Ezekiel 38:21

KJV

And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will call {H7121} for a sword {H2719} against him throughout all my mountains {H2022}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}: every man's {H376} sword {H2719} shall be against his brother {H251}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will summon a sword against him throughout all my mountains,' says Adonai ELOHIM; 'every man will wield his sword against his brother.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will summon a sword against Gog on all My mountains, declares the Lord GOD, and every man’s sword will be against his brother.

American Standard Version

And I will call for a sword against him unto all my mountains, saith the Lord Jehovah: every man’s sword shall be against his brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:21 powerfully declares the Lord GOD's absolute sovereignty and direct intervention against the formidable invading coalition led by Gog. This pivotal prophecy reveals God's strategic intent to orchestrate internal chaos within the enemy ranks on the mountains of Israel, causing them to turn their weapons against one another. This divinely initiated self-destruction serves not only to protect His covenant people but also to unequivocally demonstrate His holiness, power, and glory to all nations, fulfilling His ultimate redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component within the expansive prophetic vision of Ezekiel 38-39, which vividly describes a massive, multi-national invasion of the land of Israel in the "latter days." Prior to this declaration, God has already stated His intention to supernaturally bring Gog and his vast army against Israel, drawing them out for a specific purpose of divine judgment, as seen in [Ezekiel 38:4](/ezekiel/38-4 "Ezekiel 38:4 - God will turn Gog around"). The immediate preceding verses, [Ezekiel 38:19-20](/ezekiel/38-19-20 "Ezekiel 38:19-20 - Great Earthquake and Divine Wrath"), describe a cataclysmic earthquake and other natural phenomena that will accompany God's wrath. Verse 21 then specifically details the internal strife that will further decimate the invading army, serving as a prelude to the broader description of God's comprehensive judgment through plague, bloodshed, torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone in [Ezekiel 38:22](/ezekiel/38-22 "Ezekiel 38:22 - God's Judgment on Gog"). The subsequent chapter, [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - The Destruction of Gog"), expands on the utter destruction of Gog's forces and the extensive clean-up required, underscoring the unprecedented scale of God's victory and the complete vindication of His name.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Gog and Magog is distinctly set in the "latter days" ([Ezekiel 38:8](/ezekiel/38-8 "Ezekiel 38:8 - Israel in the Latter Days")), signifying its eschatological nature and indicating that it transcends any specific historical event contemporary to Ezekiel's time. While Gog and Magog have been variously associated with northern peoples like the Scythians or Cimmerians, the prophecy's primary theological intent is not to identify precise historical nations but to illustrate God's ultimate and unchallengeable sovereignty over all earthly powers that oppose Him. In ancient warfare, internal dissension, panic, or confusion could indeed lead to devastating self-inflicted casualties, a phenomenon God has historically employed to defeat His enemies without direct human intervention from Israel, as exemplified in the victory over Midian in [Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Midianites Turn on Each Other") and the defeat of the Ammonites and Moabites in [2 Chronicles 20:23](/2_chronicles/20-23 "2 Chronicles 20:23 - Ammonites and Moabites Destroy Each Other"). The "mountains of Israel" serve as the designated stage for this climactic divine drama, profoundly symbolizing God's unwavering ownership and protective claim over His land and His covenant people.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme illuminated by Ezekiel 38:21 is **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. God's explicit declaration, "I will call for a sword against him," emphatically underscores that this judgment is not an accidental occurrence or a mere consequence of human actions, but a direct, intentional, and divinely orchestrated act to fulfill His purposes. A second prominent theme is **Internal Strife as a Divine Weapon**, where God causes the vast enemy coalition to turn their weapons upon themselves. This unique method of warfare powerfully showcases God's supernatural power and His ability to defeat formidable adversaries without requiring Israel's military intervention, thereby highlighting His unique and unparalleled methods of warfare. Ultimately, the profound purpose of this judgment is the **Protection and Vindication of Israel** and the **Revelation of God's Glory** to all nations, as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Holiness Revealed"). This climactic event serves as a powerful affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** (H7121) This primitive root signifies the act of calling out to, addressing by name, or summoning. In the context of Ezekiel 38:21, God's declaration, "I will call for a sword," is far more than a mere prediction; it is an authoritative divine command and an active initiation of judgment. It emphasizes God's direct, personal, and sovereign role as the orchestrator of events, summoning the "sword" as His chosen instrument of divine wrath. This word underscores the intentionality and certainty of God's decree.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** (H2719) Derived from a root meaning "drought," this term refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, knife, or other sharp implement, and is intrinsically linked to destructive effect and violence. Its potent repetition within the verse ("call for a sword," "every man's sword") intensifies the imagery of pervasive, lethal conflict and widespread decimation. Here, "sword" represents not only a physical weapon but also the tangible instrument of divine wrath, chaos, and the means by which God's judgment is executed.
