Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 38

2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog , the land of Magog , the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal , and prophesie against him.

See chap 20.46. let. n. and 21.2. and 25 2. and 35.2. let. a.

This cannot be one single person, or one onely Prince, though like enough it points out some one, by whom the troubles foretold were begun, yet the Successors of this one, who-ere he was, and included, and designed by this Gog, nor is he to be limited to one certain nation, that he was King of, nor yet confin'd to one age, or (it may be) to two or three; Some will fix the beginnings of this Gog among the Seleucidae, and take in the others, who divided the Grecian Empire among themselves, and who did much hurt to the Jews, the history of which in part you meet with in the Books of the Maccabees. But if we must account why these are called Gog, perhaps this may suffice: Gyges, who gave name to the land, Predecessor to Croesus (for he was Grandson to Gyges) was conquer'd by Cyrus, deprived of the Kingdom; and this made and continued Tributary to the Persians, till taken from them by the Grecians; and when that Kingdom was divided, it fell among the Successors of Alexander in Seleucus line, and so the Seleucide may, not without some ground, be thought pointed at by Gog, whose countrey fell into the hand of Seleucus by the Successes he had against Antigonus. And of all the Seleucidae, the sixth from Seleucus stands fairest for it, this was Antiochus Epiphanes, Type of Antichrist, and a fierce Enemy of the Jewes. Others judge this War, in which Gog is Prince and Leader, refers to times much later, and there are several particulars that do not well suit with the times of Antiochus Epiphanes. They will therefore rather refer it to some Scythian King or Kings, and that the time is still to come, wherein this Prophesie is to be fulfilled. And that it must intend those Enemies of Gods Church who descended from the Scythians, and are now masters of Cappadocia, Iberia, Armenia, or are in confederacy with the Tartars, and those Northern Heathens. Now the Armes and Equipage here mention'd well suit with these Scythians, and they with the Turks, as like to make up part of this Army. But others think, that All the Enemies of Israel in all quarters, all, both open and secret Enemies are here intended, and that the Antichristian forces, and combinations are what the Prophet foretells; and if from a conjunction of affairs now, or lately on foot in the World, we might make our guess, the Invasions of the Turks on one side, and the contrivance of others on this side Christendom to extirp[illegible: 2 letters]e the Northern Heresie, as some have called our Religion, we might be excus'd, if we erre, saying, The Constantinopolitan Antichrist, and the Roman Antichrist, with all their associates, and helpers, are this Gog.

Magog is, at least, part of Scythia, and comprehends Syria, in which was Hierapolis taken by the Scythians, and called of them Scythopolis. It is then that Countrey, which now is in subjection to the Turks, and may be extended thro' Asia minor, the Countreys of Sarmatia, &c. from those parts under more, then one in Succession of time and in the last times under some one particular active undertaking, and daring Prince, Enemy of Israel, all their power will be stir'd up against Christ and Christians.

Or Prince, who is Supream in Authority, most violent in opposition to the Church of Christ, and most active to attempt its ruine.

What we render Prince, may well be the proper name of Araxes in Arabick, principal River of Armenia, and so that the first Countrey mention'd under the command of Gog, or the Scythians of mount Taurus, which were called Rhos.

Vid. chap. 27.13. let. k. l.

Since the two former Chapters had assured so great and wonderful blessings to the Iews, after the return out of Babylon ▪ and the gathering them together in their own land: It is more then probable, the Jews would expect a full accomplishment of all these things quickly after their return, and if troubles should, as they did, intervene, and prove long, be discouraged, and quarrel with Providence, God doth in this [illegible: 1 letter]8th. and the 39th. Chapters forewarn them by telling what enemies and troubles would interpose themselves to the great losses, and dangers of the Jews, ere they should overcome them, and Go should fully and finally deliver them.

Marginal references: Rev. 20.8.; Or, Prince of the chief.

4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy chaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thy army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company, with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords.

The words seem to imply a diverting him from some other enterprise, or else intimate to us, when that mighty power come out, they are still under God's controul, and he will turn them back from what they intended, that they shall not effect it.

See this expression chap. 29.4.

So dispose affairs, thou shalt leave thine own Countrey to invade and spoil, and destroy

The whole power thou canst make.

Those Nations Sarmatae, or Scythians, Cappadocians, &c. or, which comprise all the Turks and Tartars are to this day strong in Horse, and their Armies consist much of Horsemen.

Their Leaders both rich and gaudy, yet well armed, and their Souldiers well provided too, and we know how they, and other Antichristian Souldiers march which all Warlike provisions.

In vast Armys far greater, then any of their Neighbours can bring out against them.

Bucklers for their foot, and sheilds for their Horsemen, as Servius observes the difference between the two latin words scutum and clypeus, if not misreported, I doubt whether the Heb. words do so differ, however these were for defence of those, that bear them, and to this day the Tartars use oblong shields for defence on Horseback, as the figures represent them to our eye.

