Do you see what's happening to Russia in Ukraine, leading up to Ezekiel 38?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
83
Calif
#1
GOD speaking of Gog/ Magog (Russia) " I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now." Ezekiel 38:12. Notice Maggo is not going to take the land, but to plunder it. Russia (Magog) is going broke in this war with Ukraine. Turkey and Iran are promising support for Russia. I see this as a step in that direction.

And also Ezekiel 39:6 "And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the LORD. ". live safely? Think Homeland security. ....."on the coast" also means a distance land. Could that be America?
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#2
GOD speaking of Gog/ Magog (Russia) " I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now." Ezekiel 38:12. Notice Maggo is not going to take the land, but to plunder it. Russia (Magog) is going broke in this war with Ukraine. Turkey and Iran are promising support for Russia. I see this as a step in that direction.

And also Ezekiel 39:6 "And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the LORD. ". live safely? Think Homeland security. ....."on the coast" also means a distance land. Could that be America?
We also see this, it has been since The Cold War but has also heated up since 2008, GOD has a timeline due to this event.

Yes it could be America.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,368
3,164
113
#3
GOD speaking of Gog/ Magog (Russia) " I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now." Ezekiel 38:12. Notice Maggo is not going to take the land, but to plunder it. Russia (Magog) is going broke in this war with Ukraine. Turkey and Iran are promising support for Russia. I see this as a step in that direction.

And also Ezekiel 39:6 "And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the LORD. ". live safely? Think Homeland security. ....."on the coast" also means a distance land. Could that be America?
Turkey has shown little, if any, support for Russia. Turkey has refused to sell their most effective drones to Russia. Russia asked Turkey to start manufacturing in Russia, also refused. Turkey has prevented Russian warships from going through the Bosporus straits, not exactly a supportive measure.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,368
3,164
113
#4
We also see this, it has been since The Cold War but has also heated up since 2008, GOD has a timeline due to this event.

Yes it could be America.
Turkey is not helping Russia. Turkey is a NATO member. NATO exists to defend against potential Russian aggression. If and when Turkey leaves, or gets thrown out of NATO, Turkey may move closer to Russia. Right now, that is not the case.
 

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
83
Calif
#6
Turkey has shown little, if any, support for Russia. Turkey has refused to sell their most effective drones to Russia. Russia asked Turkey to start manufacturing in Russia, also refused. Turkey has prevented Russian warships from going through the Bosporus straits, not exactly a supportive measure.
In time that will change, watch for it.
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#7
We also see this, it has been since The Cold War but has also heated up since 2008, GOD has a timeline due to this event.

Yes it could be America.
Gog and Magog Ezekiel foretells: “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince [Hebrew, Rosh] of Meshech [Moscow] and Tubal [the Asiatic city of Tobolsk], and prophecy against him” (Ezek.38:2). Who are these nations? Says Peloubet’s Bible Dictionary, “In Gen.10:2 Magog appears 12 as the second son of Japheth; in Exek.38:2; 39:1, 6 it appears as a country or people of which Gog was the prince. The notices of Magog would lead us to fix a northern locality it is expressly stated by Ezekiel that he was to come up from ‘the sides of the north,’ Ezek.39:2, from a country adjacent to that of Togarmah or Armenia, ch.38:6, and not far from ‘the isles’ or maritime regions of Europe, ch..39:6. The people of Magog further appear as having a force of cavalry, Ezek.38:15, and as armed with the bow, ch.39:3. Josephus identifies them with the Scythians, and the identification is generally accepted” (p.379-380). Josephus wrote in Antiquities of the Jews, “Magog founded those that from him were named Magogites, but who are by the Greeks called Scythians” (book 1, chp.6, part 1). Moffatt translated the passage above, “This word from the Eternal came to me: ‘Son of man, turn to Gog [in the land of Magog], the prince of ROSH and Meshek and Tubal; prophecy against him and tell him this from the Lord the Eternal: ‘O Gog, prince of ROSH and MESHEK and Tubal, I am against you” (Ezek.38:1-3). Rosh very likely means “RUSSIA,” and “Meshek” is MOSCOW, and “Tubal” could very well refer to “TOBALSK”, a city in eastern Russia – thus identifying this people as a powerful land extending in the north from Europe to eastern Asia.

