The prophetic texts in Ezekiel have long intrigued Bible scholars and prophecy watchers, particularly chapters 28, 38, and 39, which detail a series of events concerning Israel and its enemies. Ezekiel 28:25-26, a passage often overlooked, plays a crucial role in setting the stage for the monumental invasion prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39. These verses present a picture of Israel living in security, at peace, and without fear of threats, a condition that is later echoed in Ezekiel 38, where Israel is described as a “land of unwalled villages” and “a quiet people who dwell securely.”
This article will argue that the yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecy in Ezekiel 28:25-26 will fulfill the precondition that must be met for the invasion described in Ezekiel 38 to occur. It is during this period of security that Israel, dwelling without walls, bars, or gates, will become the target of an unprecedented attack from a coalition of hostile nations led by Gog, as detailed in Ezekiel 38-39.
Understanding Ezekiel 28:25-26
Ezekiel 28:25-26 states:
“Thus says the Lord God: ‘When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and manifest my holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they shall dwell in their own land that I gave to my servant Jacob. And they shall dwell securely in it, and they shall build houses and plant vineyards. They shall dwell securely, when I execute judgments upon all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.’”
This prophecy emphasizes a time when Israel, after being gathered from among the nations, will dwell securely in the land that God promised to Jacob. It speaks of peace and prosperity—Israel building houses, planting vineyards, and living without fear of external threats. The text specifically mentions God’s judgment on Israel’s neighbors, implying that the surrounding hostile nations that have treated Israel with contempt will be dealt with, creating a secure environment for the nation to flourish.
The Connection to Ezekiel 38: Israel Dwelling Securely
Ezekiel 38 begins with a description of the leader of a coalition, identified as Gog, gathering multiple nations (including Persia, Cush, and Put) to launch an invasion against Israel. However, it is critical to note the condition of Israel at the time of this invasion:
“In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel, which had been a continual waste. Its people are brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them” (Ezekiel 38:8).
This secure dwelling, referred to in Ezekiel 38:8 and reiterated in verse 11, presents Israel as a nation that is at peace, living without walls, bars, or gates. The invaders, led by Gog, see this as an opportune moment to strike, believing that Israel’s defenses are down and that they can plunder and seize the wealth of the land.
The description of Israel in Ezekiel 38—dwelling securely and in peace—directly parallels the prophecy in Ezekiel 28:25-26. Therefore, the peace described in Ezekiel 28 is a necessary precursor to the events of Ezekiel 38. Without this period of security and perceived vulnerability, the conditions for Gog’s invasion would not be met.
The ‘Unwalled Villages’ and ‘No Bars or Gates’ Condition
Ezekiel 38:11 gives further details about Israel’s condition during this time:
“You will say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will fall upon the quiet people who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having no bars or gates.’”
The idea of Israel being a land of “unwalled villages” is significant. In ancient times, walls were a primary means of defense for cities and nations. For a land to be described as having no walls, bars, or gates implies that it is not anticipating war or an attack, and it feels secure in its peace. This secure, unwalled state contrasts with much of Israel’s historical experience, where cities were often fortified to protect against frequent invasions.
Ezekiel 28:25-26 sets the prophetic framework for this condition. It describes a time when Israel, having returned to the land and seen the judgment of its enemies, will experience a period of profound peace and security. This peace is what sets the stage for the Ezekiel 38 invasion—an invasion that will catch Israel by surprise, as it will occur during a time of tranquility when no immediate threat is perceived.
The Role of Judgment on Israel’s Neighbors
Ezekiel 28:26 also mentions God’s judgment upon Israel’s neighbors who have treated them with contempt. This judgment could involve a series of geopolitical or supernatural events that neutralize or diminish the threat from Israel’s immediate neighbors, creating a buffer of security around the nation. This could include the destruction of specific hostile entities or political shifts in the Middle East that create a temporary peace.
Once these judgments have been executed, Israel will feel secure enough to live without the need for walls or heavy fortifications. This sense of security, however, will be deceptive, as it will create the perfect conditions for the surprise attack prophesied in Ezekiel 38.
The Timing of Ezekiel 28:25-26 and Ezekiel 38
The timing of these events is a critical aspect of understanding this prophecy. Ezekiel 28:25-26 does not specify when Israel will enter this period of peace, but it is clearly a future event, as it follows Israel’s regathering from among the nations—a process that is still ongoing. The text suggests that this peace will come after significant divine intervention and the execution of judgments on Israel’s enemies.
Once this peace is established, the stage will be set for the events of Ezekiel 38-39. The invasion by Gog and his coalition will occur “in the latter years” (Ezekiel 38:8), indicating that these prophecies pertain to the end times. The fact that Israel will be caught off guard, dwelling securely, underscores the necessity of a preceding period of peace, as described in Ezekiel 28:25-26.
Conclusion: Ezekiel 28:25-26 as the Prophetic Prelude
The prophecy of Ezekiel 28:25-26 is a foundational precondition for the events of Ezekiel 38. It describes a future time when Israel will live securely, having returned to the land and seen God’s judgments upon its enemies. This security will create a deceptive calm, where Israel feels safe enough to live in unwalled villages, without bars or gates. However, this very security will make Israel vulnerable to the surprise invasion led by Gog, as prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39.
Understanding the connection between these two passages helps clarify the sequence of end-time events and the future that awaits Israel. The period of peace described in Ezekiel 28 is not an ultimate peace, but a temporary one that sets the stage for one of the most significant prophecies in the Bible—the invasion of Israel by a vast coalition of nations, which will ultimately be defeated by the direct intervention of God.
In these prophecies, believers can find both a warning and a promise. While Israel will face great challenges in the future, God’s sovereign hand is at work, and His ultimate plan will bring about the redemption of Israel and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.