Ezekiel 38: The Land of Gog
Friday, June 20, 2025
Scholars tell us that the land of Gog was located in Asia Minor, and Ezekiel predicts that these tribes will attack once Israel returns to her land. The Israelites are not to worry, however, for God will be with his faithful remnant as he has promised. God will not abandon those who remain in him. This enemy will not realize that the Israelites who appear weak will in fact be strong because of Yahweh’s presence; and Gog’s defeat in a cosmic battle will serve God’s purpose: “When the nations see God’s victory, then they will recognize the divine power at work on Israel’s behalf”. (Mays, 621) This is a familiar theme for us. God will save God’s people and in so doing God will prove the Lord’s self far more powerful and far more loving than any pagan god.
Today’s Mass readings also speak to God’s fidelity to the covenant promise God makes with us (Genesis 15:1-18, Psalm 105, and Matthew 7:15-20). Created in God’s love, we are to beware of false prophets and remain true to who and what we are: creatures brought into existence to bear the fruit of love.T his is our nature whether we believe it or not for, as Jesus reminds us . . . a good tree cannot bear bad fruit.
So we are reminded today that the Land of Gog, or Magog, and the people of Meschech, Tubal, Gomer, or Beth-togarmah are always just over the horizon. These alien tribes who do not know the promise of the Living God will think themselves superior and they will invade, and they will be surprised by the strength of the God who abides with us and protects us. They will be overcome by the breadth and depth of our God’s presence and power. There will be a great shaking upon the land . . . but God’s faithful will be saved. This happens, God tells us, so that the nations may know of me, when in their sight I prove my holiness through you, O Gog.
No matter the number of the enemy, no matter the strength of the invading horde, no matter the skill or persistence of those who would invade and conquer, God’s faithful will remain while others will disappear for this is how much our God loves us – that God delivers us out of the hands of the people of Gog.
Mays, James L., ed. HARPERCOLLINS BIBLE COMMENTARY. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1988. 1203. Print.
Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gog_and_Magog
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