Iron Swords – is this the War of Gog and Magog?

Here are the words delivered during the speech of the institutions’ director, Rav Eliyahu Bohbot Shlita, on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5784. These words are taken from the introduction of his book “Heassefu véagida”, published in 2020. The Rav emphasized the speculative nature of their observations, clarifying that they are not categorical statements, but rather observations that seem plausible, potentially representing a considered perspective. However, he admitted that the correspondence between the current situation and the prophecies in the books of our sages remains uncertain. The coming of the Messiah and the triggering of Gueula (Redemption) remain unfathomable matters beyond our ability to accurately determine their timing.

In the book of the prophet Ezekiel [1] it is proclaimed: “As I live, declares the Lord G-d, I swear that, equipped with a powerful hand, an outstretched arm and overflowing wrath, I will reign over you!  In other words, a period will arise at the end of time when, if the people of Israel do not perform Teshuva spontaneously, Hashem will intervene decisively, causing the people to repent and provoke Gueula. Our Sages explain [2] that at that time, G‑d will establish a ruler whose decrees will be as severe as Haman’s, thus inducing repentance through a [3] “mighty hand,” an “outstretched arm,” and “overflowing wrath.” In tractate Sanhedrin [4] it reports Rav Nachman’s words: “We desire this divine wrath, because it will lead us to Gueula.” This means we welcome the idea that G-d is bringing us closer to Him through this anger.

Gaon Rav Elhanan Wasserman ZT”L, main disciple of Hafetz Chaim, details in his work [5] “Kovéts Maamarim”, based on midrashim, a three-step process described in the following verse:

1. “A mighty hand”: Our Sages teach that this expression refers to an epidemic. The first step is for G‑d to send a worldwide calamity to awaken and incite the people of Israel to repentance. We are very familiar with this first step, after going through “corona”. In the absence of repentance, the second stage occurs.
2. “An outstretched arm”: According to our Sages, it represents the sword, thus evoking the current name of the war: “The Iron Swords”. The particularity of this war in relation to previous conflicts lies in the fact that, in this battle, Hashem hides His face less (divine providence). Unlike previous wars, G‑d makes a clear distinction between those who observe Shabbat and those who do not, with Shabbat being a clear sign that distinguishes those who observe it from those who transgress the mitzvot. This war therefore aims to awaken repentance, as evidenced by the strengthening of Mitzvot observance observed among many individuals during this conflict. In the absence of repentance, the third stage may manifest.
3. “Overflowing Wrath”: The midrashim speak of famine at this time, but Rav Wasserman interprets the famine mentioned as a secondary issue. What lies behind the phrase “overflowing wrath” actually refers to “much blood and tears,” perhaps suggesting a war with Hezbollah and Iran, or even World War III. It is also worth noting that in the book “Lev Eliyahu” authored by Rav Wasserman ZT”L, who reported in the name of “Hafetz Chaim” that the First World War, at the time of Chafetz Chaim, constituted the first part of the War of Gog and Magog . Fifty years later, Chafetz Chaim predicted, the Second World War would break out, much more serious than the first. After several decades, without specifying the exact duration, the Third World War would occur, the third and final part of the War of Gog and Magog.

So far, here are the words of Rav Wasserman ZT”L (may G‑d avenge his blood). Combining these teachings with other sources, one can discern that the idea behind the third stage is that the Jews of the world will understand that “we have no one to trust except our Heavenly Father” (as mentioned in the Mishnah and Gemara in end of the Sota treaty – these characteristic signs of the eve of the complete Gueula). At these times, we must cry out to God to save us, because only He has the power to do so. When we pray for Gueula with the awareness of our dependence on Him (and therefore our obligation to follow His will), this in itself constitutes an act of Teshuvah.

This prayer we express will become the central point of the Gueula, as our sages point out: the role of the children of Ishmael (the Arabs) in the world is to lead us to pray to Hashem so that He will save us, and then the Messiah will come. This is why he is called Ishmael – G-d will hear them and save them (in Hebrew, the name Ishmael is written Ishmael, which when separated into two words, “Ishma” and “El”, means “G-d Will Hear”). These words resonate with those in the [6] Hosea verse: “After the children of Israel return and seek Hashem their G-d and David their king, and they will fear G-d and his goodness in the last days” – the which means that the request of even the Geula is called Teshuvah – this is the repentance they will perform at the end of the exile, as the Radak writes: “It will be in the last days near the time of the Geula that the Jews will return and perform Teshuvah.” Sages in the Yalkut Shimoni [7] explains that their Teshuvah will consist of praying to G‑d and requesting that Hashem rule the world and the kingdom of the David dynasty be reestablished, as well as the construction of the temple (the things they rejected in Jeroboam’s time). Thanks to this, they will see “a sign of the Geula” (as it is written in the Yalkut Shimoni), and in Ibn Ezra in the previously mentioned verse he adds that then they will be suddenly freed and saved (in the same way as it is written (Malachi 3 , 1): “Suddenly, the Master whose arrival you desire will enter his sanctuary”). This is how he explains the end of the verse: “That they will quickly return to their land, when the end comes, suddenly, [8] etc.”

