Read Ezekiel 38:1-23
When I read the name Gog, my mind immediately went to video games and the digital platform by the same name. But in this case, God refers to someone he wants to contact. In fact, this is the first of two readings we’ll have in the “episode” about Gog.
Scholars have puzzled over who this “Gog” represents. Gog isn’t one of the “regular” enemies of God we read about. If not a particular historical person, then perhaps God was referring to Gog as a symbol for evil.
The first scene suggests Gog and his allies (also enemies of God) will all be taken out with hooks in their jaws. The message then goes on to talk about how Gog will devise a plan against God’s people who have be united and restored in their land. No matter what Gog’s plan might be, it would be divine intervention that rules the day. God is the one who chose to move them out.
God was calling out to all the fierce, barbarian nations that surrounded his precious people. God would use them. The land of Israel lay exposed after their return from exile. We know from Biblical history that Jerusalem remained undefended until the days of Nehemiah when he commissioned a wall be built around Jerusalem to protect the holy city and the recently reconstructed temple.
It was almost as if God was taunting evil here by giving Gog an “insider tip” that would not end well for Gog. ”At that time in the distant future, I will bring you against my land as everyone watches, and my holiness will be displayed by what happens to you, Gog. Then all the nations will know that I am the LORD.” God was going to use this Gog and his vast army.
This is another prophecy that puts Ezekiel’s people already back in their homeland out of exile. It shows us that they were at peace. I wonder why God would want to mess that up? What was his purpose? Again, God wanted to be known as the LORD.
God declares, “When Gog invades the land of Israel, my fury will boil over!” This bubbling anger will be in the form of catastrophic natural disasters all that same time; God’s fury would certainly be recognized. God was going to use them, while letting Gog and his cohorts think they could attack and conquer God’s precious children. God’s roused anger would have the final word. God’s majesty will shine instead. That was the purpose of this message all along.
There are no date stamps on when this invasion is scheduled to take place. Ezekiel’s words are “distant future.” The English Standard Version translation even says, “latter days.” Does this mean the attack hasn’t happened yet but is expected in the last days? The signs and wonders of this event do sound quite remarkable and memorable. We also know God’s people have been continually under attack from one direction or the other throughout history.
No matter when this happens, my takeaway from this prophecy is that God’s faithfulness always shines through. The Sovereign LORD will expose evil and stand against it. His people will be protected from evil’s clever destruction. We can cling to God’s faithfulness, too. Psalm 36:5 says it beautifully, “Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.”
How do you respond to that?
Let’s pray. I put my trust in you, oh faithful one. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. You always use the unlikely for your purposes. Your plans are so much bigger than I could ever imagine. Help me see where it is that you have placed me. I long to fit into this world in some impactful way and be used by you. Confirm my steps and show me the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