* **brother (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** (H251) This primitive word denotes a brother in its broadest sense, encompassing literal kinship, metaphorical affinity, or close association, such as allies or confederates. In the chilling phrase "every man's sword shall be against his brother," it highlights the complete and unnatural breakdown of unity, loyalty, and cohesion within the enemy ranks. This signifies a horrific and unprecedented turning of supposed allies against one another, leading to mutual destruction and emphasizing the chaotic and self-defeating nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will call for a sword against him":** This declarative opening clause immediately establishes God's absolute sovereignty and divine initiative in the impending judgment. The phrase "I will call" (literally, "I will summon" or "I will proclaim") signifies an active, authoritative divine command, not a passive observation or a mere allowance of events. God is directly and intentionally initiating the judgment against Gog, using the "sword" as His chosen instrument for the destruction of the invading forces. This is a powerful declaration of God's deliberate intent and unchallengeable power.
* **"throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD":** This segment precisely clarifies the geographical location where this climactic judgment will unfold – "my mountains," which unequivocally refers to the mountains of Israel. This possessive declaration profoundly emphasizes God's ownership and protective claim over the land where His covenant people reside. The authoritative concluding phrase, "saith the Lord GOD," employing the combined divine titles **ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih** (H136, H3069), underscores the absolute certainty, unchallengeable nature, and divine origin of this prophecy. It is an immutable decree from the sovereign ruler of the universe.
* **"every man's sword shall be against his brother."** This powerful and chilling concluding statement reveals the precise and devastating nature of the divine judgment: internal strife and catastrophic self-destruction. Instead of engaging in battle with Israel, the vast invading forces will be supernaturally compelled to turn their weapons upon themselves, leading to a chaotic, bloody, and devastating decimation from within their own ranks. This highlights the complete breakdown of cohesion and the terrifying effectiveness of God's judgment, where the enemies become their own destroyers, fulfilling God's purpose through their own internal collapse.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:21 is profoundly enriched by several literary devices that amplify its prophetic impact and theological weight. The phrase "I will call for a sword" employs **Personification**, as God is depicted as actively summoning an inanimate object (a sword) as if it were a sentient agent, vividly highlighting His direct and active involvement in orchestrating the impending judgment. The deliberate **Repetition** of the word "sword" ("call for a sword," "every man's sword") creates a pervasive sense of inescapable violence and emphasizes the instrument of widespread destruction, intensifying the imagery of relentless internal conflict. There is profound **Irony** in the fact that the formidable enemies, who came with the intent to plunder and destroy Israel, are instead supernaturally caused to turn their weapons on each other. This unexpected and dramatic reversal powerfully underscores God's ability to confound and frustrate the plans of His adversaries. The phrase "every man's sword shall be against his brother" utilizes **Hyperbole** to convey the absolute, widespread, and total nature of the internal conflict, implying a complete and catastrophic breakdown of order and unity that leads to comprehensive self-destruction. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Divine Fiat**, an authoritative and irrevocable decree from God that declares His sovereign will and guarantees its certain fulfillment, leaving no doubt about the inevitable and devastating outcome for those who oppose Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:21 profoundly illustrates God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all nations, historical events, and even the internal dynamics of those who oppose Him. It reveals that God does not merely react to human aggression or geopolitical threats but actively orchestrates circumstances, even utilizing the internal divisions and self-destructive tendencies of His enemies, to achieve His righteous and redemptive purposes. This divine strategy ensures that His covenant people are protected, His promises are fulfilled, and His glory is unequivocally displayed to the entire world. The verse serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that ultimate victory belongs solely to the Lord, and no human, demonic, or combined force can thwart His eternal plans for His creation and His chosen people.