However, it should be noted that it is conceivable that, given the many trials endured by the people of Israel during their long exile, the third phase of “overflowing wrath,” which is essentially a “painful” process, may no longer be necessary. . (Hoping that this applies in terms of what is written in the verse of Psalms [9]: “Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not recognize you and on the kingdoms that do not call on your name). It is possible that they will simply feel great fear and witness great miracles (more so than during the Exodus from Egypt), which will lead them to perform Teshuvah out of love for Hashem. This is why we must constantly pray for a Gueula “of mercy”, that is, one obtained through miracles and Hashem’s benevolence, without resorting to processes that involve suffering. Some eminent teachers of the Jewish people, such as Steipler ZT”L and others, share the opinion that the people of Israel have already suffered enough during the Holocaust of European Jews, and that it may not be necessary to go through such painful phases.

The War of Gog and Magog?

As to whether the current war (iron swords) is linked to the war of Gog and Magog, Rav Bohbot’s opinion is that, to date, there is no significant connection according to the sources to claim that it is the war of Gog and Magog. In addition to the fact that the war began in Shemini Atzeret, which partly abroad (outside Israel) fell on the day of Hoshana Rabbah, a tradition received from Rav Hay Gaon suggests that the war of Gog and Magog will begin on the day of Hoshana Rabbah . However, Rav Bohbot points out that it is possible that this war is a preparation. It is also conceivable that the aforementioned “third phase” is in fact considered the war of Gog and Magog, as evidenced by the “Lev Eliyahu” in the name of the Hafetz Chaim.

Thus far are the words of Rav Bohbot Shlita and the rest is an addition from the “Meshiv Kahalacha” website team.

This is what Malbim and other Masters wrote: The War of Gog and Magog will initially be a conflict between the descendants of Ishmael (the Arab countries, with Russian involvement) and the Christians (the United States and Europe). Initially they will fight for the cause of the people of Israel. At some point they will realize that there is no point in fighting for the people of Israel. They will then make the decision to unite to attack Israel, which may correspond to the third stage mentioned above, “overflowing anger”.

It is at this moment that the Messiah will appear and free the people of Israel. It should be noted that, according to many Midrashim, it is possible that the Geula occurred even before the start of the war of Gog and Magog.

What Malbim predicted seems to correspond to the current situation. The United States and several European countries have mobilized warships in support of Israel against Hezbollah. On the other hand, Putin (Russia) warned that he will join the conflict if the United States goes to war (against Israel), a threat also issued by the leader of North Korea and Iran. The Chinese, in addition to the warnings, acted by sending ships of war equipped with missiles. All Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, have shown signs of cooperation against Israel. Therefore, in the case of a possible escalation with Hezbollah, it is perfectly possible that the entire world will be involved in a conflict linked to the people of Israel, as predicted by Malbim ZT”L.

It is important to note that a “world war” does not break out overnight, and world leaders are reluctant to take such action, especially at a time when everyone is equipped with atomic weapons, resulting in massive destruction. However, it appears that G-d has begun to lay the foundation for this phase (“the third phase” – which would be a third world war, actually the war of Gog and Magog, as mentioned). It began shortly after the end of the corona epidemic (“the first phase”), with the war between Russia and Ukraine setting the stage for a global conflict.

The United States and Europe have been fighting Russia indirectly for several years, mainly through Ukraine, providing weapons and funding to the latter (the only reason Ukraine can hold out against the Russian superpower). This situation irritated Putin for a long time and put him in a difficult situation. Furthermore, the war between Russia and Ukraine forced Russia to strengthen its alliance with Iran to gain its support.

Without this war between Russia and Ukraine, it is likely that the countries of the world would not have acted so quickly in sending warships to the Land of Israel. The war with Ukraine also legitimized the idea of using unconventional weapons. This preparation began in 2013, when the Russians occupied Crimea, putting pressure on the Ukrainians not to give up in 2022, when Putin decided to once again occupy parts of Ukraine. The tradition of the Gaon of Vilna, which considers the conquest of Crimea as part of the “steps of the Messiah”, takes on its full meaning, indicating the beginning of the steps leading to the Gueula. This corresponds well with the sources cited in the article “The war between Russia and Ukraine – the war of Gog and Magog?” which suggest that this war could prepare the world for World War III, which could erupt after the conflict in the Land of Israel.

At this crucial moment, our main action must be prayer so that the Gueula, the long-awaited Redemption, is accomplished through the divine attribute of mercy. We should undertake a Teshuvah motivated by love, thus eliminating the need to go through painful phases, rather than a Teshuvah based on fear. It is essential to pray fervently for Gueula to arrive as soon as possible, as early release (Ahishena) is imbued with more mercy.

Rav Bohbot Shelita’s teachings indicate that the Gueula is unlikely to be achieved through the arduous path of Teshuva through fear. He expresses the sentiment that it would be “miserable” for G-d to see world history come to a painful conclusion, where the people of Israel would have to realize Teshuvah through suffering. Furthermore, regarding the people of Israel as “children born in captivity,” having endured exile and oppression, he emphasizes that clemency is owed to those who were coerced, as the saying suggests, “And the girl you will do nothing.” , indicating that it is not appropriate to punish those who were forced in cases of force majeure. Thus, our prayer must focus on the coming of Geulah through a Teshuvah motivated by love, accompanied by miracles and wonders, thus sanctifying G-d’s name quickly and in the near future. Amen.

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