Ezekiel 39:8

Yes, it is coming, and it will surely happen, declares the Lord GOD. This is the day of which I have spoken.

Study Bible

Yes, it is coming
The phrase begins with an affirmation, "Yes," which in Hebrew is often translated from the word "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), meaning "behold" or "lo." This word serves as a divine attention-getter, emphasizing the certainty and imminence of the prophecy. The phrase "it is coming" underscores the inevitability of God's plans. In the context of Ezekiel, this refers to the prophesied judgment and restoration, a theme that resonates throughout the book. Historically, this reflects the period of the Babylonian exile and the eventual return of the Israelites, symbolizing God's faithfulness to His promises.

and it will surely happen
The Hebrew root for "surely happen" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which means "to come" or "to enter." The repetition and emphasis here highlight the certainty of God's word. In a broader scriptural context, this assurance is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His divine will. The phrase reassures believers of the reliability of God's promises, encouraging faith and trust in His divine plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

declares the Lord GOD
This phrase is a translation of the Hebrew "נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה" (ne'um Adonai Yahweh). "Declares" or "oracle" signifies a solemn pronouncement, often used by prophets to convey messages directly from God. "Adonai Yahweh" combines the titles of Lord and the sacred name of God, emphasizing His ultimate authority and covenant relationship with Israel. This declaration serves as a divine seal, affirming the truth and authority of the prophecy. It reminds believers of God's unchanging nature and His role as the supreme ruler over all creation.

This is the day
The phrase "the day" often refers to a specific time of divine intervention or judgment, known as "the Day of the Lord" in prophetic literature. In Ezekiel, it signifies a pivotal moment in God's redemptive history, where His justice and mercy are revealed. Historically, this could be linked to the fall of Jerusalem or the eventual restoration of Israel. Theologically, it points to the ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological future, where God's kingdom is fully realized. This serves as a call for readiness and hope, encouraging believers to live in anticipation of God's ultimate victory.

of which I have spoken
This phrase emphasizes the consistency and reliability of God's word. The Hebrew root "דָּבַר" (dabar) means "to speak" or "to declare," highlighting the prophetic nature of God's communication. Throughout Scripture, God's spoken word is powerful and creative, bringing about change and fulfillment. This assurance that God has spoken reinforces the trustworthiness of His promises and the certainty of their fulfillment. It encourages believers to hold fast to God's word, knowing that what He has declared will come to pass, providing hope and assurance in the midst of uncertainty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the author of the book and the one through whom God delivers His messages.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through Ezekiel to declare His plans and purposes.

3. The Day of the LORD
A prophetic event often associated with God's judgment and the fulfillment of His promises. It is a time when God intervenes in human history to accomplish His divine purposes.

4. Israel
The nation to whom Ezekiel is prophesying. They are in exile due to their disobedience but are recipients of God's promises of restoration.

5. Gog and Magog
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the subjects of the surrounding chapters, representing nations that oppose God and His people.

Teaching Points

Certainty of God's Promises
God's declaration that "it will surely happen" emphasizes the certainty and reliability of His promises. Believers can trust that what God has spoken will come to pass.

The Sovereignty of God
The phrase "declares the Lord GOD" underscores God's ultimate authority and control over history. This should encourage believers to rest in His sovereignty, even amidst uncertainty.

The Importance of Prophecy
Understanding biblical prophecy helps believers recognize God's unfolding plan and encourages them to live in anticipation of His future actions.

Judgment and Restoration
The "Day of the LORD" involves both judgment for the wicked and restoration for God's people. This dual aspect should motivate believers to pursue holiness and share the gospel.

Living in Light of the Future
Knowing that God's plans will surely happen should influence how believers live today, encouraging them to align their lives with God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the certainty of God's promises in Ezekiel 39:8 impact your faith and trust in Him today?

2. In what ways does the concept of the "Day of the LORD" challenge you to live differently in your daily life?

3. How can understanding the sovereignty of God, as seen in this verse, provide comfort during times of personal or global uncertainty?

4. What parallels can you draw between the prophecies in Ezekiel and the descriptions of end times in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation?

5. How can the themes of judgment and restoration in Ezekiel 39:8 motivate you to engage in evangelism and discipleship within your community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 38-39
These chapters provide the broader context of the prophecy against Gog and Magog, detailing the events leading up to the "day" mentioned in 39:8.

Joel 2
This chapter also speaks of the "Day of the LORD," emphasizing themes of judgment and restoration, similar to Ezekiel's prophecy.

Revelation 20
The New Testament reference to Gog and Magog, connecting the Old Testament prophecy to eschatological events.

Isaiah 2
Discusses the "Day of the LORD" as a time of judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom, paralleling Ezekiel's themes.