* [Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Midianites Turn on Each Other")
* [2 Chronicles 20:23](/2_chronicles/20-23 "2 Chronicles 20:23 - Ammonites and Moabites Destroy Each Other")
* [Zechariah 14:13](/zechariah/14-13 "Zechariah 14:13 - Panic Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:21 offers profound reassurance and a compelling call to unwavering trust in God's ultimate and sovereign control over all things. In a world frequently characterized by geopolitical turmoil, escalating threats, and seemingly overwhelming forces of evil, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God remains firmly on His throne, actively working to fulfill His divine purposes. We are called to trust that even when circumstances appear dire, and human solutions seem inadequate, God possesses countless and often unexpected ways to intervene, to protect His people, and to vindicate His holy name. This truth should inspire believers to live with profound confidence and peace, rather than fear, knowing that the Lord is the ultimate defender, judge, and orchestrator of history. It also challenges us to align our lives wholeheartedly with His righteous will, recognizing that any opposition to God's ultimate plans inevitably leads to futility and self-destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God causing enemies to turn on themselves deepen your understanding of divine power, justice, and strategic ingenuity?**
* **In what specific areas of your personal life or the broader world do you need to trust God's sovereignty more fully, especially when situations appear chaotic or overwhelming?**
* **What practical implications does this verse have for how believers should respond to perceived threats or overwhelming opposition in their lives?**

### FAQ
**What does "my mountains" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "My mountains" refers specifically and unequivocally to the mountains of Israel, emphasizing that this decisive battle and the subsequent divine judgment will take place on the very land God has consecrated, claimed as His own, and given to His covenant people. This possessive phrase profoundly underscores God's ownership and protective claim over the territory of Israel, making it the central stage for the dramatic and public display of His power, holiness, and faithfulness. It signifies that God is actively defending His own possession and His chosen people against all invaders.

**Has the prophecy of Gog and Magog, as described in Ezekiel 38-39, been fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy of Gog and Magog in [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - The Prophecy of Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - The Destruction of Gog") is widely understood by the vast majority of biblical scholars to be an unfulfilled eschatological prophecy. This means it pertains to events in the "latter days" ([Ezekiel 38:8](/ezekiel/38-8 "Ezekiel 38:8 - Israel in the Latter Days"), [Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - Gog in the Latter Days")) that are yet to occur. While some interpretations have attempted to link it to various historical events or figures throughout history, the unprecedented scale, global scope, and numerous supernatural elements explicitly described (e.g., God's direct and cataclysmic intervention, the internal strife, the seven years of burning weapons, the seven months of burial, the universal revelation of God's glory) strongly suggest a future, climactic event that will unequivocally demonstrate God's sovereignty and holiness to all nations ([Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Holiness Revealed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 38:21, with its vivid portrayal of God's sovereign judgment and the divinely orchestrated self-destruction of His enemies, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "sword" that God calls for, representing divine judgment, is ultimately wielded by Christ Himself, who is majestically depicted in Revelation as having a sharp, two-edged sword coming from His mouth, symbolizing His powerful, authoritative word of judgment and righteous decree ([Revelation 1:16](/revelation/1-16 "Revelation 1:16 - The Son of Man with a Sharp Sword"), [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Sword of Judgment")). The divine principle of enemies turning on each other foreshadows the inherent internal division and ultimate defeat of the kingdom of darkness, as Jesus Himself profoundly taught that "every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand" ([Matthew 12:25](/matthew/12-25 "Matthew 12:25 - A Kingdom Divided")). Christ's decisive victory on the cross disarmed and triumphed over the spiritual powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), and His glorious second coming will culminate in the final and complete overthrow of all who oppose God, leading to their utter destruction, not by external human armies, but by the very breath of His mouth and the splendor of His coming ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-9](/2_thessalonians/1-7-9 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 - Christ's Return and Judgment")). Thus, Ezekiel's ancient prophecy points forward to Christ as the ultimate orchestrator of divine justice, ensuring the eternal protection of His redeemed people and the everlasting triumph of His glorious kingdom.

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

Haggai 2:22

And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.

Judges 7:22

And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

Ezekiel 14:17

Or [if] I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:

2 Chronicles 20:23

For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy [them]: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.

1 Samuel 14:20

And Saul and all the people that [were] with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, [and there was] a very great discomfiture.

Psalms 105:16

Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.