Ezekiel 39

Read Ezekiel 39

The Lord is greater than all the impressive powers throughout this fading world. Ezekiel's prophecy against “Gog” is an emotionally gripping expression of the judgment of Jehovah that will come upon arrogant rulers. God is not intimidated by the “hordes” of various people groups “from the uttermost parts of the north” that would assault His beloved children. “I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the Lord.”

Ezekiel's graphic imagery communicated to the Old Testament hearers the coming of a great military reversal in Israel's favor. “They will seize the spoil of those who despoiled them, and plunder those who plundered them.” The wooden weapons left behind by slaughtered enemy forces would provide fuel for Jewish homes “for seven years.” It would take “seven months” to bury the dead from the camp of their defeated adversaries. The wild beasts and birds would be instructed to come to a feast that would rid the land of the repulsive remains from the soldiers and their horses who would lose their lives in the battle of the ages. (See also Revelation 19:17-21.)

Why would the Almighty bring to the Jews in the days of Ezekiel these descriptive accounts of such overwhelming victory? The Lord's people needed to remember that He was in charge and that He would surely win. “I will set my glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see My judgment that I have executed.”

Though Israel was suffering at the hands of tormentors during Ezekiel's years of ministry, the Lord's people had been sent by God “into captivity for their iniquity.” Jehovah's larger purpose was to “have mercy on the whole house of Israel” for the glory of His own holy Name. God's promise remained: “I will not hide My face anymore from them, when I pour out My Spirit upon the house of Israel.”

Ezekiel used words and concepts that communicated best to the hearts of his immediate audience. The New Testament assures us that the ultimate victorious return of Jesus, not only for the Jews, but for all who trust in Him, will be the greatest fulfillment of these ancient oracles. Why else would the book of Revelation use Ezekiel's visions so prominently in the final chapters of the Bible?

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord of Hosts, what will the strong nations of the world do when You come against them with Your almighty power? No assault against Your holy mountain will ever be successful. Your Name will be exalted there forever. We long for that place and that time when it will be so clear that You are our All in all. The coming judgment of the earth will be a frightening and devastating event. We are thankful that we know only small tastes of this horror, and are grateful that we will never experience that eternal curse. Though we have dealt treacherously with You and Your people to our shame, Your Son has taken the full weight of Your wrath for our sin. You will vindicate Your holiness in bringing great blessing upon us, for on the cross Your Son has already faced the penalty that we deserved.