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Ezekiel 38

Ezekiel 38:8

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

Translations

Modern
After a long time you will be summoned. In the latter years you will enter a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and all now dwell securely.
Traditional
After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.
Literal
After many days you will be mustered; in the latter years, you will come into a land having returned from the sword, having been gathered from many peoples, upon the mountains of Israel, which had been continually as a desolation. From the nations it has been brought out, and they will dwell in safety, all of them.
Latin
Post dies multos visitaberis: in novissimo annorum venies ad terram quæ reversa est a gladio, et congregata est de populis multis ad montes Israël, qui fuerunt deserti jugiter: hæc de populis educta est, et habitabunt in ea confidenter universi.

Original

Hebrew
English
After a long time you will be summoned. In the latter years you will enter a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and all now dwell securely.

Notes

Ezekiel 38:8

After a long time (literally after many days) … In the latter years (literally in the end of the years): This battle is described as a final and climactic conflict. It would come before a lasting time of peace.

Some people believe this battle will be a real event at the end of history. Others believe it is a symbolic picture (a literary image) that shows how the Lord protects his people in every age. In this view, the battle represents the ongoing struggle between God’s people and evil.

Whichever view is correct, the main message is clear. When the Lord’s favor rests on his people, nothing can remove them from his protection. Not even the strongest and most complete attack of evil can defeat them.

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