Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Magog is a biblical figure and region mentioned in the Scriptures, often associated with end-times prophecy and the descendants of Noah. The name appears in both the Old and New Testaments, and its significance has been the subject of theological study and interpretation throughout Christian history.
Biblical References:1.
Genesis 10:2 · Magog is first mentioned in the Table of Nations as one of the sons of Japheth, the son of Noah. "The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras." This passage identifies Magog as a person and, by extension, a people or nation descending from him.
2.
Ezekiel 38-39 · Magog is prominently featured in the prophetic writings of Ezekiel. In these chapters, Magog is depicted as a land whose leader, Gog, will rise against Israel in the latter days. "Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him." (
Ezekiel 38:2) The prophecy describes a coalition of nations led by Gog that will come against Israel, only to be defeated by divine intervention.
3.
Revelation 20:8 · In the New Testament, Magog is mentioned in the apocalyptic vision of John. After the thousand-year reign of Christ, Satan will be released to deceive the nations, including Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle. "And will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore." This reference connects Magog with the ultimate rebellion against God, which will be swiftly overcome.
Historical and Geographical Context:The identification of Magog has been a topic of debate among scholars and theologians. Historically, Magog has been associated with various regions and peoples north of Israel, including the Scythians, Cimmerians, and other tribes inhabiting areas around the Black and Caspian Seas. The exact location and identity remain uncertain, but the biblical narrative often portrays Magog as a distant and formidable power.
Theological Significance:Magog's role in biblical prophecy is significant, particularly in eschatological contexts. The prophecies in Ezekiel and Revelation highlight themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the ultimate triumph of God over the forces of evil. Magog, as part of the coalition led by Gog, symbolizes the opposition to God's people and His divine plan. The defeat of Gog and Magog serves as a powerful reminder of God's protection and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel and the world.
Interpretations and Perspectives:Throughout Christian history, interpretations of Magog have varied. Some view the prophecies as having been fulfilled in historical events, while others see them as future occurrences related to the end times. The identification of Magog with specific modern nations has been a subject of speculation, though such interpretations should be approached with caution, recognizing the symbolic and apocalyptic nature of the texts.
Conclusion:While the identity and location of Magog remain subjects of debate, its role in biblical prophecy underscores the themes of divine justice and the ultimate victory of God. The references to Magog in Scripture invite believers to reflect on the sovereignty of God and the assurance of His protection and deliverance in the face of opposition.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Magogcovering; roof; dissolving
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Magog(region of Gog). In (Genesis 10:2) Magog appears as the second son of Japheth; in (Ezekiel 38:2;39:1,6) it appears as a country or people of which Gog was the prince. The notices of Magog would lead us to fix a northern locality: it is expressly stated by Ezekiel that "he was to come up from the sides of the north," (Ezekiel 39:2) from a country adjacent to that of Togarmah or Armenia, ch. 58:6 and not far from "the isles" or maritime regions of Europe. ch. (Ezekiel 39:6) The people of Magog further appear as having a force of cavalry, (Ezekiel 38:16) and as armed with the bow. ch. (Ezekiel 39:3) From the above data, may conclude that Magog represents the important race of the Scythians.
ATS Bible Dictionary
MagogSeeGOG.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Region of Gog, the second of the "sons" of Japheth (
Genesis 10:2;
1 Chronicles 1:5). In Ezekiel (
38:2;
39:6) it is the name of a nation, probably some Scythian or Tartar tribe descended from Japheth. They are described as skilled horsemen, and expert in the use of the bow. The Latin father Jerome says that this word denotes "Scythian nations, fierce and innumerable, who live beyond the Caucasus and the Lake Maeotis, and near the Caspian Sea, and spread out even onward to India." Perhaps the name "represents the Assyrian Mat Gugi, or `country of Gugu,' the Gyges of the Greeks" (Sayce's Races, etc.).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MAGOGma'-gog (maghogh; Magog): Named among the sons of Japheth (Genesis 10:21 Chronicles 1:5). Ezekiel uses the word as equivalent to "land of Gog" (Ezekiel 38:2;Ezekiel 39:6). Josephus identifies the Magogites with the Scythians (Ant., I, vi, 1). From a resemblance between the names Gog and Gyges (Gugu), king of Lydia, some have suggested that Magog is Lydia; others, however, urge that Magog is probably only a variant of Gog (Sayce in HDB). In the Apocalypse of John, Gog and Magog represent all the heathen opponents of Messiah (Revelation 20:8), and in this sense these names frequently recur in Jewish apocalyptic literature.
