Russia Rising: Tracking the Bear in Bible Prophecy

by Mark Hitchcock

Russia, again, is on the move. The news headlines proclaim it. Georgia was first. Then, Ukraine and the invasion of Crimea. Meddling in the elections of the United States followed. For the fourth straight year, Forbes has ranked Vladimir Putin as the world’s most powerful person—even above the president of the United States. Like it or not, the world has descended into a new Putin-led Cold War 2.0. As the storm clouds gather, America sleeps.Russian’s hand in Syria and its closer ties to Iran are especially alarming to those who know Bible prophecy and the book of Ezekiel. Putin is poised right now on Israel’s northern border—an ominous sign of our times.What does the Bible say about our troubling times?In Russia Rising, Mark Hitchcock, popular speaker and Bible prophecy expert, explores the history of Russia and its current military moves. He will explain the biblical prophecies related to Russia, the Middle East, and the end times. The tracks of the Russian bear lead to the Middle East and Israel. Are we on a collision course with Russia?

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian Non Fiction, Russia

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2017

About the author

Mark Hitchcock was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from law school in 1984. After working for a judge at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals for four years, Mark was led to attend Dallas Theological Seminary, graduating in 1991. Since that time, he has served as senior pastor of Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He completed his PhD at Dallas Theological Seminary in 2005 and serves as an associate professor of Bible exposition at DTS. He has authored over thirty books related to end-time Bible prophecy that have sold over one million copies. His books have been translated into over ten languages. Mark is a frequent speaker at churches and prophecy conferences both in the United States and internationally. Mark and his wife, Cheryl, live in Edmond, Oklahoma. They have two sons, Justin (married to Natalee) and Samuel, and two grandchildren..
You can also connect with Mark on Facebook

Reviews

[William Struse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again Russia is on the mind of many students and teachers of Bible prophecy. After the fall of the Soviet Union we didn’t hear much about Russia as a fulfillment of the Gog & Magog prophecy found in Ezekiel 38 & 39 but now that Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin have begun to assert their power on the world stage prophecy teachers are again taking notice.

Bringing attention to this subject is the new book, Russia Rising: Tracking the Bear in Bible Prophecy, by the popular Christian prophecy teacher Mark Hitchcock. Mr. Hitchcock is a respected voice in prophecy circles and he brings his level headed perspective to this important subject. Like all of us, Mr. Hitchcock brings his bias to the subject. This book is written from a pre-tribulational immanency world view. Thought I don’t always agree with Mr. Hitchcock I do appreciate seeing the subject of Bible prophecy through his eyes.

In this book I thought Mr. Hitchcock did a good job of describing current world events related to Russia and its concerted push to reassert itself as a world power. Mr. Hitchcock also provides a reasonable assessment of Iran, Turkey and their growing alignment with Russia.

To give you an idea of subjects covered in this book here are the 10 well written chapters in the book:
1. There is a Bear in the Woods
2. The Final Game of Thrones
3. Is Russia Really in the Bible?
4. Ezekiel’s Prophetic Intelligence Briefing
5. Triple Threat: Russia, Iran, and Turkey
6. Vladimir Putin, Rising Czar
7. Red Dawn: The War of Gog and Magog
8. How Close Are We?
9. What Does the Future Hold?
10. It’s Always Soon

As compelling as Mr. Hitchcock’s arguments are for the modern day Russia as a fulfillment of Gog & Magog, the book has a major weakness. That weakness relates to the timing of Israel dwelling securely in their land just before the invasion of Gog & Magog. On page 129 Mr. Hitchcock acknowledges the challenge:

“There are not many occasions in God’s prophetic program when Israel is secure and at rest. The Jewish people have been scattered and persecuted over the face of the earth, and not even in the future will Israel have many periods of rest and security.” (Hitchcock, Mark. Russia Rising: Tracking the Bear in Bible Prophecy (p. 130). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition.)

