Ezekiel 38:14

KJV

¶ Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know [it]?

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012} and say {H559} unto Gog {H1463}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; In that day {H3117} when my people {H5971} of Israel {H3478} dwelleth {H3427} safely {H983}, shalt thou not know {H3045} it?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore, human being, prophesy! Tell Gog that Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'Won't you be aware of it when my people Isra'el are living in security?

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore prophesy, son of man, and tell Gog that this is what the Lord GOD says: On that day when My people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not take notice of this?

American Standard Version

Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In that day when my people Israel dwelleth securely, shalt thou not know it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:14 is a pivotal declaration within the prophecy against Gog, revealing God's sovereign orchestration of future events. It precisely frames the timing of Gog's formidable invasion against the regathered nation of Israel, asserting that Gog's awareness of Israel's peaceful and secure dwelling will be the divinely permitted catalyst for his aggressive campaign, thereby setting the stage for God's dramatic intervention and self-vindication before the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extended prophetic oracle against Gog of Magog, spanning [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - The Prophecy Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment on Gog"). Immediately preceding [Ezekiel 38:14](/ezekiel/38-14 "Ezekiel 38:14 - Gog's Awareness of Israel's Safety"), verses [Ezekiel 38:8](/ezekiel/38-8 "Ezekiel 38:8 - Israel's Return and Security") and [Ezekiel 38:11](/ezekiel/38-11 "Ezekiel 38:11 - Israel Dwelling in Unwalled Villages") describe Israel's state of dwelling "safely," without walls, bars, or gates, having been regathered from among many peoples. This seemingly vulnerable yet divinely secured state, a result of divine restoration, is precisely what makes Israel an enticing target for Gog's covetous plans, detailed in [Ezekiel 38:12-13](/ezekiel/38-12-13 "Ezekiel 38:12-13 - Gog's Intent to Plunder"). Verse 14, therefore, serves as God's direct address to Gog, confirming that Gog's awareness of this security will trigger the invasion, not as an independent act of aggression, but as part of God's predetermined plan to display His glory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Gog and Magog transcends a specific historical moment in Ezekiel's immediate post-exilic context, pointing to a future, eschatological event. However, it draws on ancient geopolitical realities and cultural perceptions. Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a time when Israel's security was non-existent. The vision of Israel dwelling "safely" implies a future state of peace and restoration, likely following their return to the land, a stark contrast to their historical vulnerability. The concept of "Gog" and "Magog" likely refers to northern, formidable, and distant nations, perhaps drawing on vague knowledge of Scythian or Cimmerian tribes known for their ferocity and predatory nature. Culturally, the idea of a nation dwelling "safely" without fortifications would have been highly unusual and indicative of either extreme peace or extreme vulnerability, making it an irresistible target for marauding armies driven by plunder, a common motivation for ancient warfare, as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 38:12](/ezekiel/38-12 "Ezekiel 38:12 - Gog's Motivation for Spoil").
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 38:14](/ezekiel/38-14 "Ezekiel 38:14 - God's Foreknowledge of Gog's Invasion") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing God's absolute control over all nations and historical events, even the malevolent intentions of adversaries like Gog. God declares "Thus saith the Lord GOD," asserting His ultimate authority and foreknowledge, demonstrating that Gog's actions are not random but part of a divine plan to bring about judgment and self-revelation (cf. [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). Another key theme is **Israel's Restoration and Security**, which, though perceived as vulnerability by Gog, is divinely ordained and protected. This perceived security, described in [Ezekiel 38:8](/ezekiel/38-8 "Ezekiel 38:8 - Israel's Return and Security"), becomes the very bait God uses to draw Gog to his judgment. Finally, the verse highlights **Divine Judgment and Vindication**, as Gog's invasion, fueled by his awareness of Israel's safety, becomes the occasion for God to display His power and holiness before all nations, ultimately vindicating His name and demonstrating His faithfulness to His people, a theme echoed throughout [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration and God's Holy Name").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** (H5012) This primitive root means "to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)." In Ezekiel 38:14, it underscores Ezekiel's role as God's mouthpiece, delivering a divinely inspired message that is not merely a human prediction but a declaration of God's certain future actions and intentions regarding Gog. It emphasizes the authoritative and supernatural origin of the message, highlighting that Ezekiel is a conduit for divine truth.