John A. Lees
Greek
3098.Magog --Magog, a foreign nation... 3097, 3098.
Magog. 3099 .
Magog, a foreign nation. Part of Speech: Proper
Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration:
Magog Phonetic Spelling
...1136. Gog -- Gog, associated withMagog
... Gog, associated withMagog. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration:
Gog Phonetic Spelling: (gogue) Short Definition: Gog Definition: Gog, in...
Strong's Hebrew
4031.Magog -- perhaps "land of Gog," a son of Japheth, also his...... 4030, 4031.
Magog. 4032 . perhaps
... desc. and their land. Transliteration:
Magog Phonetic Spelling: (maw-gogue') Short Definition:
Magog.
...Library
Of Gog andMagog, who are to be Roused by the Devil to Persecute...
... Book XX. Chapter 11."Of Gog andMagog, Who are to Be Roused by the Devil to
Persecute the Church, When He is Loosed in the End of the World....
Chapter x
... (a) The Sons of Japheth (v.2-5). 2. The sons of Japheth: Gomer andMagog
and Madai and Javan and Tubal and Meshech and Tiras. We...
The Wicked Raised, and Satan Loosed
... years are completed, Satan will be loosed out of his prison, and will go out to
deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth, Gog andMagog, to gather...
The Second Coming of Christ.
... together the scattered fold of Israel, Satan "shall go out to deceive the nations
which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog andMagog [both forms of the...
Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of...
... The allusion here is to the part which Elijah was expected to take in the furture
wars of Gog andMagog' (Seder Olam R. c. xvii.) Indeed, this parallelism is...
The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of...
... 5366] concerning the mourning for Him Whom they had pierced, referred to Messiah
the Son of Joseph, Who would be killed in the war of Gog andMagog; [5367] and...
The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... 8. And will go out to deceive the Nations which are in the four corners of the earth,
God andMagog, to gather them together to the (predicted) war: the number...
Index.
... Gnosticism, [155]267, [156]269, [157]273. Gods, heathen, [158]289 f., [159]292.
Gog andMagog, [160]295, [161]301. Grace before meat, [162]303....
The New Creation.
... and reigning with Christ during the thousand years; and from the representation
of the beloved city as on earth at the revolt of Gog andMagog, after the close...
The Valley of Hinnom.
... month to month, and from sabbath to sabbath, shall go out without Jerusalem into
the valley of Jehoshaphat, and shall see the carcases of Gog andMagog," &c....
Thesaurus
Magog (5 Occurrences)... Sayce's Races, etc.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
MAGOG. ma'-gog (maghogh;
Magog): Named among the sons of Japheth (Genesis 10
...Gog (12 Occurrences)
... The vision respecting Gog andMagog in the Apocalypse (Revelation 20:8) is
in substance a reannouncement of this prophecy of Ezekiel....
Rosh (5 Occurrences)
... Version. Some have supposed that the Russians are here meant, as one of
the three Scythian tribes of whomMagog was the prince....
Meshech (11 Occurrences)
... of the word in Scripture. It is seldom named without some one of the
others-Tubal, Javan, Gog andMagog. It is this which forms...
Tubal (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 10:2 The sons of Japheth:
Gomer,Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras....
Japheth (12 Occurrences)
... 2. His Descendants: The immediate descendants of Japheth were seven in number, and
are represented by the nations designated Gomer,Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal...
Javan (12 Occurrences)
... Javan (12 Occurrences). Genesis 10:2 The sons of Japheth: Gomer,Magog, Madai, Javan,
Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Gomer (7 Occurrences)
... Gomer (7 Occurrences). Genesis 10:2 The sons of Japheth: Gomer,Magog, Madai, Javan,
Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Tiras (2 Occurrences)
... Tiras (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:2 The sons of Japheth: Gomer,Magog, Madai, Javan,
Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Madai (2 Occurrences)
... Madai (2 Occurrences). Genesis 10:2 The sons of Japheth: Gomer,Magog, Madai, Javan,
Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
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