Are the Destruction of Damasks and the Gog and Magog War the Same Prophecy? As Each of These Prophecies Draw Near, Can Someone Explain Why My Church Leaders are NOT Teaching Anything about the End Times? You’ll Want to Read This (KJV)

March 13, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde

I’m beginning to realize that there are fewer and fewer people who are truly interested in studying end-times prophecy. Yet for the handful of us who still watch and study the Scriptures carefully, the prophecy concerning the city of Damascus is worth thoughtful discussion.

Biblically, Damascus is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It is located in what is now modern-day Syria, and throughout Scripture it appears as a powerful and ancient city with both political and commercial importance. The Bible mentions Damascus very early in history. In Genesis 14:15, during the time of Abraham, the city is already established and known, showing that it has held significance for thousands of years.

Damascus also holds spiritual importance in the New Testament. It was on the road to this very city that Saul—later known as the Apostle Paul—encountered the risen Christ. In Acts 9:3–6, the Lord dramatically stops Saul and transforms him from a persecutor of Christians into one of the greatest missionaries of the early church. This moment demonstrates God’s power to change both individuals and entire regions.

Taken together, the biblical picture of Damascus is fascinating. It represents human strength, prosperity, and long-standing influence, yet at the same time it stands as a reminder that even the most established cities remain vulnerable to the judgment of God. Because of this, Damascus carries both historical and prophetic significance in Scripture.

One of the most striking prophecies concerning the city appears in Isaiah chapter 17. There the Bible describes a future destruction of Damascus so complete that the city ceases to exist in its present form.

Isaiah writes, “The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.” (Isaiah 17:1, KJV)

The language of this prophecy is remarkable. It focuses specifically on one city—Damascus, the capital of Syria—and describes a sudden and catastrophic destruction. The result is that the city becomes a “ruinous heap,” suggesting devastation so severe that it is no longer functioning as a city. The chapter also references Israel and Ephraim, indicating that the prophecy is connected to a broader regional conflict in the Middle East.

Many students of biblical prophecy find this especially interesting because, despite the many wars that have taken place in the region throughout history, Damascus has never been completely destroyed and left uninhabited. Because of this, some interpreters believe the prophecy still awaits a future fulfillment, possibly sometime before the beginning of the seven-year tribulation period.

This raises an important question: how does the destruction of Damascus relate to the famous war described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39—the war of Gog and Magog?

The Gog and Magog prophecy describes a massive coalition of nations that comes against Israel. In Ezekiel 38:2 the Lord says, “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog… and prophesy against him.” The passage then lists several nations that participate in the invasion, including Magog, Persia (which corresponds to modern-day Iran), Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth-togarmah. These nations form a large alliance that moves against Israel in what appears to be a coordinated military assault.

Unlike the prophecy concerning Damascus, however, the focus in Ezekiel is not the destruction of a city but the destruction of invading armies. God Himself intervenes dramatically in the Gog and Magog conflict. The Scriptures describe earthquakes, hailstones, fire, and confusion among the attacking forces. Ezekiel 38:21 records the Lord saying, “I will call for a sword against him… every man’s sword shall be against his brother,” suggesting that the armies turn on one another in chaos as God brings judgment upon them.

When the two prophecies are compared, several clear differences appear. The prophecy in Isaiah centers on the destruction of a single city—Damascus—while the Gog and Magog prophecy involves many nations attacking Israel. The Damascus prophecy is recorded in Isaiah chapter 17, whereas the Gog and Magog war is described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. In Isaiah, the result is a city reduced to ruins, while in Ezekiel the invading armies are destroyed on the mountains of Israel through divine intervention.

Because of these differences, many prophecy teachers believe the two events are separate and occur at different times. One common view is that the destruction of Damascus could happen shortly before the tribulation period begins. In this interpretation, escalating conflict in the Middle East leads to the sudden destruction of the city. The resulting instability and global crisis then set the stage for the political conditions that allow the Antichrist to rise and establish the covenant mentioned in Daniel 9:27—the agreement that begins the seven-year tribulation.