Mr. Hitchcock goes on to explore four views on the timing of this Gog & Magog invasion:
• View #1 – Ezekiel 38-39 is the Same as Revelation 20:8
• View #2 - The War Can Happen at Any Time
• View #3 - The War in Ezekiel 38 -39 is the Same as the Campaign of Armageddon
• View #4 - The War Will Transpire During the First Half of the Tribulation

Surprisingly, in none of these four points of view does Mr. Hitchcock explore the OT prophetic context of Israel dwelling securely in their land.

In Ezekiel 38 & 39 the statement of Israel “dwelling safely” in the land just before the invasion of Gog & Magog invasion takes place, comes from the Hebrew words yashab betach. In Ezekiel 38 this context of Israel dwelling in safety is so important to the timing of the invasion that it is repeated three times. This timing is further repeated in Ezekiel 39:6, with the further explanation that they will dwell safely (yashab betach) with “none to make them afraid”. Here take a look:

• Ezekiel 38:8 8 After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou [gog & magog} shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely [yashab betach] all of them.
• Ezekiel 38:11 11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely [yashab betach], all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
• Ezekiel 38:14 14 Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely [yashab betach], shalt thou not know it?
• Ezekiel 39:26 26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely [yashab betach] in their land, and none made them afraid.
Here is the challenge to these passage which Mr. Hitchcock and many of his peers fail to explain. Yashab betach is conditional promise give to Israel in Leviticus 25 and 26 which is contingent upon the Israel’s obedience to the Torah.
• Leviticus 25:18 Wherefore ye shall do my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; and ye shall dwell [yashab] in the land in safety [betach].
• Leviticus 26:3-6 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell [yashab] in your land safely [betach]. 6 And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

What is fascinating to understand is that the context of Jeremiah 32, Ezekiel 28, Ezekiel 34, and Zechariah 14 all confirm that this dwelling securely (Yashab betach) is a condition Israel experiences during the millennial reign of the Messiah, after they have returned to Him. From Yeshua’s own words we know that He does not return until they acknowledge Him as the promised Messiah. This means that Israel will not dwell safely in their land until Yeshua reigns in Jerusalem. This as we know will not happen until the millennium.

• Jeremiah 32:37-40 37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely [yashab betach]: 38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God: 39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: 40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
• Ezekiel 28:25-26 25 Thus saith the Lord YHWH; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. 26 And they shall dwell safely [yashab betach] therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence [yashab betach], when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am YHWH their God.
• Zechariah 14:9-11 9 And YHWH shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one YHWH, and his name one. 10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. 11 And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited [betach yashab].

What I find hard to understand is why Mr. Hitchcock does not address the statements of Ezekiel 28 & 34 which clearly demonstrate that yashab betach (dwelling safely) is prophetic statement of Israel’s status during the Millinnium. Keep in mind both these statement come before Ezekiel statements of Israel dwelling securely just prior to the invasion of Gog & Magog as found in Ezekial 39 & 39.

Further consider Ezekiel 39:26 where it states that Israel dwelt safely “with none to make them afraid”. This phrases is only repeated one other time in the Old Testament and it is found in Ezekiel 34:28 where again it is describing conditions during the millennium. Here take a look:

• Ezekiel 34:28 8 And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely [yashab betach], and none shall make them afraid.
• Ezekiel 39:25-26 25 Therefore thus saith the Lord YHWH; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name; 26 After that they have borne their shame, and all their trespasses whereby they have trespassed against me, when they dwelt safely [yashab betach] in their land, and none made them afraid.

As you can see the balance of the Old Testament record shows that Israel dwelling securely is a reference to Israel’s status during the coming messianic age. At the very least Mr. Hitchcock needs to clearly explain to his readers why this OT context is not relevant to his interpretation. As a final thought on this aspect of the book consider this.

Revelation 20 describes a period of time during the millennium when the following conditions are present (based upon other OT prophecies).

