Joel 2
KingCommentsJoel 2:1
Gog Judged by the LORD
For the fourth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 38:17) are heard. Gog is reminded of an earlier speaking of the LORD. We have no record in Scripture of those prophecies; at least the name Gog is not mentioned anywhere in the prophecies or by prophets. It may mean that this refers to statements of the prophets about the north as the direction from which judgment is coming. We can take the reference to what the prophets have said about Russia in this way that what the LORD has said about and against Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-34) also applies to Russia.
We can compare this to what the Lord Jesus says about John. The Lord calls him “Elijah who would come” (Matthew 11:14). Malachi announced Elijah (Malachi 4:5). That announcement is fulfilled with the coming of John, for he is Elijah in a spiritual sense. He preached repentance to make the people ready to receive the Messiah. But the people have not repented. Therefore, Elijah must come again. This happens at the coming of the two witnesses in Jerusalem in the end time of whom he is one (Revelation 11:3-6). Elijah is not one of those witnesses personally, but one of those witnesses exhibits his characteristics.
We see this with Russia which has the characteristics of Assyria. There is a strong connection between Russia and Assyria. In fact, Russia is the driving force behind Assyria’s actions. We read this in Daniel 8 (Daniel 8:21-27), specifically in the phrase, “His power will be mighty, but not by his [own] power” (Daniel 8:24). By “his power” is meant the power of Assyria, and by “not by his [own] power” is meant that he is helped by the power of Russia.
There is a distinction, however, already pointed out above, and it is well to repeat it in this context. Other nations, especially Assyria, that have gone up against Israel have triumphed because God has used them as a disciplinary tool for His people. That the LORD brings Magog or Russia upon His land does not happen as a threat to His people because they have departed from Him, for all deviation has come to an end. They are now living in rest in the land under the blessing and protection of their Messiah. Gog is not used as a disciplinary tool, but is judged because of his rapacious desires, particularly targeting God’s people.
In the day that Gog comes into God’s land, the LORD’s fury will mount up in His anger against him (Ezekiel 38:18; Psalms 18:8; 15). In His anger, He will shake the land of Israel by a severe earthquake, so that the mounted armies will not know where to go and what to do (Ezekiel 38:19). All nature will tremble, not only the beasts of the land and all the men, but also the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens (Ezekiel 38:20). Every place where the enemies might seek shelter will be thrown down. It will be so, that the land will tremble only in the places where the enemies are, while the rest of His people will not be disturbed. We see something similar in the plagues that God brings upon Egypt, while He exempts His people living there from those plagues (Exodus 8:22; Exodus 9:4; 26; Exodus 11:7).
On all the mountains, which the LORD calls “My mountains”, where the enemies are unjustly located, He will call the sword against them (Ezekiel 38:21). That will be their own sword. He will make the sword do its deadly work, in that the enemies, dazed and blinded by terror, will kill one another (cf. Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 14:20). The pestilence will also break out (Ezekiel 38:22). Through this and through the blood that the sword makes flow, God will carry out His justice against Gog.
Also, God Himself will actively participate in the battle by sending down from heaven “a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone” on him. And not only on him, but also on all his troops and the many nations that accompany him on this expedition.
With the judgment on Gog, God gives a final proof of His greatness and holiness in the sight of many nations (Ezekiel 38:23). By this they will all know that He is the LORD.
This battle and this judgment of the LORD take place when the Lord Jesus is already in Jerusalem. A comparison with the governments of David and Solomon can help understand this situation. David and Solomon together are a picture of the Lord Jesus. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus as the suffering and also ruling King and Solomon is a picture of Him as the Prince of peace. With both David and Solomon we see that not everything is immediately peace when they are king. Even then there are opponents who must be overcome before there is true peace in the kingdom.
Another consideration is that Gog has never cared about God and His Christ. He has always denied the existence of God and Christ and will continue to do so. Therefore, he will be totally unimpressed by the fact that Christ has established His throne in Jerusalem. God said something similar about Edom a few chapters back. He knows that Edom is boldly claiming: “’We will possess them,’ although the LORD was there” (Ezekiel 35:10). Thus Gog foolishly does not believe in His supremacy. To him, only a man rules there, though a man of enormous power. Directed and blinded by satan, he carries out his own wicked intentions.
What God is doing with Russia is reminiscent of what He once did through Elisha with the army of the king of Syria (2 Kings 6:8-23). It is a similar history with a completely opposite ending. The king of Syria sends a large army to capture one man, Elisha. At Elisha’s prayer, God strikes that great army with blindness. Then Elisha brings this army “in the midst of Samaria” (2 Kings 6:20). The king of Israel wants to kill the enemies, but Elisha wants them to have food and be able to return to their lord.
In the time of Elisha, there is grace for the Syrians. There is no such grace for Russia in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. They are brought by God “on the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:1-2), which is in the middle of the land, which includes Samaria. It is in that area that they are put to death by God.
Syria and Russia are closely linked in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. We see in our days that this close connection is revealing itself more and more clearly in the political field of forces. The fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 is casting its shadow.
Joel 2:2
Gog Judged by the LORD
For the fourth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 38:17) are heard. Gog is reminded of an earlier speaking of the LORD. We have no record in Scripture of those prophecies; at least the name Gog is not mentioned anywhere in the prophecies or by prophets. It may mean that this refers to statements of the prophets about the north as the direction from which judgment is coming. We can take the reference to what the prophets have said about Russia in this way that what the LORD has said about and against Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-34) also applies to Russia.
We can compare this to what the Lord Jesus says about John. The Lord calls him “Elijah who would come” (Matthew 11:14). Malachi announced Elijah (Malachi 4:5). That announcement is fulfilled with the coming of John, for he is Elijah in a spiritual sense. He preached repentance to make the people ready to receive the Messiah. But the people have not repented. Therefore, Elijah must come again. This happens at the coming of the two witnesses in Jerusalem in the end time of whom he is one (Revelation 11:3-6). Elijah is not one of those witnesses personally, but one of those witnesses exhibits his characteristics.
