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.
Ezekiel 38:21 nkjv
I will call for a sword against Gog throughout all My mountains," says the Lord GOD. "Every man's sword will be against his brother.
Ezekiel 38:21 niv
I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man's sword will be against his brother.
Ezekiel 38:21 esv
I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Lord GOD. Every man's sword will be against his brother.
Ezekiel 38:21 nlt
I will summon the sword against you on all the hills of Israel, says the Sovereign LORD. Your men will turn their swords against each other.
Ezekiel 38 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 38:4 | "And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth with all thine army..." | divine control/judgment |
| Psalm 35:4 | "Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my life: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise mischief against me." | divine confounding |
| 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..." | internal conflict |
| Jeremiah 15:2 | "And if they say unto thee, Whither shall we go forth? then thou shalt tell them, Thus saith the LORD; Such as are for death, unto death; and such as are for the sword, unto the sword; and such as are for the famine, unto famine; and such as are for the captivity, unto captivity." | divine judgment modes |
| Psalm 78:34 | "When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God." | Israel's rebellion |
| Isaiah 19:2 | "And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom." | internal strife |
| 2 Chronicles 20:22 | "And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." | divine intervention |
| Psalm 37:14 | "The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation." | wicked intent |
| Isaiah 41:11 | "Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish." | divine frustration |
| Proverbs 6:16-19 | "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, Feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." | sowing discord |
| Jeremiah 51:20 | "Thou art my battle ax and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;" | God's instrument |
| Revelation 13:10 | "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." | sword judgment |
| Matthew 24:7 | "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." | societal breakdown |
| Acts 2:30 | "...and will set my throne upon it..." | Jesus' authority |
| Deuteronomy 32:22 | "For a fire is kindled in my anger, and burneth unto the lowest hell, and devoureth the earth with her increase, and setteth on fire the foundations of the mountains." | divine anger |
| Psalm 83:4 | "For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head." | enemies in tumult |
| Isaiah 10:25 | "For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction." | anger ceasing |
| Revelation 19:11 | "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon it was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war." | Christ's war |
| Habakkuk 2:7 | "Shall they not rise up, that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?" | future judgment |
| Zechariah 14:13 | "And they also shall give judgment in that day among them a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour." | God-instigated tumult |
Ezekiel 38 verses
Ezekiel 38 21 Meaning
Ezekiel 38:21 states: "And I will call for a sword against him throughout all the mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brethren." This verse describes a supernatural and internal conflict that God will instigate among the invading forces led by Gog of Magog, a prophesied future adversary. It signifies a divine intervention where the attackers will turn on each other, leading to their destruction through internal strife rather than direct external combat by Israel's forces. This is a hallmark of God's judgment, where confusion and self-destruction are inflicted upon His enemies.
Ezekiel 38 21 Context
Ezekiel chapter 38 describes a future confederation of nations, led by Gog from the land of Magog, who will assemble against Israel. This invasion is presented as a divine judgment orchestrated by God Himself. Chapter 38 details the composition of Gog's vast army, their intent to plunder and prey upon the seemingly defenseless people of Israel. Verse 21 transitions from the description of this mighty attacking force to the specific means of their ultimate defeat. The immediate context for verse 21 is the revelation of God's direct intervention, calling for a sword (representing divine judgment and warfare) not just against Gog, but a sword that will turn his own forces against themselves, highlighting the supernatural confusion that will befall the invaders. Historically, the prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered to the exiles in Babylon, offering hope of God's ultimate deliverance and vindication against His enemies, while also conveying messages of judgment.
Ezekiel 38 21 Word Analysis
- וְקָרָ֥אתִי (veqara'ti): "And I will call" or "I will summon." This signifies a deliberate and authoritative action by God. The qara' root implies calling out, summoning, or inviting.
- לְחֶ֖רֶב (lecherev): "for a sword" or "against a sword." The preposition le can indicate purpose or destination. Here it points to the instrument of destruction that God will command.
- אֶל־כָּל־ (el-kol-): "against all" or "to all." This emphasizes the widespread and comprehensive nature of the judgment.
- הָהָרִ֑ים (haharrim): "the mountains." In biblical Hebrew, "mountains" can symbolize powerful nations, kingdoms, or strongholds. It suggests the judgment will affect all ranks and structures of Gog's host.
- נְאֻ֖ם (ne'um): "saith" or "declaration." A formal way of attributing the preceding words to God.
- אֲדֹנָ֣י (Adonai): "Lord GOD." A double divine title, "Lord" (Master) and "Yahweh" (God), emphasizing God's sovereignty and personal relationship with His people.
- יְהוִֽה׃ (Yehovih): "Yahweh" (often translated as LORD). The covenant name of God.
- וְאִישׁׁ (ve'ish): "and a man" or "and every man." Singular usage to denote individual responsibility within the collective.
- חַרְבּ֥וֹ (charbo): "his sword." Referring to the personal weapon of each soldier.
- אֶל־רֵעֵ֖הוּ (el-re'ehu): "against his neighbour" or "against his brother." This is the core of the internal conflict, signifying a breakdown of camaraderie and an uprising within the ranks.
Word-Group Analysis
- "I will call for a sword against him throughout all the mountains": This phrase is a powerful depiction of divine initiation. "Calling" signifies God actively commissioning the destructive force. "Sword" represents war and death. "Mountains" likely represents the military strength, encampments, or strongholds of the enemy, suggesting a pervasive internal breakdown across their entire assembled might.
- "every man's sword shall be against his brethren": This emphasizes the chaotic and self-destructive nature of the defeat. The invaders will not be defeated by an external army, but by infighting, turning their own weapons and aggression inward upon each other. This mirrors instances in scripture where internal discord brought about the downfall of enemy coalitions.
Ezekiel 38 21 Bonus Section
This verse illustrates a theological principle that God not only defeats His enemies but often does so through a supernatural reversal of their own strength against themselves. The concept of mutual destruction within an attacking force is a direct manifestation of divine judgment, where the enemy becomes the instrument of their own downfall. This "confusing the enemy" tactic aligns with God's promise to confound and shame those who plot against His people. The emphasis on "brethren" turning on each other is particularly severe, highlighting the absolute breakdown of order and loyalty. This imagery has been interpreted by some scholars as a prefigurement of the ultimate chaos and judgment that will precede Christ's final reign. The verse serves to reinforce the message that God's power is supreme and that He actively intervenes in history to uphold righteousness and defend His people, even through unexpected means.
Ezekiel 38 21 Commentary
Ezekiel 38:21 presents a striking prophecy of divine retribution. God declares that He will orchestrate an internal collapse within the invading armies of Gog. The "sword" called forth is not merely a literal weapon, but divine judgment and the ensuing chaos. The targets are described as "the mountains," which can represent the enemy's fortified positions or their hierarchical structure. Crucially, the destruction will be wrought by each man turning his "sword against his brethren." This indicates utter confusion, betrayal, and self-annihilation among Gog's forces, instigated by God. This supernatural element highlights that the victory over such a formidable alliance will be God's doing, ensuring that His power and sovereignty are magnified, rather than Israel's military prowess. The verse echoes earlier instances in the Old Testament where God caused divisions among enemy hosts (e.g., Judges 7:22), underscoring His consistent method of ensuring His people's deliverance. It serves as a theological assertion that no human conspiracy or military might can ultimately prevail against the plans of the Almighty.