Ezekiel 38:2

KJV

Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, set {H7760} thy face {H6440} against Gog {H1463}, the land {H776} of Magog {H4031}, the chief {H7218} prince {H5387} of Meshech {H4902} and Tubal {H8422}, and prophesy {H5012} against him,

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, turn your face toward Gog (of the land of Magog), chief prince of Meshekh and Tuval; and prophesy against him.

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Prophesy against him

American Standard Version

Son of man, set thy face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:2 inaugurates a critical prophetic oracle from the Lord to the prophet Ezekiel, issuing a divine command to confront a formidable future antagonist identified as "Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal." This foundational verse meticulously establishes the setting for a climactic, divinely orchestrated invasion of the restored land of Israel by a powerful northern confederacy, thereby underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate, redemptive purpose to manifest His glory and holiness through the unfolding of historical events and the execution of righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as the precise commencement of the extensive prophecy concerning Gog and Magog, which encompasses [Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38-39 - The Prophecy of Gog and Magog"). It immediately follows the profound vision of the [Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones and the Restoration of Israel"), a powerful symbolic representation of Israel's spiritual and physical restoration, their miraculous regathering from global dispersion, and their re-establishment as a unified nation in their ancestral land under a single shepherd. Consequently, the prophecy of Gog's invasion is presented as an event that transpires *after* this period of national restoration, when Israel is dwelling in a state of perceived security and prosperity. This deliberate chronological placement emphasizes that even subsequent to God's gracious and miraculous restoration, a final, decisive confrontation with hostile global powers is destined to occur, meticulously orchestrated by God Himself to unequivocally demonstrate His omnipotence and unblemished holiness to the entire world.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The enigmatic names "Gog," "Magog," "Meshech," and "Tubal" refer to ancient peoples and geographical regions predominantly situated in the northern extremities of the known world from the Israelite perspective. Magog is genealogically listed in [Genesis 10:2](/genesis/10-2 "Genesis 10:2 - The Table of Nations") as a son of Japheth, alongside Meshech and Tubal, indicating their common descent from Noah. Historically, Meshech and Tubal were recognized as significant kingdoms located in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), renowned for their formidable military capabilities and their active participation in the trade of metals (particularly copper) and slaves. The term "Gog" is widely understood as either a regal title or a symbolic designation for the preeminent leader of this formidable northern confederacy, while "Magog" denotes his specific land or the collective people he commands. The consistent biblical motif of existential threats emanating from the "north" (e.g., Assyria, Babylon) would have historically evoked a profound and deeply ingrained apprehension within the Israelite consciousness, rendering this prophecy exceptionally potent and resonant. While the precise modern identification of these nations remains a subject of considerable scholarly debate, their consistent geographical orientation unequivocally points to a powerful, distant northern threat poised against Israel.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 38:2](/ezekiel/38-2 "Ezekiel 38:2 - Prophecy Against Gog") introduces several profound and overarching theological themes that permeate the entirety of the Gog and Magog prophecy. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Orchestration** stands as paramount; God unequivocally commands Ezekiel to "set thy face against Gog," thereby indicating that this future conflict is not a random geopolitical occurrence but a divinely purposed and meticulously planned event. God explicitly declares that He will "turn [Gog] around and put hooks in [his] jaws" ([Ezekiel 38:4](/ezekiel/38-4 "Ezekiel 38:4 - God's Control Over Gog")), compelling him to advance against Israel for the Lord's own transcendent purposes. Secondly, the theme of **Prophetic Judgment Against Hostile Nations** is central to this oracle; Gog and his myriad allies represent archetypal forces inherently hostile to God and His chosen people, and this prophecy serves as a powerful, declarative pronouncement of God's impending and decisive judgment upon all who dare to oppose His divine plan and His covenant nation. Finally, and arguably most significantly, the ultimate, overarching purpose of this dramatic divine intervention is the **Revelation of God's Glory and Holiness** to all the nations of the earth. As explicitly articulated in [Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Glory Revealed Through Judgment") and reiterated in [Ezekiel 39:7](/ezekiel/39-7 "Ezekiel 39:7 - God's Holy Name Known"), God's decisive actions will undeniably demonstrate His unparalleled greatness and unblemished holiness, ensuring that every nation will ultimately acknowledge and know that He alone is the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This compound phrase, a direct translation of H1121 (_bên_) meaning "son" (as a builder of the family name, encompassing a wide spectrum of literal and figurative relationships, including quality or condition) and H120 (_ʼâdâm_) meaning "ruddy, i.e., a human being" (an individual or the species, mankind), serves as Ezekiel's most frequent designation, appearing over ninety times throughout the book. It profoundly underscores Ezekiel's inherent humanity, mortality, and finite nature, standing in stark contrast to the infinite majesty and transcendent power of the divine speaker. This appellation emphasizes Ezekiel's role as a humble representative of humanity, chosen to receive and convey a profound divine revelation. It highlights the vast chasm between the finite prophet and the infinite God, yet simultaneously illustrates God's gracious condescension and willingness to communicate His sovereign will through a human vessel.

