Ezekiel 38 Study Notes

38:12 The phrase center of the world may be translated “navel of the earth.” Since the Hebrew word for “land” can also mean “earth,” it could be argued that theologically Jerusalem will be both the center of the land of Israel and indeed of all the earth. The only other occurrence of this expression is in Jdg 9:37, but that text does not refer to Jerusalem.

38:13 Sheba (27:22), Dedan (25:13; 27:20), and Tarshish (27:12) are mentioned in chap. 27 as engaged in trade with Tyre. Sheba, located in the southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula (modern Yemen), was known for its trading (Jb 6:19; see Ezk 27:22; 1Kg 10:1-2).

38:14-16 The phrase so that the nations may know me refers to an important biblical theme (Ex 15; Ps 46-48; Is 2:1-4; Mc 4:1-5). This invasion will take place in the end times, after the people of Israel have been restored to the promised land and are living securely under the Messiah’s rule and protection.

38:17-20 When Gog advances, a great earthquake will occur. Such listings of animals in v. 20 are used to allude to the entire created order in the creation story (Gn 1) and elsewhere (Gn 9:2; 1Kg 4:33; Jb 12:7-8).

38:21 God will bring such confusion on those who oppose his people that they will kill one another (Lv 26:37; Dt 28:29). For a similar event in the time of King Jehoshaphat, see 2Ch 20:22-23.

38:22-23 These judgments against Gog are consistent with the covenant curses of plague (Dt 32:24), bloodshed (Dt 32:42), flood (Gn 6), hail, fire, and burning sulfur (Jos 10:11). The defeat of Gog by the sword and natural elements highlights God’s role as Creator and governor of nature. The destruction is also reminiscent of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gn 18-19).