Eze 38:21-23 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Ezek 38:21-23: 38:21-23 The sword ... disease and bloodshed ... torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur! Israel had experienced similar punishments before (see 13:13 ); now they were executed on Israel’s enemies. The Divine Warrior was once again defending his people. Thematic note: Apocalyptic Literature Several Old Testament passages (Isa 24–27 ; Ezek 38:1–39:29 ; Dan 7–12 ; Zech 9–14 ) have elements that are similar to later Jewish apocalyptic literature. The entire book of Revelation in the New Testament also fits into this literary genre. Apocalyptic literature focuses on visions as the means of communication (the term apocalyptic comes from the Greek term apokalupsis , meaning “revelation”). Other types of prophetic literature, by contrast, put the central focus on the words of the message. To put it in courtroom terms, whereas the prophet delivering an oracle is like the prosecuting counsel, the writer of apocalyptic literature is acting as a witness, describing the heavenly realities that he has seen. Another difference is that prophecy normally looks forward to salvation or judgment within the boundaries of this present world. Apocalyptic literature, by contrast, looks for a fulfillment that transcends space and time. It does not hold out hope for a gradual improvement in society; rather, it foresees a cosmic event that will bring existing realities to an end and replace them with a new reality. Apocalyptic literature has a negative view of the present time, which is often described as a time of conflict between light and darkness. There can be neither compromise nor peaceful coexistence between the supernatural forces of good and the forces of darkness and rebellion. Apocalyptic literature opens the door on the normally unseen elements of this battle between light and darkness. The reality and presence of spiritual darkness becomes particularly evident, but so do the unseen forces of good all around us, which will ultimately triumph. This future triumph is seen as fixed and certain, no matter what human or spiritual forces attempt to frustrate it. Apocalyptic visions have a consistent purpose, which is to encourage and exhort the faithful, particularly in times of tribulation. The good news of apocalyptic literature is that even though the present looks bleak, the outcome of the decisive battle has already been determined, and the forces of light will have the ultimate victory. Apocalyptic literature acts as a corrective to pagan propaganda, which proclaims that the status quo will continue unchanged and unchallenged, and it responds with a proclamation of its own: God reigns, and his Kingdom will ultimately triumph. This news encourages the faithful during the present times of suffering and difficulty but also exhorts them to continue being faithful, no matter what the opposition. It proclaims a theology of hope to the marginalized: God is on the throne and he will ultimately triumph. In the meantime, whatever the cost in terms of suffering, obedience is the only way to live while we look forward with hope to our final vindication, when God will act decisively to bring in his new age of salvation. Passages for Further Study Ezek 38:1–39:24 ; Daniel 7:1–12:13 ; Zech 9:1

a38:21-23►

b13:13►

cIsa 24–27►

dEzek 38:1–39:29►

eDan 7–12►

fZech 9–14►

gEzek 38:1–39:24►

hDaniel 7:1–12:13►

iZech 9:1–14:21►

‏ Ezekiel 38:21-23

Summary for Ezek 38:21-23: 38:21-23 ^a The sword ... disease and bloodshed ... torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur! Israel had experienced similar punishments before (see 13:13 ^b); now they were executed on Israel’s enemies. The Divine Warrior was once again defending his people.

Thematic note: Apocalyptic Literature
Several Old Testament passages (Isa 24–27 ^c; Ezek 38:1–39:29 ^d; Dan 7–12 ^e; Zech 9–14 ^f) have elements that are similar to later Jewish apocalyptic literature. The entire book of Revelation in the New Testament also fits into this literary genre. Apocalyptic literature focuses on visions as the means of communication (the term apocalyptic comes from the Greek term apokalupsis, meaning “revelation”). Other types of prophetic literature, by contrast, put the central focus on the words of the message. To put it in courtroom terms, whereas the prophet delivering an oracle is like the prosecuting counsel, the writer of apocalyptic literature is acting as a witness, describing the heavenly realities that he has seen.
Another difference is that prophecy normally looks forward to salvation or judgment within the boundaries of this present world. Apocalyptic literature, by contrast, looks for a fulfillment that transcends space and time. It does not hold out hope for a gradual improvement in society; rather, it foresees a cosmic event that will bring existing realities to an end and replace them with a new reality. Apocalyptic literature has a negative view of the present time, which is often described as a time of conflict between light and darkness. There can be neither compromise nor peaceful coexistence between the supernatural forces of good and the forces of darkness and rebellion. Apocalyptic literature opens the door on the normally unseen elements of this battle between light and darkness. The reality and presence of spiritual darkness becomes particularly evident, but so do the unseen forces of good all around us, which will ultimately triumph. This future triumph is seen as fixed and certain, no matter what human or spiritual forces attempt to frustrate it.
Apocalyptic visions have a consistent purpose, which is to encourage and exhort the faithful, particularly in times of tribulation. The good news of apocalyptic literature is that even though the present looks bleak, the outcome of the decisive battle has already been determined, and the forces of light will have the ultimate victory. Apocalyptic literature acts as a corrective to pagan propaganda, which proclaims that the status quo will continue unchanged and unchallenged, and it responds with a proclamation of its own: God reigns, and his Kingdom will ultimately triumph. This news encourages the faithful during the present times of suffering and difficulty but also exhorts them to continue being faithful, no matter what the opposition. It proclaims a theology of hope to the marginalized: God is on the throne and he will ultimately triumph. In the meantime, whatever the cost in terms of suffering, obedience is the only way to live while we look forward with hope to our final vindication, when God will act decisively to bring in his new age of salvation.

Passages for Further Study
Ezek 38:1–39:24 ^g; Daniel 7:1–12:13 ^h; Zech 9:1–14:21 ⁱ