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,
Ezekiel 38:2 nkjv
"Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
Ezekiel 38:2 niv
"Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshek and Tubal; prophesy against him
Ezekiel 38:2 esv
"Son of man, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him
Ezekiel 38:2 nlt
"Son of man, turn and face Gog of the land of Magog, the prince who rules over the nations of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him.
Ezekiel 38 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 38:1 | The word of the LORD came to me: | Introduction to the prophecy |
| Ezekiel 38:3 | You prophesy against him and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. | Specific declaration of war |
| Ezekiel 39:1 | “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say… | Repetition of prophecy theme |
| Genesis 10:2 | The sons of Japheth: Gomer and Magog… | Genealogical origin |
| Revelation 20:8 | and will go out to deceive the nations in all four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. | Future manifestation of evil |
| Jeremiah 51:11 | Sharpen the arrows, fill the quivers! The LORD has stirred up the kings of the Medes, because it is his purpose to destroy Babylon. | Divine orchestration of conflict |
| Isaiah 13:2-3 | Raise a banner on a barren mountain, lift up your voice to them, wave your hand so they may march into the nobles’ gates. I myself command my consecrated ones; I also summon my warriors to express my anger—those who exult in my triumph. | God raising up instruments |
| Psalm 2:1-2 | Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed one. | Gathering of hostile nations |
| Acts 4:27-28 | For truly they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. | Fulfillment of prophetic gathering |
| Genesis 3:15 | I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” | First prophecy of conflict |
| 1 Chronicles 1:5 | The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. | Another genealogical record |
| Joshua 11:3 | He will speak against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, and he will intend to change their holy-days and laws; and they will be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time. | Future oppressive power |
| Daniel 7:21 | I watched, and the same horn was making war against the saints and conquering them, | Another mention of conquering |
| Daniel 11:36 | Then the king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say things CXX astonishing against the God of gods. | Self-exaltation of foe |
| 2 Thessalonians 2:4 | He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sits in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. | Opposition to God |
| 1 Timothy 4:1 | The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. | Deceptive spirits |
| Jude 1:6 | And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; | Angels rebelling |
| 1 John 2:18 | Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. | Spirit of Antichrist |
| 1 Peter 5:8 | Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. | Spiritual enemy |
Ezekiel 38 verses
Ezekiel 38 2 Meaning
This verse introduces Gog, from the land of Magog, as a primary antagonist who will confront God's people in the latter days. It highlights his prominent and authoritative position, often interpreted as a leader or a prince over various nations mentioned in the following verses. The geographical reference "Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal" points to specific ancient regions and peoples.
Ezekiel 38 2 Context
Ezekiel chapter 38 sets the stage for a dramatic future prophecy concerning a confederation of nations led by Gog, from the land of Magog. This prophetic utterance comes to Ezekiel from the LORD, indicating divine authority and foreknowledge. The verse introduces the main actor in the ensuing conflict, positioning Gog as a significant figure of opposition. The specific names "Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal" are important for understanding the geographical and ethnological implications of the prophecy, connecting it to peoples known to ancient Israelites.
Ezekiel 38 2 Word Analysis
- וַֽיְהִי (vay-hee): "and it came to pass" or "and it was". This is a common starting phrase in Hebrew narrative, signifying the continuation of a story or the unfolding of events.
- דְּבַר (dĕ-var): "the word of". This points to a message or communication from a higher authority.
- יְהוָה (Yĕ-ho-vȧh): "the LORD". The personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing that the message originates from the Almighty.
- אֶל־ (el): "unto" or "to". Indicates the recipient of the message.
- יְחֶזְקֵאל (Yĕ-ḥez-qēl): "Ezekiel". The prophet who received the divine communication.
- לֵאמֹר (lĕ-’o-mär): "saying". Introduces the content of the message.
- בֶּן־אָדָם (ben-’â-dâm): "son of man". A common prophetic designation for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity in contrast to the divine authority speaking through him. It signifies his role as a representative human tasked with conveying God's word.
- הִתְפַּנֵּה (hit-pa-nē): "Set your face against". A strong imperative, signifying a direct and determined opposition or gaze towards a particular object or direction. It implies intentionality and focus in confronting.
- אֶל־ (el): "toward" or "against".
- גּוֹג (Gōg): "Gog". The name of the primary antagonist of this prophecy. Its etymology is uncertain, but it is often associated with figures of great power and opposition in later eschatological traditions.
- אֶרֶץ (’e-reṣ): "land of".
- מָגוֹג (Mā-gōg): "Magog". A people or territory mentioned alongside Gog, often considered his dominion. Their exact location is debated, but they are generally placed in northern regions.
- נְשִׂיא (nə-sī'): "prince" or "chief". This indicates a position of leadership and authority.
- רֹאשׁ (Rōsh): "chief", "head", or "prince". This word is often translated as a proper noun in conjunction with the following nations, "prince of Rosh." Its inclusion here is significant and debated.
- מֶשֶׁךְ (Me-shekh): "Meshech". An ancient people, often associated with populations in Asia Minor or bordering regions.
- וְ (wĕ): "and".
- תּוּבָל (Tū-bāl): "Tubal". Another ancient people, often linked geographically with Meshech, possibly located in eastern Asia Minor.
Ezekiel 38 2 Bonus Section
The mention of "Rosh" alongside Meshech and Tubal is particularly noteworthy. While Meshech and Tubal are well-documented ancient peoples, "Rosh" as a distinct entity is less clearly defined in historical records. Some scholars propose it may refer to an early designation for the Rus' people, the ancestors of modern Russians, suggesting a more northerly or northeastern origin for this confederation. This interpretation is often drawn from comparing it with the Septuagint translation of the verse, which explicitly states "prince of Meshech, Tubal, and Thiras." The inclusion of "Rosh" in the Masoretic Text, however, has led to extensive discussion regarding the eschatological significance and the geographical scope of the final prophetic conflict described in chapters 38 and 39. This prophecy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and historical events.
Ezekiel 38 2 Commentary
Ezekiel 38:2 initiates a pivotal prophecy that details a future confederation of nations united against Israel and, ultimately, against God. The figure of Gog, hailing from the land of Magog and identified as the "chief prince of Meshech and Tubal," stands as the central antagonist. This verse is not merely an introduction but a declaration of God's intent to sovereignly orchestrate events. The prophet Ezekiel, referred to as "son of man," is commissioned by the LORD to confront Gog directly. The term "chief prince" emphasizes Gog's commanding authority over a diverse coalition, hinting at his role as a supreme commander or a major regional power. The specific mention of Meshech and Tubal grounds the prophecy in the known ethnological and geographical landscape of the ancient world, suggesting origins in regions north of Israel. Scholars have debated the precise identification of these peoples and their modern counterparts, but the consensus is a formidable northern power bloc.