We see this with Russia which has the characteristics of Assyria. There is a strong connection between Russia and Assyria. In fact, Russia is the driving force behind Assyria’s actions. We read this in Daniel 8 (Daniel 8:21-27), specifically in the phrase, “His power will be mighty, but not by his [own] power” (Daniel 8:24). By “his power” is meant the power of Assyria, and by “not by his [own] power” is meant that he is helped by the power of Russia.
There is a distinction, however, already pointed out above, and it is well to repeat it in this context. Other nations, especially Assyria, that have gone up against Israel have triumphed because God has used them as a disciplinary tool for His people. That the LORD brings Magog or Russia upon His land does not happen as a threat to His people because they have departed from Him, for all deviation has come to an end. They are now living in rest in the land under the blessing and protection of their Messiah. Gog is not used as a disciplinary tool, but is judged because of his rapacious desires, particularly targeting God’s people.
In the day that Gog comes into God’s land, the LORD’s fury will mount up in His anger against him (Ezekiel 38:18; Psalms 18:8; 15). In His anger, He will shake the land of Israel by a severe earthquake, so that the mounted armies will not know where to go and what to do (Ezekiel 38:19). All nature will tremble, not only the beasts of the land and all the men, but also the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens (Ezekiel 38:20). Every place where the enemies might seek shelter will be thrown down. It will be so, that the land will tremble only in the places where the enemies are, while the rest of His people will not be disturbed. We see something similar in the plagues that God brings upon Egypt, while He exempts His people living there from those plagues (Exodus 8:22; Exodus 9:4; 26; Exodus 11:7).
On all the mountains, which the LORD calls “My mountains”, where the enemies are unjustly located, He will call the sword against them (Ezekiel 38:21). That will be their own sword. He will make the sword do its deadly work, in that the enemies, dazed and blinded by terror, will kill one another (cf. Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 14:20). The pestilence will also break out (Ezekiel 38:22). Through this and through the blood that the sword makes flow, God will carry out His justice against Gog.
Also, God Himself will actively participate in the battle by sending down from heaven “a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone” on him. And not only on him, but also on all his troops and the many nations that accompany him on this expedition.
With the judgment on Gog, God gives a final proof of His greatness and holiness in the sight of many nations (Ezekiel 38:23). By this they will all know that He is the LORD.
This battle and this judgment of the LORD take place when the Lord Jesus is already in Jerusalem. A comparison with the governments of David and Solomon can help understand this situation. David and Solomon together are a picture of the Lord Jesus. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus as the suffering and also ruling King and Solomon is a picture of Him as the Prince of peace. With both David and Solomon we see that not everything is immediately peace when they are king. Even then there are opponents who must be overcome before there is true peace in the kingdom.
Another consideration is that Gog has never cared about God and His Christ. He has always denied the existence of God and Christ and will continue to do so. Therefore, he will be totally unimpressed by the fact that Christ has established His throne in Jerusalem. God said something similar about Edom a few chapters back. He knows that Edom is boldly claiming: “’We will possess them,’ although the LORD was there” (Ezekiel 35:10). Thus Gog foolishly does not believe in His supremacy. To him, only a man rules there, though a man of enormous power. Directed and blinded by satan, he carries out his own wicked intentions.
What God is doing with Russia is reminiscent of what He once did through Elisha with the army of the king of Syria (2 Kings 6:8-23). It is a similar history with a completely opposite ending. The king of Syria sends a large army to capture one man, Elisha. At Elisha’s prayer, God strikes that great army with blindness. Then Elisha brings this army “in the midst of Samaria” (2 Kings 6:20). The king of Israel wants to kill the enemies, but Elisha wants them to have food and be able to return to their lord.
In the time of Elisha, there is grace for the Syrians. There is no such grace for Russia in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. They are brought by God “on the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:1-2), which is in the middle of the land, which includes Samaria. It is in that area that they are put to death by God.
Syria and Russia are closely linked in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. We see in our days that this close connection is revealing itself more and more clearly in the political field of forces. The fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 is casting its shadow.
Joel 2:3
Gog Judged by the LORD
For the fourth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 38:17) are heard. Gog is reminded of an earlier speaking of the LORD. We have no record in Scripture of those prophecies; at least the name Gog is not mentioned anywhere in the prophecies or by prophets. It may mean that this refers to statements of the prophets about the north as the direction from which judgment is coming. We can take the reference to what the prophets have said about Russia in this way that what the LORD has said about and against Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-34) also applies to Russia.
We can compare this to what the Lord Jesus says about John. The Lord calls him “Elijah who would come” (Matthew 11:14). Malachi announced Elijah (Malachi 4:5). That announcement is fulfilled with the coming of John, for he is Elijah in a spiritual sense. He preached repentance to make the people ready to receive the Messiah. But the people have not repented. Therefore, Elijah must come again. This happens at the coming of the two witnesses in Jerusalem in the end time of whom he is one (Revelation 11:3-6). Elijah is not one of those witnesses personally, but one of those witnesses exhibits his characteristics.
We see this with Russia which has the characteristics of Assyria. There is a strong connection between Russia and Assyria. In fact, Russia is the driving force behind Assyria’s actions. We read this in Daniel 8 (Daniel 8:21-27), specifically in the phrase, “His power will be mighty, but not by his [own] power” (Daniel 8:24). By “his power” is meant the power of Assyria, and by “not by his [own] power” is meant that he is helped by the power of Russia.
There is a distinction, however, already pointed out above, and it is well to repeat it in this context. Other nations, especially Assyria, that have gone up against Israel have triumphed because God has used them as a disciplinary tool for His people. That the LORD brings Magog or Russia upon His land does not happen as a threat to His people because they have departed from Him, for all deviation has come to an end. They are now living in rest in the land under the blessing and protection of their Messiah. Gog is not used as a disciplinary tool, but is judged because of his rapacious desires, particularly targeting God’s people.
