Ezekiel 38:17

KJV

Thus saith the Lord GOD; [Art] thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days [many] years that I would bring thee against them?

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Art thou he of whom I have spoken {H1696} in old {H6931} time {H3117} by {H3027} my servants {H5650} the prophets {H5030} of Israel {H3478}, which prophesied {H5012} in those days {H3117} many years {H8141} that I would bring {H935} thee against them?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I spoke of you long ago through my servants the prophets of Isra'el. Back then, they prophesied for many years that I would have you invade them.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you the one of whom I have spoken in former days through My servants, the prophets of Israel, who in those times prophesied for years that I would bring you against them?

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Art thou he of whom I spake in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, that prophesied in those days for many years that I would bring thee against them?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:17 serves as a profound declaration of divine sovereignty, where the Lord God directly confronts Gog, the leader of the invading coalition, asserting that his seemingly autonomous actions are, in fact, the predetermined fulfillment of ancient prophecies. This verse underscores God's absolute control over history, His meticulous foreknowledge of future events, and His unwavering purpose to bring about His will, even through the agency of His enemies, ultimately for the revelation of His glory to all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 38:17 is situated within the dramatic prophetic narrative of Gog of Magog, spanning [Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - The Prophecy Against Gog and Magog"). This section describes a massive, multi-national invasion of Israel in the "latter days," led by Gog from the land of Magog. The preceding verses, specifically [Ezekiel 38:1-13](/ezekiel/38-1-13 "Ezekiel 38:1-13 - Gog's Coalition and Motives"), meticulously detail the composition of this formidable invading force, their geographical origins, and their predatory motives—to plunder a seemingly defenseless Israel. Verse 17 marks a pivotal moment where the narrative shifts from describing the invasion to revealing its divine orchestration. The Lord God directly addresses Gog, transforming what appears to be a geopolitical catastrophe into a divinely controlled event, setting the stage for God's spectacular intervention and self-vindication in the subsequent verses, particularly [Ezekiel 38:18-23](/ezekiel/38-18-23 "Ezekiel 38:18-23 - God's Fury and Self-Vindication").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period of immense national trauma for Israel. The prophecies concerning Gog and Magog, particularly their invasion in the "latter days," speak to an eschatological future, far beyond Ezekiel's immediate historical horizon. While the specific identity of Gog and Magog has been debated throughout history, the prophecy draws on the ancient Near Eastern understanding of powerful, often barbaric, nations from the "ends of the earth" that posed existential threats. Culturally, the concept of a sovereign God who uses nations, even wicked ones, as instruments of His judgment and purpose was not new to Israelite thought (e.g., Assyria and Babylon were seen as God's "rod" in [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Rod")). This prophecy would have offered a profound message of hope and reassurance to the exiled Israelites, reminding them that even the most terrifying future threats were under God's ultimate control, and His covenant promises to His people would endure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**. The rhetorical question, "Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time...?" is not a query but a declarative statement, asserting God's absolute control over all history and His perfect knowledge of future events, even those orchestrated by human or demonic malice. Gog's invasion is not a surprise to God but an integral part of His predetermined plan, as also seen in [Ezekiel 38:4](/ezekiel/38-4 "Ezekiel 38:4 - God Will Turn Gog Around"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Prophetic Fulfillment and the Reliability of God's Word**. The reference to "my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years" underscores the consistent and long-term nature of God's prophetic declarations. It reinforces the infallibility of biblical prophecy, demonstrating that God's word, once spoken, will inevitably come to pass, often in ways that reveal His glory, as promised in [Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Magnification Through Judgment"). Finally, the passage speaks to **God's Purpose in Judgment and Self-Revelation**. While the invasion seems disastrous, it is ultimately orchestrated by God to bring about His purposes—to judge the nations and to reveal His holiness and power to both Israel and the entire world, demonstrating that He is indeed the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This majestic combination of divine titles (H136 and H3069) signifies the supreme authority and covenantal faithfulness of God. _ʼĂdônây_ (Lord) emphasizes God's absolute mastery and sovereign rule over all creation, used here as a proper name of God. _Yᵉhôvih_ (GOD, a vocalization of YHWH, the personal covenant name of God) underscores His self-existence, unchanging nature, and commitment to His promises. The pairing "Lord GOD" thus powerfully declares that the speaker is the ultimate, authoritative, and faithful ruler of the universe, whose word cannot fail.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** Derived from H1696, this word means "to speak," but with a broad semantic range encompassing commanding, declaring, promising, and arranging. In this context, it highlights God's active and intentional communication of His plans through His prophets. It implies not just utterance, but a sovereign decree that shapes future events, emphasizing the divine origin and authoritative nature of the prophecies concerning Gog.
* **prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From H5030, a "prophet" is an inspired man, one who speaks by divine inspiration, whether in prediction or simple discourse. The plural "prophets of Israel" indicates a long line of God's chosen messengers through whom He revealed His will over centuries. This term underscores the continuity of God's revelation and the consistent testimony of His servants regarding His future plans, lending immense weight to the claim that Gog's invasion is a foretold event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase, a common prophetic formula in Ezekiel, immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It signifies that the following words are not human conjecture but the direct, infallible declaration of the Sovereign God, demanding attention and absolute trust.
* **"Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, not seeking information but making an emphatic declaration. It confirms Gog's identity as the very figure God had foretold. The phrase "in old time" points to prophecies uttered long ago, emphasizing God's eternal plan and His foreknowledge of events stretching across generations, asserting that Gog is an unwitting participant in a divine drama.
* **"by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years":** This clause highlights the consistent and long-standing nature of God's prophetic word. It confirms that the prophecy concerning Gog was not a recent revelation but had been declared over a significant period by multiple, divinely-appointed messengers within Israel. This underscores the reliability and enduring truth of God's promises and warnings.
* **"that I would bring thee against them?":** This final part of the rhetorical question reveals God's active and deliberate role in orchestrating the invasion. It clarifies that Gog's formidable attack is not merely a product of his own ambition or geopolitical forces, but a divinely permitted and directed event. God is the ultimate agent, bringing Gog against Israel for His own sovereign purposes, which will ultimately redound to His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:17 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time...?" This is not a genuine inquiry but a powerful assertion of truth, designed to confirm Gog's identity as the prophesied enemy and to underscore God's omniscience and absolute control over future events. It creates a dramatic confrontation between the divine and the human, where God's foreknowledge is undeniable. The verse also employs **Divine Address**, as the Lord God directly speaks to Gog. This direct address emphasizes God's personal engagement with history and His enemies, highlighting His authority and the certainty of His word. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, explicitly stating that Gog's future actions are the culmination of prophecies spoken "many years" prior. This reinforces the reliability and long-term consistency of God's prophetic word. Finally, there is an element of **Irony**, as Gog, driven by his own malicious intent to plunder Israel, is unknowingly acting as an instrument in God's larger, sovereign plan to demonstrate His glory and judge the nations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:17 stands as a powerful testament to the overarching biblical theme of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and history. It teaches us that even the most formidable and seemingly chaotic events, orchestrated by the wicked intentions of human or spiritual adversaries, are ultimately subject to God's divine will and purpose. This verse assures believers that God is never caught off guard; His plans are ancient, meticulously laid, and infallibly executed through the course of time. It underscores the reliability of His prophetic word, demonstrating that what He declares, He will certainly bring to pass, often using unexpected means to achieve His glorious ends. This divine control is not merely about power, but about the ultimate revelation of His holiness and justice to both His people and the watching world.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Daniel 2:28](/daniel/2-28 "Daniel 2:28 - God Reveals Mysteries")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:17 offers profound reassurance and a call to deeper faith for believers today. In a world often characterized by geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and the rise of hostile ideologies, this verse reminds us that God remains firmly on His throne. No global power, no political scheme, and no human evil can thwart His ultimate purposes. This understanding should foster a deep sense of peace, knowing that even when events seem chaotic or threatening, they are ultimately unfolding within the framework of God's sovereign plan. It encourages us to view current events not with panic, but through the lens of divine providence, trusting that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and for the ultimate display of His glory. This truth empowers us to live with confident hope, to pray with unwavering faith, and to boldly proclaim the unchanging truth of God's Word in a changing world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 38:17 impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways does this verse reinforce your trust in the reliability of God's prophetic word?**
* **How might recognizing God's ultimate purpose in seemingly negative events deepen your worship and surrender to Him?**

