Ezekiel 38:17
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?
Ezekiel 38:17 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, the Lord GOD is speaking to a specific individual, questioning whether they are the one foretold by the prophets of Israel in ancient times. The prophets had prophesied that this individual would be brought against the people of Israel. This verse is a reminder of the divine plan set in motion long before its fulfillment, showing that God's will is sovereign and His purposes are unchanging. By referencing the words spoken by the prophets of Israel, it emphasizes the continuity and consistency of God's message throughout history. This verse serves as a warning and a reminder of the consequences of disobedience towards God's will, as the individual mentioned may have unknowingly been chosen to execute God's judgment upon the people of Israel. It highlights the importance of recognizing and heeding the prophetic warnings delivered by God's messengers throughout the ages.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Ezekiel highlights the authority and sovereignty of God as the ultimate planner of all events. In this passage, the Lord GOD is addressing a specific individual, potentially a ruler or conqueror, who was foretold by the prophets of Israel. The verse emphasizes the consistency of God's word throughout history, as He had already spoken about this individual through His prophets many years before. This serves as a reminder of God's omniscience and His control over the course of human history. It also underscores the importance of prophecy in biblical literature as a means through which God communicates His plans and purposes to His people. Word studies in this verse could focus on the meaning of 'prophesied', 'bring thee against them', and 'servants' in order to deepen our understanding of the context and implications of the message. Overall, this verse emphasizes the trustworthiness of God's promises and the fulfillment of His prophecies in due time.
Ezekiel 38:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Art thou he of whom I spake in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, that prophesied in those days for [many] years that I would bring thee against them?
World English Bible
Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Are you he of whom I spoke in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days for years that I would bring you against them?
Douay-Rheims
Thus saith the Lord God: Thou then art he, of whom I have spoken in the days of old, by my servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in the days of those times that I would bring thee upon them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus saith the Lord God, Art not thou he, of whom I haue spoken in olde time, by ye hand of my seruants the Prophets of Israel which prophecied in those dayes and yeeres, that I woulde bring thee vpon them?