Eze. 38:13

13 Sheba [Shaba'], and Dedan [Dadan], and the merchants [cachar] of Tarshish [Tarshiysh], with all the young lions [kaphiyr] thereof, shall say ['amar] unto thee, Art thou come [bow'] to take [shalal] a spoil [shalal]? hast thou gathered [qahal] thy company [qahal] to take [bazaz] a prey [baz]? to carry away [nasa'] silver [keceph] and gold [zahab], to take away [laqach] cattle [miqneh] and goods [qinyan], to take [shalal] a great [gadowl] spoil [shalal]? KJV-Interlinear

13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its villages, will say to you, 'Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?' ' NASB

Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish represent trading centers in Arabia, the Persian gulf and in the Mediterranean, in Ezekiel s day. Lots of commerce went through these popular and prosperous seaports or shipping mechanisms.

Now note the one thing, the very first thing that is on their mind immediately after the invasion of Gog.

Whenever a bully comes into a neighborhood, whenever an invader comes into a country, there will always be those who are interested in catering to them, in groveling to them. There will always be those who are interested in getting on their good side. And, what better way than through trade or personal social contact.

Many want to take advantage of the opportunities that come with the new boss on the block. This does two things, or rather it creates two perceptions in the minds of the victims. First, it preserves ones own life, and second, it creates a relationship with the invading forces that help to preserve or even improve ones life style.

All principles and all morals are virtually thrown out the door. Friends and neighbors are turned in, friends and neighbors become convenient sacrifices to the authorities. Women sell themselves for the price of an evenings encounter. Merchants try to gain access to what they see as new trade opportunities. And, all of this is for the benefit that comes with the possibility of profits and/or a better life, or just the continuation of a life for ones self.

It matters not that the world has been in a nosedive for over six years by this time. It matters not that many folks will have lost their lives as a result of this invasion. It matters not that no one, not even the invading enemy forces, can be trusted.

It matters not that this invasion will not establish any kind of security or freedom for those who survive, but it will in reality, set into motion a sequence of events that will lead to even more horrifying violence, and very soon.

This invasion was not expected by anyone. It will come as a complete surprise to everyone else in the world. So, some time will pass before the next round of battle will take place.

The leaders of the West (the anti-christ) and the leaders of the Far Eastern nations (China, etc.), will require some time to evaluate what has just occurred, and then to prepare their own response. Which they will.

Their armies will have to be assembled, armed, and readied. Plans for their attack will have to be made. Intelligence will have to be gathered. And, the means of moving everyone into the battle will have to be organized.

These are things that will take days or even weeks to organize. So, in the mean time, the citizen survivors of the invaded region will be doing what they can in order to gain the trust and business of their conquerors. And all of this, even while death and destruction exists all around them.

Now is the time to post a prayer.