Ezekiel 38NLT
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Ezekiel38

New Living Translation

1This is another message that came to me from the Lord:

2“Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.

3Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: Gog, I am your enemy!

4I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws to lead you out with your whole army—your horses and charioteers in full armor and a great horde armed with shields and swords.

5Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya will join you, too, with all their weapons.

6Gomer and all its armies will also join you, along with the armies of Beth-togarmah from the distant north, and many others.

7“Get ready; be prepared! Keep all the armies around you mobilized, and take command of them.

8A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel.

9You and all your allies—a vast and awesome army—will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud.

10“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: At that time evil thoughts will come to your mind, and you will devise a wicked scheme.

11You will say, ‘Israel is an unprotected land filled with unwalled villages! I will march against her and destroy these people who live in such confidence!

12I will go to those formerly desolate cities that are now filled with people who have returned from exile in many nations. I will capture vast amounts of plunder, for the people are rich with livestock and other possessions now. They think the whole world revolves around them!’

13But Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish will ask, ‘Do you really think the armies you have gathered can rob them of silver and gold? Do you think you can drive away their livestock and seize their goods and carry off plunder?’

14“Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign Lord: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself.

15You will come from your homeland in the distant north with your vast cavalry and your mighty army,

16and you will attack my people Israel, covering their land like a cloud. At that time in the distant future, I will bring you against my land as everyone watches, and my holiness will be displayed by what happens to you, Gog. Then all the nations will know that I am the Lord.

17“This is what the Sovereign Lord asks: Are you the one I was talking about long ago, when I announced through Israel’s prophets that in the future I would bring you against my people?

18But this is what the Sovereign Lord says: When Gog invades the land of Israel, my fury will boil over!

19In my jealousy and blazing anger, I promise a mighty shaking in the land of Israel on that day.

20All living things—the fish in the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the people on earth—will quake in terror at my presence. Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth.

21I will summon the sword against you on all the hills of Israel, says the Sovereign Lord. Your men will turn their swords against each other.

22I will punish you and your armies with disease and bloodshed; I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur!

23In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Ezekiel 38.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: The army and malice of Gog. (1-13). God's judgments. (14-23).

vv1-13

These events will be in the latter days. It is supposed these enemies will come together to invade the land of Judea, and God will defeat them. God not only sees who are now the enemies of his church, but he foresees who will be so, and lets them know by his word that he is against them; though they join together, the wicked shall not be unpunished.

vv14-23

The enemy should make a formidable descent upon the land of Israel. When Israel dwell safely under the Divine protection, shalt not thou be made to know it by finding that endeavours to destroy them are made in vain? Promises of security are treasured up in the word of God, against the troubles and dangers the church may be brought into in the latter days. In the destruction of sinners, God makes it appear that he is a great and holy God. We should desire and pray daily. Father, glorify thine own name.

Cross References

Ezekiel 38
v2Revelation 20:8allusion

John's Apocalypse adopts 'Gog and Magog' from here as the ultimate global anti-Christian confederacy.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v42 Kings 19:28thematic

Identical metaphor of Yahweh putting hooks into a proud, out-of-control monarch's jaws to turn him back.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v4Ezekiel 29:4thematic

Ezekiel's own parallel imagery of hooks in jaws, used of Pharaoh, showing God's sovereign restraint.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v2Genesis 10:2thematic

Genesis Table of Nations names Japheth's sons: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v2Ezekiel 39:1thematic

The direct sequel to this prophecy, repeating the identical threat against Gog and Magog.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v21Judges 7:22thematic

Historical precedent of God causing invaders to turn their swords against their own brothers.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v2Ezekiel 27:13thematic

Earlier reference listing Meshech and Tubal together as trading partners with ancient Tyre.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

Provides immediate context of Israel gathered and dwelling safely under God's covenant prior to the invasion.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v22Revelation 20:9allusion

The fire and brimstone judgment on Gog's army is echoed in Revelation's final judgment.

Supported by JFB

Genealogical parallel listing Japheth's sons, establishing the geographic origins of Magog, Meshech, and Tubal.

Supported by JFB

v11Exodus 14:3thematic

Pharaoh's identical evil logic, assuming God's people are trapped and vulnerable, prompting his pursuit.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v11Jeremiah 49:31thematic

Describes a wealthy, secure nation dwelling without gates or bars, parallel to Israel's state.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v21Haggai 2:22thematic

Prophetic parallel of God overthrowing thrones and making every man fall by his brother's sword.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v19Ezekiel 39:25thematic

God's jealousy and holy anger on behalf of his restored, sanctuary-dwelling people.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v22Genesis 19:24thematic

The historical archetype of fire and brimstone rained from heaven as divine judgment.

Supported by Matthew Poole

v23Ezekiel 36:23thematic

God's ultimate purpose in both restoration and judgment: to vindicate and sanctify His great name.

Supported by Matthew Henry