are to be involved in the end times battle described in Ezekiel 38-39…The Bible says this battle is to take place in the mountains (Ezekiel 38:8, 21 and Ezekiel 39:2, 4, 17) where God fights for Israel and reveals Himself to Israel. Moreover, the Bible’s books of Daniel and Revelation both indicate that a revived Roman Empire (in essence) will be involved in such a battle. http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/9509017871.html

While he is right that Ezekiel 38-39 are no where near to be fulfilled (this does not happen until well after Jesus returns), where he is wrong is that Russia will be part of the Ezekiel 38-39 scenario. And again, while he is confused about timing, he is correct that the Bible in Daniel and Revelation teach of a revived Roman Empire will be involved in various battles.

Now, Dr. Goodman’s assertion that Gog and Magog no longer exist is in flat contradiction of scripture. Notice for example the following:

7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. (Revelation 20:7-8)

There would be no point in mention Gog and Magog in future prophetic passages in both Ezekiel and Revelation if those peoples no longer existed–the descendants of Gog and Magog do still exist and Dr. Goodman is in error.

Perhaps I should also mention that Dr. Goodman is correct in implying that the Scythians are not not really Russians. Interestingly, the Scythians were highly made up of peoples of the lost tribes of Israel–hence non-Russians.

Despite his errors, Jeffrey Goodman is not the only Protestant researcher who is realizing that the Bible talks about a revived Roman Empire being involved in end time battles. Even people like Hal Lindsey realize that the Bible tells of a European power to rise up (though, Hal Lindsey still has various issues involving the timing of Russia wrong as well).

Those truly willing to look into this and believe the Bible can know the truth.

Those interested in learning more may wish to study the following articles:

Russia: Its 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?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Who are the Scythians? Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?