Ezekiel 38:2. Why could it be said that the name Gog does not refer to any human ruler? (it “Gog” No. 2 par. 5)
Answer 1: One reason is that Gog cannot be connected with any historical earthly ruler. This contrasts with the lands and peoples mentioned in the same prophecy, which can be identified in the Bible and, to some extent, in secular history. So we do not have a valid historical identification that would allow us to say that Gog was a known human king or chieftain.
Answer 2: The identification most often proposed is that of Gyges, king of Lydia, in the western part of Asia Minor. In the records of the Assyrian monarch Ashurbanipal, he appears under the name Guggu. That is the historical proposal examined in the explanation in the workbook. But the existence of that name in the records does not prove that Gyges was the Gog spoken of by Ezekiel.
Answer 3: The decisive fact that rules out Gyges is chronology. That king had died decades before Ezekiel wrote his prophecy. Therefore, identifying him with Gog does not fit the time when the attack was announced. It is not simply that details about his reign are lacking; there is a chronological incompatibility that makes this identification unacceptable, as the information in the workbook explains.
Answer 4: In addition to the historical facts, we need to consider when the prophecy itself places Gog’s attack. Ezekiel 38:8 and 16 place it in a final period, not in the days of a king who had already died before the book was written. That time frame is an important reason not to interpret Gog as the name of an ancient ruler connected with Ezekiel’s time.
Answer 5: The conclusion is that Gog must be an enigmatic or symbolic name. Although the prophecy presents him as a chieftain and mentions identifiable peoples, that does not require us to understand his name as that of a historical king. The explanation in the workbook distinguishes between the prophetic figure and known rulers. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to assign him the identity of a human chieftain for whom no valid identification exists.
What spiritual gems have you found in this week’s Bible reading?
Spiritual Gems for EZEKIEL 38
Ezekiel 38:1 — The word of Jehovah again came to me, saying:
Comment 1: Ezekiel 38:1 makes clear that the message came from Jehovah, not from the prophet’s imagination. This reminds me that when commenting on a prophecy, I should rely on what Jehovah has revealed. In the ministry and in the congregation, it is better to acknowledge the limits of what we know than to add personal explanations.
Ezekiel 38:3 — Say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Here I am against you, O Gog, head chieftain of Meshech and Tubal.
Comment 2: At Ezekiel 38:3, Jehovah presents himself as the Sovereign and declares his opposition to Gog. The enemy may have an important title, but he is not above God. This helps me put threats in the proper perspective. When someone opposes our worship, I should not focus only on the influence that person has. What matters most is retaining Jehovah’s approval, since his authority surpasses that of any adversary.
Ezekiel 38:8 — “‘“You will be given attention after many days. In the final part of the years you will invade the land whose people have been restored from the ravages of the sword, collected together out of many peoples onto the mountains of Israel, which had long been lying devastated. The inhabitants of this land were restored from the peoples, and all of them dwell in security.
Comment 3: Ezekiel 38:8 describes a people gathered from many nations, living in a land that had previously been devastated. The contrast between devastation and restoration reminds me that a painful situation does not have to be permanent. Jehovah can restore his people. When I become discouraged because of difficulties, this passage helps me look not only at what has been lost but also at what Jehovah promises to do.
Ezekiel 38:10 — “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘In that day thoughts will come into your heart, and you will devise an evil plan.
Comment 4: Ezekiel 38:10 shows that Gog’s attack is connected with wicked ideas that arise in his heart. This makes me think about the importance of watching what I cultivate within me. Resentment or ambition may seem like private matters, but they can eventually influence my decisions. If I detect a harmful thought, I want to correct it before I justify it or turn it into a plan. Conduct that Jehovah approves begins with caring for the heart.
Ezekiel 38:11 — You will say: “I will invade the land of unprotected settlements. I will come against those living in security, without disturbance, all of them living in settlements unprotected by walls, bars, or gates.”
Comment 5: At Ezekiel 38:11, Gog considers those living without the defenses he expects to find to be an easy target. His way of thinking confuses a peaceful life with weakness. This reminds me that I do not need to adopt an aggressive attitude to demonstrate firmness. When provoked, I can respond calmly without abandoning my convictions. An appearance of vulnerability does not tell the whole story; we must also take into account that people’s relationship with Jehovah.
Ezekiel 38:12 — It will be to take much spoil and plunder, to attack the devastated places that are now inhabited and a people regathered from the nations, who are accumulating wealth and property, those who are living in the center of the earth.
Comment 6: Ezekiel 38:12 reveals Gog’s desire to seize what belongs to others. Instead of rejoicing over that people’s recovery, he sees an opportunity to profit. This invites me to examine how I react when someone is doing well. Do I sincerely rejoice, or do I begin comparing myself and wanting what belongs to that person? Cultivating gratitude for what I have helps me treat others generously, not as opportunities for personal gain.
Ezekiel 38:16 — Like clouds covering the land, you will come against my people Israel. In the final part of the days I will bring you against my land so that the nations may know me when I sanctify myself through you before their eyes, O Gog.”’
Comment 7: Ezekiel 38:16 explains that through his actions Jehovah will cause the nations to know him and will make his holiness known. Thus, the prophecy is not focused solely on the attack against his people. Jehovah’s reputation is also at stake. This helps me give priority to his name in my prayers and conversations. Rather than satisfying curiosity about future events, I want my study to draw me closer to the God who announces them.
Ezekiel 38:17 — “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Are you not the same one I spoke about in the former days through my servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied for many years that you would be brought against them?’