* **set thy face (Hebrew, _sûwm pânîym'_):** This potent idiomatic expression is formed from H7760 (_sûwm_), "to put" or "to set" (used in a great variety of applications), and H6440 (_pânîym_), "the face" (as the part that turns, often used figuratively for presence, attention, or resolute determination). To "set one's face against" someone or something conveys a posture of unwavering resolve, unyielding determination, and often, direct confrontation or opposition. In this context, it signifies a divine imperative for Ezekiel to adopt a solemn and resolute stance of prophetic opposition and impending judgment against Gog. This command conveys the gravity, certainty, and divine authority of the impending confrontation, implying an unyielding and direct declaration of God's authoritative word against this formidable adversary.

* **chief prince (Hebrew, _rôʼsh nâsîyʼ'_):** This significant phrase, a focal point of scholarly discourse, comprises H7218 (_rôʼsh_), meaning "the head" (as most easily shaken, whether literal or figurative, often indicating leadership, rank, or beginning), and H5387 (_nâsîyʼ_), meaning "an exalted one," "a king or sheik," or "prince" (properly, an exalted one). The KJV renders it as "chief prince," suggesting a superlative rank or preeminence. However, a prominent alternative interpretation among many scholars posits _rôʼsh_ not merely as an adjective "chief," but as a proper noun, "Rosh," thereby identifying an additional nation alongside Meshech and Tubal. If interpreted as "prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal," it would further specify Gog's dominion as the ruler of a distinct confederacy of northern peoples, enhancing the specificity of the prophecy. Irrespective of this interpretive nuance, the phrase unequivocally denotes Gog's supreme authority, preeminent leadership, and regal dominion over the aforementioned regions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man,"**: This direct address serves as an immediate and personal invocation to Ezekiel, grounding the transcendent divine message within the realm of human experience. It underscores Ezekiel's unique human role as the chosen recipient and faithful conveyor of God's profound prophetic utterance.
* **"set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog,"**: This constitutes a clear and unequivocal divine command, instructing Ezekiel to adopt a posture of resolute opposition and to deliver a solemn prophetic declaration directly against Gog, identified as the leader, and Magog, representing his land or people. This imperative signifies the formal initiation of a weighty pronouncement of divine judgment.
* **"the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal,"**: This clause meticulously provides further identification of Gog's specific sphere of influence and authoritative dominion. Meshech and Tubal are explicitly named as the primary geographical regions and peoples over which Gog exercises his leadership, thereby precisely situating the nature of the threat both geographically and ethnically within the northern territories familiar to Ezekiel's original audience.
* **"and prophesy against him,"**: This concluding imperative powerfully reiterates and reinforces the core mission entrusted to Ezekiel: to deliver a divinely inspired message of impending judgment and condemnation directly to Gog. It emphatically underscores that the ensuing detailed prophecy is not a mere human prediction or general warning, but the authoritative and certain word of God Himself, specifically directed against this particular adversary.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:2 is rich with several potent literary devices that amplify its prophetic impact. The immediate and direct address, "Son of man," functions as a powerful **Apostrophe**, drawing the reader into the intimate divine-human encounter and emphasizing Ezekiel's singular role as God's chosen messenger. The phrase "set thy face against" is a vivid **Idiom**, transforming a physical action into a profound spiritual and prophetic stance of resolute opposition and unwavering determination. The naming of "Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal" masterfully employs **Metonymy** and **Synecdoche**, where the leader (Gog) and specific geographical regions (Magog, Meshech, Tubal) stand representatively for a broader, formidable confederacy of nations destined to align against Israel. This also serves as powerful **Symbolism**, where Gog transcends a mere historical figure to become an archetypal representation of all forces hostile to God and His people in the eschatological future. The entire verse, framed as a direct **Divine Command**, powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His active engagement in human history, and His meticulous orchestration of future events, even those involving seemingly autonomous human adversaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:2 functions as a profound theological anchor, firmly establishing God's absolute and unassailable sovereignty over all nations and the entirety of human history. It reveals a foundational truth: even the most formidable human powers, seemingly operating according to their own autonomous will, are ultimately instruments within God's grand, overarching redemptive plan. This prophecy offers profound assurance to believers, affirming that God is not merely a passive observer reacting to global events, but is actively and meticulously directing them towards His ultimate purposes—the resplendent revelation of His holiness and the ultimate vindication of His covenant people. The climactic confrontation with Gog is thus not merely a geopolitical conflict but a divinely orchestrated spiritual battle, designed by God to demonstrate His unparalleled power and to ensure that His holy name is glorified among all peoples. It powerfully highlights the recurring biblical theme of divine judgment against all who defiantly oppose God's kingdom and His chosen nation.