Moffatt goes on, “I will bring you along, with all your army, horses and horsemen, in full armor, a mighty host all armed with shields and targes and all wielding swords, and warriors from PERSIA [IRAN], Kush [India], and Put [Africa] . . . all the hordes of the Cimmerians, all the hosts of Armenia IN THE FAR NORTH, and many another nation in your train. Be ready, hold yourself ready, you and all your muster, hold yourself in reserve for me! You [shall be summoned after many a day, and after many a year you] shall attack the land that has been restored from desolation, the nation that has been gathered home from many a people, the uplands of Israel, once a perpetual waste but now held by a nation gathered home from the peoples and living all undisturbed. You shall sweep up like a storm, covering the nation like a storm-cloud, you and all your hordes” (Ezek.38:4-9). In Ezekiel’s time, a horde of northern Asiatics, termed by the Greeks ‘Scythians’, and probably including Moschi and Tibareni near the Caucasus, here (‘Meshech .. . . Tubel’) undertook an expedition against Egypt (Herodotus, I, 103-106). These names might be adopted by Ezekiel from the historical fact familiar to men at the time, as ideal titles for the last great antichristian confederacy,” says the Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Critical-Experimental Commentary (vo.2, page 349).

The commentary adds, “the chief prince – rather, ‘prince of Rosh,’ or “Rhos’ (LXX). The Scythian Tauri in the Crimea were so called. The Araxes also was called Rhos. The modern Russians may have hence assumed their name, as Moscow and Tobalsk from Meshek and Tubal . . .” Says Unger’s Bible Dictionary, “Ezekiel 38, 39, which deal with Gog, the prince, and Magog, his land, describe the actual invasion of Palestine by a great northern confederacy, ostensibly headed up by Russia. The scene depicts a gigantic outburst of Anti-Semitism and a colossal attempt to overrun Palestine and annihilate the Jew. Russia and the northern powers 13 have been persecutors of dispersed Israel . . .” (p.418). Allied with the Russians will be “Persia [Iran], Ethiopia [Hebrew, Cush, a reference to eastern Cush, or India!], and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet. Gomer [southeast Asia and China], and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters [Asiatic Russia], and all his bands; and many people with thee” (v.5-6). “Gomer” in Hebrew means “completion.” Gomer was the eldest son of Japheth and father of Togarmah and Ashkenaz [the Japanese]. He was the father, therefore, of the oriental races of Asia, the Koreans, Chinese, and southeast Asians.

“The Latter Years” Ezekiel prophesies that this vast horde will swing down to the Middle East, and seek plunder and spoils, wealth and riches, from the Israelites, recently returned from captivity (vs.8). This will occur in the “latter years” (same verse). Israel at that time will be a land of “unwalled villages,” the people dwelling “at rest,” who “dwell safely [Heb. “confidently”], all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates” (Ezek.38:11). Russia will seek to “take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited, and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations” (v.12). With the new “peace treaty” between Israel and the Palestinians, the world will believe that we have finally achieved PEACE! With peace and safety guaranteed by the United States and New World Order, Israel will think that they are “dwelling safely,” and let down their guard. They will have a misplaced “confidence.” The apostle Paul warns about this time frame. He declares, “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then SUDDEN DESTRUCTION comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (I Thess.5:3). Isaiah prophesies of that time, “Surely your valiant ones shall cry outside, the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly. The highways lie waste, the traveling man ceases. He has broken the covenant, he has despised the cities, he regards no man. The earth mourns and languishes” (Isa.33:7-9).