1. Yeshua reigns from Jerusalem
2. Israel is dwelling safely in the Promised Land.
3. Weapons of war have been exchange for implements of agriculture (Isa. 2:3-4)
4. Israel is the head of the nations to whom the others bring tribute. (They are wealthy)
5. They live in peace with none to make them afraid.
6. Gog and Magog invades Israel with nations from four quarters of the earth.
7. Their weapons of war are rudimentary by our standards. (because modern weaponry was converted to agricultural use at the start of the millennium- see Isa. 2:3-4)
8. YHWH supernaturally destroys the armies of Gog and Magog.

Based upon the above context a couple of questions come to mind. If Ezekiel 38 & 39 is read within a millennial context as suggest by Ezekiel 28 & 34 how many of the above conditions would be present? Would the Russia of today have any relevance to the prophecy of Gog & Magog?

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of YHWH, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of YHWH from Jerusalem. 4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isaiah 2:3-4)

In closing I would like to better understand how Mr. Hitchcock understands the context of Israel dwelling safely (yashab betach) as it relates to Leviticus 25, 26, Jeremiah 32, Ezekiel 28, 34, Zechariah 14. This context is fundamental to understanding the identity of Gog & Magog as well as the timing of this great invasion of Israel. Until this subject is adequately addressed I believe the interpretation as presented in this book must be considered in light of a Berean’s skepticism. I’d encourage you to read the book and then open your own Bible and see what it has to say about Israel dwelling securely in the promised land.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by Tyndale to review.
I have read a few of Mark Hitchcock's other books and find him easy to understand. He gives intense Biblical prophecy clues and findings in a way that makes complete sense. Maybe its also the way he presents the scriptures in with his findings, but I enjoyed reading the scripture with his thoughts. I think deciphering the geography of it all interesting as well. I was captured by the fact that Russia is the bear in the prophecies. It does feel as if the world has met great strides and check points for end times. However, its so hard to interpret everything perfectly when only the Lord knows exactly. That is why I find reading and keeping up to date with what prophecy says so interesting. The good thing is, it will all come to light someday and the Lord himself knows when He will do this. I liked that this book included headlines in the media from the last couple years to now. It kind of brings it all full circle to mix the scriptures to the headline.
Overall, I think its an informative read. And The author makes this subject easy to understand, while using scripture to back his beliefs up.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russia Rising...The best book I've read on Bible Prophecy.
Russia is the Bear in Bible prophecy.
The author wrote about the prophecy from Ezekiel 38 and 39 making the events to come very understandable.
Even though the news as we know it, looks bad. We have nothing to fear.
Christ is the victor.
I won this free book through Goodreads-First reads.

[Susan Wachtel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful guide to better understand Bible Prophesy

I was excited to read pastor and teacher Mark Hitchcock’s newest book Russia Rising – Tracking the Bear in Bible Prophecy.

Pastor Mark Hitchcock is a solid Bible and prophesy teacher. He is well balanced and does not get off track like some Bible prophesy teachers. He doesn’t try to manipulate current events into fulfillment of Biblical end time events. He’s not a date setter and has good understanding of Scripture and a healthy respect for God’s timetable which He alone knows.

Russia Rising starts with a history of Russia and goes into recent incidents that give evidence that Russia, under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, is exercising more and more power and is actively expanding their reach into other countries, like Syria and Iran. Russia is a formidable foe on the world stage.

One area I disagreed with Mark was his take on 2016 US presidential election. He spoke of the Russian fake news strategy and the DNC “hacking” as the work of Russian spies. That narrative is one that is suspect at best and may have actually been internal leaks from someone within the DNC.

Mark went into great detail to explain why the king of the north, from Ezekiel 38-39 and Daniel 11 is modern-day Russian. He also discussed the various interpretations on when the War of Gog and Magog may take place. He not only covers his own opinion on when this event may take place, but he also addresses other views and explains if they line up with Scripture, history, current events and Bible prophesy.

I especially appreciated Mark bringing the discussion of Bible prophesy and end times back to Christ. He reminded the reader that anticipating the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ should impact us to live holy lives and eagerly share the Gospel message with unbelievers around us.

