Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

This chapter repeats themes of the previous chapter but emphasizes Gog’s slaughter and disposal. All that will happen to Gog will serve to reveal who the Lord is. 

There is the certainty that Gog will be defeated – God Himself will see to it (vv. 1–8). Previously God’s name was profaned through the judgment of Israel (36:22–23) but the Lord will prevent this from happening again by defending His people (vv. 7–8). After Gog’s defeat, Israel is called to join in the mop-up operation (vv. 9–16). Israel will collect the enemy’s weapons and use them as firewood. There will be enough to kindle fires for seven years! Israel will also be involved in the burial of their vanquished enemies, in order to cleanse the land. 

What happens next is ghastly (vv. 17– 20). Birds and beasts are invited to join in a sacrificial feast, including unclean animals. They will eat the slain enemy, those who haven’t been buried yet. Many taboos are broken in this scene: drinking blood, eating human flesh, and the presence of unclean animals. This is a repulsive scene, especially for Ezekiel, one with a priestly background. Nonetheless, the scene underlines the complete destruction of those who oppose God (cf. Rev. 19:17–21). 

The outcome will be that God’s sovereignty in history will be displayed before the nations (vv. 21–29) – not only in the defeat of Gog but also in the way He treats His own people. First, He sends them into exile as judgment for their sin (vv. 22–24). Second, He restores His people (vv. 25–27). Then they will know that He is the Lord (v. 28). This judgment on His people won’t happen again, since God will give them His Spirit (v. 29). 

Ultimately God will be acknowledged and glorified for who He is. He is holy; He is all-powerful; He is the judge of all. Previously God said He would not spare Israel, nor would He have pity regarding Israel’s judgment (e.g. 5:11; 7:4). Now He is also shown to be merciful and compassionate (v. 25). 

Reflection

Praise God that we have also been sealed with the Spirit (Eph. 1:13; 4:30). We have security in knowing that the Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance.