Overview

The haftarah read on the Shabbat of Chol Hamoed Sukkot describes the “war of Gog and Magog.” This is a war of apocalyptic proportions that the prophets tell us will occur around the time of Moshiach’s coming. It is read on this Shabbat due to a tradition that this war will take place in the month of Tishrei, the month in which the festival of Sukkot is celebrated.

The war of Gog and Magog is described in a number of the books of the prophets. In summary, the war is described by Ezekiel in this haftarah as follows:

After the Jews are settled in their land, a coalition of nations led by Gog, king of the land of Magog, will be aroused to attack Israel. The military campaign will send tremors throughout the entire region, but G‑d will make it occur specifically in order for Gog and all his cohorts to receive their due downfall and punishment.

A great confusion will break out among the army of Gog. Mighty hailstones, fire and brimstone will rain down on them, causing so much havoc that they will begin killing each other.

The purpose of all these events is so that the world finally recognizes the sovereignty of G‑d.

(The prophet Zechariah (ch. 14 of his book) also describes this war, and states that Gog will make three attempts to vanquish Jerusalem. The third will prove to be successful, after which disaster will befall the city and its inhabitants. After this, however, Zechariah foresees the confusion and downfall of Gog and his hordes in similar terms as Ezekiel.)