Ezekiel 38:23

I will magnify and sanctify Myself, and will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Study Bible

I will magnify
The Hebrew root for "magnify" is "gadal," which means to grow, become great, or make great. In this context, God is declaring His intention to demonstrate His greatness and power. Historically, this reflects God's consistent pattern of revealing His supremacy over the false gods of the nations. The magnification of God is not just about size or power but about His unmatched authority and sovereignty over all creation.

and sanctify Myself
The term "sanctify" comes from the Hebrew "qadash," meaning to set apart as holy. God is emphasizing His holiness and distinctness from all other beings. In the biblical narrative, sanctification is a process of being set apart for a divine purpose. Here, God is setting Himself apart in the eyes of the nations, demonstrating that He is not like the idols or deities they worship, but the one true God who is holy and righteous.

and will reveal Myself
The phrase "reveal Myself" indicates God's intention to make His presence and power known. The Hebrew word "yada" is often used for knowing or making known. This revelation is not just intellectual but experiential, where the nations will witness God's actions and understand His nature. Throughout scripture, God reveals Himself through acts of deliverance, judgment, and mercy, inviting people into a relationship with Him.

in the sight of many nations
This phrase underscores the universal scope of God's revelation. The "many nations" signifies that God's actions are not limited to Israel but are intended for all peoples. Historically, this reflects the biblical theme of God's desire for all nations to recognize His sovereignty. Archaeological findings often show the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations, suggesting that news of significant events would spread widely, allowing many to witness God's power.

Then they will know
The word "know" is again from the Hebrew "yada," which implies a deep, intimate understanding. This knowledge is not merely factual but relational, where the nations come to recognize and acknowledge God's identity and authority. In the biblical context, knowing God is often associated with experiencing His faithfulness and responding in worship and obedience.

that I am the LORD
The phrase "I am the LORD" is a declaration of God's covenant name, Yahweh, which signifies His eternal, self-existent nature. This statement is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His unique identity as the one true God. Throughout scripture, this declaration is a call to recognize God's authority and to respond in faith and obedience. It is a powerful reminder that despite the chaos and rebellion in the world, God remains sovereign and in control.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, God is declaring His intention to reveal His power and holiness to the nations.

2. Nations
Refers to the various peoples and countries that will witness God's actions and come to recognize His sovereignty.

3. Ezekiel
The prophet through whom God delivers this message, providing insight into God's plans and purposes.

4. Gog and Magog
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the context of the surrounding chapters, representing forces opposed to God.

5. Israel
The nation through which God often reveals His power and holiness, serving as a backdrop for His actions in this prophecy.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of history and uses events to reveal His power and holiness.

Revelation to the Nations
God's actions are not limited to Israel; He desires all nations to recognize His lordship.

Holiness and Magnification
God’s holiness is central to His identity, and He will magnify Himself to ensure His holiness is known.

Eschatological Implications
This prophecy points to future events where God will decisively act to establish His kingdom.

Personal Reflection
Believers are called to recognize and proclaim God’s sovereignty and holiness in their own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the revelation of God’s power and holiness in Ezekiel 38:23 challenge our understanding of His sovereignty in current world events?

2. In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, participate in making God known among the nations today?

3. How does the theme of God revealing Himself to the nations in Ezekiel 38:23 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God revealing His power in your life. How did it change your understanding of who He is?

5. Considering the eschatological context of Ezekiel 38, how should believers prepare for the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for the nations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 9:16
This verse speaks of God raising Pharaoh to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name throughout the earth, similar to His purpose in Ezekiel 38:23.

Isaiah 45:6
Highlights God's desire for all to know that He is the LORD, echoing the revelation of His identity in Ezekiel.

Revelation 20:8
References Gog and Magog in the context of end-times prophecy, connecting the events in Ezekiel to future eschatological fulfillment.

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God," aligns with the theme of God revealing Himself to the nations.

John 17:3
Jesus speaks of eternal life as knowing the only true God, which ties into the revelation of God’s identity in Ezekiel.