Comment 8: At Ezekiel 38:17, Jehovah reminds us that he had spoken for many years through his prophets. This shows that the announced attack does not take him by surprise. I learn from this to value the patience with which Jehovah communicates his warnings. If a Bible teaching is repeated, I do not want to think that I no longer need to listen to it. Reviewing it can strengthen my confidence and help me be prepared to act in faith when difficult situations arise.
Ezekiel 38:18 — “‘On that day, the day when Gog invades the land of Israel,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘my great rage will flare up.
Comment 9: Ezekiel 38:18 shows that Jehovah does not view the attack against his people with indifference. The invasion arouses his intense indignation. This comforts me because it demonstrates that what happens to his servants matters deeply to him. When I see injustices, I can feel pain without concluding that Jehovah is not paying attention. Nor do I need to let anger control me. I can trust that he knows the situation and knows when and how to intervene.
Spiritual Gems for EZEKIEL 39
Ezekiel 39:3 — I will knock your bow out of your left hand and make your arrows fall from your right hand.
Comment 1: Ezekiel 39:3 presents Jehovah as taking away from Gog the means he intends to use to attack. Jehovah does not need to confront the enemy on equal terms; he can leave him without weapons. This strengthens my confidence. No matter how intimidating a threat may seem, it is never beyond Jehovah’s reach or beyond his ability to act.
Ezekiel 39:7 — I will make my holy name known among my people Israel, and I will not allow my holy name to be profaned any longer; and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah, the Holy One in Israel.’
Comment 2: Ezekiel 39:7 shows how highly Jehovah values the holiness of his name. He will not allow it to continue being profaned. This makes me think that bearing his name is an honor that also involves responsibility. It is not enough to mention it when preaching; I want the way I speak and treat others to be worthy of the God I represent. At home, at work, and in the congregation, my conduct should show respect for Jehovah.
Ezekiel 39:8 — “‘Yes, this is coming, and it will be done,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. ‘This is the day I have spoken about.
Comment 3: At Ezekiel 39:8, Jehovah confirms that what he has announced will come true. The certainty of the promise depends on him, not on our knowing how to calculate when it will occur. This helps me cultivate patience without losing my expectation. If time passes, I do not have to think that Jehovah has forgotten his word. I can remain busy serving him, convinced that his declarations are trustworthy and that he will act at the time he determines.
Ezekiel 39:9 — The inhabitants of the cities of Israel will go out and make fires with the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and lances. And they will use them to light fires for seven years.
Comment 4: Ezekiel 39:9 describes an impressive change: the enemy’s weapons will eventually serve as fuel. What had been prepared to cause harm will no longer fulfill that purpose. This detail highlights how complete their defeat will be. As I read it, I do not need to look for a special meaning in every weapon mentioned. The main idea is already very encouraging: Jehovah can end the threat. This helps me look beyond conflicts and trust in his intervention.
Ezekiel 39:13 — All the people of the land will work at burying them, and this will bring them fame in the day that I glorify myself,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.
Comment 5: At Ezekiel 39:13, the task of burying the dead involves everyone in the land. I am struck by that cooperation in a necessary, though unpleasant, task. As a personal application, I want to have that disposition when there are practical tasks in the congregation. Cleaning or maintenance also deserve my effort. I should not choose only what is more visible; willingly cooperating shows that I care about everyone’s well-being.
Ezekiel 39:14 — “‘Men will be assigned to pass through the land constantly and bury the bodies left remaining on the surface of the earth, in order to cleanse it. They will continue the search for seven months.
Comment 6: Ezekiel 39:14 describes men assigned to travel through the land continually to complete its cleansing. It was not enough to begin the task; perseverance and attention to anything left unfinished were needed. Without turning this prophetic detail into a congregational rule, I can still learn from that diligence. When I accept a responsibility, I want to carry it through to the end. Being reliable includes following up on details, even after the enthusiasm of the beginning has passed.
Ezekiel 39:21 — “‘I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the judgment that I have executed and the power that I have demonstrated among them.
Comment 7: Ezekiel 39:21 links the demonstration of Jehovah’s power with the execution of his judgment. It is not simply a matter of showing strength, but of acting as Judge. This helps me view his judgments with respect and confidence, not as an occasion to feed feelings of revenge. When I think about the end of wickedness, I want to focus on Jehovah’s justice. He has the authority to judge; my responsibility is to follow his standards.
Ezekiel 39:23 — And the nations will have to know that the house of Israel went into exile because of their own error, because they were unfaithful to me. So I hid my face from them and handed them over to their enemies, and they all fell by the sword.
Comment 8: Ezekiel 39:23 explains that Israel’s exile was due to its unfaithfulness, not to any inability on Jehovah’s part to protect it. The people had to accept responsibility. This reminds me that a relationship with Jehovah is maintained not merely by belonging to his people. I need to be faithful to him in my decisions. If I receive correction for a mistake, I want to examine my conduct honestly instead of making excuses or blaming others for the consequences.
Ezekiel 39:25 — “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘I will restore the captives of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will zealously defend my holy name.
Comment 9: Ezekiel 39:25 shows that discipline did not cancel Jehovah’s mercy. After explaining Israel’s errors, he announced that he would bring back the captives. This helps me have a balanced view of him: he takes unfaithfulness seriously, but he also shows compassion. If I have made a mistake, I do not want to minimize it or think that there is no hope. I want to correct my conduct and draw close to Jehovah, deeply valuing his mercy.
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