### FAQ
**Who is Gog of Magog, and why is he significant?**

Answer: Gog of Magog refers to a formidable leader and his land mentioned in [Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - The Prophecy Against Gog and Magog"). While interpretations vary, Gog is generally understood as a symbolic figure representing the ultimate anti-God, anti-Israel force that will emerge in the "latter days" to attack God's people. Some scholars interpret Gog as a literal historical or future leader, while others see him as a broader archetype of evil, possibly even a demonic entity, leading a coalition of nations. His significance lies in his role as an instrument in God's plan: God brings Gog against Israel not to destroy His people, but to demonstrate His own power and holiness to the nations through Gog's spectacular defeat. This event serves as a climactic display of divine judgment and salvation, ultimately revealing God's glory to the entire world. The imagery is also picked up in [Revelation 20:8](/revelation/20-8 "Revelation 20:8 - Gog and Magog in the End Times"), where Gog and Magog represent the final rebellion against God at the end of time.

**What does "in old time" refer to?**

Answer: The phrase "in old time" (KJV) or "long ago" (ESV) refers to previous prophecies delivered by God's servants, the prophets of Israel, over many years. While no single, explicit prophecy detailing Gog's invasion is found prior to Ezekiel's time, the concept of God raising up nations to execute His judgment or fulfill His purposes is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. It's possible that this refers to general prophetic themes of future enemies attacking Israel, or perhaps to unrecorded prophecies known to God. The key takeaway is not the identification of a specific prior text, but the affirmation that Gog's actions are not random or unforeseen by God. Instead, they are part of a long-standing divine plan, consistently revealed through His prophets, underscoring God's meticulous foreknowledge and sovereign control over all history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 38:17, with its powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over the formidable enemy Gog, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God orchestrates the invasion of Gog for His own purposes, so too did He orchestrate the seemingly chaotic events of human history, culminating in the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of His Son. The cross, though appearing to be a triumph of evil and human rebellion, was in fact the ultimate demonstration of God's sovereign plan, foretold "in old time" by the prophets ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Jesus Delivered by God's Plan")). Jesus, the true Lamb of God, was "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Jesus Delivered by God's Plan")). Through His death, Christ disarmed and triumphed over all spiritual powers and authorities, including the very forces of darkness that animate figures like Gog ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The eschatological defeat of Gog in Ezekiel foreshadows Christ's final, decisive victory over all His enemies, when He will reign until all things are put under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign Until All Enemies Are Under His Feet")). Thus, Ezekiel 38:17 points forward to the ultimate reality that all history, including the rise and fall of nations and the machinations of evil, is ultimately subservient to the sovereign will of God, who works all things for the glory of His Son, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

Daniel 11:45

And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Isaiah 63:6

And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

Joel 3:9

¶ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

Joel 3:14

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.

Ezekiel 38:16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.