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

Bible Comments

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 conflict is a prelude to the final struggle, so its prediction has reference ultimately to the consummation here foretold.

Ezekiel 38:17

17 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time byf my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those days many years that I would bring thee against them?