King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 38:15 Mean?

Ezekiel 38:15 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon hors...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 38 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:”

Ezekiel 38:15 · KJV

Context

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 cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

14

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

15

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

16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, 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.

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 days many years that I would bring thee against them? by: Heb. by the hand of

Read Ezekiel 38 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This prophetic word demonstrates God's sovereign control over history and nations. Even pagan empires and hostile coalitions serve God's purposes while remaining morally accountable for their actions. This Reformed understanding of providence affirms that nothing occurs outside God's decree, yet human agents bear full responsibility for their choices. The prophecy serves pastoral purposes: assuring God's people of His protection, warning enemies of certain judgment, and demonstrating that history moves toward God's appointed end. These prophecies find layered fulfillment—immediate historical, ongoing spiritual, and ultimate eschatological.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 586-571 BCE) after Jerusalem's destruction. The exiled community grappled with theological and practical questions: Why had judgment come? Would restoration occur? How should they live in exile? The historical context of ancient Near Eastern covenant patterns, conquest and exile practices, and prophetic literature provides essential background. Archaeological discoveries from this period illuminate the exile's realities and the return's historical fulfillment. Yet Ezekiel's prophecies extend beyond immediate historical context to find fuller realization in Christ and the church, with ultimate consummation in the new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's character, purposes, or ways of working in history?
  2. What specific application does this passage call you to make in your current circumstances or spiritual life?
  3. How does this Old Testament passage illuminate New Testament teaching about Christ, salvation, or the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבָ֤אתָ1 of 15

“And thou shalt come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִמְּקֽוֹמְךָ֙2 of 15

“from thy place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

מִיַּרְכְּתֵ֣י3 of 15

“parts”

H3411

properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess

צָפ֔וֹן4 of 15

“out of the north”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

אַתָּ֕ה5 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְעַמִּ֥ים6 of 15

“people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

רָֽב׃7 of 15

“and a mighty”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אִתָּ֑ךְ8 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רֹכְבֵ֤י9 of 15

“with thee all of them riding”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

סוּסִים֙10 of 15

“upon horses”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

כֻּלָּ֔ם11 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

קָהָ֥ל12 of 15

“company”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

גָּד֖וֹל13 of 15

“a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְחַ֥יִל14 of 15

“army”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

רָֽב׃15 of 15

“and a mighty”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 38:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 38:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 39:2Ezekiel 38:6Revelation 20:8Ezekiel 38:4Zechariah 12:2-4Zechariah 14:2-3

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