For decades, Bible prophecy teachers have pointed to Russia as the mysterious power described in Ezekiel 38 and 39—the nation of Gog that rises against Israel in the last days. But according to Messianic rabbi and bestselling author Jonathan Cahn, the issue is far more complex—and far more fascinating—than many realize.
Much of the traditional argument hinges on linguistic similarities. Ezekiel names Gog, Magog, Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, which some have linked to Russia, Moscow and Tubal.
Historically, ancient sources such as Herodotus, Assyrian records and the Jewish historian Josephus place Meshech and Tubal in Asia Minor—modern-day Turkey.
“They’re all pointing to the same thing—Asia Minor,” Cahn explains, noting that these peoples lived near the Black Sea and traded with nearby regions like Lebanon, which aligns with Ezekiel’s references.
However, the story doesn’t end there.
Cahn highlights that biblical prophecy often follows people, not borders. “People move. People change,” he says. While the ancient peoples of Ezekiel’s day lived in Asia Minor, they did not remain there permanently. Over centuries, migrations reshaped entire civilizations.
Here’s where Russia re-enters the picture.
“The Slavic peoples just happened to be birthed around the Black Sea, which is where the peoples of Ezekiel 38 are,” Cahn explains. Russia, as the largest Slavic nation in the world, traces its origins to that same region. Historically, those migrations eventually formed what became the Russian people.
Geography also plays a critical role. Ezekiel describes the invading power as coming from the north. “If you want to take it literally, the uttermost north is not Turkey. It can only be Russia,” Cahn says, noting that a straight line drawn north from Jerusalem leads directly to Moscow.
Beyond theory, Cahn points to history as evidence of God’s sovereign hand. Despite its hostility toward faith and Israel, the Soviet Union played a decisive role in Israel’s rebirth. “God put His hooks into the jaws of Russia to resurrect Israel,” he says.
In 1947, Joseph Stalin ordered Soviet delegates to vote in favor of Israel’s statehood at the United Nations. Later, Soviet-bloc arms helped Israel survive its earliest wars. Even Russia’s attempts to destroy Israel backfired—leading to prophetic milestones such as Jerusalem’s reunification in 1967 and massive Jewish immigration after the Soviet collapse.
“I don’t know any other nation that has been so continuously, critically used…in the resurrection of Israel despite itself as Russia,” Cahn observes.
As Cahn reminds us, God remains sovereign over every superpower, including that of the Russian government. Ultimately, no nation is beyond His control.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
