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Ezekiel 38

Ezekiel 38:19

A Prophecy against Gog · Ezekiel 38:1–23
Read Ezekiel 38

Translations

Modern
In My zeal and fiery rage I proclaim that on that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.
Traditional
For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;
Literal
And in My zeal and in the fire of My wrath, I have spoken: Surely in that day that there will be a great shaking upon the land of Israel,
Latin
Et in zelo meo, in igne iræ meæ locutus sum, quia in die illa erit commotio magna super terram Israël:

Original

Hebrew
English
In My zeal and fiery rage I proclaim that on that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.

Notes

Ezekiel 38:18–20

Gog would face divine wrath instead of causing it. The Lord would unleash on Gog the jealousy and anger once directed at Israel. The scene would be so terrifying that even innocent bystanders would shake with fear. The earth would tremble, destroying mountains, cliffs, and walls.

Ezekiel 38:1–39:29

  • In Ezekiel 37, the nation is reunited and lives in peace in its own land. In Ezekiel 38–39, this peaceful picture changes. A new danger appears. These chapters describe the attack, defeat, and removal of the final enemy, called Gog.

    Many readers have tried to identify Gog. Some have connected him with Gyges, king of Lydia, who ruled about 680 to 644 BC. However, the Gog described in the Bible goes beyond any one historical ruler. The text focuses less on who Gog is and more on the worldwide threat from the nations.

    Even this powerful enemy would not truly threaten God’s restored people. God was now living among them. Because of his presence, they were secure.

    These chapters use strong symbols. They are similar to psalms that speak about Zion’s safety (see, for example, Psalms 2, 46). The message is clear. If even a terrible enemy like Gog cannot defeat God’s people, then nothing in all creation can separate them from God’s protection.

  • Ezekiel’s description of Gog also includes features of apocalyptic literature (a style of writing that uses symbols and dramatic images to describe God’s final victory over evil; see “Apocalyptic Literature” Theme Note).

Theme notes and profiles

Apocalyptic Literature

Events

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Book of Revelation Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of Gog Magog

Topics

Earthquakes: Prophecies of Jealousy: Attributed to God