In the day that Gog comes into God’s land, the LORD’s fury will mount up in His anger against him (Ezekiel 38:18; Psalms 18:8; 15). In His anger, He will shake the land of Israel by a severe earthquake, so that the mounted armies will not know where to go and what to do (Ezekiel 38:19). All nature will tremble, not only the beasts of the land and all the men, but also the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens (Ezekiel 38:20). Every place where the enemies might seek shelter will be thrown down. It will be so, that the land will tremble only in the places where the enemies are, while the rest of His people will not be disturbed. We see something similar in the plagues that God brings upon Egypt, while He exempts His people living there from those plagues (Exodus 8:22; Exodus 9:4; 26; Exodus 11:7).
On all the mountains, which the LORD calls “My mountains”, where the enemies are unjustly located, He will call the sword against them (Ezekiel 38:21). That will be their own sword. He will make the sword do its deadly work, in that the enemies, dazed and blinded by terror, will kill one another (cf. Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 14:20). The pestilence will also break out (Ezekiel 38:22). Through this and through the blood that the sword makes flow, God will carry out His justice against Gog.
Also, God Himself will actively participate in the battle by sending down from heaven “a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone” on him. And not only on him, but also on all his troops and the many nations that accompany him on this expedition.
With the judgment on Gog, God gives a final proof of His greatness and holiness in the sight of many nations (Ezekiel 38:23). By this they will all know that He is the LORD.
This battle and this judgment of the LORD take place when the Lord Jesus is already in Jerusalem. A comparison with the governments of David and Solomon can help understand this situation. David and Solomon together are a picture of the Lord Jesus. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus as the suffering and also ruling King and Solomon is a picture of Him as the Prince of peace. With both David and Solomon we see that not everything is immediately peace when they are king. Even then there are opponents who must be overcome before there is true peace in the kingdom.
Another consideration is that Gog has never cared about God and His Christ. He has always denied the existence of God and Christ and will continue to do so. Therefore, he will be totally unimpressed by the fact that Christ has established His throne in Jerusalem. God said something similar about Edom a few chapters back. He knows that Edom is boldly claiming: “’We will possess them,’ although the LORD was there” (Ezekiel 35:10). Thus Gog foolishly does not believe in His supremacy. To him, only a man rules there, though a man of enormous power. Directed and blinded by satan, he carries out his own wicked intentions.
What God is doing with Russia is reminiscent of what He once did through Elisha with the army of the king of Syria (2 Kings 6:8-23). It is a similar history with a completely opposite ending. The king of Syria sends a large army to capture one man, Elisha. At Elisha’s prayer, God strikes that great army with blindness. Then Elisha brings this army “in the midst of Samaria” (2 Kings 6:20). The king of Israel wants to kill the enemies, but Elisha wants them to have food and be able to return to their lord.
In the time of Elisha, there is grace for the Syrians. There is no such grace for Russia in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. They are brought by God “on the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:1-2), which is in the middle of the land, which includes Samaria. It is in that area that they are put to death by God.
Syria and Russia are closely linked in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. We see in our days that this close connection is revealing itself more and more clearly in the political field of forces. The fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 is casting its shadow.
Joel 2:4
Gog Judged by the LORD
For the fourth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 38:17) are heard. Gog is reminded of an earlier speaking of the LORD. We have no record in Scripture of those prophecies; at least the name Gog is not mentioned anywhere in the prophecies or by prophets. It may mean that this refers to statements of the prophets about the north as the direction from which judgment is coming. We can take the reference to what the prophets have said about Russia in this way that what the LORD has said about and against Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-34) also applies to Russia.
We can compare this to what the Lord Jesus says about John. The Lord calls him “Elijah who would come” (Matthew 11:14). Malachi announced Elijah (Malachi 4:5). That announcement is fulfilled with the coming of John, for he is Elijah in a spiritual sense. He preached repentance to make the people ready to receive the Messiah. But the people have not repented. Therefore, Elijah must come again. This happens at the coming of the two witnesses in Jerusalem in the end time of whom he is one (Revelation 11:3-6). Elijah is not one of those witnesses personally, but one of those witnesses exhibits his characteristics.
We see this with Russia which has the characteristics of Assyria. There is a strong connection between Russia and Assyria. In fact, Russia is the driving force behind Assyria’s actions. We read this in Daniel 8 (Daniel 8:21-27), specifically in the phrase, “His power will be mighty, but not by his [own] power” (Daniel 8:24). By “his power” is meant the power of Assyria, and by “not by his [own] power” is meant that he is helped by the power of Russia.
There is a distinction, however, already pointed out above, and it is well to repeat it in this context. Other nations, especially Assyria, that have gone up against Israel have triumphed because God has used them as a disciplinary tool for His people. That the LORD brings Magog or Russia upon His land does not happen as a threat to His people because they have departed from Him, for all deviation has come to an end. They are now living in rest in the land under the blessing and protection of their Messiah. Gog is not used as a disciplinary tool, but is judged because of his rapacious desires, particularly targeting God’s people.
In the day that Gog comes into God’s land, the LORD’s fury will mount up in His anger against him (Ezekiel 38:18; Psalms 18:8; 15). In His anger, He will shake the land of Israel by a severe earthquake, so that the mounted armies will not know where to go and what to do (Ezekiel 38:19). All nature will tremble, not only the beasts of the land and all the men, but also the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens (Ezekiel 38:20). Every place where the enemies might seek shelter will be thrown down. It will be so, that the land will tremble only in the places where the enemies are, while the rest of His people will not be disturbed. We see something similar in the plagues that God brings upon Egypt, while He exempts His people living there from those plagues (Exodus 8:22; Exodus 9:4; 26; Exodus 11:7).
On all the mountains, which the LORD calls “My mountains”, where the enemies are unjustly located, He will call the sword against them (Ezekiel 38:21). That will be their own sword. He will make the sword do its deadly work, in that the enemies, dazed and blinded by terror, will kill one another (cf. Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 14:20). The pestilence will also break out (Ezekiel 38:22). Through this and through the blood that the sword makes flow, God will carry out His justice against Gog.
Also, God Himself will actively participate in the battle by sending down from heaven “a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone” on him. And not only on him, but also on all his troops and the many nations that accompany him on this expedition.
With the judgment on Gog, God gives a final proof of His greatness and holiness in the sight of many nations (Ezekiel 38:23). By this they will all know that He is the LORD.
This battle and this judgment of the LORD take place when the Lord Jesus is already in Jerusalem. A comparison with the governments of David and Solomon can help understand this situation. David and Solomon together are a picture of the Lord Jesus. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus as the suffering and also ruling King and Solomon is a picture of Him as the Prince of peace. With both David and Solomon we see that not everything is immediately peace when they are king. Even then there are opponents who must be overcome before there is true peace in the kingdom.
Another consideration is that Gog has never cared about God and His Christ. He has always denied the existence of God and Christ and will continue to do so. Therefore, he will be totally unimpressed by the fact that Christ has established His throne in Jerusalem. God said something similar about Edom a few chapters back. He knows that Edom is boldly claiming: “’We will possess them,’ although the LORD was there” (Ezekiel 35:10). Thus Gog foolishly does not believe in His supremacy. To him, only a man rules there, though a man of enormous power. Directed and blinded by satan, he carries out his own wicked intentions.
What God is doing with Russia is reminiscent of what He once did through Elisha with the army of the king of Syria (2 Kings 6:8-23). It is a similar history with a completely opposite ending. The king of Syria sends a large army to capture one man, Elisha. At Elisha’s prayer, God strikes that great army with blindness. Then Elisha brings this army “in the midst of Samaria” (2 Kings 6:20). The king of Israel wants to kill the enemies, but Elisha wants them to have food and be able to return to their lord.
In the time of Elisha, there is grace for the Syrians. There is no such grace for Russia in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. They are brought by God “on the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:1-2), which is in the middle of the land, which includes Samaria. It is in that area that they are put to death by God.
Syria and Russia are closely linked in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. We see in our days that this close connection is revealing itself more and more clearly in the political field of forces. The fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 is casting its shadow.
Joel 2:5
Gog Judged by the LORD
For the fourth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 38:17) are heard. Gog is reminded of an earlier speaking of the LORD. We have no record in Scripture of those prophecies; at least the name Gog is not mentioned anywhere in the prophecies or by prophets. It may mean that this refers to statements of the prophets about the north as the direction from which judgment is coming. We can take the reference to what the prophets have said about Russia in this way that what the LORD has said about and against Assyria (Isaiah 10:5-34) also applies to Russia.
We can compare this to what the Lord Jesus says about John. The Lord calls him “Elijah who would come” (Matthew 11:14). Malachi announced Elijah (Malachi 4:5). That announcement is fulfilled with the coming of John, for he is Elijah in a spiritual sense. He preached repentance to make the people ready to receive the Messiah. But the people have not repented. Therefore, Elijah must come again. This happens at the coming of the two witnesses in Jerusalem in the end time of whom he is one (Revelation 11:3-6). Elijah is not one of those witnesses personally, but one of those witnesses exhibits his characteristics.
We see this with Russia which has the characteristics of Assyria. There is a strong connection between Russia and Assyria. In fact, Russia is the driving force behind Assyria’s actions. We read this in Daniel 8 (Daniel 8:21-27), specifically in the phrase, “His power will be mighty, but not by his [own] power” (Daniel 8:24). By “his power” is meant the power of Assyria, and by “not by his [own] power” is meant that he is helped by the power of Russia.
There is a distinction, however, already pointed out above, and it is well to repeat it in this context. Other nations, especially Assyria, that have gone up against Israel have triumphed because God has used them as a disciplinary tool for His people. That the LORD brings Magog or Russia upon His land does not happen as a threat to His people because they have departed from Him, for all deviation has come to an end. They are now living in rest in the land under the blessing and protection of their Messiah. Gog is not used as a disciplinary tool, but is judged because of his rapacious desires, particularly targeting God’s people.
In the day that Gog comes into God’s land, the LORD’s fury will mount up in His anger against him (Ezekiel 38:18; Psalms 18:8; 15). In His anger, He will shake the land of Israel by a severe earthquake, so that the mounted armies will not know where to go and what to do (Ezekiel 38:19). All nature will tremble, not only the beasts of the land and all the men, but also the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens (Ezekiel 38:20). Every place where the enemies might seek shelter will be thrown down. It will be so, that the land will tremble only in the places where the enemies are, while the rest of His people will not be disturbed. We see something similar in the plagues that God brings upon Egypt, while He exempts His people living there from those plagues (Exodus 8:22; Exodus 9:4; 26; Exodus 11:7).
On all the mountains, which the LORD calls “My mountains”, where the enemies are unjustly located, He will call the sword against them (Ezekiel 38:21). That will be their own sword. He will make the sword do its deadly work, in that the enemies, dazed and blinded by terror, will kill one another (cf. Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 14:20). The pestilence will also break out (Ezekiel 38:22). Through this and through the blood that the sword makes flow, God will carry out His justice against Gog.
Also, God Himself will actively participate in the battle by sending down from heaven “a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone” on him. And not only on him, but also on all his troops and the many nations that accompany him on this expedition.
With the judgment on Gog, God gives a final proof of His greatness and holiness in the sight of many nations (Ezekiel 38:23). By this they will all know that He is the LORD.
This battle and this judgment of the LORD take place when the Lord Jesus is already in Jerusalem. A comparison with the governments of David and Solomon can help understand this situation. David and Solomon together are a picture of the Lord Jesus. David is a picture of the Lord Jesus as the suffering and also ruling King and Solomon is a picture of Him as the Prince of peace. With both David and Solomon we see that not everything is immediately peace when they are king. Even then there are opponents who must be overcome before there is true peace in the kingdom.
Another consideration is that Gog has never cared about God and His Christ. He has always denied the existence of God and Christ and will continue to do so. Therefore, he will be totally unimpressed by the fact that Christ has established His throne in Jerusalem. God said something similar about Edom a few chapters back. He knows that Edom is boldly claiming: “’We will possess them,’ although the LORD was there” (Ezekiel 35:10). Thus Gog foolishly does not believe in His supremacy. To him, only a man rules there, though a man of enormous power. Directed and blinded by satan, he carries out his own wicked intentions.
