Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a surprising scope to Gog's impending invasion, gathering allies not just from the north but from the far east, south, and west. The specific mention of "all of them with shield and helmet" isn't just about military readiness; it vividly paints them as fully armored protectors, ready to defend their leader in this ultimate, symbolic conflict.
Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Ezekiel is describing a massive, future invasion force led by a figure named Gog, who will attack God's people in the "latter days." This verse expands the description of Gog's allies, naming nations from the east (Persia), south (Cush/Ethiopia), and west (Put/Libya) who will join this formidable army, all equipped for battle. These diverse nations, coming from the edges of the known world, emphasize the widespread opposition Gog will rally against God’s people.
When Ezekiel names the allies of Gog, he doesn't just list neighbors. He paints a picture of a world united against God's people.
The prophecy in Ezekiel 38 describes a massive, future coalition of nations led by Gog, from the land of Magog. In verse 5, Ezekiel specifically names:
Notice how these aren't just the immediate neighbors of Israel. They represent nations from the east, south, and west. This global gathering emphasizes the comprehensive and widespread opposition that God's people would face. It's not just a local conflict, but a sign of a unified, worldwide rebellion.
The description of these nations being 'all of them with shield and helmet' isn't just about military gear. It speaks volumes about their intentions and preparedness.
The phrase 'all of them with shield and helmet' highlights the full military readiness and defensive posture of these nations allied with Gog.
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The prophecy in Ezekiel 38 references nations like Persia, Ethiopia (Cush), and Libya (Put) as allies of a northern aggressor. While these nations existed throughout history, their specific mention here aligns with historical contexts where they acted as tributaries or military contingents, particularly in the armies of powers like Antiochus IV during the Maccabean period.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports Jewish nobility and skilled workers, including the prophet Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
c. 539 BC
Persian Empire Rises
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon and establishes the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which would eventually encompass a vast territory.
c. 170-164 BC— this verse
Antiochus IV's Campaigns
Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, ruler of a Hellenistic kingdom that included Persia, campaigns in Egypt and Judea, facing resistance from the Maccabees.
c. 160 BC
Maccabean Revolt Intensifies
The Jewish Maccabees continue their fight for religious and political freedom against the Seleucid Empire, a conflict involving various foreign powers.
This passage describes the Libyans and Ethiopians as following a northern invader, paralleling their inclusion in Ezekiel's confederacy.
Ezekiel 27:10This chapter also mentions Persia and other nations, highlighting their involvement in trade and warfare, which provides context for their appearance in this military alliance.
Ezekiel 30:5Here, Cush (Ethiopia) and Put (Libya) are listed as allies and sufferers of God's judgment, reinforcing their role as part of broader military coalitions against God's people.
Genesis 10:6This genealogy links Cush to the origins of certain peoples, providing a foundational understanding of the geographical and ethnic groups involved in Ezekiel's prophecy.
clarkeEzekiel 38:5: "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:"
Persia - That a part of this country was tributary to Antiochus, see 1 Maccabees 3:31. Ethiopia, and Libya - That these were auxiliaries of Antiochus is evident from Daniel 11:43 : "The Libyans and Ethiopians shall be at his steps."
jfbEzekiel 38:5: "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:"
- Persia … Libya—expressly specified by Appian as supplying the ranks of Antiochus' army.
This verse reveals a surprising scope to Gog's impending invasion, gathering allies not just from the north but from the far east, south, and west. The specific mention of "all of them with shield and helmet" isn't just about military readiness; it vividly paints them as fully armored protectors, ready to defend their leader in this ultimate, symbolic conflict.
The prophet Ezekiel is describing a massive, future invasion force led by a figure named Gog, who will attack God's people in the "latter days." This verse expands the description of Gog's allies, naming nations from the east (Persia), south (Cush/Ethiopia), and west (Put/Libya) who will join this formidable army, all equipped for battle. These diverse nations, coming from the edges of the known world, emphasize the widespread opposition Gog will rally against God’s people.
The prophet Ezekiel is describing a massive, future invasion force led by a figure named Gog, who will attack God's people in the "latter days." This verse expands the description of Gog's allies, naming nations from the east (Persia), south (Cush/Ethiopia), and west (Put/Libya) who will join this formidable army, all equipped for battle. These diverse nations, coming from the edges of the known world, emphasize the widespread opposition Gog will rally against God’s people.
"Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;" — This verse reveals a surprising scope to Gog's impending invasion, gathering allies not just from the north but from the far east, south, and west. The specific mention of "all of them with shield an…
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Last reviewed October 2026