Ezekiel 38:20

KJV

So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that [are] upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

So that the fishes {H1709} of the sea {H3220}, and the fowls {H5775} of the heaven {H8064}, and the beasts {H2416} of the field {H7704}, and all creeping things {H7431} that creep {H7430} upon the earth {H127}, and all the men {H120} that are upon the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}, shall shake {H7493} at my presence {H6440}, and the mountains {H2022} shall be thrown down {H2040}, and the steep places {H4095} shall fall {H5307}, and every wall {H2346} shall fall {H5307} to the ground {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the wild beasts, all the reptiles creeping on the ground and every human being there in the land will tremble before me. Mountains will fall, cliffs crumble and every wall crash to the ground.

Berean Standard Bible

The fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, every creature that crawls upon the ground, and all mankind on the face of the earth will tremble at My presence. The mountains will be thrown down, the cliffs will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground.

American Standard Version

so that the fishes of the sea, and the birds of the heavens, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:20 graphically depicts the universal and cataclysmic reaction of all creation to the overwhelming presence and judgment of God during the climactic "Gog-Magog" war. This verse portrays a profound, all-encompassing upheaval, where not only humanity but every living creature and even the most stable geographical features of the earth are violently shaken and dismantled, signifying the absolute sovereignty of the Lord in protecting His people and executing His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic prophetic narrative of Ezekiel 38-39, which details the invasion of Israel by a vast coalition of nations led by "Gog of the land of Magog" in the "latter days." The preceding verse, [Ezekiel 38:19](/ezekiel/38-19 "Ezekiel 38:19 - God's Fury and Great Earthquake"), describes a "great earthquake" that will rock the land of Israel as God's fury is unleashed. [Ezekiel 38:20](/ezekiel/38-20 "Ezekiel 38:20 - Universal Shaking at God's Presence") expands upon this, illustrating the global, comprehensive impact of this divine intervention. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - Prophecy Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment on Gog"), which describe the utter destruction of Gog's forces and the subsequent purification and recognition of God's holiness among the nations. The verse emphasizes the direct, physical manifestation of God's power, ensuring that His covenant faithfulness to Israel is visibly demonstrated to the entire world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Prophecies concerning cosmic and terrestrial shaking at the manifestation of divine presence are common in ancient Near Eastern literature and biblical tradition. In the Old Testament, theophany (God's appearance) is often accompanied by natural phenomena like earthquakes, fire, and thunder, as seen at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Trembles")). Culturally, mountains and walls symbolized permanence, strength, and security—mountains as natural fortresses and walls as human-made defenses. Their collapse in this prophecy underscores the futility of any earthly power or barrier against the Almighty. The "latter days" context places this event at a future, decisive point in history when God will definitively intervene to establish His kingdom and vindicate His name, fulfilling His promises to Israel and revealing His glory to all nations, as highlighted throughout [Ezekiel's prophecies](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Universal Scope of Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that God's power extends over all creation—from the smallest creeping thing to the mightiest mountains—underscoring His absolute dominion. Secondly, the phrase "shall shake at my presence" emphasizes the **Awesome and Terrifying Presence of God (Theophany)**, where His direct intervention causes a cataclysmic response from the natural world, revealing His unmatched authority and wrath against wickedness, a theme echoed in [Psalm 97:4-5](/psalms/97-4 "Psalm 97:4-5 - The Earth Trembles at God's Presence"). Thirdly, the collapse of mountains, steep places, and walls symbolizes the **Futility of Earthly Strength and Security** against divine power, illustrating that no human defense or natural barrier can withstand God's might, a concept frequently found in prophetic literature like [Isaiah 2:12-17](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12-17 - The Day of the Lord Against Pride"). Finally, this cataclysm, while destructive to the invaders, serves as a profound demonstration of **God's Unwavering Protection and Vindication of Israel**, reinforcing His covenant faithfulness and ensuring their security amidst global turmoil, a central message throughout [Ezekiel 38-39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - Prophecy Against Gog").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shake (Hebrew, _râʻash'_):** From H7493, this primitive root means "to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)." It conveys a strong sense of trembling, quaking, or violent agitation, often used to describe earthquakes or the shaking associated with a powerful divine manifestation, such as at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - Mount Sinai Trembles")). Here, it emphasizes the profound and physical response of the entire creation to the overwhelming power and majesty of God's direct intervention.