What God is doing with Russia is reminiscent of what He once did through Elisha with the army of the king of Syria (2 Kings 6:8-23). It is a similar history with a completely opposite ending. The king of Syria sends a large army to capture one man, Elisha. At Elisha’s prayer, God strikes that great army with blindness. Then Elisha brings this army “in the midst of Samaria” (2 Kings 6:20). The king of Israel wants to kill the enemies, but Elisha wants them to have food and be able to return to their lord.
In the time of Elisha, there is grace for the Syrians. There is no such grace for Russia in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. They are brought by God “on the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:1-2), which is in the middle of the land, which includes Samaria. It is in that area that they are put to death by God.
Syria and Russia are closely linked in the time of which Ezekiel speaks. We see in our days that this close connection is revealing itself more and more clearly in the political field of forces. The fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39 is casting its shadow.
Joel 2:7
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:8
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:9
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:10
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:11
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:12
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:13
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:14
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:15
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:16
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:17
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:18
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:19
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:20
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:21
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:22
Introduction
This chapter is the continuation of the previous one and goes on to make known to us what God is going to do with Gog.
Gog as Spoil for Israel
Ezekiel must continue to prophesy against Gog (Ezekiel 39:1). For the fifth time the words “thus says the Lord GOD” are heard in connection with Gog. The first words that follow are similar to those of the beginning of the previous chapter (Ezekiel 38:1-3).
The LORD repeats His purpose to take Gog up from his home in “the remotest parts of the north” or “the uttermost north” to bring him against “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2). Immediately afterwards, He says that He will disarm Gog and his band in Israel and how He will do it (Ezekiel 39:3). It is presented as a battle, in which Gog has no chance, however. The LORD simply knocks his bow out of his left hand and renders his right hand powerless so that he cannot hold his arrows. There he stands, defenseless. Then he will fall on the mountains of Israel, along with all those who have gone up with him (Ezekiel 39:4). There they lie, defeated. Those who have thought to rob rich booty are given by the LORD to the predatory birds and the hyenas for food.
Even though the armies of Gog that have escaped from the mountains regroup in the open field, they are no match for the LORD there either (Ezekiel 39:5). He will cut them down there. It will happen, because He has declared so. The land in the uttermost north, Magog, from which Gog has gone, will be judged by the LORD with His fire (Ezekiel 39:6). The fire will also come to the coastlands that live in safety. It is possible that this refers to the countries that lie on the coast of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
As for Israel, the LORD will make His holy Name known in their midst (Ezekiel 39:7). He will no longer let His holy Name be profaned. He is the “Holy One” – here not of Israel (Psalms 71:22; Isaiah 5:19; Isaiah 10:20; Isaiah 12:6; Isaiah 30:12; Isaiah 30:15; Isaiah 41:14; Isaiah 43:3; Isaiah 43:14; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:4; Isaiah 48:17; Isaiah 54:5; Isaiah 60:14), but – “in Israel”. He dwells in the midst of His people. His judgment on Gog in His land makes that clear once again. In that day, the day about which He has spoken that Gog will be judged and for which He has looked forward, there will be a firm peace, to which no one can change anything (Ezekiel 39:8). Then there will be undisturbed, full peace in Israel and in the world.
The destruction is described in a few words. The description of the consequences is much more detailed. The enemies believe they will ambush Israel as prey, but the opposite happens: the inhabitants of Israel will take spoil of their attackers (Ezekiel 39:9-10). This section is reminiscent of the Jews in Susan in the book of Esther, who are also first threatened with being killed by their enemies, but where the roles are also reversed (Esther 9:1-10).
The weaponry of the armies of Gog will serve as firewood. It is a huge arsenal. One will be able to make fires of it for as much as seven years. Usually captured weapons are added to one’s own weapon stock. But addition to one’s own stock of weapons is not necessary, for there will be no more wars. At the coming of Christ, weapons have been turned into farm implements (Isaiah 2:4a; Micah 4:3).
After the complete extermination of Gog, the LORD designates a grave for the fallen in Israel (Ezekiel 39:11). There will be no transportation of the corpses to their own land. The place of the grave is “the valley of those who pass by”. That valley will become a mass grave, so it can no longer be used as a thoroughfare for travelers. The valley will be given a new name, “valley of Hamon-gog” or “valley of the multitude of Gog”.
The slaughter among the armies of Gog will be so great that it will take seven months to bury all the corpses, or what is left of them (Ezekiel 39:12). In burying those countless corpses, the entire population will participate (Ezekiel 39:13). The LORD has defeated the enemy, He gets the glory. His people share in the victory and deal with the results. It is the sure proof of the total annihilation of the enemy. They not only hear of it, but can touch the evidence of it, as it were.
After seven months, when the masses have been buried, men set apart for the purpose will be engaged in tracking down remnants of the enemy (Ezekiel 39:14). This search is necessary to completely cleanse the land (cf. Numbers 19:16). They are aided in this task by those who pass through the land who, as they journey through the land, discover a human bone here or there (Ezekiel 39:15). When they see bones, they are to make them recognizable so that the buriers can easily notice the bones and bury them in the mass grave. This is how the land will be cleansed.
The name of the mass grave is connected to the name of the city Hamonah (Ezekiel 39:16). Hamonah means ‘multitude’. When all the remnants of the ‘multitude’ of corpses are buried in that one place, the land will be cleansed.
Joel 2:23
The Judgment on Gog Glorifies the LORD
In Ezekiel 39:17 we hear a new “thus says the Lord GOD” – for the sixth time in these two chapters. The LORD is returning to what He said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 39:4. He is to call all the birds of prey and beasts of prey to feast on the fallen multitude of Gog. The LORD calls it “My sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17; 19) and “a great sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17) that He brings.
The predators may eat the flesh and drink the blood (Ezekiel 39:17-19). The blood is the life and belongs to God. He can therefore determine what He does with it. Here He gives it to the beasts of prey, making the libelous destruction of this immense army even more libelous. The ‘meal’ is mentioned in components and there may be unlimited eating, to satiety and drunkenness. The sacrifice that the LORD brings knows no measure. They may eat it at “My table” (Ezekiel 39:20). The LORD has prepared everything, they need only consume, placing no limit on themselves.
