Ezekiel 38:21 - Summary and Meaning
Bible Verse: Ezekiel 38:21
"And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother."
Overview
The verse from Ezekiel 38:21 is a prophetic declaration by God regarding the impending conflict involving Gog and the nations allied with him. This passage underlines God's sovereignty in bringing judgment upon those who rise against His people. Through the imagery of war, it highlights themes of divine retribution and the internal strife amongst the enemies of Israel.
Commentary Insights
- Matthew Henry's Commentary:
Henry explains that the sword represents God's judgment upon Gog and his allies. The mention of "every man's sword shall be against his brother" illustrates the chaos of conflict, where even allies turn on one another. This serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over earthly events and His ability to cause divisions even among the strongest foes.
- Albert Barnes' Notes:
Barnes emphasizes the idea of God's deliberate orchestration of strife among the enemies of Israel. He encourages readers to see this as an assurance that God will protect His people by creating discord among their enemies, turning their weapons against each other rather than against God's chosen ones.
- Adam Clarke's Commentary:
Clarke provides insight into the metaphorical implications of this verse. The 'sword' suggests judgment, while the act of men turning against one another reflects the divine justice at work, resulting in self-destruction among those who oppose God and His people. Clarke underlines that this passage illustrates a common theme in biblical prophecy: the inevitable downfall of those who challenge God's authority.
Cross-References and Thematic Connections
This verse can be connected to several other scriptures that discuss similar themes of divine judgment and internal conflict among enemies:
- Zechariah 14:13 - 'And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.'
- Isaiah 19:2 - 'And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.'
- Revelation 17:16 - 'And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.'
- Psalms 55:21 - 'The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.'
- Galatians 5:15 - 'But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.'
- Luke 12:53 - 'The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.'
- Matthew 24:7 - 'For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.'
Theological and Interpretative Context
This verse occurs within a larger narrative concerning God's judgment on the nation of Gog, traditionally understood as representing hostile forces against Israel. The backdrop of Ezekiel's prophecy reflects the broader theological theme of God's ultimate sovereignty in directing history towards His purposes, particularly the protection of His people.
How to Use Cross-References for Deeper Understanding
When analyzing Ezekiel 38:21, here are some tools and methods for cross-referencing:
- Bible Concordance: Utilize a bible concordance to find related verses based on keywords from Ezekiel 38:21.
- Comparative Bible Study: Engage in a comparative study with verses that deal with themes of conflict and judgment across both the Old and New Testaments.
- Thematic Connections: Identify themes such as divine judgment, internal conflict, and God's sovereignty to explore related verses.
- Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Use a guide that highlights connections among scriptures to find similar verses discussing warfare and divine intervention.
Conclusion
Ezekiel 38:21 serves as a profound reminder of God's role in human history, particularly in times of conflict. By cross-referencing this verse with others, one can gain a more comprehensive understanding of biblical themes related to divine judgment and the nature of warfare, enriching one's study of scripture.
