1 The word of the Lord came to me:
2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
3 and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.
4 And I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great host, all of them with buckler and shield, wielding swords.
5 Persia, Cush, and Put are with them, all of them with shield and helmet;
6 Gomer and all his hordes; Beth-togarmah from the uttermost parts of the north with all his hordes—many peoples are with you.
7 “Be ready and keep ready, you and all your hosts that are assembled about you, and be a guard for them.
8 After many days you will be mustered. In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. But its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them.
9 You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you.
10 “Thus says the Lord God: On that day, thoughts will come into your mind, and you will devise an evil scheme.
11 and say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates,’
12 to seize spoil and carry off plunder, to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and the people who were gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who dwell at the center of the earth.
13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?’
14 “Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord God: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it?
15 You will come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great host, a mighty army.
16 You will come up against my people Israel, like a cloud covering the land.
17 “Thus says the Lord God: Are you he of whom I spoke in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel, who in those days prophesied for years that I would bring you against them?
18 But on that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord God, my wrath will be roused in my anger.
19 For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.
20 The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence.
21 I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord God. Every man’s sword will be against his brother.
22 With pestilence and bloodshed I will enter into judgment with him, and I will rain upon him and his hordes and the many peoples who are with him torrential rains and hailstones, fire and sulfur.
23 So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.
The True Meaning of Ezekiel 38
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was among the first group of Israelites taken captive to Babylon in 597 BC, and he received his prophetic visions while living in exile. Ezekiel in this chapter foretells a future invasion of Israel by a powerful northern alliance led by Gog, the ruler of the land of Magog. This prophecy provides a glimpse into the end times, when God will ultimately triumph over the forces of evil and establish His eternal kingdom. The events described in this chapter echo the warnings found in other prophetic books, such as the prophecies of Jeremiah and Daniel, which also speak of a great conflict at the end of the age. Ezekiel’s vision of this future invasion reminds us powerfully of God’s sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to protect and restore His chosen people, Israel, as we delve into this chapter. The events described here will have far-reaching implications for the entire world, as the stage is set for the final showdown between the forces of good and evil.
Ezekiel 38:1-6
The Lord instructs Ezekiel to prophesy against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal in Ezekiel 38:1-6. At the time of Ezekiel, these names seemed to refer to regions in the far north, possibly beyond the Black Sea. Gog is often seen as a symbol of the ultimate enemy of God’s people in the Bible. The mention of Gog and Magog in this passage is significant as it is also referenced in the book of Revelation, where they represent the nations who oppose God’s rule (Revelation 20:7-10). This suggests a broader symbolic meaning beyond a specific historical event.
The prophet Ezekiel is called by God to deliver this message as a warning to these nations who will come against the people of Israel. This passage serves as a reminder that God is aware of the plans of the enemies of His people and is in control of all nations and events. It emphasizes the themes of God’s sovereignty, judgment, and protection of His chosen people. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God intervenes on behalf of His people against their enemies, emphasizing His faithfulness and power.
The mention of Gomer and Beth Togarmah in verse 6 further solidifies the message for the people of Ezekiel’s time. These were regions known to the ancient Israelites and are also mentioned in other parts of the Bible. Gomer is believed to represent the people of Cimmeria, to the north of Israel, while Beth Togarmah refers to regions to the north of modern-day Turkey. These nations were seen as enemies or threats to Israel in different periods of its history, underscoring the perpetual nature of conflicts faced by God’s people. Ezekiel 38:1-6 conveys a timeless message of God’s control over the nations, His protection of His people, and the inevitability of judgment for those who oppose Him. It serves as a warning to both ancient Israel and to believers today to remain faithful to God in the face of opposition and to trust in His ultimate victory. This passage invites readers to reflect on the broader spiritual battle between good and evil, where God reigns supreme and will ultimately triumph.
Ezekiel 38:7-9
Several key sections in Ezekiel 38:7-9 have significant implications for understanding the overall message of this passage. Let’s break it down into the important components and explore each part in depth.
Firstly, in verse 7, the Bible mentions the prophecy of the end times by referring to the time when Gog will arise. Gog is a figure in the book of Ezekiel who is portrayed as a powerful leader from the land of Magog. The mention of Gog in this context symbolizes a great enemy that will come against the people of God in the future. This imagery serves to convey the idea of a formidable force that will rise up in opposition to God’s plans, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil throughout history.
Moving on to verse 8, we see that Gog will be called upon to gather a coalition of nations to join him in his campaign against God’s people. These nations are listed by name, including Persia, Cush, and Put, among others. Each of these nations carries historical significance and can be traced back to various regions and peoples known during biblical times. Persia, for example, corresponds to modern-day Iran, while Cush likely refers to an area in Africa (possibly modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia). This coalition of nations coming together under the leadership of Gog foreshadows a time when various forces will unite in opposition to God and His chosen people. The Bible speaks of this coalition coming like a storm and covering the land like a cloud in verse 9. The sheer scale and swiftness of their advance are depicted in vivid language, underscoring the overwhelming nature of the threat posed by Gog and his allies. This imagery serves to emphasize the magnitude of the conflict that will unfold in the end times, portraying a scene of chaos and tumult that will grip the world.
When we consider these verses in the broader context of the book of Ezekiel, we find that they are part of a larger prophecy about the future of Israel and the nations surrounding it. Throughout the book, Ezekiel often speaks about God’s judgment on the nations for their sins and rebellion. The references to Gog and the coalition of nations symbolize the broader theme of divine judgment and the ultimate triumph of God’s sovereignty over all earthly powers. Ezekiel 38:7-9 presents a compelling picture of the end times and the monumental events that will transpire in that era. The imagery of Gog, the coalition of nations, and the storm-like advance all contribute to a sense of impending conflict and upheaval. Through these verses, we are reminded of the timeless message of God’s ultimate victory and the fulfillment of His divine plan, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. The passage serves as a call to faith and perseverance in the midst of adversity, trusting in God’s sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His righteousness.
Ezekiel 38:10-13
Ezekiel 38:10-13 presents a vivid description of an invasion scheme against Israel. Here, the prophet Ezekiel is revealing the words of the Lord about an alliance of nations led by Gog from the land of Magog. Gog is a symbolic figure representing a leader who embodies rebellion against God. Magog, in biblical geography, is often associated with the people of the distant north.
The verses describe Gog’s malicious intent towards the peaceful land of Israel, stating, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. You will say, ‘I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars.’” This passage paints a picture of treachery and deceit, as Gog plans to attack a defenseless and unsuspecting nation.
The mention of Israel being a land of “unwalled villages” highlights the vulnerability of the people. City walls in ancient times were crucial for protection against invading forces. The absence of walls around these villages signifies a false sense of security and tranquility that the enemy seeks to exploit. This aspect serves as a warning about the importance of remaining vigilant and prepared, both physically and spiritually, against the schemes of the enemy. The passage emphasizes the peaceful nature of the Israelite people at the time of the invasion. Despite their peaceful demeanor, they are not spared from the threat of violence and destruction. This serves as a reminder that evil forces do not discriminate based on the innocence or righteousness of their victims. It echoes the broader biblical theme that even the righteous may face trials and tribulations, but ultimately, God remains their ultimate protector and deliverer.
The imagery presented in these verses serves as a cautionary tale about the ever-present threat of spiritual warfare and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith. It calls believers to be spiritually vigilant, to fortify themselves with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and to trust in the Lord’s ultimate sovereignty and protection in the face of adversity. The narrative of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38 unfolds a larger apocalyptic prophecy, culminating in divine judgment and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom, underscoring the overarching themes of God’s faithfulness, justice, and victory over evil.
