Ezekiel 38

Chapter Summary

Ezekiel 38:1-23 describes the invasion of Israel by Gog and Magog, a coalition of nations from the north, including Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Cush, and Put. God declares that He will judge these nations for their wickedness and demonstrate His power and glory to the world. In Ezekiel 38:1-4, God speaks to Ezekiel, calling him to prophesy against Gog, the leader of Magog. Ezekiel 38:5-6 lists the nations that will join Gog in the invasion, while Ezekiel 38:7-16 describes the invasion itself and God's response to it. Ezekiel 38:17-23 explains that God will use this event to demonstrate His glory and holiness to the nations, and to bring about a great shaking in the land of Israel.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 38 is part of a larger section of the book of Ezekiel that describes God's judgment on the nations (Ezekiel 25-39). This chapter is closely related to Ezekiel 39, which describes the aftermath of the invasion and God's judgment on Gog and Magog. The chapter is also connected to other biblical prophecies, such as Revelation 19:11-16, which describes the ultimate defeat of Satan and his followers at the second coming of Christ. In the larger biblical narrative, Ezekiel 38 points to the ultimate triumph of God over evil and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

Heart Application

As we read Ezekiel 38, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and power over the nations. We are called to trust in God's protection and provision, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. We are also encouraged to seek God's glory and holiness, and to live in a way that reflects His character and reputation. May we be faithful witnesses to the nations, declaring God's glory and holiness to all people, and may we look forward to the day when God will establish His kingdom on earth.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel 38 describes God's judgment on Gog and Magog, a coalition of nations that will attack Israel in the last days. God will demonstrate His power and glory by defeating these nations and protecting His people. This chapter reminds us that God is sovereign and powerful, and that He will ultimately triumph over evil. As we read Ezekiel 38:1-4, we see that God is in control of all things, and that He will fulfill His prophecies in His time.

Voices from the Church

“The prophecy of Ezekiel 38 is a reminder that God is not simply a God of love, but also a God of justice and wrath. He will not tolerate wickedness and rebellion forever, but will ultimately judge those who oppose Him.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The invasion of Israel by Gog and Magog is a fulfillment of God's prophecy and a demonstration of His power and glory. It is a reminder that God is the Lord of all the earth, and that He will not be defeated by the forces of evil.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Prophecy (Ezekiel 38:1-4) — God speaks to Ezekiel, calling him to prophesy against Gog, the leader of Magog. This introduction sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes the invasion of Israel and God's judgment on Gog and Magog.
2. The Invasion of Israel (Ezekiel 38:5-16) — The chapter describes the invasion of Israel by Gog and Magog, a coalition of nations from the north. This invasion is a fulfillment of God's prophecy and a demonstration of His power and glory.
3. God's Judgment on Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 38:17-23) — God declares that He will judge Gog and Magog for their wickedness, and that He will demonstrate His glory and holiness to the world. This judgment will bring about a great shaking in the land of Israel and will establish God's reputation as the Lord of all the earth.
4. The Purpose of God's Judgment (Ezekiel 38:17-23) — The chapter explains that God's judgment of Gog and Magog is not simply a punishment, but a demonstration of His glory and holiness. This judgment will bring about a great shaking in the land of Israel and will establish God's reputation as the Lord of all the earth.
5. Conclusion (Ezekiel 38:23) — The chapter concludes with a statement of God's purpose in judging Gog and Magog: to demonstrate His glory and holiness to the world, and to establish His reputation as the Lord of all the earth.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

Ezekiel 38 emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over the nations. He declares that He will judge Gog and Magog, and that He will demonstrate His glory and holiness to the world.

Judgment of God

The chapter describes God's judgment on Gog and Magog, a coalition of nations that will attack Israel in the last days. This judgment is a demonstration of God's power and glory, and a fulfillment of His prophecy.

Protection of God's People

The chapter reminds us that God will protect His people, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. He will demonstrate His power and glory by defeating the enemies of His people and establishing His kingdom on earth.

Glory of God

The chapter emphasizes God's glory and holiness, which He will demonstrate to the world through His judgment of Gog and Magog. This glory is reflected in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all the earth.