* **presence (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** From H6440, this plural noun (always singular in meaning) literally means "the face." It is used in a great variety of applications, including "presence," "countenance," or "before." In this context, "at my presence" signifies the direct, personal, and overwhelming manifestation of God Himself. It is not merely a natural disaster but a supernatural event triggered by the very nearness and active involvement of the Almighty, whose face or presence causes universal terror and upheaval.
* **thrown down (Hebrew, _hâraç'_):** From H2040, a primitive root meaning "to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy." This word vividly describes the violent and complete demolition of structures. When applied to mountains, it emphasizes an unprecedented, destructive force that utterly dismantles what is perceived as the most stable and enduring features of the earth, signifying the absolute and irresistible power of God to bring about total collapse and ruin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that [are] upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence,"**: This initial clause establishes the universal scope of God's intervention. It meticulously lists every category of living creature—aquatic, aerial, terrestrial (wild animals), and humanity—to underscore that no part of the created order, no living being, will be immune to the profound impact of God's manifest presence. The shaking is a visceral, terrifying response, indicating a complete loss of stability and a primal fear induced by the direct revelation of divine power. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all life.
* **"and the mountains shall be thrown down,"**: This phrase shifts focus from living creatures to the earth's topography. Mountains, often symbols of permanence, strength, and immovability, are depicted as being "thrown down" or utterly demolished. This signifies that even the most formidable and seemingly eternal natural structures cannot withstand God's power, emphasizing the unprecedented scale and destructive force of His judgment.
* **"and the steep places shall fall,"**: "Steep places" (Hebrew, _madrêgâh'_) refers to rugged, inaccessible, or elevated terrain. Their falling reinforces the theme of universal collapse and the leveling of all natural barriers. It implies a widespread geological upheaval, where no high ground or natural defense offers safety or stability.
* **"and every wall shall fall to the ground."**: Walls (Hebrew, _chôwmâh'_) represent human-made defenses, fortifications, and security. Their collapse signifies the utter futility of human efforts to protect themselves or to stand against God's judgment. This detail underscores that neither natural barriers nor human ingenuity can provide refuge when God executes His righteous wrath, leaving all exposed and vulnerable to His divine decree.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its dramatic message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the universal shaking, extending to "fishes of the sea" and "fowls of the heaven," emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of God's judgment beyond realistic physical effects on all creatures. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "mountains," "steep places," and "walls" representing stability, strength, and human defense, respectively. Their destruction symbolizes the complete dismantling of all earthly power and security in the face of divine might. The phrase "shall shake at my presence" is a form of **Theophany**, where God's direct manifestation causes a profound, physical reaction in creation, highlighting His overwhelming power and majesty. The extensive listing of creatures and geographical features ("fishes... fowls... beasts... creeping things... men... mountains... steep places... walls") is a form of **Merism** or **Totality**, indicating that every single part of creation is affected, leaving nothing untouched by God's intervention. This cumulative effect amplifies the terror and absolute control of the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:20 stands as a profound testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His unwavering commitment to execute justice and protect His people. It underscores a recurring biblical theme: the shaking of the heavens and the earth as a prelude to divine judgment and the establishment of God's unshakable kingdom. This cataclysmic event is not random but a deliberate act of God, designed to reveal His glory and holiness to a world that has largely ignored or defied Him. It serves as a stark reminder that all earthly power, stability, and human constructs are temporary and ultimately subservient to the Creator's will. For believers, it offers immense comfort in the knowledge that God is ultimately in control, capable of delivering His people from any threat. For unbelievers, it is a solemn warning of the inevitable day when all will stand exposed before the awesome presence of the Lord.

* [Hebrews 12:26](/hebrews/12-26 "Hebrews 12:26 - God's Voice Shakes the Earth")
* [Revelation 6:12-14](/revelation/6-12 "Revelation 6:12-14 - The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances")
* [Isaiah 2:19](/isaiah/2-19 "Isaiah 2:19 - Hiding from the Lord's Terror")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:20 calls us to a profound re-evaluation of where we place our trust and security. In a world characterized by constant change, geopolitical instability, and the rise and fall of nations, this verse reminds us that true and ultimate stability rests not in human institutions, economic systems, or military might, but solely in the unshakeable sovereignty of God. The universal shaking described here should instill in us a deep sense of reverence and awe for the Almighty, recognizing that His power transcends all earthly limitations. For those who are in Christ, this passage offers immense comfort, knowing that our God is mighty to save and will ultimately vindicate His people, even in the face of overwhelming global opposition. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing our lives in the things of God's kingdom, which alone will endure. For those who have not yet submitted to His Lordship, it serves as a powerful and urgent call to repentance, highlighting the inescapable reality of divine judgment and the necessity of seeking refuge in Him before the day of His manifest presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal shaking described in Ezekiel 38:20 impact your understanding of God's absolute sovereignty and control over all creation?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the idea that nothing, whether natural phenomena or human-made structures, can ultimately stand against God's manifest presence?**
* **In what ways might this prophecy influence your perspective on earthly powers, material security, and where you place your ultimate hope and trust?**

### FAQ

**Is the Gog-Magog prophecy literal or symbolic, and how does Ezekiel 38:20 fit into that interpretation?**

Answer: The interpretation of the Gog-Magog prophecy often varies between literal and symbolic views. A literal interpretation understands the nations, geographical locations, and events, including the cataclysmic shaking in [Ezekiel 38:20](/ezekiel/38-20 "Ezekiel 38:20 - Universal Shaking at God's Presence"), as future, physical occurrences involving specific nations and a global display of divine power. A symbolic or allegorical view sees Gog as representing any ultimate enemy of God's people throughout history, with the events symbolizing God's triumph over evil, often spiritual in nature. However, even within symbolic interpretations, the *intensity* and *universality* of the shaking described in [Ezekiel 38:20](/ezekiel/38-20 "Ezekiel 38:20 - Universal Shaking at God's Presence") are understood to convey the absolute and overwhelming nature of God's intervention and judgment, regardless of the precise identity of Gog. The vivid imagery ensures that the divine power demonstrated is undeniable and all-encompassing, whether literally or figuratively.

**What is the theological significance of "all creeping things" and "fishes of the sea" shaking at God's presence?**

Answer: The inclusion of "fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things" in [Ezekiel 38:20](/ezekiel/38-20 "Ezekiel 38:20 - Universal Shaking at God's Presence") is highly significant. It emphasizes the **universal scope** of God's dominion and the **all-encompassing nature** of His judgment. It's a literary device (merism) to convey that absolutely nothing in creation is exempt from His power or unaffected by His manifest presence. This isn't just a human event; it's a cosmic one. It highlights that God's sovereignty extends not only over humanity but over every single living creature and the very fabric of the earth itself, demonstrating that all creation instinctively recognizes and reacts to its Creator's awesome power and wrath.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 38:20 describes a future, dramatic act of divine judgment in the Old Testament, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment points to the Lord Jesus Christ as the one through whom all judgment is executed, and in whom true, unshakable stability is found. The shaking of creation at God's presence foreshadows the ultimate authority of Christ, who, as the Son, is the express image of God's person and upholds all things by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The cosmic disturbances and the collapse of earthly structures in Ezekiel anticipate the return of Christ, when the heavens will be shaken and the earth will pass away, not merely at God's presence, but at the glorious appearance of the [Son of Man coming on the clouds with power and great glory](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Sign of the Son of Man").

In Christ, we find the ultimate refuge from the shaking. While the Old Covenant was inaugurated with a trembling mountain ([Hebrews 12:18-21](/hebrews/12-18 "Hebrews 12:18-21 - The Terrifying Mountain")), the New Covenant, established through Christ's blood, offers an [unshakable kingdom](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom"). The judgment described in Ezekiel 38:20, where all earthly stability crumbles, serves as a powerful reminder that our hope must not be placed in transient earthly powers or defenses, but in the eternal King of Kings. Christ is the one who will ultimately bring all things under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:27](/1_corinthians/15-27 "1 Corinthians 15:27 - All Things Subject to Christ")), and whose reign will usher in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth") where there will be no more shaking, only eternal peace and righteousness under His perfect rule. Thus, the terrifying shaking of Ezekiel's prophecy ultimately points to the glorious and sovereign reign of Christ, who is both judge and redeemer.

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

Hosea 4:3

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Nahum 1:4

He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Revelation 6:12

And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

Revelation 6:13

And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

Zechariah 14:4

And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Zechariah 14:5

And ye shall flee [to] the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee.