EZEKIEL 38
In Ezekiel chapter 38, the prophet receives a profound message from the Lord
regarding an impending invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations. The chapter begins with
God instructing Ezekiel to set his face against Gog, the leader of the land of Magog. Gog
symbolizes a powerful and hostile ruler who will rise to prominence and gather a vast army
to march against the people of Israel.
God reveals His sovereign control over the situation by stating that He will put hooks
in Gog’s jaws and bring him and his forces out. This imagery signifies God’s manipulation of
Gog’s actions for His divine purposes. Gog will serve as an instrument in God’s plan, though
he may not be aware of it.
The coalition led by Gog will consist of various nations and warriors. God identifies
some of these nations in verse 5, including Persia, Cush, and Put. These nations represent
a formidable force that will join Gog in his aggression against Israel. Their motivation will be
driven by a desire for plunder and to seize wealth, exploiting the perceived vulnerability and
prosperity of Israel.
Furthermore, Gog’s coalition will be joined by additional nations from the far north,
specifically Gomer and Beth-togarmah, as mentioned in verse 6. This highlights the
magnitude and diversity of the invading force that will amass against Israel.
God assures Ezekiel that this attack will occur in the latter years, indicating a future
event that is yet to take place. It will transpire when the people of Israel are dwelling securely
in their land, having been regathered from the nations. This emphasizes the importance of
Israel’s restoration and return to their homeland before this invasion occurs.
The motive behind Gog’s aggression is not grounded in righteousness or justice, but
rather in greed and a perception of vulnerability. Gog perceives Israel as a prosperous nation
ripe for plunder. However, what Gog fails to recognize is that his actions are ultimately part of
God’s sovereign plan and purposes.
This passage serves as a reminder of God’s control over the nations and His ability
to use even the wicked for His divine purposes. While Gog and his coalition may intend to
harm Israel, God will ultimately use this invasion as an opportunity to display His power and
sovereignty.
Continuing from the previous breakdown, in this chapter, Ezekiel receives a prophetic
message from God regarding an impending invasion of Israel led by a coalition of nations.
The invasion is spearheaded by Gog, the leader of the land of Magog, symbolizing a
powerful and hostile ruler.
God reveals His sovereignty over the situation by stating that He will put hooks in
Gog’s jaws and bring him and his forces out. This imagery represents God’s control over
Gog’s actions, manipulating them to fulfill His divine purposes. Gog will serve as an
instrument in God’s plan, even though he may not realize it.
The coalition assembled by Gog includes various nations and warriors. God identifies
some of these nations, such as Persia, Cush, and Put, in verse 5. These nations represent a
formidable force that joins Gog in his aggression against Israel. Motivated by greed and a
desire for plunder, they perceive Israel as a prosperous nation vulnerable to exploitation.
Additionally, Gog’s coalition is joined by Gomer and Beth-togarmah from the far
north, as mentioned in verse 6. This emphasizes the magnitude and diversity of the invading
force amassed against Israel.
God assures Ezekiel that this attack will take place in the latter years, signifying a
future event yet to unfold. It will occur when the people of Israel are dwelling securely in their
land, having been regathered from the nations. This highlights the importance of Israel’s
restoration and their return to their homeland prior to this invasion.
The motive behind Gog’s aggression is not rooted in righteousness or justice, but
rather in greed and a perception of vulnerability. Gog views Israel as a prosperous nation
ripe for plunder. However, what Gog fails to recognize is that his actions are ultimately part of
God’s sovereign plan and purposes.
This passage serves as a reminder of God’s control over the nations and His ability
to utilize even the wicked for His divine purposes. Although Gog and his coalition intend to
harm Israel, God will ultimately use this invasion as an opportunity to display His power and
sovereignty.
In verses 12-13, God reveals His plan for the invading nations. The attack is driven
by a desire to plunder and loot the land of Israel, targeting the regathered people who dwell
securely, without walls, and possess great wealth and resources.
Addressing Gog directly in verse 14, God declares that on the day of the invasion,
His wrath will rise in His anger. This signifies divine judgment upon Gog and his forces,
demonstrating that even powerful rulers and nations are subject to God’s ultimate authority
and will face His righteous judgment.