Ezekiel 38:14-16
The verse in Ezekiel 38:14-16 reads: “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. I will bring you, Gog, against my land in days to come, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes. The prophet Ezekiel is instructed to address Gog, a figure who represents a great enemy of Israel in this passage. Gog is said to come from the far north with a coalition of nations, forming a vast and powerful army. This symbolism carries through the Bible, representing a force that is set against God’s people. The mention of Gog coming “like a cloud that covers the land” suggests the overwhelming nature of the threat that Israel will face.
The key message here is that even in the face of formidable enemies, God is ultimately in control. The Sovereign Lord reminds Gog that it is He who will bring him against the land of Israel. This prophecy serves to showcase God’s power and sovereignty over all nations and events, even when it may seem like evil forces are prevailing. It is a reassurance to the people of Israel that God is aware of their situation and will ultimately be glorified through the events that unfold.
This passage also alludes to the concept of God using historical events and conflicts to reveal His holiness and power to the nations. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His prophecies and using even the enemies of His people to bring about His purposes. This aligns with the overarching theme in the Bible that God works all things according to His will and for His glory, even in the midst of chaotic and threatening circumstances. God’s ultimate victory is certain, as Ezekiel’s vision foretells the defeat of Gog and his armies. This mirrors other biblical accounts where God delivers His people from seemingly insurmountable challenges, such as the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt or David’s triumph over Goliath. These stories serve to strengthen the faith of believers, reminding them that God is their protector and deliverer in times of trouble.
Ezekiel 38:17-23
God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 38:17-23, addressing the ruler of the land of Magog, commonly interpreted as a symbol of an enemy of God’s people. The passage begins with the Lord declaring that it is He who spoke in the past through His servants the prophets about the coming events. This highlights the sovereignty of God and His omnipotence over all things, as He orchestrates the unfolding of history according to His divine plan. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding the warnings and messages that God sends through His prophets.
God then brings attention to the fact that in the latter days, He will bring Gog, the ruler of Magog, against His people Israel. This invasion foreshadows a time of great upheaval and conflict that will impact God’s chosen people. The imagery of this invasion serves as a warning of the trials and tribulations that will befall those who turn away from God and seek to harm His children. It also symbolizes the ever-present threat of spiritual warfare that believers face, emphasizing the need for vigilance and steadfast faith in God. God magnifies His power and glory as the passage progresses by declaring that He will execute judgment on Gog and his allies with pestilence and bloodshed. This act of divine retribution showcases God’s role as the ultimate judge and avenger, holding all nations and rulers accountable for their actions. It is a potent reminder of the consequences of turning against God and His people, underscoring the righteous judgment that awaits those who defy His will.
Furthermore, the aftermath of God’s judgment on Gog and his forces is described in vivid detail, with the elements of the earth and the birds of the air becoming agents of God’s cleansing and purging. This apocalyptic imagery underscores the finality and decisiveness of God’s judgment, leaving no room for doubt or escape for the enemies of His people. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of opposing God and highlights the ultimate victory of His righteousness over evil forces. Ezekiel 38:17-23 conveys a powerful message about God’s sovereignty, justice, and protection over His people. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rebellion against God and highlights the ultimate triumph of His righteousness in the face of adversity. We, as believers, are called to heed the warnings of God’s prophets, remain faithful in times of trial, and trust in His ultimate power to bring about justice and redemption in all circumstances.
After Ezekiel 38
We witnessed the prophecy of Ezekiel about the great battle that would come to pass in this chapter. The Lord revealed to Ezekiel the nations that would rise against Israel, but also assured him of His protection over His people. The words of the prophet remind us of the power and sovereignty of God in the midst of chaos and conflict. We should hold fast to the promise of God’s faithfulness and protection as we prepare to delve into the next chapter. Despite the challenges and trials that may come our way, we can trust in the Lord to be our shield and defender. Let us keep our hearts and minds steadfast in the truth of His word, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us through every battle we may face.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.