Study 27 From the Book of
Ezekiel is: Ezekiel 38
In this chapter and the
next the prophet foresees in the far distant future an invasion of Israel by
nations lying beyond the circle of those with which Israel hitherto has had to
do. They, too must learn that the God of
Israel alone is God, and they will learn it through meeting His power as they
seek to plunder His land, and through being brought by Him to total defeat.
Read Rev. 20:7-10 in conjunction with this chapter.
1.
In
what two different ways are the causes of Gog’s invitation described? Contrast
verses 4 and 16 with verses 10-12. And yet may not all thee verses describe one
and the same cause? Cf. Rom. 9:17, 18.
2.
Cf.
verses 18-23 with 37: 25-28. In what two ways will God bring the nations to
know that He is God alone? Cf. Rom. 1:16-18; 9:22, 23; 11:17-22
Notes
1.
Verse
2. The name ‘Gog’ is probably Ezekiel’s own invention, formed by removing the
first letter from the place-name Magog. It is pointless to try to identify
these nations with modern states: they were simply tribes on the fringe of the
known word in Ezekiel’s day with he uses for these apocalyptic pronouncements.
2.
Verse
13. These are merchant nation, stirred
to excitement by Gog’s invasion.
