Daily Tanach – Yechezkel Chapter 38: The Prophecy of Gog of the Land of Magog
- Gog Summoned for a Final Confrontation (Verses 1–6)
Hashem commands Yechezkel to prophesy against Gog, from the land of Magog, identified as the leader (“chief prince”) of Meshech and Tubal.
Hashem declares Himself against Gog and describes how He will pull Gog forth with hooks, along with a vast, well‑armed multinational army. This coalition includes Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and the house of Togarmah, together with many other peoples from the far north.
- Gog Will Invade a Reborn and Secure Israel (Verses 7–9)
Gog is told to prepare himself and act as a leader for this vast assembly.
At “the end of years,” Gog will come against a land whose people have returned from exile, gathered from many nations, and are dwelling securely upon the mountains of Israel.
Gog and his forces will advance like a cloud covering the earth.
- Gog’s Evil Scheme (Verses 10–13)
Hashem reveals that Gog will devise an evil plan:
He will attack peaceful inhabitants living without walls or gates.
His goal will be looting and plundering, targeting rebuilt cities, prosperous settlements, and people gathered from many nations.
Merchants from Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish will question Gog’s motives, recognizing the invasion as an act of greed.
- Hashem Draws Gog to Israel for a Purpose (Verses 14–16)
Hashem tells Yechezkel to announce that Gog will invade when Israel is living securely.
Gog will come from the far north with a mighty army, again like a cloud covering the land.
This event will occur in the end of days, and Hashem will bring Gog against His land so that the nations will recognize His greatness when He is sanctified through Gog’s downfall.
- The Day of Hashem’s Wrath (Verses 17–20)
Hashem asks rhetorically: Is Gog not the one foretold by the ancient prophets of Israel?
When Gog attacks, Hashem’s fierce wrath will ignite.
A great cosmic upheaval will occur:
- A massive earthquake will shake the land.
- Fish, birds, beasts, creeping creatures, and all humans will tremble.
- Mountains will fall, cliffs will crumble.
- Divine Judgment and Total Overthrow (Verses 21–23)
Hashem will cause confusion among Gog’s armies, turning each man’s sword against his fellow.
Plague, bloodshed, torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone will descend upon Gog and all his hordes.
Through Gog’s destruction, Hashem will reveal His greatness, His holiness, and His sovereignty before the eyes of many nations.
All will know that He is Hashem.
Key Themes of Chapter 38
- Gog’s invasion is divinely orchestrated to reveal Hashem’s power.
- Israel’s secure return is the backdrop for the final confrontation.
- A vast multinational coalition rises against Israel.
- Hashem Himself fights the battle, using natural and supernatural forces.
- The defeat of Gog serves as global sanctification of Hashem’s Name.