That is very ready, expert and strong in using the sword, this to slay the Enemies, as the other to save themselves.

Marginal references: 2 [illegible: 1 span] chap. 3[illegible: 1 letter].[illegible: 1 letter]; chap. [illegible: 1 letter]3

5 Persia , Aethiopia , and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet .

The Land for the People Mahometans, and Enemies to the Name of Christ.

Not the African, which is Habassia, or Nubia, or both the old Macrobii, but the Asiatic, or Arabian Aethiopia posterity of Cush, Mahometans too.

A People of Africa either now Subjects of, or Confederates with the Turks, and who are near enough to joyn, when the effect shall demo[illegible: 1 letter] strate this Gog who he is.

Prepar'd to save themselves what they can, tho' they slay their Enemies. Now some of all these were in the Armies of Antiochus against the Jews, and many more will serve in the last Army of Gog.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 word]

6 Gomer , and all his [illegible: 1 letter]ands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands; and many people with thee.

Inhabitants of Galatia called formerly Gallograeci, Phrygians, and Bitoynians also these descended of Gomer.

Paphlagonia, and Cappadocia, see chap. 27.14.

It might be read in apposition, and leave out of, so 'twill bring in many more to assist Gog, beside all those mentioned, the more Northern people, the numerous Tartars shall with all their hands fight for Gog.

Great, and mighty of Stature, and strength, and courage as well as many in numbers.

7 Be thou prepared , and prepare for thy self, thou and thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them.

'Tis an Ironie, God, the Prophet, and the Church deride this mighty preparation, as once the daughter of Sion laught Sennacherib that proud Assyrian to scorn, and the scoffe is doubled.

Such a mighty Army will need great Magazines, and Granaries, and Good Watches, and Guards for their marching in safety, therefore awaken thy diligence, let nothing be wanting, for, O Gog, thou wilt find, I am against thee, saith the Lord.

8 After many dayes thou shalt be visited : in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people against the mountains of Israel, which have been alwaies waste : but it is brought forth out of the nations , and they shall dwell safely all of them.

Some refer this to the time of the Maccabees, about 200 years after their return, and finishing the repairs of the City Wall; others say, after the expiring of the 1000 years spoken of, Revel. 20.7. But certainly the full accomplished dayes are yet to come, when Gog, and Magog shall be destroyed, and so these dayes are the latter dayes of the Messiah's Kingdom among men.

Be called to account, judged and punished for thy violence, and possibly convinced by thy overthrow, it may prove a visitation in mercy for Conversion.

These must be contemporary with the many dayes already mentioned, so that, where those, there these also are to be fixed.

Gog with all thy numbers.

The Land of the Iews, who were under this character in the Maccabees time, and will be under the same in these latter dayes▪ a people of God recovered from slavery, and captivity, into which the sword of their Enemy brought them, but God had now gathered out of the Countreys.

If it refer to Gog, 'twas against the Mountains, but, if it doth, as it may, refer to the people gathered, it should be to, not against the mountains.

Either designed to desolation by the rage, and malice of Enemies, or else because so long waste that it is beyond the memory of many living, 'twas 400 years and upwards from this prophecy to Antiochus Epiphanes Death, if he were Gog, but if the Ten Tribes, gathered to the two, and made one Kingdom, be this people, and the wasted Mountains refer to them, they may well be called Mountains alwaies waste; for 'tis already 2400 years since the Ten Tribes were carryed away by Salmanezer.

The Land of Canaan, i. e. the people of it, Land being, as often before, put for People.

Among whom they were scattered, of which Nations, though we can give account of them, to whom the Two Tribes were in Captivity, we cannot so of them, to whom the Ten Tribes are to this day Servants, but if this prediction do as much concern them, as some confidently believe, these dry bones shall revive, and come together.

This began at least to be fulfilled, when, for some 380 years after their return, they lived tolerably quiet, afterwards Antiochus vext them, and did them much damage, what remains of longer, and fuller quiet, and prosperity after the slaying of Gog, time will discover to the people of God, whose lot 'twill be to stand up in those dayes.

9 Thou shalt ascend and come up like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands , and many people with thee.

Sometimes such phrase declares duty, and is preceptive, but here it declares the event, and is predictive, Gog wi[illegible: 1 letter]l, tho' he should not.

The Hebrew might be read thus, Thou shalt ascend as a storm, thou shalt come as a cloud. This storm is violent with confused tumultuous noises, and with devastation, as the word implieth; and come, as a Cloud that is, as dark, as large, and as inevitable, and which continueth the violent waving storm.

Gog, and his bands shall be a storm, that over-spreads the whole Land.

Troops, or Wings.

Many in number, great in courage, and strength.

10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; it shall also come to pass that at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought.

That the people are gathered together, setling in peace, before they have secured themselves, much like the Dragon waiting on the Child-bearing woman with purpose to devour her Child.

Projects or designs for mischief, as appears ver. 11.

And these mischievous thoughts thou shalt so manage, as to forecast how they may, and to set on the execution, till they do take effect. if Antiochus Epiphanes be this Gog, Daniel in chap. 11. ver. 24, 25. foretels the like thing of him against Egypt.

Marginal references: Or, c[illegible: 2 letters]ceive a [illegible: 2 letters]schievous pur [illegible: 3 letters]e.

11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages , I will go to them that are at rest , that dwell safely , all of them dwelling without walls , and having neither bars nor gates.

Thou wilt resolve in thy self, and declare it to thy Counsel.

Invade with all thy puissance.

Weak, and without any considerable defences, a scattered people that dwell in Villages, can make little, if any resistance.

Who would willingly be quiet.

Suspecting as little evil from others, as they intend little against others, and trusting in the protection of their God, who hath promised they shall dwell safely.

That may resist, and be too strong for my Forces, and Engines, though they have Walls, Bars, and Gates, yet Gog accounts as none against his mighty Armies.

Marginal references: Jer. 49.31.; Or, confidently.

12 To take a spoil , and to take a prey ; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places that are now inhabited , and upon the people that are gathered out of the nations which have gotten cattel and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.

The Scythians, and those other Nations in this Army, were from their original a violent, unjust, and thievish people, addicted to Robberies, and they now, under this Gog, follow the old trade.

The same repeated.

Either it speaks the ease, with which Gog presumeth he shall do, what he intendeth, or the sad desolation, which he would cause to return upon the Iewes.

Made so by the Babylonians, and continued so, till of late years past.

Newly repeopled, and rebuilt upon their return out of Babylon.

Or which are now by your Husbandry, and diligence getting somewhat of Estate, and Riches, or, as we read it, have gotten; for 'twas to Antiochus Epiphanes time from their return near 350 years, and from the finishing the Walls of Ierusalem by Nehemiah to Antiochus time, 200 years, so that in that time, the Iews might be grown rich enough to be accounted a great prey to him, if he were this Gog, however such the Iews will be thought, when Gog attempts this enterprise.

Marginal references: Heb. to spoil [illegible: 1 word] spoil, and to [illegible: 1 word] the prey.; Heb. navel.

13 Sheba and Dedan , and the merchants of Tarshish , with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? Hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattel and goods, to take a great spoil?

Vid. chap. 27. ver 22. this Sheba was Southward, and contains all of that Coast, which assisted Gog.

Idumaeans, or the most easterly parts of Arabia Deserta, by these are noted the Eastern Nations, that assisted, say some.

The Inhabitants of the Sea Coast Westward, and Magog North. Robbers by Land on three sides, Pirates by Sea on the fourth in a confederacy to spoil the Church of God.

Young men thirsty of blood, but more of spoil flock to Gog, resolved to join, if they may, rob, and spoil for themselves.

This repeated enquiry made by these, I suppose, is not so much to sound the intentions of Gog, as 'tis a capitulation and agreement to come to his assistance, and on condition they might have, possess, and carry away what they sieze, they are for him, and they mention particulars, Silver, Gold, Cattel, Goods, are thus exact, out of foresight what little part they might have without such a compact.

14 Therefore son of man, prophesie, and say unto Gog, thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely , shalt thou not know it ?

Vid. ver. 8. let. c.

Vid. ver. 11. and chap. 34. ver. 25.

Thou wilt be informed how weak, yet how rich, how easie 'tis to make them a pr[illegible: 1 letter]y, and thou'lt believe, and try it.

15 And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts , thou and many people with thee, all of them riding on horses, a great company, and a mighty army.

Vid. ver. 9. let. m.

Out of thine own Land.

From Scythia, from the Euxine and Caspian Seas, and Countreys thereabouts.

The Leader, and chieftain.

Mighty and numerous, as ver. 6. and ver. 9. let. q.

Ver. 4. let. l.

Ver. 9. let. q.

16 And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land: it shall be in the latter dayes, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

See ver. 8. let. c.

See ver. 4. let. i.

Gog gathers all from all quarters to be with him to take the spoil, God brings them together to do that among them, which may make the Heathen see, and own his hand. They do it in proud contempt of God and his people, but God doth it to glorifie his own Name, and to vindicate his people.

Confessed to be a great God over all, a gracious and faithful God to his people, and a just, though dreadful Enemie, and avenger against the wicked, and proud Tyrants.

In the sight of all the Heathen, that are with Gog in his expedition, and much more in the sight of Gods own wonderfully delivered people.

The first part of the verse, see ver. 9.

17 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Art thou he of whom I have spoken in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, which prophesied in those dayes many years, that I would bring thee against them?

Either by way of contempt from God upon him, and all his preparations, or by way of monition; all these enterprises I foresaw, have spoken of them, and I will as well defeat, as I did foretel them.

'Tis not said 'tis written, though that be true also, but 'twas more spoken of.

In the dayes of those years past, or of their years, in the times, when those Prophets lived.

Not by Prognosticators, or South-sayers, but by true Prophets my servants, whom I sent. Dan. 11. and Zech. 14. now, though they had not foretold this when Ezekiel did, yet when the question shall be askt by the Church, 'twill be so many 100 years past, it may well refer to these two Prophets; beside Isa. 26.20, 21. with chap. 27. ver. 1. Ier. 30.23, 24. Ioel 3.1.15, 16. and Mic. 5.5, 6, are Prophets cited, as those, who s[illegible: 1 letter]ake of this mighty Enemy, and his coming, and from which on understanding reader may soon collect, that this Foe was intended, as well as others, in the places.

Marginal references: Heb. by the hands.

18 And it shall come to pass at the same time, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face.

Gog cometh up in fury against Israel, and God's fury, i. e. hot, yet just displeasure, comes up in his face against both the attempt, and the attempters, against Gog, and all his power, who think to find a weak people, but they shall meet with an angry God.

19 For in my jealousie and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken: surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel.

For my own people, that I may preserve them, and for mine own glory to vindicate that as chap. 39.25. and Zech. 1.14.

Against mine Enemies Gog, and all his herds.

'Tis in Hebr. after the form of an Oath, as chap. 36. ver. 5.

To be sure a very great disturbance, and tumult like an Earthquake, as the word signifies, for such an Army, such threats, such assaults, and sieges will shake Cities, Towns, and Hearts of the stoutest.

Or against the Land of Israel, which for ought I know, will make the sense more obvious, the mighty preparations, and the proud threats of Gog against Israel will make many hearts to quake, as well as foundations of Cities.

20 So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowles of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that are upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.

Here is a lofty strain indeed, giving us the description of the tokens of God's presence against his Enemies, the effects of his displeasure against them are seen on all the Creatures sensible, that their maker is angry, though they know not with whom, or for what: if to be interpreted literally, we shall find some parallels, when our God marcht before Israel through the Red Sea as the waters, so the Fishes saw trembled, and fled. Psal. 77.16, 19. when he breaketh the Cedars, Psal. 29.6. and discovers the Forrests the Birds that make their nests there, shake at his presence and power. When Sinai trembled, Lebanon, and Sirion skipt like a young Unicorn, the creeping things in them no doubt shook, and the Beasts, feeding on them, did no less. Psal. 29.6. But men apprehensive of God's displeasure, and shaken with their own guilt, shall much more shake. But▪ I think, it is a very elegant allusive description of those strange troubles, and consternation of minds in men at that day, and so metaphorically to be understood. Mountains may be great ones, or, possibly, when God comes to judge Gog, he will by his mighty power give the world so great a shake, that shall be preface to his dreadful judgment day.

Marginal references: Hos. 4.3.; Or, towres, or, stai[illegible: 1 letter]e[illegible: 1 letter].

21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains , saith the Lord GOD; every mans sword shall be against his brother.

Summon, and awaken.

My Army, the people of Israel.

Gog, and his powers.

From all parts of the Land, called here Mountains, because 'twas full of Mountains.

As 'twas in Iehoshaphat's time, indeed these swords may be meant by the Sword, God will call for through all, for they ranged all over his mountains.

22 And I will plead against him with pestilence, and with floud, and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire and brimstone.

As Judge, and Avenger, and in most dreadful manner, whether you take the words figuratively or literally, as I slew others, Senacheribs Army by Pestilence, probably this was the Angels Sword, others as Ammon, Moab, Mount Seir with blood by their own swords. The Ammorites with hail-stones, Sodom, and Gomorrah with fire, and brimstone, the Old World with an overthrowing flood. Each single was dreadful, but all meet in the destruction of Gog to make it most terrible, whether these things are Aenigmatical ▪ or literal, I will not determine, but I am sure, they tell us how great the final ruine of the Enemies of God, and his Church shall be.

Marginal references: Psa. 11.6.

23 Thus will I magnify my self, and sanctifie my self, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.

In this most dreadful manner.

Undeniably prove, that I am the mighty, just, faithful, wise, holy, and merciful God toward my people, and that I am the great, just, and terrible one against mine, and my Churches Enemies.

Declare I am holy, and true to my word.

Many Heathen Nations shall see this in the execution of my judgments, and own it to my praise, that I am, and none else is the Lord.

Marginal references: chap. 36.23. and 37.28.