War in Israel: A Prophetic Lens

In the program “Running to Win,” Dr. Erwin Lutzer turns to Ezekiel 38‑39 to discuss a sign of Christ’s return: a great war in Israel. He explores who might lead the invasion, what the text says about Israel’s state before the conflict, and how God is portrayed as responding to the attacking army.

Who Will Invade Israel, According to Ezekiel?

Dr. Lutzer points to the phrase “remote part of the north” in Ezekiel 38:10 as a geographic clue. He notes that the only nation that fits this description when mapped from Israel is Russia, and he explains why the former Soviet Union’s history of state‑run atheism is sometimes cited as a prophetic backdrop. He also stresses that the prophetic picture is about the government’s actions, not the individual believers within that nation.

What Does “Unwalled Villages” Reveal About Israel’s Future?

The passage describes Israel as a land “without walls and gates,” suggesting a time of peace and security. Dr. Lutzer considers that this could refer to a future treaty—perhaps one brokered by a powerful world leader—under which Israel would no longer feel the need for constant military vigilance. He asks listeners to imagine how such a shift would set the stage for the impending conflict.

How Does God Respond to the Invading Army?

In Ezekiel 39, God declares that He will bring a series of judgments against the attacking forces: earthquakes, hail, fire, and brimstone. Dr. Lutzer highlights the vivid imagery of the text, noting that the destruction is described as overwhelming and complete. He explains that the passage portrays God as personally defending His people and demonstrating His sovereignty.

What Happens After the Battle?

The prophetic narrative continues with a seven‑month period in which Israel will bury the dead and cleanse the land. Dr. Lutzer points out that this aftermath underscores the severity of the judgment and the need for Israel to recover from the devastation before moving forward.

Listeners can hear the full discussion in the “Running to Win” program, where Dr. Lutzer invites reflection on how these signs might shape our expectations of the end times and our daily faith.