If you want to have a better understand biblical end time events and know what in the world is going with Russia and how it all fits into Bible prophesy, pick up a copy of Russia Rising by Mark Hitchcock.

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers and Tyndale Blog Network for the opportunity to read Russia Rising for free. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

[Susie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a bit of a delay, I received the copy of "Russia Rising" Tracking the Bear in Bible Prophecy" by lawyer-theologian Mark Hitchcock. Finished it last night and would recommend it for its clarity of content and writing style as well as its timeliness. There have been many volumes and sermons written and said over the centuries about Biblical prophecy touching on "the end times"; I have not read that many of the printed speculations, but during the past couple of years, the topic has been drawn out and quartered often at the small community church which I attend. I read the book of Revelation as many youths had before me and many also in the decades since and been dazzled with dread and incomprehension yet filled with the ultimate knowledge of the winner of that final battle against evil on Earth, Jesus Christ! Hitchcock's parsing of the end times dwells chiefly with prophecies of Ezekiel in the Old Testament: chapters 38 and 39. Yet he links these prophecies with others given in God's Word, including the vision of John in Revelation: the battles of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel and the terrifying beauty of Armageddon. Hitchcock gives his testimony clearly and compellingly, hinting insofar as this reader is concerned, of the possibility in the happening of the confrontation in Israel led by the "King of the North" (Russia, he opines) including underground eruptions linked to the known missile production in Iran as well as in Russia. All that happens, though, is from God -- not from the latter day prophet Muhammad...I was thinking of course of Hitchcock's timely book yesterday when I heard President Trump declare that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. This announcement by the United States president was authorized after all in 1995. I do recommend this review by Hitchcock, and I close by adding another of the sayings of my Lord Jesus "back in the day": that we should not be so fickle as to live our lives in fear but in steadiness in the faith of His return in God's time, now man's.

[Mark Tredecim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost the entire book is deserving of 5 stars, because almost the entire book is written from the perspective of Bible prophecy. Dr. Hitchcock has a great background and reputation for the study of Bible prophecy and this comes through in his analysis. Where a particular topic has multiple "possible" interpretations, he presents them, evaluates them, and explains why his view is on one of them (for the others, he'll say why he rejects it, or that it's credible but he favors another view because....).

I bought a copy and will keep it as a reference tool. It has useful tables, listings and references that will be helpful as I work on my next novel (and work to stay true to the Bible even as I weave in a fictional story line). You might infer that I agree with his interpretation and analysis and you'd be right (though I give more weight to the possibility that the Ezekiel 38 war will occur just before the Tribulation begins; that’s a possibility that Dr. Hitchcock gives credit to, though he leans more to the Ezekiel war being during the Tribulation). We don't know the timing for the war of Ezekiel 38 yet because it's a mystery of the Bible in that regard.

The one problem? Chapter 1 of the book presents events of the last couple decades to support his argument that Russia is a bad actor and the prophecy of Ezekiel regarding Russia attacking Israel is coming closer to fulfillment. Most of this chapter is pretty solid stuff. But this book was written in 2017, when the progressive media and the Washington establishment concocted wild stories about Trump being in collusion with Putin and that Trump won the 2016 election due to Russian interference. These 2017 stories have been disproved and the sources cited in this chapter (New Yorker, MSNBC, New York Times and CNN) have been shown to be partisan actors, not truthful sources for any analysis of Bible prophecy. Russia has done plenty of things to support Dr. Hitchcock's premise; it's unfortunate that he chose to include some things in this chapter that we now know to be politically motivated falsehoods.

I'd love to see Dr. Hitchcock issue an updated edition of this 2017 book, striking out this 2017 nonsense and updating it for Russia's misdeeds since 2017 (such as the invasion of Ukraine, blackmailing Western Europe through energy supplies, etc.). It would be a better book. If you start at Chapter 2 and disregard Chapter 1, this book is excellent.