Others suggest that Damascus could fall very early in the tribulation itself, during the period of increasing wars that Jesus described in Matthew 24:6–7, when He warned that there would be “wars and rumours of wars” and that “nation shall rise against nation.”

Still, many interpreters agree on one key point: the destruction of Damascus appears to be separate from the Gog and Magog invasion. Damascus is not mentioned in Ezekiel’s description of that war, and Gog’s campaign is directed specifically toward Israel rather than Syria. Additionally, Ezekiel emphasizes God’s supernatural destruction of armies, whereas Isaiah describes a city reduced suddenly to ruins.

For this reason, many prophecy students suggest a possible sequence of events that could unfold in the following way. First, tensions in the Middle East escalate into a regional war. During that conflict, Damascus is suddenly destroyed. The shock of such an event contributes to widespread global instability. In the midst of that crisis, a powerful political leader emerges promising peace and security. This leader confirms a covenant with many, and that agreement begins the seven-year tribulation period described in Scripture.

Another detail in Isaiah’s prophecy adds to the sense of suddenness surrounding the event. Isaiah 17:14 says, “At eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not.” The wording suggests a destruction that happens very quickly—possibly overnight. Because of this, some students of prophecy speculate that the event could involve a massive military strike capable of devastating the city in a short period of time.

Ultimately, the Bible does not give an exact timeline for when Damascus will be destroyed. However, the language of the prophecy and its apparent separation from other end-times events lead many to conclude that it will likely occur either shortly before the tribulation begins or very early in that period.

Whatever the precise timing may be, the prophecy serves as another reminder that the Scriptures consistently point toward a future in which world events move according to God’s plan. Even the oldest and most established cities are not beyond His control.

So, end times prophecies are stacking up. We also know that we are about to enter the 7-year Tribulation period. Let me display all of these prophecies in the order that I personally believe that they will occur to help you visually see the timing of everything that is involved.

A Likely Timeline of End-Times Prophecies – 2026 through early 2027

1. Regional Middle East war (Just started with the bombing of Iran – February 28, 2026)

2. Rapture of the church – God rescues His followers

3. Damascus destroyed suddenly – Overnight

4. Antichrist rises with a 7-year peace agreement

5. 7-year tribulation period begins

6. The Gog and Magog War (likely will start early 2027)

And after all of this happens, there are still many end times prophecies that must be fulfilled during the 7-year Tribulation period. Let’s take a look. I think that it is important for everyone to see just how many details are involved with the end times prophecies, so they can see what their church leaders are hiding from them:

The Other “End Times” Prophecies Happening During the 7-Year Tribulation

1. Wedding Feast of Christ

• Scriptures: Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:7-9

2. Judgment Seat of Christ for Believers

• Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12

3. 7 Seals Opened

• Scriptures: Revelation 6:1-17; Revelation 8:1

4. The Temple Built in Israel – Likely upon the Temple Mount

• Scriptures: Ezekiel 40-48 (detailed temple prophecy); Daniel 9:27 (abomination set up in temple)

5. 144,000 Missionaries

• Scriptures: Revelation 7:1-8; Revelation 14:1-5

6. Two Prophets in Israel – Likely Elijah and Moses

• Scriptures: Revelation 11:3-12; Malachi 4:5-6 (Elijah)

7. False Prophet

• Scriptures: 1 John 2:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:1-18

8. Deception

• Scriptures: Matthew 24:4-5, 24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 12:9