Through His dealings with Gog and his multitude, God shows His glory to the nations (Ezekiel 39:21). Those nations will see His judgment that He has executed. They will see in that judgment His hand that He has laid on Gog and His multitude as proof of His complete rule over these rebels.
If ever there was a thought that the LORD could not deliver His people, it has now been set right (Ezekiel 39:22). That thought may have arisen in the past among His people, the house of Israel, who have been besieged and destroyed again and again by enemies. That thought may also have occurred to the nations who have been able to take possession of Israel again and again (Ezekiel 39:23). The nations will come to realize that they were very wrong in attributing Israel’s exile to God’s inability to protect His people from the enemies.
It did not occur to them that God sent those very enemies and gave them the power to overcome His people because His people had been unfaithful to Him and therefore He had to discipline them. That is why the king of Babylon was able to carry the people away into exile and why other enemies were able to kill them. It is because the LORD has given His people into their hands. He dealt with His people because of their transgressions against Him (Ezekiel 39:24). Therefore, He had to hide His face from them.
Joel 2:24
The Judgment on Gog Glorifies the LORD
In Ezekiel 39:17 we hear a new “thus says the Lord GOD” – for the sixth time in these two chapters. The LORD is returning to what He said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 39:4. He is to call all the birds of prey and beasts of prey to feast on the fallen multitude of Gog. The LORD calls it “My sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17; 19) and “a great sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17) that He brings.
The predators may eat the flesh and drink the blood (Ezekiel 39:17-19). The blood is the life and belongs to God. He can therefore determine what He does with it. Here He gives it to the beasts of prey, making the libelous destruction of this immense army even more libelous. The ‘meal’ is mentioned in components and there may be unlimited eating, to satiety and drunkenness. The sacrifice that the LORD brings knows no measure. They may eat it at “My table” (Ezekiel 39:20). The LORD has prepared everything, they need only consume, placing no limit on themselves.
Through His dealings with Gog and his multitude, God shows His glory to the nations (Ezekiel 39:21). Those nations will see His judgment that He has executed. They will see in that judgment His hand that He has laid on Gog and His multitude as proof of His complete rule over these rebels.
If ever there was a thought that the LORD could not deliver His people, it has now been set right (Ezekiel 39:22). That thought may have arisen in the past among His people, the house of Israel, who have been besieged and destroyed again and again by enemies. That thought may also have occurred to the nations who have been able to take possession of Israel again and again (Ezekiel 39:23). The nations will come to realize that they were very wrong in attributing Israel’s exile to God’s inability to protect His people from the enemies.
It did not occur to them that God sent those very enemies and gave them the power to overcome His people because His people had been unfaithful to Him and therefore He had to discipline them. That is why the king of Babylon was able to carry the people away into exile and why other enemies were able to kill them. It is because the LORD has given His people into their hands. He dealt with His people because of their transgressions against Him (Ezekiel 39:24). Therefore, He had to hide His face from them.
Joel 2:25
The Judgment on Gog Glorifies the LORD
In Ezekiel 39:17 we hear a new “thus says the Lord GOD” – for the sixth time in these two chapters. The LORD is returning to what He said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 39:4. He is to call all the birds of prey and beasts of prey to feast on the fallen multitude of Gog. The LORD calls it “My sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17; 19) and “a great sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17) that He brings.
The predators may eat the flesh and drink the blood (Ezekiel 39:17-19). The blood is the life and belongs to God. He can therefore determine what He does with it. Here He gives it to the beasts of prey, making the libelous destruction of this immense army even more libelous. The ‘meal’ is mentioned in components and there may be unlimited eating, to satiety and drunkenness. The sacrifice that the LORD brings knows no measure. They may eat it at “My table” (Ezekiel 39:20). The LORD has prepared everything, they need only consume, placing no limit on themselves.
Through His dealings with Gog and his multitude, God shows His glory to the nations (Ezekiel 39:21). Those nations will see His judgment that He has executed. They will see in that judgment His hand that He has laid on Gog and His multitude as proof of His complete rule over these rebels.
If ever there was a thought that the LORD could not deliver His people, it has now been set right (Ezekiel 39:22). That thought may have arisen in the past among His people, the house of Israel, who have been besieged and destroyed again and again by enemies. That thought may also have occurred to the nations who have been able to take possession of Israel again and again (Ezekiel 39:23). The nations will come to realize that they were very wrong in attributing Israel’s exile to God’s inability to protect His people from the enemies.
It did not occur to them that God sent those very enemies and gave them the power to overcome His people because His people had been unfaithful to Him and therefore He had to discipline them. That is why the king of Babylon was able to carry the people away into exile and why other enemies were able to kill them. It is because the LORD has given His people into their hands. He dealt with His people because of their transgressions against Him (Ezekiel 39:24). Therefore, He had to hide His face from them.
Joel 2:26
The Judgment on Gog Glorifies the LORD
In Ezekiel 39:17 we hear a new “thus says the Lord GOD” – for the sixth time in these two chapters. The LORD is returning to what He said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 39:4. He is to call all the birds of prey and beasts of prey to feast on the fallen multitude of Gog. The LORD calls it “My sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17; 19) and “a great sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17) that He brings.
The predators may eat the flesh and drink the blood (Ezekiel 39:17-19). The blood is the life and belongs to God. He can therefore determine what He does with it. Here He gives it to the beasts of prey, making the libelous destruction of this immense army even more libelous. The ‘meal’ is mentioned in components and there may be unlimited eating, to satiety and drunkenness. The sacrifice that the LORD brings knows no measure. They may eat it at “My table” (Ezekiel 39:20). The LORD has prepared everything, they need only consume, placing no limit on themselves.
Through His dealings with Gog and his multitude, God shows His glory to the nations (Ezekiel 39:21). Those nations will see His judgment that He has executed. They will see in that judgment His hand that He has laid on Gog and His multitude as proof of His complete rule over these rebels.
