Ezekiel 38:17

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?

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?

"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.

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?

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

Context of Ezekiel 38:17

Ezekiel 38:17 is a pivotal verse within the extensive prophecy concerning Gog of Magog, found in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. This section describes a formidable coalition of nations led by Gog, from the land of Magog, who will invade the land of Israel in the "latter days" (Ezekiel 38:16). The preceding verses detail the composition of this invading force and their motivations, which are primarily to plunder Israel. In verse 17, the Lord God directly addresses Gog, asserting divine control and revealing that this massive invasion is not a random event but a preordained fulfillment of ancient prophecies spoken through His servants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge: The rhetorical question, "Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time...?" powerfully emphasizes God's absolute control over history and His enemies. Gog's actions, though seemingly autonomous, are part of God's larger plan to demonstrate His holiness and power to the nations (Ezekiel 38:23).
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: This verse highlights the consistent and long-term nature of God's prophetic word. It declares that the invasion by Gog is the culmination of prophecies spoken "many years" prior by various prophets of Israel. This reinforces the reliability and infallibility of biblical prophecy.
  • God's Purpose in Judgment: While seemingly a disaster for Israel, the invasion is ultimately orchestrated by God to bring about His purposes, which include judging the nations and revealing His glory to both Israel and the world.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" (KJV) translates the Hebrew Koh amar Adonai Yahweh (ื›ึนึผื” ืึธืžึทืจ ืึฒื“ึนื ึธื™ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึดื”). Adonai signifies "Lord" or "Master," emphasizing God's authority, while Yahweh is the personal, covenantal name of God, revealing His self-existence and faithfulness. The combination underscores the supreme authority and covenantal reliability of the One speaking.

The rhetorical question, "Art thou he...?" is a powerful literary device. It is not seeking information but making a definitive statement: "You are indeed the one!" This serves to confirm Gog's identity as the prophesied enemy and to underscore God's omniscience and control over future events.

Related Scriptures

The concept of God raising up nations or individuals to fulfill His purposes is seen throughout Scripture, even when those nations act out of their own wicked intentions. For instance, God declares He declares the end from the beginning, and His counsel shall stand. The invasion itself is further elaborated in Ezekiel 39:2, where God states He will turn Gog around and lead him.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 38:17 offers profound reassurance of God's ultimate control. Even amidst global turmoil, political unrest, or threats to His people, this verse reminds us that God is never caught by surprise. All events, even those seemingly orchestrated by evil forces, ultimately fit into His divine plan. This understanding fosters faith, encourages prayer, and provides a framework for interpreting current events through the lens of God's unchanging Word and His sovereign will for working all things for good for those who love Him.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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.
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