Question of Attribution

Inasmuch, however, as the kingdom of Gyges did not extend to the areas of Meshech and Tubal, as is implied by Ezekiel 38:2 with respect to the kingdom of Gog, there is a problem with assuming that Gog is identical with Gyges, the similarity of the names notwithstanding. --Edwin Yamauchi, in his 1982 book “Foes from the Northern Frontier”

However, since the kingdom of Gyges did not extend to the areas of Meschech and Tubal, as implied by Ezekiel 38:2 with respect to the kingdom of Gog, there is a significant problem in assuming that Gog is related to Gyges. --Hal Lindsey and Chuck Missler, in their 1992 manuscript, “The Magog Factor”

Words can mean whatever you want. In this case, Christian authors Hal Lindsey and Chuck Missler make their points with the above passage and numerous others that are virtually word for word (and without attribution) from a book written by one of their critics, historian Edwin Yamauchi.

“It’s kind of a sophomoric plagiarism, it seems,” Yamauchi said after comparison passages had been read to him over the phone. “If they’re not acknowledging where they got it from, that is rather dishonest. I’m sorry to hear that.”

Yamauchi’s book makes the case that Lindsey and others have misinterpreted Bible prophecies as referring to Russia. Lindsey and Missler’s 70-page report--available in manuscript form for $14.95 and scheduled for publication as a book--argues otherwise. As much as 25% of Lindsey’s manuscript appears similar to Yamauchi’s book, which is now out of print, but the only reference to Yamauchi is near the end of a six-page bibliography. Even footnotes in the Lindsey manuscript are identical to those in Yamauchi’s book, again without attribution.

Lindsey’s manager, Paul Krikac, said the Torrance-based minister and author was “out of town”--in Orange County--and didn’t have time to comment. Missler was also reportedly unavailable and didn’t return messages seeking his comments.

Krikac said Missler had written the passages in question, but conceded that Lindsey is responsible for the overall manuscript:

“His (Lindsey’s) butt is on the line.”