The Allied Invasion of Israel of Ezekiel 38 & 39 Part 7 of 7

The most controversial question is when; when in the chronology of prophecy will this event take place? It is to take place sometime before the Great tribulation.

Basic Observations:

In determining the issue of when, certain clues are to be found in the text. In 38:8, 11-2 and 14 the invasion takes place when, first, Israel in a state again; second, the waste places of past centuries are again inhabited; third, Israel is dwelling in unwalled villages, a good description of present day kibbutzim and fourth, Israel is dwelling securely. Nowhere in the entire text does God say that Israel is living in peace. Rather, Israel is merely living securely, which means “confidence,” regardless of whether it is during a state of war or peace.
There is nothing in the various descriptions of Israel given in this passage that is not true of Israel today, including their possession of nuclear weapons. So, as far as where Israel stands, she completely fulfills all the requirements given in the description of Israel in this passage. From that standpoint, the invasion can occur at any time, including some time before the Tribulation.
Furthermore, there is the problem of the seven years and the seven months, which must be taken into account in resolving the issue of when.

THERE ARE FOUR MAJOR VIEWS OF WHEN THIS OCCURS.

1. The Midtribulation View
2. The Posttribulational/Armageddon View
3. The Interlude View
4. The End of the Millennium View
5. The Pretribulational View

All of the views except the Pretribulational view fail to accommodate the seven years and the seven months.