* **safely (Hebrew, _beṭach'_):** (H983) Derived from a root meaning "to trust," this word denotes "safety," "security," "confidence," or "assurance." It describes Israel's state of dwelling without fear or defensive fortifications, implying a deep sense of trust or a divinely bestowed peace. This security, which Gog perceives as vulnerability, is precisely the condition that God exploits to draw Gog into the land for judgment, highlighting the ironic nature of human perception versus divine design.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing "to ascertain by seeing," "to perceive," "to be aware," "to recognize," and even "to experience." In the rhetorical question "shalt thou not know [it]?", it implies that Gog will indeed gain full awareness of Israel's peaceful and prosperous state, and this knowledge will serve as his motivation for invasion. It speaks to Gog's conscious decision based on his perception, even as God orchestrates his steps.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog":** This opening command reiterates Ezekiel's prophetic commission, emphasizing that the message is not his own but a direct revelation from God. The address to "son of man" (Hebrew: *ben-'adam*, H1121, H120), Ezekiel's frequent designation, highlights his humanity as the humble conduit for divine truth. The specific target, "Gog" (H1463), immediately identifies the formidable adversary who is the subject of this critical prophecy.
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This authoritative formula, characteristic of prophetic literature, unequivocally declares the divine origin and absolute certainty of the message. "The Lord GOD" (Hebrew: *ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih*, H136, H3069) combines two sacred titles, asserting God's supreme sovereignty and covenant faithfulness, underscoring that this is an unalterable divine decree, not a mere prediction or human speculation.
* **"In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely":** This clause sets the precise timing and condition for Gog's invasion. It refers to a future "day" (Hebrew: *yôwm*, H3117), likely an eschatological period, when God's people (Hebrew: *ʻam*, H5971) of Israel (Hebrew: *Yisrâʼêl*, H3478), having been regathered and restored, will be dwelling (Hebrew: *yâshab*, H3427) in a state of profound peace and security (Hebrew: *beṭach*, H983), without the usual defensive measures. This state of "safety" is not a result of Israel's military might but of divine protection and blessing.
* **"shalt thou not know [it]?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, implying an emphatic affirmative answer: "You will certainly know it!" Gog will be fully aware of Israel's peaceful and undefended state. This awareness will be the immediate human trigger for his invasion, fueled by covetousness, even though it is ultimately part of God's overarching plan to draw Gog into judgment and to display His glory. The verb "know" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*, H3045) here signifies a definite perception and understanding on Gog's part.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "shalt thou not know [it]?", which is not meant to elicit an answer but to make an emphatic statement that Gog will indeed be fully aware of Israel's peaceful dwelling. This device highlights the certainty of Gog's perception and motivation, underscoring God's foreknowledge. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" exemplifies **Divine Address** and **Prophetic Oracle**, establishing the absolute authority and divine origin of the message, distinguishing it from human speculation. The consistent use of "son of man" as a recurring epithet for Ezekiel is a form of **Appellation**, consistently underscoring his human status in contrast to the divine majesty he mediates. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as **Foreshadowing**, detailing future events with precision, thereby demonstrating God's omniscience and His control over the unfolding of history. The contrast between Israel's perceived vulnerability and God's ultimate purpose in drawing Gog is a subtle form of **Irony**, where Gog's perceived advantage becomes the very means of his downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:14 profoundly underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, revealing that even the most formidable and hostile human actions are not outside the purview or ultimate control of God. Gog's invasion, though seemingly an independent act of aggression fueled by greed, is presented as an event precisely timed and orchestrated by God to fulfill His purposes. This verse confirms that God's foreknowledge is not passive observation but active determination, drawing nations into His judgment to vindicate His holy name and demonstrate His unwavering faithfulness to His people. It reassures believers that even amidst global turmoil and threats against God's chosen, the Lord remains enthroned, working all things according to the counsel of His will, ultimately for His glory and the security of His covenant people.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Sovereignty Over All Earth's Inhabitants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:14 offers profound spiritual comfort and a call to discerning faith in a world often characterized by uncertainty and fear. It reminds us that no geopolitical maneuver, no hostile intent, and no perceived vulnerability of God's people can ever thwart His ultimate plan. For the believer, this means we can rest in the absolute sovereignty of God, knowing that He is not merely reacting to world events but actively orchestrating them, even using the malice of adversaries to achieve His righteous purposes. This understanding fosters a deep sense of security, not in human strength or political alliances, but in the unfailing power and wisdom of the Lord GOD. It encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Our response should be one of watchful prayer, confident expectation, and steadfast faithfulness, knowing that God's ultimate victory is assured, and His glory will be revealed through all things. This divine orchestration demands our worship and trust, empowering us to live fearlessly in the face of perceived threats, grounded in the unshakeable truth of God's control.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's sovereignty over the actions of nations, as seen in this verse, impact your view of current global events and future prophecies?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's perfect timing and His ability to use seemingly negative circumstances for His glory and your good?**
* **How does the assurance of God's protection over His people, even when they appear vulnerable, encourage you in your own faith journey and equip you to face personal challenges?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Gog "knowing" that Israel dwells safely?**

