Ezekiel 38:10

KJV

Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; It shall also come to pass, that at the same time {H3117} shall things {H1697} come {H5927} into thy mind {H3824}, and thou shalt think {H2803} an evil {H7451} thought {H4284}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Adonai ELOHIM says: 'When that day comes, thoughts will well up in your mind, and you will devise a sinister scheme.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: It shall come to pass in that day, that things shall come into thy mind, and thou shalt devise an evil device:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:10 reveals a profound dimension of divine sovereignty, declaring that at a specific, divinely appointed future moment, God will supernaturally prompt malevolent intentions within the mind of Gog, the leader of Magog. This declaration underscores that Gog's future invasion of Israel, driven by an "evil thought" or malevolent scheme, is not merely a human initiative but an event meticulously orchestrated by God. It highlights God's absolute control over all human affairs, even the wickedest designs, ensuring that His prophetic purposes are fulfilled and His glory is ultimately displayed to the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 38:10 is strategically placed within a major prophetic oracle spanning [Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 & 39 - The Prophecy Against Gog"), which details a massive, future invasion of the land of Israel by a formidable coalition of nations led by Gog, identified as the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal ([Ezekiel 38:2-3](/ezekiel/38-2-3 "Ezekiel 38:2-3 - Gog, Prince of Meshech and Tubal")). The verses immediately preceding 38:10 describe Gog's preparation and the immense military force he will assemble, emphasizing the scale of the impending threat. The phrase "at the same time" in verse 10 directly connects to the prior description of Israel dwelling securely in "unwalled villages" ([Ezekiel 38:8](/ezekiel/38-8 "Ezekiel 38:8 - Israel Dwelling Securely"), [Ezekiel 38:11](/ezekiel/38-11 "Ezekiel 38:11 - Israel's Unwalled Villages")), indicating that Gog's evil scheme will arise precisely when Israel is in a state of vulnerable peace, making them an attractive target for plunder. This divine declaration to Gog highlights that his actions, though seemingly autonomous, are part of God's overarching plan to demonstrate His holiness and power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (6th century BC), a period of immense national trauma and displacement for Israel. His prophecies often oscillate between messages of judgment for Israel's sin and glorious promises of future restoration, offering hope for a return to the land and spiritual renewal. While the Gog and Magog prophecy is distinctly eschatological, its imagery draws from the ancient Near Eastern understanding of military campaigns and the vulnerability of unwalled settlements. The concept of "unwalled villages" ([Ezekiel 38:11](/ezekiel/38-11 "Ezekiel 38:11 - Israel's Unwalled Villages")) implies a people living without defensive fortifications, trusting in peace, which would have been highly unusual and risky in the ancient world, thus making them an irresistible target for a predatory power like Gog. The nations listed in Gog's coalition (Magog, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Ethiopia, Put, Gomer, Togarmah) represent a broad geographical and cultural sweep from the ancient world, emphasizing the global scale of this future conflict and God's intent to reveal His glory to all peoples.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history and even the malicious intentions of wicked leaders. God not only foresees Gog's "evil thought" but declares that He will cause it to come into Gog's mind, effectively orchestrating events to fulfill His prophetic word. This echoes the biblical truth that while [man plans his way, the Lord directs his steps](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). Another theme is **The Nature of Gog's Intent**, which is revealed as a deliberate, malevolent plan to conquer and plunder a seemingly defenseless Israel ([Ezekiel 38:11-12](/ezekiel/38-11-12 "Ezekiel 38:11-12 - Gog's Intent to Plunder")). This highlights the inherent desire for destruction and gain that characterizes adversaries of God's people. Finally, [Ezekiel 38-39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 & 39 - The Prophecy Against Gog") is a foundational text for **End-Time Prophecy**, predicting a significant future battle involving a vast coalition against Israel, ultimately leading to God's dramatic intervention and self-vindication before all nations, as promised in [Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - God's Purpose in Gog's Invasion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **things (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word denotes a "word," "matter," or "thing." In this context, it refers to the specific plans, intentions, or schemes that will enter Gog's mind. It emphasizes the concrete nature of his future designs, indicating that these are not vague impulses but definite, actionable ideas that will lead to his invasion. The breadth of its meaning highlights that God's influence extends to every aspect of Gog's future plotting.
* **think (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** From H2803, a primitive root meaning "to plait or interpenetrate," which extends figuratively to "to weave," "to fabricate," or, often in a malicious sense, "to plot" or "contrive." It denotes a deliberate mental effort to devise or imagine. This word highlights Gog's active formulation of his destructive scheme, indicating that he will consciously and intentionally develop this "evil thought" into a full-fledged plan, emphasizing his culpability despite divine orchestration.
