Tyndale Open Study NotesEzekiel 38

• 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).

Gog would lead a group of seven nations from all over the world. The numbers seven and four symbolize completeness, showing an unbeatable alliance from every direction. Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, and Beth-togarmah were in the north, in Anatolia and beyond the Black Sea. Persia was to the east, Ethiopia to the south, and Libya to the west.

Gog’s rebellion would remain fully under God’s control.

Gog and his army would think they were acting freely and attacking on their own. In reality, God would control their actions. They would be like prisoners led away with hooks in their jaws (compare Ezekiel 29:4).

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.

advancing like a thunderstorm: This is similar to the threatening imagery in Ezekiel 1, when God was Israel’s enemy. At that time, Israel sought protection from the rebellious nations around them. Now, Israel would seek protection from God against the nations.

The Lord's "hooks" in Gog's "jaws" (Ezekiel 38:4) refers to Gog's evil plan to attack the defenseless Israelites and steal their goods (compare Psalm 76:10).

The trading nations of the world would gather to profit from Gog’s expected victory.

Sheba and Dedan were in the east. Tarshish was in the west. Merchants from these distant places would come to buy and sell the goods taken in battle.

They believed that Gog and his allies would surely win. They expected to gain wealth from the spoils of war.

Israel would be prosperous, living in peace and enjoying the benefits of trusting in the Lord. However, such trust does not remove the chance of facing threats (compare John 16:33). The situation might have seemed unfavorable for Israel, but Gog did not consider the Lord's power. The Lord would use Gog and his allies to show his holiness to all nations.

Gog was not the foretold “army … from the land of the north” mentioned in Jeremiah 4–6. Those prophecies had already been fulfilled. They referred to the destruction that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon brought against Judah.

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.

sword … plague and bloodshed … torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur: Israel had faced similar punishments before (see Ezekiel 13:13). Now those punishments were inflicted on Israel’s enemies. The divine warrior was once again defending his people.