But on that day, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel: Unlike the previous references to time in this chapter, on that day is more specific. Here the sense of the Hebrew is “on that very day” even though many translations do not reflect this. The day referred to is the day when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, which may be rendered “when Gog invades Israel” (Good News Translation) or, more precisely, “when Gog sets foot on the soil of Israel” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

Says the Lord GOD: This solemn formal declaration emphasizes that God is speaking (see the comments on 5.11; see also “Translating Ezekiel.” For the Lord GOD, see Ezek 38.3.

My wrath will be roused is literally “my wrath will rise in my anger,” which means God will become very angry when Gog and his army attack Israel. Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version say “I will become furious,” and New International Reader’s Version has “That will stir up my hot anger.” Concerning the Hebrew terms for wrath and “anger,” see 5.13, where they are rendered “fury” and “anger.”

A model for this verse is:

• But on the day when you attack Israel, I will become very angry. This is what I, the Lord Yahweh, declare.

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .