Ezekiel 38:23

I will magnify and sanctify Myself, and will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.

Study Bible

I will magnify and sanctify Myself
This phrase indicates God's intention to demonstrate His greatness and holiness. In the context of Ezekiel 38, God is speaking about His intervention against Gog, a leader of a coalition of nations. The magnification and sanctification of God are themes throughout the Bible, emphasizing His supreme power and purity. In Exodus 15:11, God is described as "majestic in holiness," and in Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim declare His holiness. This act of magnification and sanctification is a divine response to the rebellion and pride of nations, showcasing God's sovereignty and setting Him apart from all other gods.

and I will reveal Myself in the sight of many nations
God's revelation to the nations is a recurring theme in the prophetic books. Here, it signifies a public demonstration of His power and authority, not just to Israel but to the entire world. This revelation is often associated with acts of judgment and deliverance, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6). The phrase suggests a global recognition of God's power, aligning with prophecies in Isaiah 45:22-23, where every knee will bow to Him. This revelation is both a warning and an invitation for the nations to acknowledge the true God.

Then they will know that I am the LORD
This concluding phrase underscores the purpose of God's actions: to affirm His identity as the LORD, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The recognition of God as LORD is a central theme in Ezekiel, appearing numerous times throughout the book. It reflects the ultimate goal of God's dealings with humanity—to bring people to a knowledge of Him. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, involving acknowledgment, reverence, and submission. The phrase echoes the covenant language found in Exodus 6:7, where God promises to take Israel as His people and be their God. It also points forward to the eschatological hope in Revelation 11:15, where the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of our Lord.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, God is declaring His intention to reveal His power and holiness to the nations.

2. Nations
Refers to the various peoples and countries that will witness God's actions and come to recognize His sovereignty.

3. Ezekiel
The prophet through whom God delivers this message, providing insight into God's plans and purposes.

4. Gog and Magog
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the context of the surrounding chapters, representing forces opposed to God.

5. Israel
The nation through which God often reveals His power and holiness, serving as a backdrop for His actions in this prophecy.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
God is in control of history and uses events to reveal His power and holiness.

Revelation to the Nations
God's actions are not limited to Israel; He desires all nations to recognize His lordship.

Holiness and Magnification
God’s holiness is central to His identity, and He will magnify Himself to ensure His holiness is known.

Eschatological Implications
This prophecy points to future events where God will decisively act to establish His kingdom.

Personal Reflection
Believers are called to recognize and proclaim God’s sovereignty and holiness in their own lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the revelation of God’s power and holiness in Ezekiel 38:23 challenge our understanding of His sovereignty in current world events?

2. In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, participate in making God known among the nations today?

3. How does the theme of God revealing Himself to the nations in Ezekiel 38:23 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God revealing His power in your life. How did it change your understanding of who He is?

5. Considering the eschatological context of Ezekiel 38, how should believers prepare for the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for the nations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 9:16
This verse speaks of God raising Pharaoh to demonstrate His power and proclaim His name throughout the earth, similar to His purpose in Ezekiel 38:23.

Isaiah 45:6
Highlights God's desire for all to know that He is the LORD, echoing the revelation of His identity in Ezekiel.

Revelation 20:8
References Gog and Magog in the context of end-times prophecy, connecting the events in Ezekiel to future eschatological fulfillment.

Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God," aligns with the theme of God revealing Himself to the nations.

John 17:3
Jesus speaks of eternal life as knowing the only true God, which ties into the revelation of God’s identity in Ezekiel.