Gog and Magog - Ezekiel 38

The names Gog and Magog seem so foreign to us in the 21st century, but they are rich in Biblical history and symbolism. These interesting names even appear alongside Alexander the Great in a legend about his power and fame. We first come across the name Magog in the book of Genesis, but then again in Ezekiel 38 and later on in Revelation 20. Here is a portion of the scripture from Ezekiel:

¹⁴ “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? ¹⁵ You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. ¹⁶ You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

What I found interesting about this vision is that God seems to use the people of Magog, under the leadership of Gog, to wage war against the people of Israel. The Lord allows them to cover Israel, like a cloud covers the land, and in doing so, bring people's attention back to God. It seems a little strange for us, but God uses an enemy nation to bring the Israelites back to himself.

In our reflections during Holy Week we are also reminded of God's unique plan of salvation. It may not make sense to non-believers, why the Lord would allow his only son to die for the sake of others, but it certainly gets our attention. If were not for this 'strange' plan, we would still be lost in our sins and in our brokenness.

Living in Grace
D3LM3