Concerning the ancient name of Russia, it is interesting to note that it appears in several historical documents as Rus or Rhos, which corresponds to the term used by Ezekiel (38:3, Brazilian translation). Based on the Annales Bertiniani (Annals of St. Bertin) from the ninth century Francia, which describes the raids carried out by the Vikings, the noun Rus collectively designates an organized group with military characteristics accompanying its chief (Margulies 1971).
Hence, “bringing all Rus” positively means getting all the warring groups dependent on the leader or prince. This is the earliest reference (year 839) to this group of explorers of northern origin. From this term would later be born the name of the country—from now on, ruled by the Varangian princes through Rus. In the diaspora that took place after the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, it was precisely the vast region known as Varégia, which the Jews fled.
As can be seen, the Russians’ pretensions to rule the world are old. President Putin is currently trying to change Russia’s role from spoiler to global power in the conflict with Ukraine (World Politics Review 2023). That is why Russia plans to launch thousands of men to conquer Palestine. The Bible informs:
Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. You will come up against my people Israel like a cloud to cover the land. In the latter days, I will bring you against my land so that the nations may know me when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes. (Ezekiel 38:15–16 NKJV)
This will be the last and most incredible adventure for Russian politicians. They have been fueling this diabolical purpose for many years, as they have proved their expansionist intentions on multiple occasions. They took possession of several neighboring nations during the Second World War and indirectly occupied several countries in Southeast Asia and northern Africa by force of arms, terror, and extermination.
Regarding the Holy Land and the very rich Middle East, the Russians know that, “Whoever takes Palestine will finally rule the world,” as Napoleon Bonaparte said at the beginning of the nineteenth century (Bergeron 1972). Why? Because Palestine is the natural crossroads of three continents and is in the earth’s middle (at the navel). Thus says God referring to Jerusalem: “Thus says the Lord God: This is Jerusalem; I have set her amid the nations and the countries around her” (Ezekiel 5:5 NKJV).
Foreshadowing of the Third World War?
All the geopolitical changes that have occurred recently foreshadow significant world conflicts. Here is the picture of our world:
1. The alliance between China, Russia, and Iran grew stronger after the humiliating US defeat in Afghanistan.
2. The Chinese threat to occupy Taiwan and some Japanese islands, in addition to preventing Vietnam and the Philippines from fishing in their territorial waters, is causing a strong military reaction from Japan, Australia, India, and several Western countries.
3. Powerful navies from England, the United States, India, and other countries are in the South China Sea, and they watch every move of the red power.
4. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), with one eye on Russia and the other on China, allows its member countries to also advance with their fleets to the same troubled area to the south of China.
5. As the threat of war between India and China and between Israel and Iran grows, Chinese warships prowl US shores in the North Pacific as Americans find Chinese spy satellites over the United States.
6. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in addition to provoking the rebirth of the Cold War between the invading power and the United States, prompted Finland, Sweden, and other countries to join NATO, much to Russia’s displeasure.
7. The war divides the world’s nations, with some funding and defending Ukraine, some supporting Russia, and others trying to stay neutral. Scientific advances send cruel images of the war all over the globe, and people question Putin’s intentions. One common theme is the fear of Russia’s aggression and military force, including nuclear weaponry, and how developed nations are powerless to stop the war. In October 2023, Hamas members invaded Israel and murdered hundreds of Jews. In a withering reaction, Israel has declared war, with significant casualties on both sides. Jews all over the world are feeling the hatred of their enemies, and many will have no resource but to return to Israel—another fulfillment of God’s prophecy.
Ezekiel reveals in his prophecy that Israel will not count on the help of its allies, given the weakening of these countries, as seen today. The prophet mentions the reaction of some Jewish-friendly countries and says that all the merchants of Tarshish (today Gibraltar, a reference to England) and all its strong lions (former British colonies, United States, Canada, and Australia) will protest only. Yet God will fight for Israel.