If ever there was a thought that the LORD could not deliver His people, it has now been set right (Ezekiel 39:22). That thought may have arisen in the past among His people, the house of Israel, who have been besieged and destroyed again and again by enemies. That thought may also have occurred to the nations who have been able to take possession of Israel again and again (Ezekiel 39:23). The nations will come to realize that they were very wrong in attributing Israel’s exile to God’s inability to protect His people from the enemies.
It did not occur to them that God sent those very enemies and gave them the power to overcome His people because His people had been unfaithful to Him and therefore He had to discipline them. That is why the king of Babylon was able to carry the people away into exile and why other enemies were able to kill them. It is because the LORD has given His people into their hands. He dealt with His people because of their transgressions against Him (Ezekiel 39:24). Therefore, He had to hide His face from them.
Joel 2:27
The Judgment on Gog Glorifies the LORD
In Ezekiel 39:17 we hear a new “thus says the Lord GOD” – for the sixth time in these two chapters. The LORD is returning to what He said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 39:4. He is to call all the birds of prey and beasts of prey to feast on the fallen multitude of Gog. The LORD calls it “My sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17; 19) and “a great sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17) that He brings.
The predators may eat the flesh and drink the blood (Ezekiel 39:17-19). The blood is the life and belongs to God. He can therefore determine what He does with it. Here He gives it to the beasts of prey, making the libelous destruction of this immense army even more libelous. The ‘meal’ is mentioned in components and there may be unlimited eating, to satiety and drunkenness. The sacrifice that the LORD brings knows no measure. They may eat it at “My table” (Ezekiel 39:20). The LORD has prepared everything, they need only consume, placing no limit on themselves.
Through His dealings with Gog and his multitude, God shows His glory to the nations (Ezekiel 39:21). Those nations will see His judgment that He has executed. They will see in that judgment His hand that He has laid on Gog and His multitude as proof of His complete rule over these rebels.
If ever there was a thought that the LORD could not deliver His people, it has now been set right (Ezekiel 39:22). That thought may have arisen in the past among His people, the house of Israel, who have been besieged and destroyed again and again by enemies. That thought may also have occurred to the nations who have been able to take possession of Israel again and again (Ezekiel 39:23). The nations will come to realize that they were very wrong in attributing Israel’s exile to God’s inability to protect His people from the enemies.
It did not occur to them that God sent those very enemies and gave them the power to overcome His people because His people had been unfaithful to Him and therefore He had to discipline them. That is why the king of Babylon was able to carry the people away into exile and why other enemies were able to kill them. It is because the LORD has given His people into their hands. He dealt with His people because of their transgressions against Him (Ezekiel 39:24). Therefore, He had to hide His face from them.
Joel 2:28
The Judgment on Gog Glorifies the LORD
In Ezekiel 39:17 we hear a new “thus says the Lord GOD” – for the sixth time in these two chapters. The LORD is returning to what He said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 39:4. He is to call all the birds of prey and beasts of prey to feast on the fallen multitude of Gog. The LORD calls it “My sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17; 19) and “a great sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17) that He brings.
The predators may eat the flesh and drink the blood (Ezekiel 39:17-19). The blood is the life and belongs to God. He can therefore determine what He does with it. Here He gives it to the beasts of prey, making the libelous destruction of this immense army even more libelous. The ‘meal’ is mentioned in components and there may be unlimited eating, to satiety and drunkenness. The sacrifice that the LORD brings knows no measure. They may eat it at “My table” (Ezekiel 39:20). The LORD has prepared everything, they need only consume, placing no limit on themselves.
Through His dealings with Gog and his multitude, God shows His glory to the nations (Ezekiel 39:21). Those nations will see His judgment that He has executed. They will see in that judgment His hand that He has laid on Gog and His multitude as proof of His complete rule over these rebels.
If ever there was a thought that the LORD could not deliver His people, it has now been set right (Ezekiel 39:22). That thought may have arisen in the past among His people, the house of Israel, who have been besieged and destroyed again and again by enemies. That thought may also have occurred to the nations who have been able to take possession of Israel again and again (Ezekiel 39:23). The nations will come to realize that they were very wrong in attributing Israel’s exile to God’s inability to protect His people from the enemies.
It did not occur to them that God sent those very enemies and gave them the power to overcome His people because His people had been unfaithful to Him and therefore He had to discipline them. That is why the king of Babylon was able to carry the people away into exile and why other enemies were able to kill them. It is because the LORD has given His people into their hands. He dealt with His people because of their transgressions against Him (Ezekiel 39:24). Therefore, He had to hide His face from them.
Joel 2:29
The Judgment on Gog Glorifies the LORD
In Ezekiel 39:17 we hear a new “thus says the Lord GOD” – for the sixth time in these two chapters. The LORD is returning to what He said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 39:4. He is to call all the birds of prey and beasts of prey to feast on the fallen multitude of Gog. The LORD calls it “My sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17; 19) and “a great sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17) that He brings.
The predators may eat the flesh and drink the blood (Ezekiel 39:17-19). The blood is the life and belongs to God. He can therefore determine what He does with it. Here He gives it to the beasts of prey, making the libelous destruction of this immense army even more libelous. The ‘meal’ is mentioned in components and there may be unlimited eating, to satiety and drunkenness. The sacrifice that the LORD brings knows no measure. They may eat it at “My table” (Ezekiel 39:20). The LORD has prepared everything, they need only consume, placing no limit on themselves.
Through His dealings with Gog and his multitude, God shows His glory to the nations (Ezekiel 39:21). Those nations will see His judgment that He has executed. They will see in that judgment His hand that He has laid on Gog and His multitude as proof of His complete rule over these rebels.
If ever there was a thought that the LORD could not deliver His people, it has now been set right (Ezekiel 39:22). That thought may have arisen in the past among His people, the house of Israel, who have been besieged and destroyed again and again by enemies. That thought may also have occurred to the nations who have been able to take possession of Israel again and again (Ezekiel 39:23). The nations will come to realize that they were very wrong in attributing Israel’s exile to God’s inability to protect His people from the enemies.
