What does "be a guard for them" mean in Ezekiel 38:7? Setting the Scene - Ezekiel 38 introduces “Gog, of the land of Magog,” a future northern leader whom God will draw against Israel (Ezekiel 38:1–6). - Verse 7 reads: “Get ready; prepare yourself, you and all your companies gathered around you; you will be their guard.” - God is commanding Gog to marshal his coalition, knowing that He will later judge them (38:18–23). What the Hebrew Phrase Conveys - “Guard” translates the Hebrew mishmār—literally “watch, sentinel, protection.” - In military terms it describes: • Standing sentry over troops. • Providing leadership, organization, and logistical cover. • Ensuring the allies remain united, supplied, and emboldened for the campaign. How “Be a Guard for Them” Fits the Prophecy - Gog is told to serve as the umbrella commander for Persia, Cush, Put, Gomer, and Beth-togarmah (38:5–6). - God’s directive is not approval but orchestration. By having Gog “guard” the coalition, the entire force is preserved intact until the exact moment God chooses to judge it (38:16). - Similar divine setup appears in: • Exodus 14:17—Pharaoh’s army is hardened so God’s glory is displayed at the Red Sea. • Revelation 17:17—God puts His purpose into the hearts of kings until prophecy is fulfilled. Key Observations - Leadership role: Gog is the chief protector and rallying point. - Continual vigilance: The verb tense implies an ongoing duty to keep watch. - Irony: The very guarding that strengthens the invasion force also gathers it for destruction on “the mountains of Israel” (Ezekiel 39:2–4). Practical Take-Aways for Today - God remains absolutely sovereign, even over hostile powers (Proverbs 21:1). - World leaders can appear to control events, yet they fulfill God’s timeline. - Believers can rest in the assurance that every threat is under divine oversight (Psalm 2:1–6). Summary “Be a guard for them” charges Gog to act as commander-protector of his allied armies, organizing and safeguarding them until their destined confrontation with Israel—an appointment God Himself sets to reveal His holiness before the nations (Ezekiel 38:23). |
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