CHAPTER XXXVIII _The sublime prophecy contained in this and the following_ _chapter relates to Israel's victory over Gog, and is very_ _obscure. It begins with representing a prodigious armarnent of_ _many nations combined together under the conduct of Gog, with_ _the intention of overwhelming... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:2. _SON OF MAN, SET THY FACE AGAINST GOG, THE LAND OF MAGOG_] This is allowed to be the most difficult prophecy in the Old Testament. It is difficult to us, because we know not the _king_ nor _people_ intended by it: but I am satisfied they were well known by these names in the time... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:4. _I WILL TURN THEE BACK_] Thy enterprise shall fail.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:5. _PERSIA_] That a part of this country was tributary to _Antiochus_, see _1Macc 3:31_. _ETHIOPIA, AND LIBYA_] That these were auxiliaries of Antiochus is evident from Daniel 11:43: "The Libyans and Ethiopians shall be at his steps.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:6. _GOMER, AND ALL HIS BANDS; THE HOUSE OF TOGARMAH_] The _Cimmerians_ and _Turcomanians_, and other northern nations.-_Calmet_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:8. _IN THE LATTER YEARS THOU SHALT COME_] This was fulfilled about _four hundred_ years after.-_Martin_. The expedition of _Cambyses_ against Egypt was about _twelve_ years after the return of the Jews from Babylon.-_Calmet_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:9. _THOU SHALT ASCEND AND COME LIKE A STORM_] It is observable that Antiochus is thus spoken of by Daniel, Daniel 11:40: _The king of the north _- Antiochus, _shall come against him_ (the king of the south is the king of Egypt) _like a whirlwind_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:10. _SHALL THINGS COME INTO THY MIND, AND THOU SHALT THINK_ _AN EVIL THOUGHT_] Antiochus purposed to invade and destroy _Egypt_, as well as _Judea_; see Daniel 11:31-27; Daniel 11:36. This _Calmet_ interprets of Cambyses, his cruelties in Egypt, and his evil design to destroy the Is... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:12. _TO TAKE A SPOIL - AND A PREY_] When Antiochus took Jerusalem he gave the pillage of it to his soldiers, and spoiled the temple of its riches, which were immense. See _Joseph_. WAR, B. i. c. 1.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:13. _SHEBA, AND DEDAN_] The Arabians, anciently great plunderers; and _Tarshish_, the inhabitants of the famous isle of Tartessus, the most noted merchants of the time. They are here represented as coming to Antiochus before he undertook the expedition, and _bargaining for the spoil... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:16. _WHEN I SHALL BE SANCTIFIED IN THEE, O GOG_] By the defeat of his troops under _Lysias_, his general. _1Mac 3:32, 33_, c., and Ezekiel 6:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:17. _ART THOU HE OF WHOM I HAVE SPOKEN IN OLD TIME_] This prophecy concerning Antiochus and the Jews was delievered about _four hundred_ years before the events took place. - _Martin_. _Calmet_ maintains that Cambyses is spoken of, and refers to ancient prophecies, especially Isaiah... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:21. _I WILL CALL FOR A SWORD AGAINST HIM_] Meaning _Judas_ _Maccabeus_, who defeated his army under Lysias, making a horrible carnage. - _Martin_. Cambyses had no wars in the mountains of Israel.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 38:22. _GREAT HAILSTONES, FIRE, AND BRIMSTONE._] These are probably figurative expressions, to signify that the whole tide of the war should be against him, and that his defeat and slaughter should be great. Abp. _Newcome_ supposes all the above prophecy remains yet to be fulfilled. Wh... [ Continue Reading ]