Russian President Vladimir Putin orders many Russian soldiers out of Syria

By Craig C. White

During a visit to a Russian airbase near Latikia, Syria Russia President Putin told his troops that many of them should return to Russia.

This is interesting since many Bible teachers see Russia as leader of the invasion into Israel that is described in Ezekiel chapter 38. I say that Turkey is that leader. Every nation that is listed in Ezekiel chapter 38 is now fighting in Syria. Russia is not included on that list.

In the following passage Magog is the “chief prince” or primary governor among his brothers Meshech and Tubal. Magog, Meshech, and Tubal were all princes that were set over provinces in the land that we call Turkey today. Gomer and Togarmah are also princes and provinces in Turkey. Togarmah isn’t a far northern country but it is a province in northern Turkey. Istanbul is in the furthest northwestern province in Turkey and is also the most populous.

Ezekiel 38:1-6 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: 4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.

Turkey will lead the Free Syrian Army past the northwestern Syrian cities of Hamah and Tell Rifaat (Jeremiah 49:23) and will then march southward to destroy Damascus.

After the destruction of Damascus, Turkey will lead the Free Syrian Army along with Iran into the Golan Heights of Israel (Ezekiel 38:5).