Says the prophecy of Ezekiel about this devastating end-time war and attack of the Eastern and Northeastern block of nations, in a massive invasion, which they will launch against the West, and Israel in the Middle East: “And thou shalt come from thy place out of the NORTH PARTS, thou, and MANY PEOPLE WITH THEE, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be IN THE LATTER DAYS, and I will bring thee against my land, 14 that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes” (Ezek.38:15-16). As the invading forces penetrate into the Middle East, and approach the virgin daughter of Israel, brought back from its dispersion among the nations, God says, “And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great quaking in the land of Israel . . . and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep [Heb., “towers, stairs”] places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground” (verses 18-20). This massive earthquake will be a mighty sign of God’s intervention in this future battle for the supremacy and control of the world. The outcome of this battle is a foregone conclusion. Says the LORD GOD through his prophet: “And I will call for a SWORD against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead against him with PESTI- LENCE and with BLOOD; and I will RAIN upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an OVERFLOWING RAIN, even GREAT HAILSTONES, FIRE, AND BRIMSTONE “ (Ezek.38:21-22). Is this prophecy referred to anywhere else in the Scriptures? A very similar prophecy is found in the book of Revelation, chapter 16.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,368
3,164
113
#8
In time that will change, watch for it.
I don't bother with last days speculation. We will find out soon enough. However, when people make statements that are incorrect, such as Turkey supporting Russia, I will point that out.
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#9
Continue from Gog and Magog

The Book of Revelation Adds to the Picture Notice! John writes: “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the KINGS OF THE EAST might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits . . . go forth unto the KINGS OF THE EARTH and of the WHOLE WORLD, to gather them to the battle of that GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY “ (Rev.16: 12-14). Doesn't that sound like the very same battle? “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue ARMAGEDDON.

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, IT IS DONE. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a GREAT EARTHQUAKE, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and 15 so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell . . . And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a GREAT HAIL OUT OF HEAVEN, every stone about the weight of a talent [60-120 pounds each!]: and men blas- phemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great” (Rev.16:16-21). Now let’s compare these two battles: Ezekiel’ Account 1) the attack is of many nations united together (v.1-8, 15) 2) the attack is upon ISRAEL (v.1-8, 12) 3) the attack is from the NORTH (v.15) 4) God's wrath will be poured out (v.18-19) 5) there will be a tremendous earthquake (v.19-20) 6) God will plead against him with pestilence and blood (v.22) 7) God will rain down great hailstones upon him (v.22) Revelation’s Account 1) the attack is of many nations (v.12-14) 2) the attack is on Israel in the Middle East (v.16) 3) it is from the north (same verse -- Armageddon is north of Jerusalem!) 4) God anger and fury will be poured out (v.1, 14) 5) there will be a tremendous, mighty earthquake (vs.18-20) 6) God will plead against the enemy with pestilence and blood (vs.2-6, 9-11; see also Zech.14:12-15) 7) God will send great hailstones on them (v.21).

Amazing! These two different accounts of a great End-time battle between God and the enemies of Israel are speaking of the SAME CLIMACTIC EVENT! Thus contrary to what many have supposed in the past, the battle of Ezekiel 38 does not refer to some battle which occurs after the return of Jesus Christ, the Messiah! It is not describing a battle which is prophesied to occur at the END or CLOSE of the Millennial reign of Christ (Rev.20:7-9). It is the SAME GREAT WAR leading up to that final SHOWDOWN BATTLE known as the “battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Rev.16:14) -- popularly known as “the battle of ARMAGEDDON” It makes no sense at all to try to apply this titanic battle to something that will happen AFTER the “Day of the Lord,” after the battle of Armageddon, since “ALL NATIONS” will come up to the battle of Armageddon – “the kings of the EARTH and of the whole world “ (Rev.16:14) – and there they will be DEFEATED, ONCE AND FOR ALL!
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#10
Continue from Gog and Magog

The Regathering of “Israel” Some think this battle must occur AFTER Christ comes, because the prophecy speaks of Israel having been gathered from the nations first, and they claim that does not occur until AFTER Christ comes. However, that is not the entire truth. Contrary to what many have assumed in the past, there is a tremendous “regathering” of Jews and children of Israel to the land of Israel in the Middle East, at this very moment. Ever since ‘glasnost’ and ‘perestroika’ were introduced, under the former head of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, hundreds of thousands of Jews have immigrated to Israel from Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union. A tremendous exodus has been underway for years, and is still continuing. Thousands also of Falasha Jews from Ethiopia have also immigrated to Israel.

