Ezekiel 38:17

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezekiel 38:14-23

This latter part of the chapter is a repetition of the former; the dream is doubled, for the thing is certain and to be very carefully regarded. I. It is here again foretold that this spiteful enemy should make a formidable descent upon the land of Israel (Ezek. 38:15): ?Thou shalt come out of the north parts (Syria lay on the north of Canaan) with a mighty army, shalt come like a cloud, and cover the land of my people Israel,? Ezek. 38:16. These words (Ezek. 38:14), When my people Israel... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 38:17

Thus saith the Lord God ,.... Putting the question that follows: art thou he of whom I have spoken of old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I will bring thee against them ? certainly thou art he: but who were the prophets that prophesied of Gog before Ezekiel, since he is the first that makes mention of him? to this it may be replied, that though he is not mentioned by name, yet he might be prophesied of under other names, as by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 38:17

Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time - This prophecy concerning Antiochus and the Jews was delivered about four hundred years before the events took place. - Martin. Calmet maintains that Cambyses is spoken of, and refers to ancient prophecies, especially Isaiah 14, Isaiah 15:1-9 , Isaiah 16:1-14 , Isaiah 20:1-6 , 21. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 38:1-23

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 38:14-22

The invader discomfited. Although it would be presumptuous to apply the language of this prophetic passage to any particular political event in the history of Israel, there were many occasions upon which invasion was permitted and the soil of Palestine was trodden by hostile armies; many occasions upon which the invader retreated, overwhelmed with disaster and ignominy. It is therefore allowable to interpret great political incidences and occurrences in the light of the principles here... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 38:14-23

The prophet is next directed to assure Gog of four things, read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 38:14-23

Human malice a contribution to God's glory. God has a variety of methods for dealing with rebellious men. Sometimes he allows them to have their willful way up to the margin of success, when suddenly the tables are turned, and apparent success becomes conspicuous defeat. With vain confidence they press on their daring measures, and are led, as it were, into an ambush and completely destroyed. Thus God dealt with Pharaoh at the Red Sea, and thus he purposes to deal with the unscrupulous... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 38:17

Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time ? As no existing prophecy, prior to Ezekiel's time, mentions Cog by name, it must be concluded either read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezekiel 38:17

Gog - is not mentioned by name in any existing prophecy before Ezekiel’s time. The reference here shows(1) that the conflict with Gog does not represent a particular event, but one of which the prophets in general had to speak;(2) that in the interpretation of Old Testament prophecy we are to look beyond special fulfillments.Events in the world’s history come within a prophet’s ken as parts of the divine administration whereby evil struggles against but is overcome by good. As every such... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ezekiel 38:17

Ezekiel 38:17. Art thou he? This would be better translated, Art thou not he? a sense which the Hebrew particle of interrogation often imports; of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets “It is doubtful by what prophets God foretold the irruption of Gog; but though nothing of this kind be found in the prophets that remain, it is enough that Ezekiel did not first foretel these things. Many of the sacred pages are lost, which might probably be extant when Ezekiel... read more

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