Scripture Text: Ezekiel 38:1-39:29
Memory Verse: “I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them. So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.” Ezekiel 39:21-22
Introduction:
“Gog” is the focus of this week’s study. Ezekiel 38:1-23 addresses Gog’s defeat, while Ezekiel 39:1-29 tells of Gog’s disposal. Both of these depict the absolute defeat of the “ultimate enemy” to strike out against Israel. While Israel lies exposed and vulnerable, God decisively intervenes to divinely protect and deliver them from the threat of all threats!
Some might question that this is an encouraging portion of Scripture, but if viewed the proper way, it is. If the ultimate enemy (Gog) can’t defeat God’s people and keep them from the blessed future God has promised them, then neither can any lesser evil.
Just “who” is Gog? This question has been bandied about by theologians for centuries. Some believe Gog to be completely symbolic of an evil world system, while others have searched for Gog’s identity from the list of enemies in Israel’s past history. From the wording used in Ezekiel 38 and Ezekiel 39, whoever Gog actually is, he is far more treacherous and powerful than what the Assyrians or Babylonians were. Since these nations were actually called and used by God as tools of judgment against His people, they certainly fail to fit Gog’s identity.
Gog and his united, seven-nation force, and the treachery they symbolize, transcend anything seen before on planet earth. Gog is a fear-inducing figure of cosmic proportions—commander-in-chief of a coalition of forces gathered from the ends of the earth. He is from the land of Magog, and rules over Meshech-Tubal. He is allied with Persia, Cush, and Put (Ezekiel 38:5), as well as Gomer and Beth Togarmah (Ezekiel 38:6).
The clash of battle this time leaves dramatically different results, as God’s zeal and fiery wrath are now directed at Gog (Ezekiel 38:18-19). God unleashes an earthquake, torrential rain, hail, burning sulfur, the sword, and cataclysmic bloodshed against the enemy coalition, revealing His power and holiness to all.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What is the seven-nation coalition united under Gog’s banner? (Ezekiel 38:2, 6)
- Why does Gog desire the conquest of Israel? (Ezekiel 38:8-13)
- What sudden calamities will befall Gog’s coalition? (Ezekiel 38:21-22) What will be the result of his defeat? (Ezekiel 38:23)
- What effect will Gog’s annihilation have upon the nations of the world? (Ezekiel 39:1-8)
- Describe the cleansing of the land after Gog’s defeat. (Ezekiel 39:9-16)
- What celebration feast will occur after Gog’s defeat? (Ezekiel 39:17-20)
- What new blessings will take place as God fully restores Israel to Himself? (Ezekiel 39:21-29)