Correctly understanding the meaning of a future event which has been recorded in the Scriptures can be challenging. Equipped with the belief and confidence that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV) and was never the product of human intellect “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21 NIV) we know we can trust what God said. The challenge is to understand what God said.
Since the Scriptures originate with and from God, it does not matter how many people we may ask concerning the meaning of particular passage. In reality, the answers we receive to our questions are determined by the people we ask. Therefore, it should make sense for our understanding of the future events spoken forth in the Scriptures to be built upon the foundation of the Scriptures which ‘God breathed’ (inspiration of God – 2 Tim. 3:16) and not human opinion.
In Ezekiel 38, the prophet was instructed to speak forth (prophesy) the message of God against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal in the land of Magog (1-2). God, through Ezekiel, forecasts the future attack against the people of Israel. Within the context of the prophecy, of which everything is important, are a couple of key phrases: (8) “in the latter (last or end, Strong’s) years” (KJV); and (14) “when my people of Israel dwelleth safely (securely HCSB)” (KJV).
Is it possible that “the latter (last) years” might be identified by the reality of Israel existing in a state of safety and/or security? Also, might it be possible for Israel to take action to secure her safety and, at the same time, identify the beginning of “the latter (last) years”?
At present, the most formidable threat to the safety and security of Israel appears to be the nation of Iran. The following links are to news articles, from a variety of sources, that illuminate the awareness and willingness of the nation of Israel to do what is necessary in order to provide for her own safety and security.
The first article is about how close Iran is to weapons grade enriched uranium: https://abc13.com/iran-can-make-enough-material-for-nuclear-device-in-about-12-days/12894906/
The second article is about the comments by the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency concerning Iran’s enrichment of uranium and the speculation of an attack by Israel or Israel and the U.S.:
The third article is about a secret nuclear deal between Russia and Iran concerning the transfer of uranium which Iran enriched prior to agreeing to participate in the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action): https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-iran-secret-nuclear-deal-would-allow-uranium-transfers-tehrans-illicit-weapons-program-sources
This last article is the response by the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, to the remarks by director-general Grossi: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/netanyahu-rebuffs-iaea-chiefs-remarks-against-possible-attack-iran-2023-03-05/
Are we seeing the stage being set for the eventual attack against Israel and, quite possibly, the introduction to “the latter (last) years”? Might an Israeli strike against the nuclear program of Iran be a key event in setting the stage for the future attack from the north?
Ezekiel 38:14-16 (HCSB)
“Therefore prophesy, son of man, and say to Gog: This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day when My people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know ⌊this⌋ 15 and come from your place in the remotest parts of the north – you and many peoples with you, who are all riding horses – a mighty horde, a huge army? 16 You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the last days, Gog, that I will bring you against My land so that the nations may know Me, when I show Myself holy through you in their sight.”