Ezekiel 38:14

14 "Therefore, son of man, prophesy! Tell Gog, 'A Message from God, the Master: When my people Israel are established securely, will you make your move?

Ezekiel 38:14 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 38:14

Therefore, son of man, prophesy, and say unto Gog
Since these are his thoughts and designs, and those his big words, and which he will endeavour to put in practice, and be applauded for it by others; deliver this prophecy to him, or concerning him: thus saith the Lord God, in that day when my people of Israel dwelleth
safely, shall thou not know it?
that Israel are returned to their own land? that they dwell in it safely? that they have abundance of cattle, gold, and silver that they have no walls, gates, and bars to protect them? that they live without fear or suspicion of any enemy to annoy them, and therefore may be easily surprised and taken? this, when it comes to pass, will soon be known by the Turks, through their spies and informers: or, "shall thou not know?" F17 or experience the divine vengeance for thy wicked thoughts, intentions, and attempts against Israel? he should. So the Targum,

``shalt thou not know the vengeance of my power?''
or shalt thou not know that all attempts to make them uneasy and uncomfortable will be in vain?
FOOTNOTES:

F17 (edt) "experturus esses", Junius & Tremellius; "experieris, scil. poenam meam", Piscator.

Ezekiel 38:14 In-Context

12 And I'm going to plunder the place, march right in and clean them out, this rebuilt country risen from the ashes, these returned exiles and their booming economy centered down at the navel of the earth."
13 "'Sheba and Dedan and Tarshish, traders all out to make a fast buck, will say, "So! You've opened a new market for plunder! You've brought in your troops to get rich quick!"'
14 "Therefore, son of man, prophesy! Tell Gog, 'A Message from God, the Master: When my people Israel are established securely, will you make your move?
15 Will you come down out of the far north, you and that mob of armies, charging out on your horses like a tidal wave across the land,
16 and invade my people Israel, covering the country like a cloud? When the time's ripe, I'll unleash you against my land in such a way that the nations will recognize me, realize that through you, Gog, in full view of the nations, I am putting my holiness on display.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.