Ezekiel 38:18 - It will happen in that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the Lord Yahweh, “that my wrath will come up into my nostrils.
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What does "Ezekiel 38:18" mean?
This verse, Ezekiel 38:18, is a pivotal point in the prophecy concerning Gog and Magog. Let's break it down:
"It will happen in that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel...": This establishes the context. "That day" refers to the time when Gog (a symbolic figure representing Israel's enemies) launches an attack on the land of Israel. The specifics of "when" are debated amongst scholars, but the key is it refers to a future (from Ezekiel's perspective) time when Israel is re-established in their land.
"...says the Lord Yahweh...": This is a standard phrase throughout Ezekiel, emphasizing that this isn't just Ezekiel's opinion but a direct message from God himself. Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Old Testament, underscoring the seriousness and authority of the statement.
"...that my wrath will come up into my nostrils.": This is the most powerful and figurative part of the verse.
"Wrath": This refers to God's intense anger and judgment. It's not a petty anger, but a righteous indignation against evil and injustice.
"Come up into my nostrils": This is a vivid anthropomorphism (attributing human characteristics to God). In ancient Hebrew culture (and even sometimes today), nostrils flaring was a physical sign of intense anger. Think of a bull snorting before charging. God's wrath is depicted as so strong that it literally rises to the surface, making him visibly furious and ready to act. It indicates a moment where God's patience has run out.
Therefore, the overall meaning of the verse is:
When the prophesied enemy (Gog) attacks the land of Israel in the future, God's anger will be ignited. He will be consumed with righteous fury, and this marks the moment when he will intervene dramatically to defend Israel and judge their enemies.
Key Interpretations and Considerations:
Literal vs. Symbolic: There's considerable debate about whether Gog and Magog refer to specific nations or are symbolic representations of forces hostile to God and his people.
Timing: The timing of this event is also debated. Some believe it will happen before the millennium (a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth), others during, and some after.
Focus on God's Sovereignty: Regardless of the specific interpretation, the verse ultimately emphasizes God's sovereignty, his unwavering commitment to his covenant with Israel, and his power to protect them from their enemies.
In short, Ezekiel 38:18 is a declaration of God's impending judgment on those who attack his people, expressed in powerful and evocative language. It’s a reminder of God's fierce protection and his ultimate triumph over evil.
Ezekiel 38:18 - It will happen in that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” says the Lord Yahweh, “that my wrath will come up into my nostrils.
What does "Ezekiel 38:18" mean?
This verse, Ezekiel 38:18, is a pivotal point in the prophecy concerning Gog and Magog. Let's break it down:
"It will happen in that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel...": This establishes the context. "That day" refers to the time when Gog (a symbolic figure representing Israel's enemies) launches an attack on the land of Israel. The specifics of "when" are debated amongst scholars, but the key is it refers to a future (from Ezekiel's perspective) time when Israel is re-established in their land.
"...says the Lord Yahweh...": This is a standard phrase throughout Ezekiel, emphasizing that this isn't just Ezekiel's opinion but a direct message from God himself. Yahweh is the personal name of God in the Old Testament, underscoring the seriousness and authority of the statement.
"...that my wrath will come up into my nostrils.": This is the most powerful and figurative part of the verse.
"Wrath": This refers to God's intense anger and judgment. It's not a petty anger, but a righteous indignation against evil and injustice.
"Come up into my nostrils": This is a vivid anthropomorphism (attributing human characteristics to God). In ancient Hebrew culture (and even sometimes today), nostrils flaring was a physical sign of intense anger. Think of a bull snorting before charging. God's wrath is depicted as so strong that it literally rises to the surface, making him visibly furious and ready to act. It indicates a moment where God's patience has run out.
Therefore, the overall meaning of the verse is:
When the prophesied enemy (Gog) attacks the land of Israel in the future, God's anger will be ignited. He will be consumed with righteous fury, and this marks the moment when he will intervene dramatically to defend Israel and judge their enemies.
Key Interpretations and Considerations:
Literal vs. Symbolic: There's considerable debate about whether Gog and Magog refer to specific nations or are symbolic representations of forces hostile to God and his people.
Timing: The timing of this event is also debated. Some believe it will happen before the millennium (a thousand-year reign of Christ on earth), others during, and some after.
Focus on God's Sovereignty: Regardless of the specific interpretation, the verse ultimately emphasizes God's sovereignty, his unwavering commitment to his covenant with Israel, and his power to protect them from their enemies.
In short, Ezekiel 38:18 is a declaration of God's impending judgment on those who attack his people, expressed in powerful and evocative language. It’s a reminder of God's fierce protection and his ultimate triumph over evil.