I am asking out of curiosity, as to what others might think. I have the interpretation, but I would like to compare it to others.
God be with you,
The Reverend, William M. Butler, St. Luke Ministries
raVar
Favorite Answer
Ezekiel 38 and 39 corresponds to many other verses in the Bible. That's what matters. What the rest of the Bible states about Ezekiel 38 and 39. Peter stated that no prophecy springs from private interpretation. The Bible would explain the Bible. And when it comes to Ezekiel 38 and 39, many other parts of the Bible, correspond to the pieces of the puzzle that it provides. Many verses. Hundreds almost. I could go on for pages regarding the cross references. For instance in vs 8 - it talks about the "latter years" (The Last Days). As well as the nation "of Israel". Vs 11 talks about God's people "Israel" seeming to be totally undefended. Just those few facts, corresponds to many, many other prophecies regarding the final part of the days, the Last Days, Armageddon, and how everything will play out. The clues are there, that lead to other verses. Many, many things in Ezekiel 38 and 39, point to other portions of the Bible. The Bible explains itself.
But what does vs 20 talk about? Everyone on the "Surface of the Earth". This seems to indicate something that would affect, not just the literal Israel and surrounding area . . . but everyone on the planet. 39:21 states that all the nations would understand what was going on. Again, this seems to indicate something earth wide.
As with many prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures, the initial fulfillment also sees secondary and even third fulfillments. For example,
Much of what is in 38 and 39, seems to cross reference to other verses - such as at Jeremiah 25:33 "The slain of Yahweh shall be at that day from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung on the surface of the ground" From one end of the earth, to the other end of the earth. THough much of Jeremiah dealt with Israel, many time s Jeremiah made statements about God declaring a "New Covenant" (Jeremiah 33) with "Israel", that would NOT include the law coventant. This "New Covenant" Jesus established, and was later extended to even Gentiles, in fullfilment of what God promised Abraham in Genesis. That eventually "ALL NATIONS" of the earth, would bless themselves because of Abrahams obedience.
Paul explained that this new "Israel" in Galatians, was the "Israel of God" and even included non-Jews in a physical sense. That the bride of Christ, was "really Israel". John stated that a global war would take place. Jesus stated in Matthew 24 that the tribulation would occur on account "Of the holy ones", and the world would be spared "on their account".
Spiritual Israel, is the annointed Sons of God, who will rule as King Priests in Heaven, over those on the earth (Galatians 3-5, Revelation 9:5,10, John 10:16). They are comprised of both literal Jews, as well as Gentiles, who are chosen by God. At the end of the Last Days, Satan the Devil will attack these ones, and release Gods final anger, .
From one end of the earth, to the other end of the earth.
As the WEB Bible states, at that time the paramount issue is known. As Jesus said in the model prayer. That the name of the father be cleared of lies. What is stated over, and over and over again throughout Ezekiel. What could be called it's theme, because throughout the book, it is stated again and again and again and again:
"That the Nations Shall know THAT I AM YAHWEH!!"
As, one of those times, is stated:
"The nations shall know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them forevermore" - Ezekiel 37:28
Anonymous
Ezekiel 38 And 39 Interpretation
Anonymous
38 ...
Footnotes
1 [38:1-39:20] These three oracles against Gog may refer either to a specific foreign invasion in the future, or to the apocalyptic struggle between good and evil at the end of time. By some they are ascribed to a later author than Ezekiel, who lived after the exile and the return to Palestine.
2 [2] Gog: the name is almost certainly a symbolic one taken from that of Gyges, king of Lydia, whether or not the prophet has a specific person in mind. The gloss Magog may be an Akkadian expression, mat-Gog, "the land of Gog." Meshech and Tubal, as well as Gomer and Beth-togarmah (Ezekiel 38:6), were countries around the Black Sea, the northernmost countries known to the Hebrews: the north (cf also Ezekiel 38:22(15)) was the traditional direction from which invasion was expected; cf Jeremiah 1:13-15.
3 [12] Who dwell at the navel of the earth: the people of Israel (cf Ezekiel 38:15(18); Ezekiel 5:5). Many ancient peoples spoke of their own homelands as "the navel," that is, the center of the earth.
39 ...
1 [11] The Valley of Abarim: in the Abarim mountains, east of the Jordan. Hamon-gog: means "the horde of Gog."
Always Curious
Sorry, I won't. I'm not qualified (according to some) to attempt to interpret and offer opinions on Bible verses. I've been told it was arrogant and prideful to attempt such endeavors