9. One World Religion & World Order

• Scriptures: Revelation 13:7-8; Daniel 7:23-24; Revelation 17:12-13

10. The Desolation of Abomination

• Scriptures: Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Matthew 24:15

11. The Mark of the Beast

• Scriptures: Revelation 13:16-18; Revelation 14:9-11

12. 7 Trumpet Judgments

• Scriptures: Revelation 8:6-13; Revelation 9:1-21; Revelation 11:15

13. 7 Bowls of God’s Wrath

• Scriptures: Revelation 16:1-21

14. Return of Jesus Christ

• Scriptures: Revelation 19:11-16; Acts 1:11; Zechariah 14:4

15. Battle of Armageddon

• Scriptures: Revelation 16:16; Revelation 19:19-21; Zechariah 14:2

16. 1,000 Year Millennial Reign

• Scriptures: Revelation 20:1-6; Isaiah 11:6-9; Micah 4:1-4

17. The Great White Throne Judgment for non-believers

• Scriptures: Revelation 20:11-15

18. The Lake of Fire

• Scriptures: Revelation 20:14-15; Revelation 21:8

These are the teachings that the prophets in the Bible have written to inform YOU and ME. But SADLY, I hate to say, but satan and his team, have won the campaign on keeping this information out of the hands of many good Christian followers. Why is this his strategy? Because the less you know, the easier it will be for him to deceive you. Knowledge is power, and he has taken that power away from you.

Many church members have been trapped in the chains of deception, relying upon their church leaders to teach them the details, rather than study these writings for themselves.

End-times prophecy is not discussed very often in many churches today. The Bible does suggest that spiritual deception and neglect of truth will increase in the last days. And many of us can certainly see that happening with our friends and family, despite our best efforts.

1. The Bible Says Some Leaders Will Avoid Certain Truths

The apostle Paul warned that a time would come when people—even within religious settings—would prefer messages that are more comfortable.

In the Second Epistle to Timothy:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
— 2 Timothy 4:3–4 (KJV)

This suggests that sometimes leaders teach what people want to hear, or not hear, rather than everything Scripture says.

2. Jesus Warned That Deception Would Be Widespread

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warned repeatedly about deception in the last days:

“Take heed that no man deceive you.”
— Matthew 24:4 (KJV)

Later in the same chapter He said false teachers would arise and deceive many.

3. God’s Truth will Continue in Spite of the Deception

Even though deception exists, the Bible repeatedly says God remains fully in control.

For example, Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew:

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
— Matthew 24:14 (KJV)

That means the truth will still spread globally before the end.

And in the Book of Revelation, the final outcome is already declared: Christ ultimately defeats Satan.

4. Why Some Churches Avoid End-Times Teaching

I have spent a great deal of time to understand this concept. I have concluded that there are several reasons this happens.

• Some church leaders fear causing unnecessary fear or speculation, even though the end times prophecies bring tremendous peace to followers of Christ.
• Some believe prophecy is difficult to interpret end-times prophecies. This has to do with their individual lack of study of end times prophecy. It is easy to understand when connected to the Holy Ghost.
• Some churches focus more on daily Christian living than prophetic study.
• In some cases, spiritual deception or cultural pressure can discourage prophetic teaching. Leaders have been deceived themselves by thinking that it is not a good idea to teach these prophecies.

One of the clearest common-sense thoughts that I have found in trying to understand why church leaders are silent regarding end times prophecies is this.

If GOD didn’t want His followers to know these end times prophecies, why then did He have His prophets write them? God wants US to know. He is aware that you and me are living in the most spiritually dramatic history of time on this earth, and wants to let us know HIS plan so that we will know that He is in charge, and will win this battle with evil and conquer. Just realizing this truth tells me, it doesn’t matter why church leaders are not teaching these prophecies, I WANT TO STUDY THESE THINGS FOR MYSELF, because GOD wants me to know. I will follow God over a man, regardless of his clergy title every time. God has told me what is best. He wants me to know what the prophets of the bible wrote. There is nothing more that I need to consider from a church leader who remains silent about these teachings. God is the one that I will listen to.

I find great comfort when I see each end times prophecy unfold. It gives me immediate peace in knowing that God has a plan, and is fulfilling it right before my eyes. Why would a church leader not want their followers not to know this…To see the hand of God in these end times events?