* **thought (Hebrew, _machăshâbâh'_):** From H4284, meaning a "contrivance," "intention," or "plan." It can refer to either good advice or a bad plot. When combined with "evil" (H7451, _raʻ_), as it is here, it specifies a malevolent, well-formed strategy or design. It signifies a calculated purpose or design, not merely a fleeting idea, but a deliberate, hostile scheme aimed at harm and plunder.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase, a common prophetic formula (derived from H559, _ʼâmar_, "to say"; H136, _ʼĂdônây_, "Lord"; and H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_, "GOD"), establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the message. It signifies that the following declaration is not a human conjecture but a direct, authoritative pronouncement from the sovereign God of Israel, ensuring the inevitability of what is to come. This formula underscores the prophetic nature of Ezekiel's writing.
* **"It shall also come to pass, that at the same time":** This clause emphasizes the inevitability and precise timing of the events. "It shall also come to pass" underscores the certainty of the prophecy, while "at the same time" (H3117, _yôwm_, often meaning "day" but here "time" or "period") refers to a specific, divinely appointed future period. This timing is crucial, linking Gog's arising to Israel's secure dwelling in the land, as described in [Ezekiel 38:8](/ezekiel/38-8 "Ezekiel 38:8 - Israel Dwelling Securely"), highlighting God's meticulous scheduling of prophetic fulfillment.
* **"shall things come into thy mind":** This clause reveals the divine instigation behind Gog's future actions. The "things" (H1697, _dâbâr_) are the ideas, plans, and intentions that God Himself will cause to arise within Gog's inner being (H3824, _lêbâb_, referring to the heart or mind, as the seat of thought and will). This demonstrates that while Gog retains his will and is morally responsible, his very thoughts are subject to God's sovereign influence, serving God's ultimate purposes.
* **"and thou shalt think an evil thought:":** This final clause specifies the nature of the plans that will emerge in Gog's mind. The phrase "evil thought" (H7451, _raʻ_, "bad" or "evil," and H4284, _machăshâbâh_, "contrivance" or "plan") denotes a malevolent, destructive scheme, a deliberate plot aimed at harm and plunder against Israel. This thought is not random but a calculated design, divinely permitted and directed for God's ultimate purposes of self-revelation and judgment, showcasing how God can use even the wicked's intentions for His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:10 employs several potent literary devices that enhance its theological impact. **Divine Discourse** is immediately evident in the opening "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which unequivocally establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the prophecy, emphasizing that the subsequent events are not contingent but divinely decreed. The concept of "things" coming "into thy mind" and Gog thinking an "evil thought" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described as actively influencing human thought processes, albeit in a way that aligns with human culpability. This highlights God's pervasive sovereignty over all creation, including the inner workings of human will. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, providing a glimpse into a future event and revealing the divine hand behind it. It sets the stage for the dramatic confrontation described in the subsequent verses, preparing the reader for God's ultimate intervention and self-vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:10 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty, even over the most malevolent human intentions. It reveals that God is not merely a passive observer of history but an active orchestrator, capable of influencing the hearts and minds of leaders, even those who oppose Him. This divine control ensures that no human scheme, however evil or ambitious, can thwart God's ultimate purposes. The "evil thought" of Gog, far from being an unforeseen challenge to God's plan, is incorporated into it, serving as a catalyst for God to display His glory and holiness to the nations. This demonstrates that God's justice and power will ultimately prevail, using even the wickedness of humanity to achieve His righteous ends and vindicate His name.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps") - "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument") - "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger... Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few."
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh") - "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:10 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers today, particularly in a world often marked by geopolitical instability and the rise of hostile ideologies. The assurance that God sovereignly orchestrates even the "evil thoughts" of powerful adversaries provides immense comfort and peace. It reminds us that no human plot, no matter how formidable or malicious, can ultimately derail God's overarching plan for His people and the world. This truth calls us to a deeper trust in God's control, encouraging us to release anxieties about global events and instead fix our hope on His unfailing faithfulness and ultimate victory. It also serves as a powerful reminder to pray for leaders, knowing that their hearts are in the hand of the Lord, and He can turn them wherever He wills. Our confidence rests not in human strength or political maneuvering, but in the God who uses all things, even evil, to accomplish His glorious purposes and demonstrate His holiness to all creation, inviting us to participate in His purposes through prayer and faithful living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over even evil intentions impact your view of current global events and political leaders?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control, trusting that God's ultimate plan will prevail, even amidst seemingly chaotic circumstances?**
* **How can the certainty of God's prophetic fulfillment, as seen in this verse, strengthen your faith and encourage you to live with greater purpose and less fear?**

