Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 38:2

2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog , the land of Magog , the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal , and prophesie against him.

See chap 20.46. let. n. and 21.2. and 25 2. and 35.2. let. a.

This cannot be one single person, or one onely Prince, though like enough it points out some one, by whom the troubles foretold were begun, yet the Successors of this one, who-ere he was, and included, and designed by this Gog, nor is he to be limited to one certain nation, that he was King of, nor yet confin'd to one age, or (it may be) to two or three; Some will fix the beginnings of this Gog among the Seleucidae, and take in the others, who divided the Grecian Empire among themselves, and who did much hurt to the Jews, the history of which in part you meet with in the Books of the Maccabees. But if we must account why these are called Gog, perhaps this may suffice: Gyges, who gave name to the land, Predecessor to Croesus (for he was Grandson to Gyges) was conquer'd by Cyrus, deprived of the Kingdom; and this made and continued Tributary to the Persians, till taken from them by the Grecians; and when that Kingdom was divided, it fell among the Successors of Alexander in Seleucus line, and so the Seleucide may, not without some ground, be thought pointed at by Gog, whose countrey fell into the hand of Seleucus by the Successes he had against Antigonus. And of all the Seleucidae, the sixth from Seleucus stands fairest for it, this was Antiochus Epiphanes, Type of Antichrist, and a fierce Enemy of the Jewes. Others judge this War, in which Gog is Prince and Leader, refers to times much later, and there are several particulars that do not well suit with the times of Antiochus Epiphanes. They will therefore rather refer it to some Scythian King or Kings, and that the time is still to come, wherein this Prophesie is to be fulfilled. And that it must intend those Enemies of Gods Church who descended from the Scythians, and are now masters of Cappadocia, Iberia, Armenia, or are in confederacy with the Tartars, and those Northern Heathens. Now the Armes and Equipage here mention'd well suit with these Scythians, and they with the Turks, as like to make up part of this Army. But others think, that All the Enemies of Israel in all quarters, all, both open and secret Enemies are here intended, and that the Antichristian forces, and combinations are what the Prophet foretells; and if from a conjunction of affairs now, or lately on foot in the World, we might make our guess, the Invasions of the Turks on one side, and the contrivance of others on this side Christendom to extirp[illegible: 2 letters]e the Northern Heresie, as some have called our Religion, we might be excus'd, if we erre, saying, The Constantinopolitan Antichrist, and the Roman Antichrist, with all their associates, and helpers, are this Gog.

Magog is, at least, part of Scythia, and comprehends Syria, in which was Hierapolis taken by the Scythians, and called of them Scythopolis. It is then that Countrey, which now is in subjection to the Turks, and may be extended thro' Asia minor, the Countreys of Sarmatia, &c. from those parts under more, then one in Succession of time and in the last times under some one particular active undertaking, and daring Prince, Enemy of Israel, all their power will be stir'd up against Christ and Christians.

Or Prince, who is Supream in Authority, most violent in opposition to the Church of Christ, and most active to attempt its ruine.

What we render Prince, may well be the proper name of Araxes in Arabick, principal River of Armenia, and so that the first Countrey mention'd under the command of Gog, or the Scythians of mount Taurus, which were called Rhos.

Vid. chap. 27.13. let. k. l.

Since the two former Chapters had assured so great and wonderful blessings to the Iews, after the return out of Babylon ▪ and the gathering them together in their own land: It is more then probable, the Jews would expect a full accomplishment of all these things quickly after their return, and if troubles should, as they did, intervene, and prove long, be discouraged, and quarrel with Providence, God doth in this [illegible: 1 letter]8th. and the 39th. Chapters forewarn them by telling what enemies and troubles would interpose themselves to the great losses, and dangers of the Jews, ere they should overcome them, and Go should fully and finally deliver them.

Marginal references: Rev. 20.8.; Or, Prince of the chief.