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38:1–39:24 The prophecy against Gog interrupts the restorative vision of ch. 37 with the onslaught of a vast army. While the structure follows that of an oracle of judgment against a foreign nation, the location of the land of Magog is uncertain. As in earlier oracles against the nations (such as ch. 27), Ezekiel uses geographic references from the Table of Nations in Gen 10 to give a global scope to his apocalyptic vision. This perplexing oracle of the last days has inspired extensive speculation. Interpreters have strained to explain the symbolism in historical, eschatological, or metaphorical terms. The primary antagonist’s identity is perhaps the most elusive detail. A northern prince leads a great horde of soldiers south against a peaceful Israel. Yahweh thwarts the invasion, rising to defend His people and their land.

Ezekiel’s rhetoric often uses themes of Yahweh’s holiness and His desire to vindicate His reputation through judgment. Such use is prominent throughout this oracle. The imagery recalls the motif of disaster from the north (Jer 4:6) as well as Isaiah’s vision of Yahweh defeating Israel’s enemies on the mountains (Isa 14:25) and the end-of-days global battle envisioned in Zech 14. The later use of “Gog and Magog” in apocalyptic texts demonstrates Ezekiel’s influence on Jewish and Christian literature. The phrase has become a cipher for the evil enemy of God’s people in the end times (e.g., Rev 20).

Gog ISBE

Gog and Magog AYBD

Apocalyptic Literature

38:2 Gog of The identity of Gog is uncertain. Ezekiel does not seem to attach any particular significance to the figure beyond using it as a symbol for human pride subject to divine judgment. The unnamed kings of Tyre and Egypt functioned similarly in the oracles in Ezek 26–32. In the eschatological framework of the oracle, an attempt to connect Gog with a historical figure would be misguided. Gog personifies the evil of human rebellion against Yahweh.

The most common historical identification of Gog focuses on Gyges, king of Lydia in central Asia Minor. Problems with this identification include the lack of hostility between Lydia and Judah and the 50-year period between the reign of Gyges and the time of Ezekiel. The creation of the name as a symbolic enemy is more likely, especially considering the graphic similarities in Hebrew between the name Gog and names of ancient enemies of Israel, Og (Num 21:33) and Agag (Num 24:7; 1 Sam 15:8–33). The regular interchange of Og, Agag, and Gog in copies of the Greek translation of the Bible (the Septuagint) strengthens the suggestion that these mysterious figures blended into an archetypal enemy of Israel. In Numbers 24:7, the Septuagint has “Gog” for “Agag.” “Gog” appears for “Og” in a copy of the Septuagint of Deut 3:1, and “Og” is even substituted for “Gog” in a Greek copy of Ezek 38:2.

Gog DDD

Gog AYBD

the land of Magog Most likely a Hebrew form of the Akkadian name Mat Gugu, meaning “land of Gog.” The Jewish historian Josephus locates Magog in the area of Lydia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).

the head leader of Meshech and Tubal Meshech (also rendered “Meshek”) and Tubal are mentioned in the Table of Nations in Gen 10:2. Their location in central Asia Minor supports a connection between Magog and Lydia. See note on Ezek 27:13.

The traditional reading of the text is “prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal,” but the land of Rosh is otherwise unattested and completely unknown. Rosh is usually translated as “chief” or “head,” and the syntax of the text allows the possibility of reading “chief prince of Meshech and Tubal.”

38:3 Look! I am against you The familiar challenge formula of Ezekiel’s judgment oracles.

38:4 and I will place hooks in your cheeks An image borrowed from an oracle against Egypt. See 29:4.

shield, and small shield The Hebrew words here refer to a large shield and a standard shield. See note on 23:24.

38:5–6 Gog’s vast army includes soldiers from a range of territories. The geographic extent of his connections is reminiscent of those of Tyre from ch. 27. As in ch. 27, the names of Gog’s allies come from the Table of Nations in Gen 10.

38:5 Persia, Cush, and Put Imagery echoing Ezek 27:10. Persia was the country east of Babylon (modern Iran). Cush was the country south of Egypt, also known as Ethiopia or Nubia. Put was a name for Libya, west of Egypt in North Africa.

38:6 Gomer Likely a name for the people known as Gimirrai to the Assyrians and Cimmerians to the Greeks. They lived in northern Anatolia (modern Turkey) near the Black Sea and were historical enemies of Lydia. If Magog is a name for Lydia, then Ezekiel depicts them as allies. The connection would make sense from a biblical standpoint, since Gomer and Magog are juxtaposed in the Table of Nations in Gen 10:2.

Beth Togarmah Gen 10:3 lists Togarmah as a son of Gomer. They were likely from the same general area as Gomer (see note on Ezek 27:14).

38:8 After many days you will be mustered Implies that Yahweh will summon Gog against His own people (see v. 16 and note). The time references in this oracle are uncharacteristically vague.

gathered Depicts the restored nation promised in chs. 36–37. Fulfillment is set in the future after Yahweh’s promised restoration of Israel and established rule of the Messiah.

38:10 things will come up on your mind Gog’s ambitions resemble those of the king of Assyria in Isa 10:5–15. Yahweh uses both, and both arrogantly take credit for their own power.

38:13 Sheba and Dedan Centers of trade in Arabia. Sheba was in the southwest (see note on Ezek 27:22); Dedan was in the northwest. See note on 27:15.

Nations of Genesis 10

Tarshish A Phoenician trading port, probably in Spain. See note on Jonah 1:3.

38:16 I show myself holy through you before their eyes, O Gog Yahweh’s purpose in summoning Gog becomes clear. Once again, He must repair His reputation in the eyes of the nations by showing Himself powerful enough to defend His people.

38:17 of whom I spoke in former days Likely alludes to the prophetic motif of invasion from the north (see Jer 6:22).

38:19 great earthquake Gog’s invasion provokes Yahweh’s wrath. The appearance of God (a theophany) caused extensive upheaval and cosmic disturbances (compare Jer 4:23–26).

38:21 in all of my mountains Yahweh tramples Assyria in judgment in Isa 14:25.

38:22 torrents of rain, and hailstones; fire and sulfur Familiar images of divine wrath and judgment (compare Ezek 13:13; Exod 9:19–25; Gen 19:24).

	About Faithlife Study Bible Faithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text.
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