* [Revelation 20:8-9](/revelation/20-8 "Revelation 20:8-9 - Gog and Magog in the End Times")
* [Zechariah 14:2-3](/zechariah/14-2 "Zechariah 14:2-3 - Nations Gathered Against Jerusalem")
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalm/2-1 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Nations Rage, God Laughs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:2, while delineating a future, dramatic eschatological event, offers profound and enduring spiritual nourishment for believers in the present age. It issues a compelling call to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's sovereign and meticulous control over all global affairs, even amidst escalating geopolitical turmoil, rising international tensions, and the emergence of overtly hostile powers. This prophecy serves as a powerful reminder that no human force, regardless of its perceived might or ambition, possesses the capacity to thwart God's ultimate and perfect plan for His people and His eternal kingdom. It fosters a posture of confident and hopeful expectation, grounded in the certainty that God will ultimately vindicate His righteous name and bring about His perfect will. Furthermore, the prophecy's ultimate purpose—that God's glory might be known among all the nations—underscores the enduring and urgent call for believers to actively participate in His global mission, faithfully sharing the gospel so that all people might come to know the one true God before these climactic events unfold. This understanding cultivates a profound sense of urgency, purpose, and spiritual intentionality, reminding us that our present actions contribute meaningfully to God's eternal purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the foundational concept of God's absolute sovereignty, as powerfully introduced in this verse, profoundly impact your perspective on current global events and future uncertainties?**
* **In what specific ways does the knowledge that God meticulously orchestrates even the actions of hostile nations strengthen your faith and deepen your trust in His divine providence?**
* **How can the ultimate purpose of God's glory being revealed through acts of divine judgment motivate and empower you in your daily life and Christian witness?**
* **What does the spiritual act of "setting your face" against spiritual adversaries or worldly temptations practically entail in your everyday Christian walk and discipleship?**

### FAQ
**Who are Gog and Magog, and what is their significance in biblical prophecy?**

Answer: Gog is specifically identified in [Ezekiel 38:2](/ezekiel/38-2 "Ezekiel 38:2 - Prophecy Against Gog") as the "chief prince of Meshech and Tubal" and the preeminent leader of the "land of Magog." Magog, Meshech, and Tubal are listed within the Table of Nations ([Genesis 10:2](/genesis/10-2 "Genesis 10:2 - The Table of Nations")) as descendants of Japheth, and historically, they are associated with ancient peoples and regions located in Anatolia and the Caucasus, generally situated to the north of Israel. While their precise modern identity remains a subject of considerable scholarly debate, they consistently represent a formidable, distant northern power in prophetic literature. Their significance in biblical prophecy is immense and multifaceted: they symbolize the ultimate, climactic opposition to God and His miraculously restored people Israel in the eschatological end times. The detailed prophecy in [Ezekiel 38-39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38-39 - The Prophecy of Gog and Magog") describes a massive, multi-national invasion of Israel by this confederacy, an event divinely orchestrated by God Himself to unequivocally demonstrate His omnipotence, unblemished holiness, and absolute sovereignty to all nations through their decisive and catastrophic defeat. The symbolic names "Gog and Magog" also reappear in [Revelation 20:8](/revelation/20-8 "Revelation 20:8 - Gog and Magog in Revelation"), where they describe a final, global rebellion against God's people at the conclusion of the millennium, indicating a broader, archetypal representation of ultimate evil and rebellion against the divine order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Ezekiel 38:2](/ezekiel/38-2 "Ezekiel 38:2 - Prophecy Against Gog") directly pertains to a future, geopolitical event involving the formidable figures of Gog and Magog, its deeper theological currents and underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The prophecy fundamentally speaks to God's absolute and unassailable sovereignty over all nations and His ultimate, decisive triumph over every opposing force. This overarching theme culminates supremely in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who unequivocally declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Just as God meticulously puts "hooks in Gog's jaws" ([Ezekiel 38:4](/ezekiel/38-4 "Ezekiel 38:4 - God's Control Over Gog")) and sovereignly brings him to judgment, so too did Christ, through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, utterly disarm "the principalities and powers" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), thereby demonstrating His decisive and ultimate victory over all spiritual and earthly opposition. The ultimate purpose of the Gog and Magog prophecy is for God's glory to be known among the nations ([Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Glory Revealed Through Judgment")), a purpose supremely and perfectly fulfilled in the global proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, through whom God's glory, boundless love, and perfect justice are perfectly and redemptively revealed. Christ's glorious second coming will inaugurate the final and complete subjugation of all hostile forces, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom where righteousness perpetually dwells ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Return and Victory"); [Revelation 20:1-10](/revelation/20-1 "Revelation 20:1-10 - The Millennium and Final Judgment")). Thus, Gog and Magog, representing the epitome of human rebellion and opposition against God, ultimately serve to highlight the invincible power, unyielding authority, and ultimate sovereign reign of the Lamb of God, who alone is found worthy to open the scrolls of history and execute both divine judgment and eternal salvation ([Revelation 5:5-7](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5-7 - The Lamb Who Is Worthy")).

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

Ezekiel 39:1

¶ Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

Ezekiel 27:13

Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they [were] thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.

Ezekiel 38:3

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

Genesis 10:2

The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

Ezekiel 2:1

¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.

Revelation 20:8

And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea.

Revelation 20:9

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.