Lessons from Ezekiel 38

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty — The chapter reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty and power, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. We are called to seek God's glory and holiness, and to live in a way that reflects His character and reputation.
2. God's Judgment is Just — The chapter teaches us that God's judgment is just and righteous. He will punish those who oppose Him, and He will reward those who are faithful to Him.
3. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God, even in the face of opposition and persecution. We are called to be faithful witnesses to the nations, declaring God's glory and holiness to all people.
4. The Ultimate Triumph of God — The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God over evil. He will establish His kingdom on earth, and He will reign supreme over all the nations.
5. The Call to Repentance — The chapter calls us to repentance, reminding us that God's judgment is not simply a punishment, but a demonstration of His glory and holiness. We are called to seek God's forgiveness and to live in a way that reflects His character and reputation.

Themes from Ezekiel 38

1. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over the nations. He declares that He will judge Gog and Magog, and that He will demonstrate His glory and holiness to the world.
2. Judgment and Wrath — The chapter describes God's judgment on Gog and Magog, a coalition of nations that will attack Israel in the last days. This judgment is a demonstration of God's power and glory, and a fulfillment of His prophecy.
3. Protection and Deliverance — The chapter reminds us that God will protect His people, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. He will demonstrate His power and glory by defeating the enemies of His people and establishing His kingdom on earth.
4. Glory and Holiness — The chapter emphasizes God's glory and holiness, which He will demonstrate to the world through His judgment of Gog and Magog. This glory is reflected in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all the earth.
5. Faithfulness and Repentance — The chapter calls us to faithfulness and repentance, reminding us that God's judgment is not simply a punishment, but a demonstration of His glory and holiness. We are called to seek God's forgiveness and to live in a way that reflects His character and reputation.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 reveal about God's character and nature?
2. How does the chapter describe the invasion of Israel by Gog and Magog?
3. What is the purpose of God's judgment on Gog and Magog, according to the chapter?
4. How does the chapter remind us of God's sovereignty and power over the nations?
5. What does the chapter teach us about God's protection of His people, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ezekiel 38

	Sermon	Description
	Why Do the Heathen Rage by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the inability to pacify the wicked and gives four reasons why it is impossible. He uses Hosea 11:1 as a reference and explains that pursuing
	The Time of Armagedon by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to the battle of Armageddon as described in the book of Revelation. The sixth angel pours out his bowl upon the river E
	Hosea #5 Ch. 7-8 Jesus Christ on Every Page by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the decline in biblical knowledge and understanding in society. He then focuses on Hosea chapter 8, specifically verses 13 and 14. The speaker
	Russia by Welcome Detweiler	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of attending a chapel program where a magician performed tricks to attract a crowd. After the magician finished, the speake
	The Significance of Israel 1980 by Lance Lambert	In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision from the book of Daniel in which a son of man is given dominion and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. The preacher then connec
	Israel: What's Going On? What We Can We Do? by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman addresses the complexities surrounding Israel's current situation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical and biblical context. He discusses the o
	Seventh Bowl: Earthquake, Hail, and the Fall of Babylon (Rev. 16:17-21) by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle delivers a powerful sermon on the seventh bowl of God's judgment as described in Revelation 16:17-21, emphasizing the dramatic and transformative nature of this final i
	Ezekiel 37 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic significance of Ezekiel 37, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the latter days and the return of Israel to its land as a sign
	The Coming Storm by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is shaking the world to awaken humanity from spiritual slumber, much like a parent gently shakes a sleeping child. He illustrates this divine sh
	Ezekiel 39:27 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the prophecy in Ezekiel 39:27, emphasizing the significance of God's promise to pour out His Spirit on Israel after their regathering as a nation, which was f

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 38

In his commentary on Ezekiel 38, Matthew Henry emphasizes the sovereignty and power of God over the nations. He notes that the prophecy of Ezekiel 38 is a reminder that God is not simply a God of love, but also a God of justice and wrath. Henry also emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, reminding us that God will protect and deliver His people, even in the face of danger and uncertainty. As we read this chapter, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and power, and to seek His glory and holiness in all that we do. We are also reminded that God's judgment is not simply a punishment, but a demonstration of His glory and holiness, and that Jesus Christ is the ultimate judge of all the earth (Ezekiel 38:1-4, 17-23). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?