What does Ezekiel 38:23 mean?
"Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD." - Ezekiel 38:23
Ezekiel 38:23 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the Lord."
This verse is part of a larger passage in Ezekiel that speaks of a prophecy against Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. In this prophecy, the Lord declares that he will bring Gog and his followers against the land of Israel in order to show his power and holiness to the nations. The verse can be seen as a declaration of God’s sovereignty and power, and a reminder to the nations of the world that he alone is the one true God.
One of the main themes of this verse is the magnification and sanctification of God. The Hebrew word for "magnify" in this verse is "gadal," which means to make great, grow, or excel. It speaks to the idea of God's greatness being made known and recognized by the nations. This verse also speaks of the sanctification of God, which refers to the process of being made holy or set apart. God is declaring that he will set himself apart as holy and make himself known to the nations in a way that they cannot ignore.
The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. In the broader context of the book of Ezekiel, the prophet is speaking to the exiled Israelites, offering them hope and reassurance in the face of their captivity. The prophecy against Gog and the promise of God’s magnification and sanctification serve as a reminder to the Israelites that despite their current circumstances, God is still in control and will make himself known in a powerful way.
The symbolism in this verse is significant as well. The coming of Gog and the display of God's power to the nations can be seen as symbolic of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate victory of God over all his enemies. The magnification and sanctification of God speaks to the idea of his glory being made known in the world, and his holiness being recognized by all people.
Overall, Ezekiel 38:23 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and power. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of God over his enemies, and the recognition of his holiness by the nations. In the broader context of the book of Ezekiel, this verse serves as a source of hope and encouragement for the Israelites, reminding them that God is in control and will ultimately reveal his glory to the world. It also serves as a reminder to all people that God alone is the one true Lord, and his power and holiness will be recognized by all nations.
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Ezekiel 38:23 - "Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD."
"Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD." - Ezekiel 38:23
Ezekiel 23:38 - "Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths."
Ezekiel 38:1-3
"Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths." - Ezekiel 23:38
Ezekiel 38:1 - "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
2 Samuel 23:38 - "Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,"
Ezekiel 38:5 - "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:"
Matthew 23:38 - "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."
Ezekiel 40:38 - "And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering."
Job 38:23 - "Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?"
Luke 23:38 - "And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
"Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite," - 2 Samuel 23:38
"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Ezekiel 38:1
Ezekiel 38:6 - "Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee."
Ezekiel 38:7 - "Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled unto thee, and be thou a guard unto them."
Ezekiel 38:19 - "For in my jealousy 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;"
Ezekiel 16:38 - "And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy."
Ezekiel 38:3 - "And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:"
Exodus 38:23 - "And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen."
Ezekiel 38:2 - "Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,"
"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." - Matthew 23:38
Ezekiel 41:23 - "And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors."
Genesis 38:23 - "And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her."
"Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:" - Ezekiel 38:5
Ezekiel 22:23 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 33:23 - "Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 38:9 - "Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee."
Ezekiel 38:21 - "And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man's sword shall be against his brother."
Ezekiel 36:38 - "As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the LORD."