Ezekiel 38 14

Ezekiel 38:14 kjv

Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?

Ezekiel 38:14 nkjv

"Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it?

Ezekiel 38:14 niv

"Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it?

Ezekiel 38:14 esv

"Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say to Gog, Thus says the Lord GOD: On that day when my people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not know it?

Ezekiel 38:14 nlt

"Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: When my people are living in peace in their land, then you will rouse yourself.

Ezekiel 38 verses

Ezekiel 38 14 Meaning

This verse signifies God's sovereign decision to grant access to His chosen people. It highlights God's initiation and empowerment, assuring Israel that despite the impending invasion, their safety and spiritual security are divinely guaranteed. The passage emphasizes God's direct intervention in protecting His land and His people from the attackers described in the preceding verses.

Ezekiel 38 14 Context

Chapter 38 of Ezekiel describes a future massive invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations led by Gog from the land of Magog. Gog is described as a powerful warrior and leader from the north. This invasion is depicted as occurring after Israel has been restored to its land and lives in apparent peace and security. The primary purpose of God's pronouncements to Ezekiel in these chapters is to reveal His ultimate sovereignty and plan for Israel's salvation and sanctification through judgment upon its enemies. Verse 14 begins God's direct address to Ezekiel, commissioning him to prophesy specifically about Gog and his impending, albeit futile, attack.

Ezekiel 38 14 Word Analysis

• "Therefore" (Hebrew: וּלְכֵן, ū·lə·ḵên): Connects this divine directive to the preceding prophecy about Gog's invasion. It indicates a consequence or a direct response to the predicted actions of Gog.

• "son of man" (Hebrew: בֶּן־אָדָם, ḇen-’ā·ḏām): A standard prophetic address from God to Ezekiel. It emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity in contrast to God's divinity and highlights his role as God's representative. It underscores that he is commissioned by God.

• "prophesy" (Hebrew: הִנָּבֵא, hiṉ·nā·ḇê): To speak forth divinely inspired messages. God is commanding Ezekiel to proclaim His word concerning Gog and the events that will unfold. It signifies forth-telling God's will.

• "and say" (Hebrew: וֶאֱמֹר, wə·’ê·mōr): A directive to speak. It reinforces the public proclamation of God's message.

• "to Gog" (Hebrew: לְגֹ֗וג, lə·ḡō·wḡ): Referring to the Antichrist-like figure or leader of the invading nations. The name itself carries symbolic weight, representing ultimate opposition to God's people.

• "against" (Hebrew: אֶל־, ’êḇ): Directing the prophecy specifically at Gog. The message is not for him to hear directly, but rather concerning him and his actions.

• "the land of Magog" (Hebrew: אֶ֥רֶץ מָג֔וֹג, ’ɛ·reṣ mā·ḡō·wḡ): Magog is generally understood as a descendant of Japheth and is associated with peoples dwelling north of Israel, often linked to northern Caucasian regions or Scythians. It represents a geographical and national entity.

• "a chief prince of" (Hebrew: שַׂ֥ר־רֹ֖אשׁ, śar-rō·w·š): Indicates a supreme leader or chieftain. This signifies Gog's paramount authority over the confederation of nations he leads. "Rosh" means head, chief.

• "Meshech and Tubal" (Hebrew: מֶ֖שֶׁךְ וְתֻבָ֑ל, me·šeḵ wə·ṯu·ḇāl): Ancient peoples known for their association with regions in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) and likely north of them. Their inclusion signifies a broad northern geographical base for the invading force. They are often identified with historical groups in those areas.

• "the utterance" (Hebrew: נְאֻם־, nə·’um): A pronouncement, often signifying an oracle or declaration from God. It adds authority to the words spoken.

• "of the Sovereign LORD" (Hebrew: אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֔ה, ’ă·ḏō·nā·y yə·hô·wîh): The Lord GOD. This is a compound divine name showing supreme authority and lordship over all things. It emphasizes God's ultimate power and control.

Ezekiel 38 14 Bonus Section

The identification of "Gog" and "Magog" has been a subject of much discussion among scholars. While specific geographical identifications for Meshech and Tubal are generally understood to be in Asia Minor, the exact historical or future locus of Magog remains debated. Some scholars link Magog to various ancient groups, including Scythians, Cimmerians, or peoples of Central Asia. The importance lies less in pinpointing an exact modern location and more in understanding the symbolic representation of a formidable, unified force coming from the northern expanse, characterized by immense military power, hostile to God's people and His promises. This passage emphasizes the universality of God's judgment and salvation, affecting nations far and wide but centering on His covenant people. The mention of "chief prince" suggests a singular, dominant leader figure for this extensive alliance, mirroring later prophetic insights about apocalyptic leaders.

Ezekiel 38 14 Commentary

Ezekiel 38:14 initiates God's detailed instructions to Ezekiel concerning the final, massive confederation of nations led by Gog. The directive is clear: prophesy against this ultimate adversary, identifying his prominent leadership ("chief prince") and his origin from the far north, associated with historically significant regions like Magog, Meshech, and Tubal. The repeated use of "son of man" and the term "Sovereign LORD" underscore that this is a divine message, originating from the highest authority, for a human prophet to convey. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent pronouncements where God will explain the purpose behind Gog's invasion – not to destroy Israel, but to serve as a backdrop for God's magnificent display of power and holiness in defending His people and land. The ultimate outcome is predetermined by God for His glory.