This isn't just an intellectual exercise in Bible history and prophecy. Dr. Hitchcock also provides sound thoughts on how this is important to us and to how we live. The book is easy reading for anyone who is reasonably familiar with the Bible. If you’re not a Christian yet, you should read this book to better understand what lies ahead.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Russia Rising: Headlines and History Collide With Prophecy

Mark Hitchcock’s new book, RUSSIA RISING: Tracking The Bear In Bible Prophecy is a book you should read. In it’s pages you will get an up close and eerie look at what the headlines are pointing us to—the new Russian Czar.

Hitchcock goes on to say, “Forbes has named Vladimir Putin the world’s most powerful person four years in a row… In 2014 Vladimir Putin was chosen as Russia’s “Man of the Year…” and “Putin is the leading candidate for Time magazines ‘Person of the Year’ in 2017.”

Headline in the Atlantic: It’s Putin’s World.

Garry Kasparov in his book, Winter Is Coming says, “Putin’s Russia is clearly the biggest and most dangerous threat facing the world today.”

MAN WITH A PLAN.

Vladimir Putin is many things—KGB officer, master politician, multibillionaire, ruthless autocrat—but above all, Vladimir Putin is a man with a plan. His plan is to unmake the world order that has stood since the end of the Cold War, especially in Europe, and replace it with one where Russia has the power, influence, and military strength to get its way on any issue. So says, Douglas Schoen author of Putin’s Master Plan.

An exhaustive study of Ezekiel 38-39.

Hitchcock presents us with an elaborate picture that blends Russian history, with Bible prophecies and today’s headlines. He takes us step-by-step, verse-by-verse, making his case. If you are a student of Bible prophecy and looking for “the next big thing” to manifest, then you absolutely need to read RUSSIA RISING, because this book takes us right up to the threshold of what may be the looming Gog-Magog war in Ezekiel.

RUSSIA RISING is available now on Amazon.

And at all other fine book retailers. Be sure to check out Mark Hitchcock’s author page on Goodreads.

My continued thanks to Tyndale House Publishers who sent me this book in exchange for my review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I heard about this book, I was interested in reading it. I have come to appreciate Mark Hitchcock's teaching over the years and this book did not let me down.

With Russia in the news once again, Mark tackles of the issue of where that country stands in light of end times prophecies. Although he writes from a pre-tribulation rapture perspective, I think anyone could appreciate the information about Russia in general and Putin as its' leader.

The Chapters are:

There is a Bear in the Woods
The Final Game of Thrones
Is Russia really in the Bible?
Ezekiel's Prophetic Intelligence Briefing
Triple Threat: Russia, Iran, and Turkey
Vladimir Putin, Rising Czar
Red Dawn, The War of Gog and Magog
How Close Are We?
What Does the Future Hold?
It's Always Soon

Appendix 1; Ezekiel 38-39

Appendix 2: The King of the North: The Northern Confederacy by Dr. John Walvoord

Appendix 3: Common Questions Related to Russia, the Middle East, and the End of Days

People who like to read about prophetic end time events will welcome this book for the detail and the variety of possible scenarios the author provides. I think it would be appreciated by any Christian who is interested in where Russia may be found in the Bible. Very interesting!

Russia Rising was provided by Tyndale House for the sake of review but the opinions are my own.

[James Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bible Prophecy Fulfilled Today
The Russian Bear is willing to maul anyone that stands in the way of restoring Soviet greatness. In their effort to bring back the glory of the Soviet Union, Russia has become the new power broker in the Middle East. They have allied themselves with Iran, Turkey, and other Arab nations. Is the stage being set for the Ezekiel 38 and 39 War? In his incredible book “Russia Rising: Tracking the Bear in Bible Prophecy,” pastor and author, Mark Hitchcock gives amazing insights into the turbulent and tense relationship between Russia and the United States as the backdrop to Ezekiel’s famed prophecy—the “Battle of Gog and Magog.” In the not-so-distant future, the Russia/Arab Alliance will attack Israel. They will be defeated by God’s miraculous power, and the newly united European Union will emerge as the greatest economic, political, and military power on the planet. These pivotal events will set the stage for the rise of the new European superstate and the emergence of the new leader who will ultimately assume the role of the Antichrist, the final world dictator who will rule the planet during the last seven years leading to the climactic battle of Armageddon. Hitchcock goes through the Bible and traces all these future events in the best book on Gog and Magog that I have read.

