יחזקאל, פרק ל״ח, פסוק ה׳

A broad alliance of nations from various geographic regions gathers to join Gog's massive army. The participating forces include Persia, Cush, and Put, which are historically and geographically connected to ancient kingdoms. Persia is closely tied to Elam, Cush to Assyria, and Put to Egypt. Together, these groups complete the roster of nations mentioned in earlier prophecies [מלבי״ם]. They unite to support Gog's forces, fighting alongside his horsemen and sword-bearers [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

As these armies arrive, they are notably well-equipped with shields and combat helmets [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The specific mention of this military gear carries special meaning. In the ancient world, wearing helmets was not a universal practice among all warring nations. Instead, such equipment typically represented specific kingdoms and highly organized, regular armies [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This level of preparation is particularly unusual for the people of Cush. Historically, their fighters would enter battle without standard weaponry, relying simply on stones gathered from the field. Yet, through their new alliance with Gog and Magog, they abandon their traditional methods, arriving instead fully armed and protected in complete military gear [אברבנאל].