God declares that He will bring a great earthquake to the land of Israel when Gog’s
forces invade, as stated in verses 15-16. The earthquake will be so severe that it will shake
the earth, causing mountains to crumble, overthrowing walls, and decimating the military
might of the invaders. This supernatural intervention displays God’s power to protect His
people and bring about the downfall of their enemies.
Furthermore, God proclaims in verses 17-22 that His judgment will not be limited to
an earthquake. He will also send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone upon Gog’s
forces. This catastrophic and supernatural display of God’s power will result in immense
destruction and the complete defeat of the invading armies.
God assures Ezekiel and the people of Israel in verse 23 that this devastating judgment
upon Gog and his coalition will serve to glorify Himself and make His holiness known to the
nations. Through this display of divine intervention and judgment, the nations will recognize
and acknowledge the greatness and sovereignty of God.
The concluding verses, 24-39, affirm that Israel will be vindicated and recognized as
God’s chosen people. God assures them that He will gather them from the nations, bring
them back to their own land, and bestow blessings upon them. The people will witness the
defeat of Gog’s coalition and acknowledge that it is God who has brought about their
deliverance and restoration.
This chapter of Ezekiel, particularly the latter portion, presents a vivid portrayal of
divine judgment upon the invading forces led by Gog. It underscores God’s sovereignty over
the nations, His power to protect His people, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
The chapter serves as a reminder that regardless of the formidable enemies that may arise,
God is ultimately in control and will bring about justice and deliverance for His people.
Furthermore, it highlights the importance of recognizing God’s holiness and His
desire to be glorified among the nations. Through the judgment upon Gog and the
restoration of Israel, God’s name will be magnified, and His power and holiness will be
proclaimed throughout the earth.
In conclusion, Ezekiel chapter 38 offers a prophetic vision of an invasion led by Gog
and a coalition of nations against Israel. It reveals God’s plan to bring judgment upon the
aggressors, showcasing His sovereignty, power, and faithfulness. It also emphasizes the
ultimate vindication of Israel and the glorification of God’s name among the nations.
INSIGHTS:
● God’s protection of His people: In this chapter, God assures His people of His
protection and deliverance in the face of great opposition. Despite the formidable
forces that come against them, God promises to intervene supernaturally and bring
about the downfall of the invading nations. This serves as a reminder that God is
faithful to protect His people and fulfill His promises, even in the midst of seemingly
insurmountable challenges.
● The manifestation of God’s justice: The invasion led by Gog and his coalition is
ultimately a manifestation of God’s justice. It serves as a means for God to execute
judgment upon those who oppose Him and seek to harm His chosen people. This
chapter underscores the principle that God’s justice will prevail, and those who act in
opposition to His will ultimately face divine retribution.
● The sovereignty of God over world events: The events described in this chapter
highlight the sovereignty of God over the nations and world events. It reveals that
even the actions of powerful rulers and nations are subject to God’s control and
manipulation for His divine purposes. This serves as a reminder that God is in
control, and His plans will ultimately come to pass.
● The vindication of God’s name: Through the defeat of Gog and his coalition, God’s
name will be vindicated and His holiness will be recognized by the nations. The
supernatural intervention and judgment upon the aggressors will demonstrate the
greatness and sovereignty of God to the world. It serves as a reminder that God’s
actions and interventions ultimately bring glory to His name and reveal His character
to all.
● The assurance of God’s faithfulness to His covenant: Despite the threat posed by
Gog and his coalition, God reaffirms His faithfulness to His covenant promises. He
assures the people of Israel that He will gather them from the nations, restore them
to their land, and bless them. This chapter serves as a reminder that God’s
faithfulness to His covenant extends throughout history and will be fulfilled.
In conclusion, Ezekiel chapter 38 offers insights into God’s protection, justice, sovereignty,
the vindication of His name, and His faithfulness to His covenant. It highlights His ability to
protect and deliver His people, execute justice on their behalf, and ultimately bring glory to
His name. This chapter serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the certainty of His
plans, even in the face of opposition and turmoil.