It did not occur to them that God sent those very enemies and gave them the power to overcome His people because His people had been unfaithful to Him and therefore He had to discipline them. That is why the king of Babylon was able to carry the people away into exile and why other enemies were able to kill them. It is because the LORD has given His people into their hands. He dealt with His people because of their transgressions against Him (Ezekiel 39:24). Therefore, He had to hide His face from them.
Joel 2:30
The Judgment on Gog Glorifies the LORD
In Ezekiel 39:17 we hear a new “thus says the Lord GOD” – for the sixth time in these two chapters. The LORD is returning to what He said to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 39:4. He is to call all the birds of prey and beasts of prey to feast on the fallen multitude of Gog. The LORD calls it “My sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17; 19) and “a great sacrifice” (Ezekiel 39:17) that He brings.
The predators may eat the flesh and drink the blood (Ezekiel 39:17-19). The blood is the life and belongs to God. He can therefore determine what He does with it. Here He gives it to the beasts of prey, making the libelous destruction of this immense army even more libelous. The ‘meal’ is mentioned in components and there may be unlimited eating, to satiety and drunkenness. The sacrifice that the LORD brings knows no measure. They may eat it at “My table” (Ezekiel 39:20). The LORD has prepared everything, they need only consume, placing no limit on themselves.
Through His dealings with Gog and his multitude, God shows His glory to the nations (Ezekiel 39:21). Those nations will see His judgment that He has executed. They will see in that judgment His hand that He has laid on Gog and His multitude as proof of His complete rule over these rebels.
If ever there was a thought that the LORD could not deliver His people, it has now been set right (Ezekiel 39:22). That thought may have arisen in the past among His people, the house of Israel, who have been besieged and destroyed again and again by enemies. That thought may also have occurred to the nations who have been able to take possession of Israel again and again (Ezekiel 39:23). The nations will come to realize that they were very wrong in attributing Israel’s exile to God’s inability to protect His people from the enemies.
It did not occur to them that God sent those very enemies and gave them the power to overcome His people because His people had been unfaithful to Him and therefore He had to discipline them. That is why the king of Babylon was able to carry the people away into exile and why other enemies were able to kill them. It is because the LORD has given His people into their hands. He dealt with His people because of their transgressions against Him (Ezekiel 39:24). Therefore, He had to hide His face from them.
Joel 2:31
Israel Restored in Their Land
For the seventh and final time in these two chapters, the words “thus says the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 39:25) are heard. The content of those words is the restoration of Israel to the land. That restoration begins by bringing a reversal in the captivity of His people whom He calls “Jacob” (cf. Psalms 85:1; Jeremiah 30:18; Jeremiah 33:26). The name Jacob recalls their progenitor in his weakness. The origin of restoration lies with the LORD and has its ground in His mercy and in standing up for His Name. He takes care of “the whole house of Israel”, that is, all twelve tribes (cf. Ezekiel 3:7; Ezekiel 20:40; Ezekiel 36:10; Ezekiel 37:11). At the same time He stands up for His holy Name.
All their disgrace and all their treachery in the past will be forgotten once they dwell in their land (Ezekiel 39:26). The people dwell in the land in peace as a people restored in their relationship with the LORD. This is also consistent with the prophet’s speech which speaks of the returned people who have finally found rest in the blessing of the kingdom of peace.
The Author of the blessing of the realm of peace is the LORD. He is bringing them back from the nations and gathering them from the lands of their enemies (Ezekiel 39:27). As a result, He will be sanctified through them in the sight of many nations, that is, they will recognize Him as the one true God. It will no longer be a question of Who is the God of Israel and that He – and not the nations – dealt with His people (Ezekiel 39:28).
He led His people into exile among the nations because of their unfaithfulness to Him. First in Babylon and later also among “many nations” because of their rejection of the Messiah. It will also be perfectly clear that it is He and no one else Who has gathered His people back to their land, not forgetting anyone.
Then the relationship is not merely temporary or partial, but forever and completely restored. He will no longer hide His face from them (Ezekiel 39:29). They don’t have to, because they will serve Him with all their heart. They do this because the LORD has poured out His Spirit on them. The Spirit lays hold of them and as a result they will always do everything to the glory of God. The Spirit will also dwell in the midst of God’s people in the rebuilt temple, about which the following chapters will inform us in detail.
Joel 2:32
Israel Restored in Their Land
For the seventh and final time in these two chapters, the words “thus says the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 39:25) are heard. The content of those words is the restoration of Israel to the land. That restoration begins by bringing a reversal in the captivity of His people whom He calls “Jacob” (cf. Psalms 85:1; Jeremiah 30:18; Jeremiah 33:26). The name Jacob recalls their progenitor in his weakness. The origin of restoration lies with the LORD and has its ground in His mercy and in standing up for His Name. He takes care of “the whole house of Israel”, that is, all twelve tribes (cf. Ezekiel 3:7; Ezekiel 20:40; Ezekiel 36:10; Ezekiel 37:11). At the same time He stands up for His holy Name.
All their disgrace and all their treachery in the past will be forgotten once they dwell in their land (Ezekiel 39:26). The people dwell in the land in peace as a people restored in their relationship with the LORD. This is also consistent with the prophet’s speech which speaks of the returned people who have finally found rest in the blessing of the kingdom of peace.
The Author of the blessing of the realm of peace is the LORD. He is bringing them back from the nations and gathering them from the lands of their enemies (Ezekiel 39:27). As a result, He will be sanctified through them in the sight of many nations, that is, they will recognize Him as the one true God. It will no longer be a question of Who is the God of Israel and that He – and not the nations – dealt with His people (Ezekiel 39:28).
He led His people into exile among the nations because of their unfaithfulness to Him. First in Babylon and later also among “many nations” because of their rejection of the Messiah. It will also be perfectly clear that it is He and no one else Who has gathered His people back to their land, not forgetting anyone.
Then the relationship is not merely temporary or partial, but forever and completely restored. He will no longer hide His face from them (Ezekiel 39:29). They don’t have to, because they will serve Him with all their heart. They do this because the LORD has poured out His Spirit on them. The Spirit lays hold of them and as a result they will always do everything to the glory of God. The Spirit will also dwell in the midst of God’s people in the rebuilt temple, about which the following chapters will inform us in detail.