Ezekiel 38:7

Get ready; prepare yourself, you and all your company gathered around you; you will be their guard.

Study Bible

Get ready;
This phrase is a call to action, indicating urgency and preparation for an impending event. In the context of Ezekiel 38, it is directed towards Gog, a leader of a coalition of nations. The command to "get ready" suggests a divine orchestration of events, where God is sovereignly guiding the actions of nations. This echoes other biblical instances where God prepares individuals or nations for His purposes, such as in Exodus 19:10-11, where the Israelites are told to prepare to meet God at Mount Sinai.

prepare yourself,
The emphasis on personal preparation highlights the responsibility of the leader, Gog, to ready himself for the role he will play in the unfolding events. This preparation is not just physical but also strategic, as Gog is to lead a coalition against Israel. The idea of preparation is a recurring biblical theme, seen in passages like Ephesians 6:11, where believers are instructed to put on the full armor of God, indicating spiritual readiness.

you and all your company gathered around you;
This phrase refers to the coalition of nations that Gog will lead. The "company" includes various peoples and nations, as detailed earlier in Ezekiel 38:5-6, such as Persia, Cush, and Put. This gathering of a multinational force against Israel is significant in biblical prophecy, symbolizing a united opposition to God's people. The gathering of nations is reminiscent of other prophetic scriptures, such as Joel 3:2, where God gathers nations for judgment in the Valley of Jehoshaphat.

you will be their guard.
Gog is appointed as the protector or leader of this coalition, indicating a position of authority and responsibility. The term "guard" suggests a military role, where Gog is to oversee and direct the forces. This mirrors the role of a shepherd or leader, a concept seen throughout scripture, such as in Psalm 23, where God is depicted as a shepherd. In a prophetic sense, Gog's role as a guard is part of God's larger plan, where even opposition to His people ultimately serves His divine purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the author of the book and the one delivering God's message.

2. Gog
A leader or figure mentioned in the prophecy, often interpreted as a symbol of future enemies of God's people. The identity of Gog is debated, but he represents opposition to God's plans.

3. Magog
A land or people associated with Gog. Historically, Magog is often linked to regions north of Israel, possibly representing distant nations.

4. Company Gathered
Refers to the armies or nations that align with Gog. They are depicted as a formidable force preparing for battle.

5. Guard
The role Gog is instructed to take, suggesting a position of leadership or protection over the gathered forces.

Teaching Points

Preparation and Readiness
Just as Gog is instructed to prepare, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared for challenges and spiritual battles. This involves prayer, studying Scripture, and living a life of obedience.

Understanding Prophecy
Prophecies like Ezekiel 38 remind believers of God's sovereignty and the ultimate victory over evil. It encourages trust in God's plan despite current circumstances.

Guarding Against Spiritual Enemies
The role of a guard implies vigilance. Christians must be vigilant against spiritual deception and remain steadfast in faith.

Community and Leadership
Gog's leadership over his company highlights the importance of godly leadership and community in the church. Believers should support and pray for their leaders.

Eschatological Awareness
Awareness of end-times prophecies encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's kingdom and mission.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the instruction to "get ready" in Ezekiel 38:7 apply to our spiritual lives today?

2. In what ways can we be vigilant and act as "guards" in our faith communities?

3. How do the connections between Ezekiel 38 and Revelation 20 shape our understanding of God's ultimate plan for the world?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of leadership and community in the context of this prophecy?

5. How can studying biblical prophecy impact our daily walk with Christ and our perspective on current world events?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 20:8
This passage in Revelation references Gog and Magog, drawing a parallel to the end-times battle against God's people, indicating a prophetic and eschatological connection.

Genesis 10:2
Magog is listed as one of the sons of Japheth, providing a genealogical background that links to the broader account of nations.

Isaiah 8:9-10
These verses speak of nations preparing for battle but ultimately failing against God's plans, echoing the futility of Gog's preparations.