Thus when Ezekiel speaks of a time when Israel is “brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people,” and is “brought forth out of the nations” (Ezek.38:8), that description fits the land of Israel today! It need not be forced to apply only to Israel after the coming of Messiah, when another Exodus will take place, prophetically. With the advent of a new Israel-Palestinian peace accord, beginning in November 2007 there can be little doubt that the world will soon be entering a relative time of short-lived PEACE. The nation of Israel will soon believe that it is “dwelling safely” or “confidently” (Ezek.38:8, last part), under the auspices of the New World Order, led by the United States and Europe. We need not assume, as many have in the past, that this description can only apply to the Messianic Kingdom. It makes no sense at all to think that after the awesome intervention of Christ and His angelic armies from heaven, during the Day of the Lord, and their complete victory at “Armageddon” (Rev.16:14-16), more armies from the nations of the world, led by Russia, will make another attempt to invade Israel, shortly after Christ assumes power.

Their forces will have already been wiped out totally! When Will It Occur? In fact, Jeremiah records that when Messiah comes, “he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword. . . And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day [the “Day of the Lord,” not several “days” or months or years later] from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground” (Jer.25:31-33). Notice! The time setting for this prophecy is the moment that Christ returns! “The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against the inhabitants of the earth” (Jer.25:30). 17 This great final WAR OF GOG AND MAGOG IS THE SAME AS THE WAR ENDING AT ARMAGEDDON – THE WAR OF “THAT GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY” (Rev.16:14-16).

The prophet Joel exclaims, “Proclaim this among the nations: ‘Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near, let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak say, “I am strong.”’ “Assemble and come, all you nations, and gather all around” (Joel 3:9-11). Joel continues: “Let the nations be wakened, and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow – for their wickedness is great. “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision” (Joel 3:12-14). John in the book of Revelation describes the end result of this awesome battle and war. He writes, “And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying: ‘Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine from the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe..’ So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and BLOOD came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs” (Rev.14:18- 20).

The Valley of Jehoshaphat lies to the east of Jerusalem, between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, and a declivity from there extends south and eastward to the Dead Sea, which, overflowing, would drain down through the Araba and into the Red Sea. The distance the blood would flow would be about 180 miles! It is at the final battle of “Armageddon” that God will say: “It is done” (Rev.16:17). There will be no need of another battle after that one! So God also says in Ezekiel: “Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be KNOWN in the eyes of many nations, and they shall KNOW that I am the LORD” (Ezek.38:23). It is at “Armageddon” then that God will do as He says, and magnify His name among the heathen nations! This final attack will be the last great battle for world supremacy for a long, long time to come! It will be the final conflict before the true beginning of the Millennial reign of Christ. Keep your eyes open! Watch Russian ploys and posturing in the Middle East. Keep your eyes on the coming China-Russia rapprochement in unity against the West.
 

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
83
Calif
#11
I don't bother with last days speculation. We will find out soon enough. However, when people make statements that are incorrect, such as Turkey supporting Russia, I will point that out.
If you read the news stories, Turkey is actually playing both sides. The time will come when they will choose a side....with Russia.
 

Evmur

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2021
5,219
2,618
113
London
christianchat.com
#13
GOD speaking of Gog/ Magog (Russia) " I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now." Ezekiel 38:12. Notice Maggo is not going to take the land, but to plunder it. Russia (Magog) is going broke in this war with Ukraine. Turkey and Iran are promising support for Russia. I see this as a step in that direction.

I do

And also Ezekiel 39:6 "And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the LORD. ". live safely? Think Homeland security. ....."on the coast" also means a distance land. Could that be America?
 