### FAQ
**Is Gog's "evil thought" truly his own, or is God forcing him to think it?**

Answer: This verse highlights a profound theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God declares that "things shall come into thy mind," implying divine influence or permission, this does not negate Gog's moral culpability. The Hebrew verb "think" (_châshab_) indicates a deliberate act of plotting, suggesting that the evil intent itself originates from Gog's own wicked character and desires. God's sovereignty works in mysterious ways, often allowing human will to operate freely within the bounds of His overarching plan. He may present the opportunity, remove obstacles, or even stir up latent desires, but the choice to embrace and act upon the evil thought remains Gog's. This is similar to how God "hardened Pharaoh's heart" in [Exodus 9:12](/exodus/9-12 "Exodus 9:12 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart"), where Pharaoh's own stubbornness and wickedness were also significant factors. God's purpose is to demonstrate His power and glory through the actions of both righteous and wicked individuals, ultimately using even the schemes of the wicked to achieve His righteous purposes, as seen in [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh").

**When will this prophecy concerning Gog and Magog be fulfilled?**

Answer: The timing of the Gog and Magog war, as described in [Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 & 39 - The Prophecy Against Gog"), is a subject of significant debate among biblical scholars. Some interpret it as occurring before the Tribulation, others during, and still others at the end of the Millennium, as suggested by [Revelation 20:7-9](/revelation/20-7-9 "Revelation 20:7-9 - Satan's Final Rebellion"). The phrase "at the same time" (H3117, _yôwm_) in [Ezekiel 38:10](/ezekiel/38-10 "Ezekiel 38:10 - Gog's Evil Thought") refers to a specific, divinely appointed future period, often understood in conjunction with Israel's restoration to their land in security, as described in [Ezekiel 38:8](/ezekiel/38-8 "Ezekiel 38:8 - Israel Dwelling Securely"). While the exact timing remains a mystery, the prophecy's certainty and its ultimate purpose—to glorify God and demonstrate His power to the nations—are clear and foundational to its interpretation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 38:10, with its portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty over the evil intentions of human adversaries, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "evil thought" of Gog, divinely permitted and orchestrated by God for His glory, foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's plan over all evil, culminating in Christ's redemptive work. Just as God used Gog's malicious intent to display His power, so too did He allow the "evil thoughts" and plots of wicked men to crucify His Son, turning the greatest act of human evil into the greatest act of divine redemption and salvation for humanity ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Peter's Sermon on the Crucifixion")). Through His death on the cross, Christ decisively defeated the powers of darkness and evil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), disarming them and making a public spectacle of their defeat. The future defeat of Gog, as described in [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - The Destruction of Gog"), points to the final, decisive victory of Christ over all His enemies at His second coming ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Return and Victory")). Ultimately, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")), demonstrating that all human and spiritual "thoughts" and schemes, whether good or evil, are ultimately subject to His sovereign will and contribute to the establishment of His eternal kingdom, over which He must reign until all enemies are under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Psalms 36:4

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.

Acts 5:9

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Isaiah 10:7

Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but [it is] in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Psalms 83:3

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

Psalms 83:4

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.