Ezekiel 38:19-20
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This isn't just a physical earthquake; the "shaking" here also implies immense spiritual and social upheaval. God's "jealousy" means His fierce protectiveness for His people, and His "blazing wrath" is ignited by the enemy's threat against them. This divine fury will utterly destabilize the attackers, not just the land itself.
For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on the ground, and all the people who are on the face of the earth, shall quake at my presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage follows God's pronouncement of judgment against the northern invader, Gog, who will assemble a massive army to attack God's people in the last days. After the invasion is thwarted by God's direct intervention, resulting in the destruction of Gog's forces, this verse describes the cataclysmic earthquake that will shake the land of Israel itself. It's a divine response fueled by God's zealous protection of His people and His burning anger against their enemies.
Why does God describe Himself as "jealous" and "blazing"? It’s not about insecurity, but about His passionate commitment to His people and His own glory.
A Divine Defense
The language of "jealousy" and "blazing wrath" in this verse isn't about God being insecure or petty. Instead, it powerfully conveys His fierce, protective love for His people and His absolute commitment to His own holiness.
Zeal for His Name
God’s jealousy is a zeal for His people and for His name. He will not allow His honor or His covenant people to be defiled or destroyed by enemies who presume to attack them. His "wrath" is the righteous response against those who oppose Him and His purposes.
A Holy Resolve
When God "declares" something in this context, it's a solemn, unshakeable resolution. What He speaks, He will bring to pass, especially when it concerns the vindication of His people and His name.
An earthquake shakes the very foundations of the earth. Ezekiel 38:19 declares such a violent shaking will occur in Israel. What does this cosmic disturbance signify?
More Than Just Geology
The "great shaking" described here is a physical earthquake, but its significance goes far beyond mere geological upheaval. It's a tangible manifestation of God's direct intervention and judgment against His enemies.
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A Sign of Divine Power
Throughout Scripture, earthquakes often accompany moments of God's powerful action, signaling His presence and His judgment. This event isn't random; it's orchestrated by God as a demonstration of His sovereign power over all creation.
Judgment on the Invaders
While the earthquake occurs "in the land of Israel," its ultimate target is the invading army of Gog. It's a violent disruption that strikes the enemy, confirming that their assault is not unopposed but is met by the very power of the Creator.
Understand the original words
qin'ah · Hebrew Noun
A divine attribute describing God’s intense, protective, and exclusive love for His people. It expresses His demand for total loyalty and His fierce opposition to anything that threatens the sanctity of His relationship with His covenant people.
paniym · Hebrew Noun
The direct, immediate face-to-face reality of God’s manifestation. It signifies the point where the Creator intervenes in history, causing all created things to react to His overwhelming power and purity.
Ezekiel's prophecy of a great earthquake unfolds against the backdrop of Israel's historical exiles and precarious existence. The 'shaking' isn't just a physical event but a divine response to threats, meant to vindicate God's faithfulness and power, assuring His people they are not abandoned even in times of immense peril.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Conquest of Israel
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the 'lost tribes.' This event set a precedent for future empires threatening the region.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian Empire begins deporting Jewish elites and skilled workers to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and deport a significant portion of the remaining population. This was a catastrophic spiritual and national blow.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Following Persia's conquest of Babylon, Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This period saw a restoration of the nation, though under foreign rule.
c. 440 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah's Reforms
Ezra and Nehemiah lead spiritual and social reforms in Jerusalem, reinforcing Jewish identity and adherence to the Law after the return from exile.
c. 597 BC - 571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry and Visions
Ezekiel, an exiled priest, delivers powerful prophecies to the exiles in Babylon, including visions of God's glory departing and returning to the Temple, and judgment on surrounding nations.
c. 167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire (Hellenistic successors to Babylon) fought for religious freedom and national sovereignty. This event highlights ongoing struggles for survival and divine intervention.
This passage describes a future earthquake on the Mount of Olives, directly echoing the physical shaking mentioned in Ezekiel, signifying God's direct intervention in the land.
Haggai 2:6Haggai speaks of a future shaking of the heavens and earth, which God will bring about, aligning with the idea of divine action causing cataclysmic events as a prelude to establishing His kingdom.
Revelation 16:18This passage in Revelation describes a tremendous earthquake, unprecedented in history, occurring at a time of divine judgment, which parallels the intensity and divine origin of the earthquake in Ezekiel.
Joel 3:16Joel prophesies that the Lord will roar from Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem, causing the heavens and earth to shake, linking this physical upheaval to God's judgment and the restoration of His people.
jfbEzekiel 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;"
- great shaking—an earthquake: physical agitations after accompanying social and moral revolutions. Foretold also in Joe 3:16; (compare Hag 2:6, 7; Mt 24:7, 29; Re 16:18).
henryEzekiel 38:14-23: "Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say unto Gog, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In that day when my people of Israel dwelleth safely, shalt thou not know it?"
38:14-23 The enemy should make a formidable descent upon the land of Israel. When Israel dwell safely under the Divine protection, shalt not thou be made to know it by finding that endeavours to destroy them are made in vain? Promises of security are treasured up in the word of God, against the troubles and dangers the churc…
This isn't just a physical earthquake; the "shaking" here also implies immense spiritual and social upheaval. God's "jealousy" means His fierce protectiveness for His people, and His "blazing wrath" is ignited by the enemy's threat against them. This divine fury will utterly destabilize the attackers, not just the land itself.
This passage follows God's pronouncement of judgment against the northern invader, Gog, who will assemble a massive army to attack God's people in the last days. After the invasion is thwarted by God's direct intervention, resulting in the destruction of Gog's forces, this verse describes the cataclysmic earthquake that will shake the land of Israel itself. It's a divine response fueled by God's zealous protection of His people and His burning anger against their enemies.
This passage follows God's pronouncement of judgment against the northern invader, Gog, who will assemble a massive army to attack God's people in the last days. After the invasion is thwarted by God's direct intervention, resulting in the destruction of Gog's forces, this verse describes the cataclysmic earthquake that will shake the land of Israel itself. It's a divine response fueled by God's zealous protection of His people and His burning anger against their enemies.
"For in my jealousy and in my blazing wrath I declare, On that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. The fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field and all creeping things that creep on t…" — This isn't just a physical earthquake; the "shaking" here also implies immense spiritual and social upheaval. God's "jealousy" means His fierce protectiveness for His people, and His "blazing wrath"…
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Last reviewed October 2026
