Ezekiel 38:19

In My zeal and fiery rage I proclaim that on that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.

Study Bible

In My zeal and fiery rage
This phrase highlights God's passionate and intense response to the actions of Gog and his allies. The use of "zeal" and "fiery rage" indicates a divine reaction that is both protective and punitive. This reflects God's holiness and justice, as seen in other scriptures like Nahum 1:2-3, where God is described as a jealous and avenging deity. The imagery of fire often symbolizes judgment and purification throughout the Bible, as in Malachi 3:2-3.

I proclaim that on that day
The phrase "on that day" is a prophetic marker often used in eschatological contexts, indicating a specific time of divine intervention. This aligns with the "Day of the Lord" theme found in prophetic literature, such as Joel 2:1-2 and Zephaniah 1:14-18, where God executes judgment and delivers His people. It underscores the certainty and inevitability of God's actions.

there will be a great earthquake
Earthquakes in biblical texts often signify God's direct intervention in human affairs, serving as a physical manifestation of His power and presence. In Revelation 16:18, a great earthquake accompanies the final judgment, drawing a parallel to the events described in Ezekiel. Historically, the region of Israel is seismically active, which adds a layer of realism to the prophecy.

in the land of Israel
The land of Israel is central to biblical prophecy and God's covenantal promises. It is the stage for many significant biblical events and is often depicted as the focal point of God's redemptive plan. The mention of Israel here emphasizes the nation's role in eschatological events and God's ongoing relationship with His chosen people, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Romans 11:26-27.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God (Yahweh)
The speaker in this verse, expressing His zeal and anger. The Hebrew word for zeal, (qin'ah), conveys a deep, passionate intensity.

2. Israel
The land where the prophesied great earthquake will occur. Israel is central to God's covenant and prophetic plans.

3. Ezekiel
The prophet through whom God delivers this message. Ezekiel's ministry was primarily to the exiles in Babylon, and his prophecies often include vivid imagery and apocalyptic themes.

4. Great Earthquake
A significant event prophesied to occur in the land of Israel, symbolizing God's powerful intervention and judgment.

5. Day of the Lord
An eschatological event often associated with God's judgment and deliverance, which this verse alludes to through the imagery of a great earthquake.

Teaching Points

God's Zeal and Righteous Anger
God's zeal is a reflection of His holiness and justice. His anger is not arbitrary but is directed against sin and rebellion.

The Significance of Earthquakes in Scripture
Earthquakes often symbolize God's direct intervention in human history, serving as a wake-up call for repentance and reflection on His sovereignty.

The Day of the Lord
This concept reminds believers of the ultimate accountability before God and the hope of His righteous reign. It encourages readiness and faithfulness.

God's Covenant with Israel
The focus on Israel underscores God's unchanging promises and His plan for redemption through His chosen people.

Living in Light of Prophecy
Understanding prophetic scriptures should lead to a life of holiness, urgency in sharing the Gospel, and trust in God's ultimate plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's zeal and anger in Ezekiel 38:19 affect your view of His character and justice?

2. In what ways can the imagery of a great earthquake serve as a metaphor for God's intervention in your personal life?

3. How does the concept of the Day of the Lord in Ezekiel 38:19 relate to your understanding of end times prophecy in the New Testament?

4. What lessons can we learn from God's covenant with Israel that apply to the Church today?

5. How can you live in readiness for God's intervention, as depicted in Ezekiel 38:19, in your daily walk with Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 16:18
This verse describes a great earthquake during the end times, drawing a parallel to the earthquake in Ezekiel 38:19, emphasizing God's judgment.

Zechariah 14:4-5
These verses also speak of an earthquake in Israel, connecting to the theme of divine intervention and the Day of the Lord.

Isaiah 13:13
This passage describes the shaking of the heavens and the earth, similar to the imagery in Ezekiel, highlighting God's power and wrath.