Answer: The significance of Gog "knowing" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*) Israel dwells safely is multifaceted. Firstly, it highlights Gog's immediate motivation: he perceives Israel's unwalled, peaceful state as an easy target for plunder, as described in [Ezekiel 38:12](/ezekiel/38-12 "Ezekiel 38:12 - Gog's Desire for Spoil"). This knowledge fuels his covetousness and strategic calculations. Secondly, and more importantly, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty. God is not merely predicting Gog's awareness; He is actively drawing Gog to this precise point. Gog's "knowledge" and subsequent invasion are part of God's predetermined plan to bring Gog to judgment and to display His glory to the nations ([Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - God's Purpose in Gog's Invasion")). It demonstrates that even the enemy's perceived advantage is used by God for His ultimate purposes, turning human malice into an instrument of divine justice and self-revelation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 38:14, like all Old Testament prophecies, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy of Gog's invasion, orchestrated by God to display His sovereignty and protect His people, foreshadows the greater reality of Christ's ultimate victory over all spiritual and earthly adversaries. Just as God draws Gog to his judgment, Christ, the true Lord GOD, will decisively defeat every foe that rises against His kingdom and His people. The "safety" of Israel, which tempts Gog, points to the ultimate and eternal security found in Christ. Believers are now the spiritual Israel, dwelling "safely" not in physical walls but in the impenetrable fortress of God's grace and Christ's finished work ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Your Life is Hidden with Christ in God")). The "day" when Gog invades points to the eschatological climax when Christ will return in glory, not merely to judge one nation, but to establish His eternal reign and utterly vanquish all evil, including the spiritual forces behind every "Gog" ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return and Defeat of the Beast and His Armies")). The ultimate "knowing" is not Gog's awareness of Israel's vulnerability, but the universal recognition of Christ's supreme authority and the unshakable security of His redeemed people, who will dwell with Him forever in perfect peace, beyond the reach of any enemy, where God Himself will be their dwelling and safety ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People and Wipes Away Every Tear")).

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

Zechariah 2:5

For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

Ezekiel 38:8

After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.

Ezekiel 38:11

And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Zechariah 2:8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Ezekiel 37:28

And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Isaiah 4:1

¶ And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.