Ezekiel 38:10
This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan.
This is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase establishes the authority and divine origin of the message. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing God's sovereignty and covenant relationship with Israel. This introduction underscores that the prophecy is not from human origin but from the Creator Himself, demanding attention and reverence.

On that day
This phrase is eschatological, pointing to a specific future time in God's divine plan. In the prophetic literature, "that day" often refers to a time of significant divine intervention. It is a reminder of God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes at the appointed time.

thoughts will arise in your mind
The Hebrew word for "thoughts" is "machashavah," which can mean plans, purposes, or intentions. This indicates a premeditated action, suggesting that the thoughts are not random but deliberate. The phrase implies a stirring or awakening of intentions that align with a rebellious nature against God's people.

and you will devise an evil plan
The word "devise" comes from the Hebrew "chashab," meaning to think, plan, or calculate. It conveys the idea of careful plotting or scheming. The "evil plan" indicates a malicious intent, highlighting the moral corruption and opposition to God's will. This phrase serves as a warning of the spiritual battle and the reality of evil intentions that oppose God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign ruler and ultimate authority, who is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel.

2. Gog
A leader or figure representing forces opposed to God, often interpreted as a symbol of future adversaries.

3. Magog
A land or people associated with Gog, representing nations or groups in opposition to God's people.

4. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who conveys God's messages and visions to the people of Israel.

5. Israel
The nation and people of God, often the target of opposition in prophetic literature.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of God
Despite the evil plans of Gog, God remains in control and uses even opposition to fulfill His purposes.

The Nature of Evil
Evil often begins in the mind with thoughts and intentions, highlighting the importance of guarding our hearts and minds.

Prophetic Fulfillment
The events described in Ezekiel 38 are part of a larger prophetic account that points to God's ultimate victory over evil.

Spiritual Vigilance
Believers are called to be aware of spiritual opposition and to stand firm in faith, trusting in God's protection.

God's Plans vs. Human Plans
While humans may devise plans, it is God's plans that ultimately prevail, offering hope and assurance to His people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the sovereignty of God provide comfort in the face of opposition, as seen in Ezekiel 38:10?

2. In what ways can we guard our minds against devising or entertaining evil thoughts, drawing from biblical principles?

3. How does the prophecy of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel connect to the broader biblical account of God's ultimate victory?

4. What practical steps can we take to remain spiritually vigilant in a world where opposition to God's people is present?

5. How can we align our plans with God's plans, ensuring that our intentions are in line with His will, as seen in the contrast between human and divine plans in Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 6:5
This verse describes the wickedness of human thoughts, similar to the evil plans devised by Gog.

Revelation 20:8
This passage references Gog and Magog in the context of end-times prophecy, showing a continuation of the theme of opposition to God.

Psalm 2:1-3
These verses speak of nations plotting against the Lord, echoing the evil plans devised by Gog.

Jeremiah 29:11
In contrast to the evil plans of Gog, this verse highlights God's good plans for His people.

Proverbs 16:9
This verse reminds us that while humans may devise plans, it is the Lord who directs their steps.
An Evil DeviceJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 38:10
The Prince of MeshechF. Hastings, M. A.Ezekiel 38:10
The Invasion of Those Who Dwell SecureJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 38:1-13
The Stability of God's KingdomJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 38:1-13
People
Dedan, Ezekiel, Gog, Gomer, Magog, Meshech, Phut, Rosh, Tarshish, Togarmah, Tubal
Places
Cush, Dedan, Jerusalem, Meshech, Persia, Put, Sheba, Tarshish, Tubal
Topics
Design, Device, Devise, Evil, Hast, Heart, Mind, Pass, Plan, Says, Scheme, Sovereign, Thoughts, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 38:9

     4851   storm

Library
The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
The Medes and Cimmerians: Lydia--The conquest of Egypt, of Arabia, and of Elam. As we have already seen, Sennacherib reigned for eight years after his triumph; eight years of tranquillity at home, and of peace with all his neighbours abroad. If we examine the contemporary monuments or the documents of a later period, and attempt to glean from them some details concerning the close of his career, we find that there is a complete absence of any record of national movement on the part of either Elam,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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