God Will Magnify Himself! – Eze 38
Ezekiel 38 describes an awesome force of warriors coming up against Israel. This battle is often associated with the one that happens in Revelation 20:7-10, but when you compare them, especially what happens afterward (Ezekiel 39), they seem to be different battles.
As distant enemies from the north, from Africa, and from Persia see an opportunity to take what they can from Israel (v.12), they assemble a huge force and ascend on Israel like a cloud that covers the land (v.9).
Once again, the world will learn a painful lesson – don’t bother God or His people, in particular, the nation of Israel. God will pour out his wrath on those who dare to come against His people. He will use earthquakes, rain, hail, fire, and brimstone to wipe out these armies.
And once again God will show the heathen who He is and everyone will know that God is “sanctified” (set apart, unique, no other god like Him)! Ezekiel 38:23 says this, “Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself: and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.”
The message is clear – don’t bother God and don’t bother God’s people! God is longsuffering and patient, but one day His patience will run out and His wrath will fall. And went it does, there will be no escape!
God also wants us to know that He alone is worthy of worship and honor. If men won’t give Him the honor He deserves, then God will do dramatic things to get their respect and their honor!