[Pam Ecrement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Hitchcock’s newest book, Russia Rising, comes right on time as Russia dominates much of today’s news. As we read the headlines it can be easy to be swept up in stories and uncertainties that take us down rabbit trails. What is the truth about Russia? How do these headlines fit with others that shake us? What does this say about the end times?

Mark asks readers of this newest book to start by reading Ezekiel 38 and 39 as context of what he outlines. Scripture, more than any other source, can tell us where we may be on God’s timeline and what to expect as we watch events unfold. Russia Rising leads the reader through these passages and others to illuminate and remind us the clock is ticking.

This is a book that will help the reader see the daily headlines in context through the lens of the truth of the Bible. I don’t think you will want to miss this solid look at Russia’s key role in biblical prophecy.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

In December 1991 the Soviet Union collapsed, but now Russia is back. In Hitchcock's insightful writing he tells how the rise of Russia relates to prophecies of the Bible. He gives us several scholars' views and examines the evidence. He asks if “this is another prophetic signpost that the world is racing toward the end of days.” We don’t know what will happen in the future, but we do know that God is in control.

I received this book from Goodreads giveaways.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this fascinating read as a Goodreads giveaway. The author cites specific newspaper titles and written resources to support his research and opinions about current worldly events and relevance to the Bible's Book of Revelations. In addition, he ties advice about living an enriching, spiritual life to Bible prophecy.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Hagee's book Earth's Last Empire: the final game of thrones and this book go hand in hand. Is America ready for the Bear waiting in the woods? I don't know. Must read, times are here.

[B.L. Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of effort and study was so clearly put into this. The book went smoothly and nicely.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 2017, so a bit dated. I'll listen again.

[Jennifer G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest review.

This book was an interesting read. It starts with the author describing current world events related to Russia and the country's efforts to regain its status as a world superpower. It goes on to explore how nations are building alliances and how Russia’s involvement relates to end times prophecy. The author has some interesting insights, and it's made me question and consider some of the events and news headlines I've been reading lately. If you like reading about politics and religion, you'll enjoy this book.

[Tena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this in a GOODREADS giveaway.

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a complimentary copy of Mark Hitchcock’s book, Russia Rising.

It is not the outcome of presidential elections or the occurrence of astronomical phenomena that are the main indications regarding the end of days. Rather, it is the rising and allying of the nations and kingdoms surrounding Israel. In Russia Rising, Mark Hitchcock will walk you through step by step in revealing Russia’s involvement in end times prophecy. Using Scripture and analyzing recent events, Hitchcock articulates Biblical prophecy clearly and understandably. Perfect for the Biblical scholar or the new believer. I highly recommend Russia Rising to any who are seeking to deepen their understanding of current events in light of Christ’s return.

Russia Rising brings the reader into mental preparation and is a guide to aid in clearly considering the eschatological implications of the world events of our time. It can be easily read, understood and, most importantly, Hitchcock keeps on track and maintains a very informative and doctrinally sound walk-through of Ezekiel 38 and 39 without getting lost in opinions and speculations. He uses the Bible as the ultimate authority and he does so with great care and humility.

If you have ever wondered if and how our current world powers (i.e. America, Russia, etc.) play a part in the fulfillment of Biblical revelation in the last days, then this book is for you. Gog and Magog tend to mean very little, if anything, to the modern reader of Scripture. However, Hitchcock clearly identifies these archaic nations as we best know them today. Russia Rising is well worth your time.

ESCHATOLOGICALLY IMPACTFUL!!!
- Biblical Perspicacity

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