North Korea pledges to deploy up to 30,000 troops to support Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine.¹

North Korea: Putin and Kim Jong Un

This deepening military cooperation, which follows a comprehensive strategic partnership signed by Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un in June 2024, is seen by many as a significant step in the formation of a powerful eastern alliance with potential implications for the end times.

North Korea: Ukrainian intelligence

According to Ukrainian intelligence assessments, this new deployment would be a substantial increase from the initial 11,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia’s Kursk region in late 2024.² The move is expected to integrate North Korean forces directly into Russian combat units for large-scale offensive operations.³ This has led many to question the prophetic significance of this alliance, particularly in the context of the biblical prophecy found in Ezekiel 38.

The Northern Coalition: Bible Prophecy?

For decades, Bible prophecy scholars have pointed to Ezekiel 38 as a roadmap to a future invasion of Israel led by a northern power.⁴ The prophecy speaks of “Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal” who will lead a great army against Israel in the “latter years.”⁵

Many respected Bible teachers, including David Jeremiah, have identified “Rosh” with modern-day Russia.⁶ In his analysis of the future Russian alliance, Jeremiah notes that while the name “Russia” does not appear in the Bible, the geographical and descriptive details in Ezekiel point to the nation to the “far north” of Israel.⁷

The prophecy in Ezekiel 38 also lists a confederation of nations that will join this northern leader, including Persia (modern-day Iran), Cush (often associated with Sudan and Ethiopia), and Put (modern-day Libya).⁸ The growing alliance between Russia and Iran has long been a focal point for prophecy watchers.

A Growing Eastern Alliance: Where Does North Korea Fit In?

While North Korea is not explicitly named in the list of nations in Ezekiel 38, some prophecy experts believe its alignment with Russia is prophetically significant. One biblical worldview analysis points to the formation of an “eastern alliance that is forming out there today with China and North Korea” as a development to watch in relation to Ezekiel’s prophecy.

The text of Ezekiel 38:6 mentions that “many peoples are with you,” indicating that the coalition led by Gog will include nations beyond the primary ones listed.⁹ This has led some to speculate that countries like North Korea, which are increasingly aligning themselves with Russia and against the West, could be part of this larger force.

Joel C. Rosenberg, an author and expert on geopolitical events in the Middle East, has written extensively about the growing threat of a Russian-Iranian-North Korean axis.¹⁰ In his fictional works, which he notes are inspired by real-world intelligence, he has explored the potential for such an alliance to challenge global stability. While not making a direct prophetic claim, his analysis of the “anti-American, all anti-Western forces” being gathered by Vladimir Putin resonates with the picture of a formidable coalition described in Ezekiel.

A Time of Unprecedented Volatility

It is important to note that many prophecy experts caution against definitively stating that current events are a direct fulfillment of Ezekiel 38. They point to specific conditions in the prophecy, such as Israel living in a state of peace and security, that have not yet been met.

However, the rapid and dramatic shifts in the geopolitical landscape, particularly the strengthening of alliances between nations hostile to Israel and the West, are causing many to pay closer attention to the ancient prophecies. The unprecedented military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a key development in this unfolding drama.

As we witness these events, the words of the prophet Ezekiel, recorded in the Complete Jewish Bible, take on a new level of relevance:

“The word of ADONAI came to me: ‘Human being, turn your face toward Gog (of the land of Magog), chief prince of Meshekh and Tuval; and prophesy against him. Say that Adonai ELOHIM says, ‘I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshekh and Tuval. I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with all your army, horses and horsemen, all completely equipped, a great horde with breastplates and shields, all wielding swords. Paras, Ethiopia and Put are with them, all with breastplates and helmets¹¹; Gomer with all its troops; the house of Togarmah in the far reaches of the north, with all its troops — many peoples¹² are with you.’” (Ezekiel 38:1-6, Complete Jewish Bible)

The world watches as these ancient prophecies appear to be taking shape in our modern world. Whether the current alliance between Russia and North Korea is a direct prelude to the war of Ezekiel 38 remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly a sobering reminder of the volatile times in which we live and the need for watchful discernment.