Ezekiel 38:18

And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, [that] my fury shall come up in my face.

And it shall come to pass at the same time {H3117} when {H3117} Gog {H1463} shall come {H935} against the land {H127} of Israel {H3478}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, that my fury {H2534} shall come up {H5927} in my face {H639}.

When that day comes, when Gog invades the land of Isra'el,' says Adonai ELOHIM, 'my furious anger will boil up.

Now on that day when Gog comes against the land of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, My wrath will flare up.

And it shall come to pass in that day, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord Jehovah, that my wrath shall come up into my nostrils.

Commentary

Ezekiel 38:18 introduces a pivotal moment in the dramatic prophecy concerning Gog of Magog's invasion of Israel. This verse powerfully declares God's immediate and fierce reaction to this aggression: His "fury shall come up in my face." It underscores the Lord GOD's personal and intense involvement in the events, highlighting that the invasion is not merely a geopolitical conflict but a direct affront to His divine plan and His chosen people.

Context

This verse is part of a significant prophetic passage in Ezekiel chapters 38-39, often referred to as the "Gog and Magog" prophecy. Following chapters that describe Israel's restoration to their land and spiritual renewal, this prophecy details a massive coalition of nations, led by Gog, who will invade the land of Israel in the latter days. The invasion is portrayed as being divinely orchestrated to reveal God's glory and holiness to all nations. This prophecy is often understood as a future, end-time event, occurring after the regathering of Israel to their land (as promised in verses like Ezekiel 36:24).

Key Themes

  • Divine Wrath and Judgment: The central theme is God's fierce, immediate, and righteous anger against those who seek to harm His people and thwart His purposes. "My fury shall come up in my face" vividly portrays a personal and intense divine reaction.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite the formidable alliance against Israel, God remains in absolute control. The invasion, though seemingly initiated by Gog, is ultimately part of God's sovereign plan to display His power and holiness.
  • Protection of Israel: This verse serves as a powerful assurance of God's unwavering commitment to defend His covenant people. When Israel is threatened, God Himself rises in their defense.
  • Prophetic Certainty: The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" emphasizes the absolute certainty and reliability of this prophecy. What God declares will undoubtedly come to pass.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my fury shall come up in my face" is a powerful anthropomorphism, attributing human characteristics to God to convey the intensity of His emotion. The Hebrew word for "fury" is chemah (ื—ึตืžึธื”), which often denotes a burning, hot anger. The phrase "in my face" (ื‘ึฐึผืึทืคึดึผื™ - b'appi) literally means "in my nose" or "in my nostrils." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, flaring nostrils were a common physical manifestation of intense anger, symbolizing a sudden and overwhelming burst of indignation. This imagery conveys a sense of immediate, uncontainable, and righteous indignation that God feels when His people are attacked.

Cross-References

  • The immediate response of God's wrath in this verse sets the stage for the dramatic defeat of Gog's forces detailed in Ezekiel 39:3-6.
  • This intense declaration underscores God's righteous indignation and avenging nature against those who would harm His chosen people.
  • The prophecies of Gog and Magog are further referenced in the New Testament, notably in Revelation 20:8, indicating their significance in the overall biblical narrative of the end times.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 38:18 offers both a warning and comfort. It serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of opposing God's purposes and harming His people; divine judgment is certain and fierce against those who defy Him. Conversely, it provides immense comfort and assurance that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world and will ultimately protect His own. Believers can rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign, faithful to His promises, and will always defend His people, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This verse encourages trust in God's justice and His ultimate triumph over all evil.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 36:5

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the heathen, and against all Idumea, which have appointed my land into their possession with the joy of all [their] heart, with despiteful minds, to cast it out for a prey.

  • Ezekiel 36:6

    Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say unto the mountains, and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my fury, because ye have borne the shame of the heathen:

  • Psalms 89:46

    How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?

  • Deuteronomy 32:22

    For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

  • Nahum 1:2

    ยถ God [is] jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and [is] furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth [wrath] for his enemies.

  • Hebrews 12:29

    For our God [is] a consuming fire.

  • Psalms 18:7

    Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.