The second of the seven sons of Japheth (Gen 10:2; I Chr 1:5). Magog and the other Japhethites represent the peoples who lived to the north of the Fertile Crescent. In Ezekiel 38:2 "the land of Magog" refers to the place of origin of Gog, the leader of the nations Meshech and Tubal and the Lord says he will bring Gog from the north to attack Israel (Ezek 39:2). The choice of a political and military leader emanating from the far north to initiate the eschatological battle, which will culminate in many nations' knowing "that I am the Lord" (Ezek 38:23), reflects the folkloristic notion that agents of destruction emanate from the north (cf Jer 1:14; 4:6; 6:1; 13:20; 15:12; 46:20; 47:2; 50:3, 41; 51:48; Joel 2:20). When Gog's mission of destruction will have been accomplished, Magog too will be punished by fire "then they shall know that I am the Lord" (Ezek 39:6). In Revelation 20:9 Magog is not a nation or a country but a co-leader with Gog of the armies mustered by Satan against God's people.
Concordance
Gen 10:2. I Chr 1:5. Ezek 38:2; 39:6. Rev 20:8
