Ezequiel 38
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
Ezequiel 38
Morris says It is noteworthy that all these "bands," involving "many people," are comprised either of Moslem nations or nations which were until recently Communist nations and which are still controlled by leaders who are atheists and Marxists. All of these hate Israel and would love to "cut them off from being a nation" (Psalm 83:4). In recent years, Israel has soundly defeated several smaller confederacies which attempted to destroy her, but this confederacy seems so large and strong that nothing less than divine intervention can save her. But note that it is God Himself who has said to Gog: "I will bring thee forth, and all thine army" Ezekiel 38:4). All this is part of God's plan to bring Israel to "know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 39:22). Ezekiel 38:10 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "It will come about on that day, that thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil plan,: Someone has rightly said that "God uses, but never excuses, the sins of men." On that day (Ezek 38:10, 14, 18, 19, 39:11) - The day when the invasion of Israel is imminent. It most probably refers to the "Day of the Lord." Thoughts will come into your mind - Gog will think it is his plan to attack Israel. The mystery is that God is sovereignly ordaining these events and yet we know that God is not the cause nor author of evil ("devise and evil plan"). Peter Naylor - In this section the God of Israel informs Gog that although it is predetermined that he shall attack Israel, the tyrant nevertheless does so willingly. Divine sovereignty ordains, predicts—and will harness—human villainy, yet the villain in question remains solely accountable for his evil machinations. Because he, and he alone, aspires to annihilate the people of God, Gog will be no automaton, a nerveless puppet on a string: ‘in that day … matters will arise in your heart and you will devise an evil scheme’ (Ezek 38:10).
Ezequiel 38
Morris - The great global convulsion will save Israel and destroy five-sixths of the armies of Gog (Ezekiel 39:2KJV), so many that it will take seven months for their burial (Ezek 39:12-14). The nations of the world will be forced to recognize that this is an act of God--not merely in the legal sense, but as a very real case of direct intervention in the affairs of men by the God of creation. Most men will still reject Christ as personal Savior, but they will all "know that I am the LORD," says God. Pure atheism will no longer be an option. Millard Lind - RECOGNITION FORMULA - You/They shall know that I am the Lord occurs in the book of Ezekiel about 60 times. Besides this, there are a few related recognition statements: They Shall Know that There Has Been a Prophet Among Them (Ezek 2:5; 33:33). They/you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken (Ezek 5:13; 17:21) You shall know that it was not without cause that I did all … (Ezek 14:23). All flesh shall know that I the Lord have drawn my sword (Ezek 21:5). You shall know that I the Lord have poured out my wrath (Ezek 22:22). They shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them (Ezek 34:30). The nations … shall know that I, the Lord, have rebuilt (Ezek 36:36). You shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act (Ezek 37:14). The nations shall know that … Israel went into captivity for their iniquity (Ezek 39:23). The formula is used of both Israel and the nations; judgments upon them both will cause them to know the God of Israel. Likewise, God’s saving acts for Israel will cause both Israel and the nations to acknowledge the Lord. This acknowledgment comes not through reasoning or philosophy but by God’s intervention and prophetic interpretation of historical events. (Believer's Church Bible Commentary-Ezekiel)