Ezekiel 38:20
“So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls 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.”
This verse is part of a larger passage known as the prophecy of Gog and Magog, found in Ezekiel 38 and 39. It describes a future event where a coalition of nations will gather against the people of Israel. God, through the prophet Ezekiel, reveals the consequences that will occur when He intervenes to defend His people.
In Ezekiel 38:20, we see a vivid depiction of the tremendous impact of God’s presence and intervention. Let’s examine the elements mentioned in the verse:
Fishes of the sea:The mention of the fishes of the sea represents the entire aquatic life. It symbolizes the far-reaching impact of God’s presence, which affects all aspects of creation.
Fowls of the heaven:Referring to the birds, this signifies the creatures that dwell in the sky. Just as the fishes represent the sea, the fowls symbolize the entire avian population.
Beasts of the field:This phrase encompasses all land-dwelling animals. It indicates that even the mightiest and most powerful creatures will tremble at the presence of God.
Creeping things that creep upon the earth:This phrase refers to the small creatures that crawl on the ground, such as reptiles and insects. It suggests that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant beings will be affected.
All the men that are upon the face of the earth:This statement emphasizes that every human being will experience the awe-inspiring power of God’s presence. It includes both the nations aligned against Israel and those who seek the Lord.
The latter part of the verse describes the physical repercussions that will accompany God’s presence:
Mountains shall be thrown down:This depicts a cataclysmic event where the stability and grandeur of mountains are overthrown. It signifies the overwhelming power of God that can shake the very foundations of the earth.
Steep places shall fall:The steep places or cliffs represent elevated and rocky terrain. The imagery suggests that even the most secure and fortified locations will crumble in the face of God’s presence.
Every wall shall fall to the ground:Walls symbolize human defenses and structures. This phrase signifies that every man-made barrier or stronghold will be rendered useless in the face of God’s power.
In summary, Ezekiel 38:20 portrays a scene of universal trembling and destruction when God manifests His presence to defend His people. The verse emphasizes that no aspect of creation, from the mightiest creatures to the smallest insects, will be immune to the overwhelming power of God. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and the awe-inspiring impact of His intervention.
