Welcome to the Bible study on the book of Ezekiel, chapter 38.

Verses 1-2:
“The word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal.”

In these first two verses, Ezekiel is given a specific message from the LORD to prophesy against Gog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal. This sets the stage for the prophecy that follows, and establishes Gog as a key figure in the coming judgment.

Verses 3-4:
“I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets,”

Here, the LORD proclaims that He will be the one to bring Gog and his army out, controlling them as one would lead a captive animal with hooks in their jaws. It is a demonstration of GOD’S sovereignty and power, showing that He is in control of the situation. The list of nations joining Gog further emphasizes the magnitude of the impending judgment.

Verses 5-6:
“also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops the many nations with you. Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes gathered about you, and take command of them.”

The mention of Gomer and Beth Togarmah, along with the declaration to “get ready” and “be prepared,” solidifies the idea that a great and powerful alliance of nations is coming together under Gog’s leadership. The urgency of the command to take command of them suggests that this event will happen swiftly and decisively.

Verses 7-9:
“After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade 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 now all of them live in safety. You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.”

These verses provide more details about the nature of Gog’s invasion. It will target a land that has recovered from war, where people from many nations have been gathered to live in safety. The use of language such as “advancing like a storm” and “covering the land” underscores the overwhelming and destructive force of this invasion.

Verses 10-12:
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. You will say, ‘I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people all of them living without walls and without gates and bars.'”

The LORD reveals the motive and intention behind Gog’s invasion to attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people, who live without walls or defenses. The evil scheme devised by Gog reflects his desire to exploit the vulnerability of the people and take advantage of the peace and security they enjoy.

Verses 13-16:
“You will say, ‘I will plunder and loot; I will turn my hand against the resettled ruins and the people gathered from the nations, rich in livestock and goods, living at the center of the land.’ Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, ‘Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?'”

In these verses, the prophet Ezekiel continues to describe the evil intentions of Gog and his army. They plan to plunder and loot the land, taking advantage of the wealth and prosperity of the people. The response of Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish indicate astonishment and concern at Gog’s actions, questioning his motives and intentions.

Verses 17-20:
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You are the one I spoke of in former days by my servants the prophets of Israel. At that time they prophesied for years that I would bring you against them. This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. In my zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground.”

The LORD reminds Gog that his actions are a fulfillment of the prophecies made by the prophets of Israel. The consequences of Gog’s invasion are severe, as it will provoke GOD’S hot anger and lead to a great earthquake that will shake all creation. This demonstrates the magnitude and gravity of the judgment that will come as a result of Gog’s actions.

Verses 21-23:
“I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

In these final verses, the LORD declares the methods by which He will execute judgment on Gog and his army. They will turn against each other, experience plague and bloodshed, and be subjected to various natural disasters. All of this is for the purpose of showcasing the LORD’S greatness, holiness, and power, and making Himself known to all the nations. This passage serves as a reminder of GOD’S sovereignty and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine purposes.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your protection and guidance as we confront the enemies that seek to harm us. You have revealed to us the plans of Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and their allies, who are gathering with a great army to attack Your people. We ask for Your intervention, LORD, to thwart their evil intentions and save us from their destructive plans. You are our almighty sovereign GOD, the One who rules and reigns over all the nations of the earth. We put our trust in You, knowing that You are our shield and fortress in times of trouble. You have promised to protect your people and to bring justice to those who seek to harm them. We ask for Your strength and wisdom to face our enemies with courage and faith, knowing that You are with us and will deliver us from every threat. We pray for the nations that have been deceived and drawn into the plans of Gog and his allies. May they come to know the truth and turn away from their wicked ways, seeking peace and reconciliation instead of war and destruction. Bring healing and restoration to the lands that have been ravaged by conflict, and let your kingdom of love and justice reign in every corner of the earth. We thank you, dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER for being our protector and for hearing our prayers. May your righteous divine will be done in this world, and may your name be glorified now and forever. We pray all these things throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER