Magogite Nation

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Magog literally meaning "From Gog" in a similar pattern to the name Mitzraim. Most probably a Teutonic people, living to the north of the Holy Land (cf. Ezekiel 38:2). Some sources identify Magog with Germania (Targum Yonathan; Targum on 1 Chronicles 1:5; Pesikta Zutratha). Others identify them with the Goths (Yerushalmi, Megillah 1:9). These were a Teutonic people who migrated to Scythia, in what is now southern Russia.

It is therefore not contradictory when some sources identify Magog with Scythia (Josephus; Yoma 10a, according to Rabbenu Chananel; Arukh s.v. Germamia). Ancient histories state that the Scythians came from Asia, driven by the Massagetae (cf. Meshekh), and settling near the Cimerians (Herodotus 4:11; see note on Genesis 10:2, 'Gomer'). Linguistically, the Scythians were related to the Iranians, and hence, to the Persians and the Medes. It is therefore no surprise that Herodotus thought the Germanians to be a Persian tribe (Herodotus 1:125). Interestingly enough Angalo Saxon legends claim Gogmagog as an ancient ancestor. Gog Magog were traditionally locked behind copper and iron gates by Alexander the Great. Two Giant effigies of them are kept behind the gates of guildhall in London.

Other ancient sources agree with the identification of Magog as living to the north of the Black Sea (Yov'loth 9:8).

Papal sources note that Magog may denote the Mongols, whose name they said came from Magogoli which they claimed was a corruption of Magog. Indeed, Arab writers referred to the Great Wall of China as the 'wall of al Magog' (Rabbi Aaron Marcus, Kesseth HaSofer, p. 112a).


See also:

Gog
Tartary