Who or what are Gog and Magog?

TL;DR:

Gog and Magog represent both historical figures and symbolic enemies of God's people, appearing in prophecies concerning the end times. They are a reminder that God is in control and defeats those who oppose Him.

what does the bible say?

Gog and Magog appear in the Bible as figures linked to end-time prophecies. Magog was originally one of Noah's grandsons (Genesis 10:2), representing a northern tribe or nation. Later, in Ezekiel 38—39, Gog is a leader from the land of Magog, who will lead a coalition against Israel in a future battle. The battle shows God’s power as He protects Israel. In Revelation 20:7–8, Gog and Magog symbolize nations from all over the world, gathering to fight against God's people before being defeated by God.

from the old testament

Magog is first mentioned as a grandson of Noah, son of Japheth, which suggests a lineage from northern territories (Genesis 10:1–5).
In Ezekiel, Gog is the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal in the land of Magog. He leads a future attack against Israel during a peaceful period, only to be supernaturally defeated by God (Ezekiel 38:1–23).
Gog and Magog have evil thoughts against Israel (Ezekiel 38:10-11), they surround Israel with great power and enlist the help of allies from other nations (Ezekiel 38:9), and they are eventually destroyed by God Himself (Ezekiel 38:1-23).
Ezekiel prophesied that a mighty nation from the north would come against Israel and that God would utterly defeat them, to show His power and to show Israel's enemies that He was their God and would protect them (Ezekiel 39:1–7).

from the new testament

Revelation portrays a final uprising at the end of the millennium, in which Satan is released and deceives the nations—symbolically referred to as Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle against God's people (Revelation 20:7–8). These nations, under Satan’s influence, march against the beloved city, but their rebellion is swiftly and decisively crushed by divine fire from heaven (Revelation 20:9). Following this, Satan is cast into the lake of fire, where he joins the beast and the false prophet, marking the final and eternal defeat of evil (Revelation 20:10).

implications for today

Gog and Magog serve as a reminder of God's overarching control over human history and His ultimate plan for the world. Gog and Magog represent forces of chaos and opposition to God's order. The ultimate battle and defeat of Gog and Magog in the Bible reassures believers of God's promise to overcome evil with good and to assert His authority at the end of times. This should encourage us as Christians to remain vigilant and faithful, understanding that spiritual battles are ongoing and that evil is not without its eventual demise.

This offers us a perspective by which we can view current events and societal changes, reminding us of the transient nature of earthly powers compared to the eternal sovereignty of God. The story of Gog and Magog not only enriches our theological foundations but also equips us to interpret and respond to the world with a worldview anchored in the hope of God's ultimate victory.

understand

Magog was a person representing a nation. Magog became a place. Gog is a leader from the land of Magog prophesied to lead a battle against God and His people.
Gog and Magog are mentioned in Revelation as an end-times rebellion where nations rise with Satan against God after the millennium but are defeated by fire from heaven.
Gog and Magog represent a greater spiritual reality of nations against God. Gog and Magog are deceived by Satan and go against God. God defeats Gog, Magog, and Satan.

reflect

God is good. He reveals Himself through His Word. Knowing about these end-times battles was important for God to include in both the Old and New Testaments. What does that reveal about God’s character?
How does Gog and Magog warn us of the importance of turning to God?
What does the spiritual battle that brings about the actual battles of Gog and Magog teach you about the spiritual realities of those who are against God?

engage

Many people are interested in end-times prophecies and are warning people of Gog and Magog. However, we do not believe the battle of Gog and Magog will happen until after the millennium, and God wins. Any speculation of Gog and Magog should not scare us but remind us of our need to turn to and trust in God.
Gog and Magog reveal Satan’s plan to destroy Israel. God cares about Israel. He formed her and brought the Messiah through her. He promised to bless all the nations through her. How can we have the same heart as God for the nation of Israel and for the world to live for God?
How does trusting that God is in control give us hope for the future?