Ezekiel 38:19

For in my jealousy [and] in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

For in my jealousy {H7068} and in the fire {H784} of my wrath {H5678} have I spoken {H1696}, Surely in that day {H3117} there shall be a great {H1419} shaking {H7494} in the land {H127} of Israel {H3478};

In my jealousy, in my heated fury I speak: when that day comes there will be a great earthquake in the land of Isra'el;

In My zeal and fiery rage I proclaim that on that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.

For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 38:19 is part of a significant prophetic passage (Ezekiel 38-39) concerning the future invasion of the land of Israel by a formidable coalition led by "Gog of the land of Magog." This prophecy describes an attempt to plunder a regathered and seemingly secure Israel in the latter days. Verse 19 specifically details God's intense reaction to this audacious invasion, emphasizing His direct and powerful intervention on behalf of His people.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Divine Jealousy and Wrath: The verse opens with God declaring, "For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken." This highlights God's profound emotional response to the impending attack on His covenant people and His holy land. His "jealousy" (Hebrew: qin'ah) here is not a human envy, but a zealous, protective passion for His own honor and for the well-being of His chosen nation. His "wrath" (Hebrew: chemah) is a righteous indignation against those who defy His sovereignty and seek to harm what is His. This fierce declaration underscores God's commitment to justice and His unwavering defense of Israel.
  • The Great Shaking: God's response culminates in the declaration, "Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel." The phrase "that day" refers to the specific time of Gog's invasion, marking a decisive moment of divine intervention. The "great shaking" (Hebrew: ra'ash) implies a massive, catastrophic upheaval. While it certainly includes a literal earthquake, as described in subsequent verses (Ezekiel 38:20), it also signifies a comprehensive societal, political, and spiritual disruption. This shaking is God's direct act to demonstrate His power and to utterly defeat Israel's enemies, ensuring His glory is known among the nations.
  • God's Sovereignty and Protection: This verse powerfully conveys God's absolute control over global events and His steadfast commitment to protecting His people. Despite the formidable nature of the invading forces, God intervenes with overwhelming power, turning the enemy's plans to His own purposes and ensuring the ultimate safety of Israel. This divine intervention is a clear demonstration of His covenant faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "jealousy" is qin'ah (ืงึดื ึฐืึธื”), often translated as zeal or fervent passion. In divine contexts, it signifies God's intense commitment to His own glory and His protective care for His people and covenant. It's a righteous, consuming fervor, as seen also in Ezekiel 39:25.
  • "Wrath" comes from the Hebrew chemah (ื—ึฒืžึธื”), denoting hot anger, fury, or indignation. It speaks of a righteous, decisive judgment against sin and opposition to God's will, often depicted as a consuming fire.
  • The term "shaking" is ra'ash (ืจึทืขึทืฉื), which can refer to an earthquake, a tumult, or a commotion. In prophetic literature, it often signifies a profound disruption initiated by God, indicating His powerful presence and judgment. Other prophetic books also speak of such shakings of the earth and heavens, such as Haggai 2:7 and Hebrews 12:26.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 38:19 offers several profound lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Protection: Even in the face of overwhelming global threats or personal challenges, this verse reminds us that God is fiercely protective of His people. His jealousy for His name and His wrath against evil ensure that He will ultimately intervene for those who belong to Him.
  • Awareness of Divine Justice: The "fire of God's wrath" serves as a solemn reminder of His righteous judgment against all forms of evil and rebellion. While He is merciful, He is also just, and ultimately, all opposition to His will will be met with divine reckoning.
  • Hope in Prophetic Fulfillment: For those interested in end-times prophecy, this verse reinforces the certainty of God's prophetic word. The detailed description of the Gog-Magog invasion and God's powerful response provides a foundation for understanding future events and trusting in God's ultimate plan for history and His people.
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Cross-References

  • Haggai 2:6

    For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];

  • Haggai 2:7

    And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Joel 3:16

    The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

  • Revelation 16:18

    And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, [and] so great.

  • Revelation 11:13

    And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

  • Revelation 16:20

    And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

  • Ezekiel 5:13

    Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the LORD have spoken [it] in my zeal, when I have accomplished my fury in them.