Ezekiel 38:22

I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed. I will pour out torrents of rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.

Study Bible

And I will execute judgment upon him
The phrase "execute judgment" in Hebrew is "שָׁפַט" (shaphat), which means to judge, govern, or vindicate. In the context of Ezekiel, this reflects God's sovereign authority to bring justice. Historically, this is a divine response to the rebellion and sinfulness of Gog and his allies. Theologically, it underscores God's role as the ultimate judge who holds nations accountable for their actions, emphasizing His righteousness and justice.

with plague and bloodshed
The Hebrew word for "plague" is "דֶּבֶר" (deber), often associated with divine punishment or a pestilence sent by God. "Bloodshed" is translated from "דָּם" (dam), meaning blood, often symbolizing violence or death. This combination indicates severe divine retribution, reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt, highlighting God's power to protect His people and punish their enemies.

I will pour out torrents of rain
The imagery of "torrents of rain" suggests overwhelming and unstoppable divine intervention. Rain in the Bible can symbolize both blessing and judgment. Here, it is a tool of judgment, reminiscent of the flood in Noah's time, symbolizing cleansing and the removal of wickedness.

hailstones
Hailstones, or "אֶבֶן" (eben) in Hebrew, are often used in the Bible as instruments of divine wrath. In the historical context, hail was one of the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 9:18-26) and a weapon against Israel's enemies (Joshua 10:11). This signifies God's control over nature and His ability to use it to fulfill His purposes.

and burning sulfur
"Burning sulfur" or "גָּפְרִית" (gophrith) is associated with divine judgment and destruction, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24). This element of fire and brimstone conveys the intensity and finality of God's judgment against sin, serving as a warning of the consequences of rebellion against Him.

on him and on his troops
The pronoun "him" refers to Gog, the leader of the coalition against Israel. "Troops" indicates the vast army accompanying him. This highlights the collective judgment on both the leader and his followers, emphasizing that no one is exempt from God's justice.

and on the many peoples with him
This phrase extends the scope of judgment to all nations allied with Gog. It underscores the universal nature of God's judgment, reflecting the biblical theme that all nations are accountable to God. It serves as a reminder of the futility of opposing God's will and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign Lord who executes judgment.

2. Gog
A leader or symbolic figure representing forces opposed to God.

3. Troops and Many Peoples
The armies and nations allied with Gog.

4. Judgment
The divine intervention and punishment executed by God.

5. Elements of Judgment
Pestilence, bloodshed, torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and sulfur.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control and will execute judgment in His perfect timing and manner.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and involves both natural and supernatural elements.

The Call to Repentance
Understanding God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a right relationship with Him.

The Assurance of God's Justice
Believers can trust that God will ultimately bring justice against all evil.

The Importance of Aligning with God
Aligning with God and His purposes is crucial to avoid being part of the forces opposed to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of God's judgment in Ezekiel 38:22 compare to other instances of divine judgment in the Bible?

2. What does the use of natural elements (rain, hailstones, fire, sulfur) in God's judgment signify about His power and authority?

3. In what ways can understanding God's judgment in Ezekiel 38:22 impact our daily lives and decisions?

4. How can we ensure that we are aligned with God and not with the forces opposed to Him, as represented by Gog and his allies?

5. How does the assurance of God's ultimate justice provide comfort and hope in the face of current global challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 20
The final battle where God defeats the forces of evil, similar to the judgment on Gog.

Genesis 19
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and sulfur, illustrating God's judgment.

Exodus 9
The plagues of Egypt, particularly hail, as a demonstration of God's power and judgment.

Psalm 11
Describes God raining coals of fire and sulfur on the wicked, echoing the elements of judgment.

Isaiah 30
God's breath as a stream of burning sulfur, symbolizing His wrath against the nations.