Ezekiel

Ezekiel 38:1-6

The names of these nations don't sound familiar to the names we use today.  The names used are consistent with those of the table of nations in Genesis chapter 10.

Gog is a primary player in this scenario.

• Possibly an archetype of enemy – compilation of Og and Agag
  • The Septuagint supports this idea as a possibility
• The symbol of human pride that will be judged.
  • Similar to King of Tyre & Egypt who, by description began to look like Satan.
  • Symbols of human rebellion against God.
• Shows up in Revelation 20:8
• He is from the land of Magog.
  • Josephus locates this in Lydia in Asia Minor
    • Modern Turkey
    • Argues against Gog as a type.
• The prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal
  • Mechech and Tubal listed in Genesis 10 table of nations
    • Sons of Japheth
    • Associated with Asia Minor

The Lord is against Gog, these are a declaration of war, or at least of God taking action against them.  He is turned around and led in the right direction.  He seems uncontrollable, ungovernable.  A hook in the jaw widely done by Assyrians to their prisoners.  Others did variations of this, a ring through lip or hook in lips or hose.  This army  will be led out to the battlefield at the direction of the Lord.  They would come with their horses, wearing their uniforms with shields and bucklers, each with a sword. 

Joining armies Persia, Ethiopia and Libya.

• Persia – modern day Iran
• Libya (Put) – Norther coast of Africa
• Ethiopia (Cush) -east side of Africa

Joining them are tribes from:

• Gomer – associated with Northern Turkey near Black Sea
• Togarmah – listed as a son of Gomer in Gen 10, likely from same area.

Ezekiel 38:7-9

The words 'prepare' and 'be ready' are the same word; literally 'ready yourself ready' or we might say 'really ready'.  It is prior preparation for a particular event or moment in time.  Gog was to guard all those who joined him.  After many days, they would be called to action.  The Lord would lead them to invade Israel, the land restored in chapters 36 & 37.  The Lord restored the nation of Israel and they are pictured as dwelling in safety when this invasion comes.  This invading army would come like a storm and cover the land like a cloud.

Ezekiel 38:10-13

Gog will have the thoughts in his mind to invade with this great following.  He'll believe it to be his own, but the Lord is using Him for His greater purpose.  This is God using the existing greedy and wicked nature.  He'll arrogantly believe his plans to be brilliant and to be of his own mind.  See Isaiah 10:5-10 for similar situation with  king of Assyria.

He will invade an people unprepared for an invasion of this magnitude.  His goal is that of taking plunder and booty.  The Hebrew words for plunder and booty are different words meaning the same thing, the goods of the land taken after a war.  What does Israel have that they want?  Is it just for the land?  Could it be oil and gas? 

Sheba, from the SW corner of Arabia peninsula, Dedan from the NW edge of Arabia and Tarshish, a Phoenician trade outpost thought to be in Spain all join to ask the questions of their intent.  The young lions are the small villages associated with these major trade partners.  Their intent seems to be a joyful admiration of their bold actions. 

Ezekiel 38:14-17

Notice God calls them 'My people' and asks the rhetorical question.  Gog will take notice of God's people.  They would look like easy pickings for this great army.  They would come from the far north.  A line straight north from Jerusalem will pass through the edge of Lebanon, across the Mediterranean, through the heart of Turkey, across the Black Sea, through the eastern edge of Ukraine and into Russia.  This creates an association with Russia.  In the current state of politics, it appears this coalition is coming together. 

This great army will invade, making their way into the land and covering it.  This will happen in the latter days.  It's then the Lord would be hallowed in Gog.  God would move to restore His reputation in the eyes of the nations.  He would be seen mighty to save His people, to defend them against a massive army.  This would happen 'before their eyes.'  This wasn't possible until the last 40-50 years.  We now see around the world.  All the nations will watch live reports, commercial free coverage with commentary.

God asked, "Are you he?"  A northern invasion is spoken of many times.  In some verses it is hard to tell if it speaks of what has happened or what will happen, or both.  The point is that Gog is 'he' but doesn't know that.  Gog won't see himself as a biblical figure, is wiser, smarter and a great military leader in his eyes and the eyes of the nations.  God is telling all, before it happens, what will happen.  Yet, they won't know or acknowledge prophecy playing out right before their eyes. 

Ezekiel 38:18-23

God will be at work while this invasion takes place.   As they cover the land like a cloud a great earthquake will shake every man and beast, all of creation will be shaken.  This is the beginning of God's showing His face, His jealousy and fire of wrath.  The appearance of God causes a major upheaval of all creation.

• Mountains will be thrown down
• Steep places shall fall
• Every wall will fall to the ground

God will call for a sword.   This invading army will turn on each other.  In addition to the judgment of the sword would be added pestilence, plague of disease.  The Lord would bring:

• Flooding rain
• Great hailstones  (Rev 16:21)
• Fire and brimstone

God would exalt Himself, show Himself as consecrated, set apart for His work.  He will stand apart from any perceived power, authority or god.  He will make an invincible army, nothing, judged.  The nations will watch and know.

©2020 Doug Ford