Eze. 38:5-7

5 Persia [Parac], Ethiopia [Kuwsh], and Libya [Puwt] with them; all of them with shield [magen] and helmet [kowba`]:

6 Gomer [Gomer], and all his bands ['aggaph]; the house [bayith] of Togarmah [Towgarmah] of the north [tsaphown] quarters [yarekah], and all his bands ['aggaph]: and many [rab] people [`am] with thee.

7 Be thou prepared [kuwn], and prepare [kuwn] for thyself, thou, and all thy company [qahal] that are assembled [qahal] unto thee, and be thou a guard [mishmar] unto them. KJV-Interlinear

5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops many peoples with you. 7 Be prepared, and prepare yourself, you and all your companies that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them. NASB

A clearer picture is now painted. The enemies of Israel will come from all for directions. Persia reflects the nations to the east (Iran). Ethiopia represents the nations from the south. Put or Libya, represents the nations to the west (North Africa), and Gomer and Togarmah represent the nations to the north (Russia).

The first three have shield and helmet. They represent the flanking and protective forces ( be a guard for them ) in the plan, which plan is conceived by the Northern Power. But, as we will soon see (in Daniel), the Northern Power will betray them all, and this unusual alliance of the powers from all four directions of the compass will disintegrate. Note that the new Rome (the anti-christ) is not included in this alliance.

At the beginning of the Tribulation, the anti-christ seizes control of the European countries and forms an alliance of nations, which we commonly call the revived Roman Empire. He makes an alliance with Israel, for which Israel pays a dear price for his protection. We assume that this price is in the form of oil or something that is equal to, or more valuable.

The anti-christ tries to create a world utopia during the first three and a half years of the Tribulation. That fails. At this three and a half year point, he betrays Israel and turns on her, ravaging and disgracing the Temple in Jerusalem. Presumably, this is when the rest of the world begins to make their own plans for running the world, since the anti-christ has lost it. Note too, that the anti-christ will be wounded fatally, will recover miraculously, and will use that miracle to try to force the world to worship and follow him.

People will flee to the mountains to escape the wrath of the anti-christ, and will find some safety in the mountains of Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

The nations to the north, east, and south of Israel will form a conspiracy, a plan, to invade and control the Middle East. Thus, seizing control of that region and presumably cutting out the anti-christ who rules the western (European) powers.

Their plans will escalate into an attempt to annihilate Israel, and thus God will intervene and destroy all of the invading forces.

Here in Ezekiel, is the pronouncement of the judgment against the invading nations from the north, south, east and the immediate west (Africa), of Israel. If this alliance were to exist today, then it would consist of Russia or the former Soviet Union nations, and the Arab nations surrounding Israel in the Middle East.

Only after this invasion begins, will the far eastern nations (China) and the nations to the far west (Europe), get into the fight.

Now is the time to post a prayer.