It helps me see a loving Father in Heaven who wanted me to know what would happen, and ultimately, would give me total peace in knowing that He will be rescuing me very soon. He is coming for His church, those who are “in Christ” to lift us up into the clouds to always be with Him.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

Why would church leaders not teach about this? Because maybe it’s not true??? To make that declaration is to challenge the honesty of the prophets who have written these prophecies. And through the Holy Ghost, we can confirm ALL Truth.

5. What the Bible Encourages Believers to Do

Instead of depending entirely on church leaders, Scripture encourages believers to study for themselves personally.

In the Second Epistle to Timothy:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth.”
— 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

And in the Acts of the Apostles, the Bereans were praised because:

“They searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
— Acts 17:11 (KJV)

Several years ago, I took ownership of my own spirituality. I saw that it was my responsibility, rather than to rely on a church leader to tell me what to think or not think, even if I believed that he was a prophet of God.

In doing so, I have discovered additional dangers in how I was raised, by giving total control of my spiritual development over to a church leader. I mistakenly thought that I was demonstrating faith by doing so, however, I found this not to be the case.

I saw this danger first hand in two of my family members. When asked, they both stated that they would follow the prophet even over their own personal revelation that God had given to them. Their belief is actually taught by church prophets:

“Personal revelation from the Lord will never contradict the revelation God gives through His prophets.”
— Dallin H. Oaks

“When the prophet speaks, the debate is over.”—  Ezra Taft Benson

When the prophet speaks, even if you receive personal revelation that you should not proceed as the prophet is directing, you should ALWAYS follow the prophet.

But by following this teaching, they are trusting “Man” over God. That doctrine does not sound right at all. What do the scriptures teach us about this?  Let’s learn:

Acts 5:29

“We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Epistle to the Galatians 1:8-9  

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

Paul emphasizes this point again in the very next verse:

“If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

This means that even if a “Prophet of God” teaches anything other than what Jesus Christ taught when He was on the earth…it must be rejected. It is a different gospel than the one already given.

In my further studies, I’ve been able to clearly see that my church leaders are teaching things contrary to what Christ taught when He was on the earth. You can see all of these things for yourself in a matter of minutes, by asking a search engine to show you the difference in your specific church teachings in comparison to the doctrines that Christ taught when He was on the earth.

You will begin to realize that your church is not the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, it is the CHANGED Gospel of Jesus Christ. You begin to see that the word “restored” is simply a deception, thus realizing that you are one of the “very elect” that have been deceived, as the scripture indicates.

This immediately made me see that I should not be relying upon one man, or a religion to, give me all of the truths, and that this responsibility was something that I needed to take ownership of.

I also am aware of the events that are coming regarding end times prophecy. There very well will be a time when a church leader speaks, proclaiming that church members should do something that will sound troubling for those in tune with the Holy Ghost. (One World Church Prophecy). Church members will get on their knees and ask God if they should follow this leader. In doing so, God will give them a different personal revelation, stating NOT to do what they are being told. THIS IS THE TIME when a person needs to trust God, and not man. And this is another time when “Even the Very Elect” can be deceived, as recorded in the scriptures.

Gospel of Matthew 24:24 (KJV):

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

If you were to take ownership of your spirituality, you would be able to see this, just as God had warned us. The “Very Elect” are at risk to be deceived because they have been taught to follow the leader rather than their own personal revelation from God.

Satan is after the “very elect” and his plan is to use some religious systems to get to them. And if you trust a leader over trusting God, I must tell you that you are PRIMMED for deception.

Our take away from this writing is simple, and requires only one thing. Trust God over any man regardless of his title. If God revels something to you that goes against what a church leader is telling you, trust God! You are NOT showing faith by following a leader over what God tells you to do, you are simply being deceived.

It is my prayer that each of us can have a relationship with Jesus Christ separate from any church, and learn to trust what He is telling us to do. There is tremendous peace in doing so.