Judgment On Gog (From The Book of Ezekiel)

November 29th, 2023

I just want to start off by saying there is A LOT to unpack from chapter 38 of Ezekiel but we'll only be covering this short segment from the ending of the chapter in this post.
There has been so much talk and speculation over the years about who this "enemy of the north" will be that invades Israel. The enemy that the Lord protects and defends Israel from. Whenever a war breaks out, some might say, "I wonder if..." this or "I wonder if..." that. In this post, let's take the "wonder" out of everything.

The book of Ezekiel makes one thing very clear; there won't be any "wondering." Ezekiel 38:18-20 says, "When you invade Israel, I will become furious, and in my anger I will send a terrible earthquake to shake Israel. Every living thing on earth will tremble in fear of me- every fish and bird, every wild animal and reptile, and every human. Mountains will crumble, cliffs will fall, and cities will collapse."

When this monumental event in history takes place, I doubt there will be any room left for "speculation." Earlier in chapter 38 it also states that this will be a time when Israel experiences peace and prosperity. It will be after the scattered people of Israel have returned to the land of Israel. Perhaps it will be a time when many economies around the world are struggling, leading to a burning jealousy of God's chosen people, Israel.

What I'm about to say next could make this post crazy long, and I don't have the luxury of doing so at this time in the day, so I'll try to keep this brief. Who is Israel? And who are the lost sheep of Israel scattered among the nations? Some people believe that it is strictly those of Jewish heritage. I believe Israel and the scattered sheep are all those who've placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul goes into this in the New Testament when he explains that Abraham is the father of many nations and that all those who have faith in Jesus are descendants of Abraham. For those that may not know, Israel (also known as Jacob.. yes, Israel was actually a person) was a descendant of Abraham. Therefore, we are descendants of Israel and in fact, a part of Israel.
I realize I just said a mouthful in that last paragraph that could spark endless discussions and debates and I would be happy to do so!

However, IF we are indeed Israel (all those who place their faith in Jesus Christ), how do we eventually make it back to the promised land? That takes place in what is called, "The 2nd Exodus." That's yet another topic for a separate discussion.

I see this post has gotten quite lengthy and I (unintentionally) got sidetracked with a couple of different subject matters that deserve their own separate discussions, so I will pull the plug on this post now and await some feedback. If you have read up to this point and would like to further the discussion on any particular topic in this post, I would love to do so.

Ezekiel 38:17-23

The LORD said to Gog: Long ago, I had my prophets warn the people of Israel that someday I would send an enemy to attack them. You, Gog, are that enemy, and that day is coming.
When you invade Israel, I will become furious, and in my anger I will send a terrible earthquake to shake Israel. Every living thing on earth will tremble in fear of me—every fish and bird, every wild animal and reptile, and every human.

Mountains will crumble, cliffs will fall, and cities will collapse. I, the LORD, will make the mountains of Israel turn against you. Your troops will be so terrified that they will attack each other. I will strike you with diseases and punish you with death.

You and your army will be pounded with rainstorms, hailstones, and burning sulfur. I will do these things to show the world that I, the LORD, am holy.

- Ezekiel 38:17-23