Psalm 83, Isaiah 17, and Ezekiel 38

Q

Your article on “Isa. 17 and Oracle concerning Damascus” is something I have really thought about a lot. I am wondering if Isa. 17 and Psalm 83 are talking about the same event and that after that event happens then Ezekiel 38-39 would take place. It is rather confusing to me and I would appreciate your comments on this.

A

The time line is not laid out clearly for us. But I think it’s quite likely that Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17 could be fulfilled first and perhaps even at the same time. Israel’s enemies in these two prophecies are all bordering neighbors, but they aren’t in the line-up for Ezekiel 38 as you would expect them to be. If this is the case, it would set the stage for a peace that would be subsequently broken by the Battle of Ezekiel 38, as you have suggested.