Ezekiel 38:23 – “And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, God declares the ultimate purpose of His actions against Gog and his allies: to reveal His greatness, holiness, and sovereignty to the world. The judgment against Gog is not just about defending Israel—it is about making God’s identity and power unmistakable to the nations. Through this dramatic intervention, God’s character and authority will be displayed in a way that demands recognition.

The statement “Then they will know that I am the Lord” is a recurring theme in Ezekiel, emphasizing God’s desire for His people and the nations to acknowledge Him as the one true God.

Historical Context

Ezekiel spoke to a people in exile, living under the domination of foreign powers. The Israelites may have wondered if their God was truly in control. This verse assures them that God is not only in control but that His actions are part of a larger plan to demonstrate His glory to the world.

The nations mentioned throughout Ezekiel 38 represent powers that historically opposed Israel. By defeating them in such a decisive and miraculous way, God’s supremacy over all nations and their gods is unmistakably established, much like His display of power in delivering Israel from Egypt (Exodus 7–12).

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key truths about God and His relationship with the world:

1. God’s Glory: The ultimate purpose of God’s actions is to reveal His greatness and holiness. Everything He does is designed to point people toward Him.
2. God’s Holiness: God’s intervention demonstrates His unique character, setting Him apart from all other so-called gods and rulers.
3. God’s Desire for Relationship: The repeated phrase “Then they will know that I am the Lord” shows that God desires to be known and worshiped by all nations.

Literary Analysis

The verse uses parallelism to emphasize its key themes: God’s greatness, His holiness, and His revelation to the nations. The repetition of “I will” highlights God’s active role in the events, leaving no doubt about who is in control. The final declaration, “Then they will know that I am the Lord,” serves as the climactic conclusion of this prophecy, reinforcing its central message.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 7:5: “And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt.” This parallels God’s intent to make Himself known through acts of judgment.
• Isaiah 45:22-23: “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” This reflects God’s desire for all nations to recognize Him as the one true God.
• Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” This echoes the themes of God’s greatness and revelation.
• Revelation 15:4: “Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you.” This points to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan to be known and worshiped by all nations.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians, Ezekiel 38:23 is a powerful reminder that God’s ultimate goal is to reveal His glory and holiness to the world. It encourages believers to trust that even in the midst of chaos or judgment, God is working to make Himself known.

This verse also challenges Christians to reflect on their own lives. Are we living in a way that points others to God’s greatness and holiness? As followers of Christ, we are called to bear witness to His character and share His message with the world.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in His desire to be known by all nations. By revealing His greatness and holiness, He invites people into a relationship with Him. His judgment against Gog is not only an act of justice but also an act of love, as it serves to remove obstacles to faith and show the nations who He truly is.

God’s holiness and love are not in conflict. His actions demonstrate His commitment to righteousness while offering people the opportunity to turn to Him and experience His grace.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Ezekiel 38:23 points directly to Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God’s greatness, holiness, and love. Through Jesus, God’s character is fully displayed, as He bridges the gap between humanity and God. In John 14:9, Jesus says, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father,” highlighting that Jesus is the perfect representation of God.

The phrase “Then they will know that I am the Lord” finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Philippians 2:10-11 declares that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord, bringing glory to God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s plan to reveal His glory, even in difficult circumstances?
2. What does God’s desire for all nations to know Him teach us about His character and His love for the world?
3. How can you reflect God’s greatness and holiness in your own life and relationships?
4. In what ways does Jesus’ life and work fulfill the themes of this verse?
5. How can this verse inspire you to share the message of God’s greatness and holiness with others?

Ezekiel 38:23 reminds us that God’s ultimate purpose is to reveal His glory and holiness to the world. It calls us to live in a way that points others to Him, trust in His sovereignty, and find hope in the ultimate victory secured through Jesus Christ.