Evmur

Well-known member
Feb 28, 2021
5,219
2,618
113
London
christianchat.com
#14
I wonder what it would be like to wake up one morning, turn on the news and see these nations preparing to go against Israel. what would you do?
It's interesting to note that Russia has returned to it's old policy of refusing permission to the Jews to return to Israel.
 

Lucy-Pevensie

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2017
9,386
5,725
113
#15
I don't believe Gog is Russia. Gog is Russia in Bible commentaries not in scripture itself. Though Russia might certainly be
involved ("the many nations with you") scripture names the Magog territories lead by Gog.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,585
3,616
113
#16
GOD speaking of Gog/ Magog (Russia) " I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now." Ezekiel 38:12. Notice Maggo is not going to take the land, but to plunder it. Russia (Magog) is going broke in this war with Ukraine. Turkey and Iran are promising support for Russia. I see this as a step in that direction.

And also Ezekiel 39:6 "And I will rain down fire on Magog and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts. Then they will know that I am the LORD. ". live safely? Think Homeland security. ....."on the coast" also means a distance land. Could that be America?
No.. I believe the God Magog conflist will happen at the end of the 1000 year kingdom of Jesus on earth.. So it will happen 1000 years after the return of Jesus..
 

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
83
Calif
#17
No.. I believe the God Magog conflist will happen at the end of the 1000 year kingdom of Jesus on earth.. So it will happen 1000 years after the return of Jesus..

in the verses it says Israel will use the weapons for fuel for a number of years, if anyone finds a body they will mark it to clean it up later. Does not sound like this would be in the 1000 year reign, when Jesus will rule.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,432
6,708
113
#18
Rosh, Meshech, Chief Prince of Tubal is said to be Russia and Moscoe. Rosh meaning head, Russia, and Meshech being the earlyrendition of Moscow.

I repeat, it is said to be.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,585
3,616
113
#19
in the verses it says Israel will use the weapons for fuel for a number of years, if anyone finds a body they will mark it to clean it up later. Does not sound like this would be in the 1000 year reign, when Jesus will rule.
Nearly all weapons made in these times are synthetic / metal based.. The days when weapons where made with a lot of wood declined rapidly after World War 2.. today if a large modern army invaded the area and was exterminated their weapons would not be burnable.. But in the times of the 1000 years all that tech will probably be lost and at the end of the 1000 years the people will probably be using a lot of wood in their weapons..

We read in the prophecy of Exekial 38:
(Ezekiel 38:4) "And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:"

Horses Bucklers shield and swords ??? This is not a modern army of today or what is in prospect for the near future in our technological age.. But it is reasonable to conclude that after the world goes through the destruction of the times of the second coming of Jesus where out technological base will be destroyed we could well end up in a world where such modern tech industry and electronic weapons are no longer possible and people at the end of the 1000 years will only be able to make simple weapons like bucklers and swords..
 

JohnB

Well-known member
Jul 31, 2022
2,078
456
83
Calif
#20
Nearly all weapons made in these times are synthetic / metal based.. The days when weapons where made with a lot of wood declined rapidly after World War 2.. today if a large modern army invaded the area and was exterminated their weapons would not be burnable.. But in the times of the 1000 years all that tech will probably be lost and at the end of the 1000 years the people will probably be using a lot of wood in their weapons..

We read in the prophecy of Exekial 38:
(Ezekiel 38:4) "And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:"

Horses Bucklers shield and swords ??? This is not a modern army of today or what is in prospect for the near future in our technological age.. But it is reasonable to conclude that after the world goes through the destruction of the times of the second coming of Jesus where out technological base will be destroyed we could well end up in a world where such modern tech industry and electronic weapons are no longer possible and people at the end of the 1000 years will only be able to make simple weapons like bucklers and swords..

He's using the terms of warfare he knew at the time. Did you really think he knew what a tank was or a missle? The fuel for the weapons could be used. If you're talking about nuclear weapons, the fuel could be used for years.