Ezekiel 38:17

This is what the Lord GOD says: Are you the one of whom I have spoken in former days through My servants, the prophets of Israel, who in those times prophesied for years that I would bring you against them?

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. It is a common prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament to signify that the following message is not from the prophet himself but from God. This underscores the importance and seriousness of the message.

Are you the one of whom I have spoken in former days
This suggests a continuity in God's revelation, indicating that the events described have been part of God's plan for a long time. It implies that the current situation is a fulfillment of earlier prophecies, highlighting God's omniscience and the reliability of His word. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of prophecy and fulfillment.

through My servants, the prophets of Israel,
The prophets of Israel were God's chosen messengers, tasked with delivering His messages to the people. This phrase underscores the role of the prophets as intermediaries between God and His people. It also points to the collective witness of the prophets, suggesting that the message about this adversary was not isolated but part of a larger prophetic tradition.

who in those times prophesied for years
This indicates that the prophecies concerning this adversary were not sudden or recent but had been given over an extended period. It suggests a persistent and consistent warning from God through His prophets, emphasizing the patience and long-term planning of God. This can be seen as a call to heed prophetic warnings and recognize their significance.

that I would bring you against them?
This phrase highlights God's active role in orchestrating events, even those involving adversaries. It suggests that the coming of this adversary is not outside of God's control but is part of His divine plan. This can be connected to the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and history, as seen in other scriptures where God uses nations to accomplish His purposes, such as in Isaiah 10:5-6 with Assyria.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign ruler and divine authority who speaks through the prophets.

2. Gog
A leader or entity that is prophesied to come against Israel. The identity of Gog is debated, but he represents forces opposed to God's people.

3. Prophets of Israel
God's messengers who delivered His words and warnings to the people of Israel.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often facing threats from surrounding nations.

5. Former Times
Refers to the past prophecies given by God through His prophets concerning future events.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of history and uses even the plans of His enemies to fulfill His purposes.

Prophetic Fulfillment
The prophecies given by God through His prophets are reliable and will come to pass, affirming the trustworthiness of Scripture.

Spiritual Vigilance
Believers should remain vigilant and prepared for spiritual battles, knowing that God has already declared the victory.

Role of Prophets
The prophets serve as a reminder of God's communication with His people and the importance of heeding His warnings.

Hope in God's Deliverance
Despite the threats and challenges faced, God's people can have hope in His ultimate deliverance and victory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 38:17 impact your view of current world events?

2. In what ways can the role of the prophets in Israel's history inspire us to listen to God's Word today?

3. How can the prophecy of Gog in Ezekiel 38 encourage believers to remain spiritually vigilant?

4. What connections can you find between the prophecies in Ezekiel and the events described in Revelation 20?

5. How does the assurance of God's ultimate victory over His enemies provide hope and encouragement in your personal life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 39
Continues the prophecy concerning Gog and the ultimate victory of God over His enemies.

Revelation 20
Describes a final battle involving Gog and Magog, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil.

Isaiah 34
Speaks of God's judgment against the nations, similar to the themes in Ezekiel 38.

Jeremiah 1
Highlights the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, similar to the prophets mentioned in Ezekiel 38:17.

Daniel 11
Contains prophecies about future conflicts involving God's people, paralleling the themes in Ezekiel.