Ezekiel 39 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Ezekiel 39

The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was among the first group of Israelites taken captive to Babylon in 597 BC, and he received his prophetic visions while living in exile. Ezekiel continues his prophecy against Gog, the leader of the land of Magog, who had planned to attack the people of Israel in this chapter. The chapter describes the ultimate defeat of Gog and his armies, and the restoration of Israel. This passage foreshadows the final judgment of God’s enemies and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Ezekiel’s prophecy echoes the words of other prophets, such as Isaiah, who spoke of the day when God would defeat the nations that oppose Him (Isaiah 34:1-8). The chapter also reminds us of the promise made to Abraham, that God would bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse them (Genesis 12:3).

Ezekiel 39:1-6

The passage in Ezekiel 39:1-6 begins with a prophecy against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. These names may not be familiar to all readers, but they hold significance in biblical contexts. Gog is often seen as a symbolic figure representing a great enemy of God’s people, while Magog, Meshech, and Tubal are often associated with regions or nations that are hostile to God’s people.

This passage foretells a time when God will turn His hand against Gog and bring about a series of events that will lead to Gog’s downfall. The language used is vivid and poetic, describing how God will cause Gog and his army to fall on the mountains of Israel, their weapons will be destroyed, and a great slaughter will occur.

The imagery in these verses serves to emphasize the power and authority of God over the nations and His ability to protect His people. It also serves as a reminder that those who oppose God and seek to harm His people will ultimately face judgment and defeat.

This prophecy against Gog and his allies is not an isolated event in the Bible. Throughout the Scriptures, there are numerous examples of God’s judgment against nations or individuals who defy Him or oppress His people. For example, in the book of Exodus, God delivers the Israelites from the oppressive rule of Pharaoh in Egypt, displaying His power and faithfulness. The book of Revelation in the New Testament speaks of a final judgment when God will defeat all His enemies and establish His eternal kingdom. A continuation of this theme of God’s sovereignty and justice is seen in Ezekiel 39:1-6. The defeat of Gog and his army serves as a testament to God’s ultimate victory over evil and His protection of His people. We, as readers of the Bible, are encouraged to trust in God’s faithfulness and to take comfort in the knowledge that He will ultimately triumph over all who oppose Him.

Ezekiel 39:7-10

A vivid image of God’s intervention and protection for His people is painted in Ezekiel 39:7-10. The passage begins with God declaring His intentions to make Himself known among the nations and to reveal His holiness through His judgment upon Gog and his allies. This act of divine judgment serves to display God’s sovereignty and power not only to those directly involved but to all the nations who witness these events. It is a reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world and will ultimately bring justice and righteousness to bear.

The verses then go on to describe the aftermath of the battle against Gog. The weapons left behind by Gog’s army are said to be burned for seven years. This act of burning the weapons signifies a purification process, a cleansing of the land from the defilement caused by the enemies of God’s people. It symbolizes the thoroughness of God’s victory and the complete removal of the threat posed by Gog and his forces. The passage mentions that the people of Israel will take seven months to bury the bodies of the fallen soldiers, and they will appoint men to continually pass through the land to bury and cleanse it. This act of burial and purification is not just a practical necessity but also a symbolic gesture of respect for the dead and a recognition of the sanctity of human life. It shows the value that God places on every individual, even in the midst of judgment and destruction. This passage in the book of Ezekiel is part of a larger prophecy of God’s restoration and redemption of His people. Throughout the book, Ezekiel proclaims messages of judgment against the rebellious Israelites as well as against the nations surrounding them. However, intertwined with these messages of judgment are promises of restoration, renewal, and the establishment of God’s kingdom. The defeat of Gog and the subsequent purification of the land serve as preludes to a time of blessing and prosperity for Israel, a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom over all evil.

This passage also echoes the themes of divine judgment and protection that are found throughout the Bible. Events such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the plagues of Egypt, and the fall of Jericho all demonstrate God’s power to judge the wicked and protect the righteous. It serves as a reminder for readers of the Bible that God is a God of justice and righteousness, who will ultimately triumph over evil and establish His kingdom on earth.

Ezekiel 39:11-16

Ezekiel 39:11-16 presents a vivid description of the aftermath of a great battle. Let’s dissect this passage into sections for a more comprehensive understanding and reflection. God declares in verse 11 that the people of Israel will spend seven months burying the bodies of the fallen soldiers from this apocalyptic battle. The fact that God specifies a specific time frame for this burial process underscores the gravity of the situation and the scale of the task at hand. This act of burial signifies respect for the dead, even in the context of judgment and warfare. It is a reminder that all life is precious and deserving of dignity, regardless of the circumstances that led to its end.

Moving on to verses 12 and 13, we encounter the directive for the people of Israel to appoint individuals whose job it will be to continually search the land for any remaining bones of the deceased. They are to ensure that none are left unburied, so that the land may be cleansed of this defilement. This meticulous attention to detail reflects God’s desire for thoroughness and completeness in the process of restoration and purification. It also speaks to the importance of accountability and responsibility, even in the aftermath of destruction and chaos.

Verse 14 introduces another group of workers who are tasked with the formal burial of the bones once they are found. This act of burial is not merely a practical necessity, but also a symbolic gesture of closure and healing for the land and its inhabitants. It represents a final act of respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives in the battle. This process of burial is a poignant reminder of the cycle of life and death, and the need for closure in order to move forward towards reconciliation and renewal.

Verse 15 shifts the focus towards a town that is named Hamonah, which means “multitude” in Hebrew. This town is mentioned in connection with the cleansing of the land after the battle. Some interpretations suggest that Hamonah could symbolize a place of gathering or judgment, where the consequences of the battle are reckoned with and atoned for. It serves as a focal point for the restoration and purification of the land, signifying a new beginning after the devastation of war.

Finally, in verse 16, we see the prophetic declaration that even after this period of burial and purification, there will still be some scattered bones left undiscovered. This image of incompleteness and imperfection serves as a reminder of the limitations of human efforts and the ever-present need for divine grace and intervention. It points to the insufficiency of human strength and wisdom in the face of God’s judgment and the necessity of relying on His mercy and providence for true reconciliation and restoration. This passage from Ezekiel 39 offers profound insights into the themes of judgment, restoration, and redemption. It underscores the importance of honoring the sanctity of life, even in times of conflict and upheaval. It highlights the need for thoroughness and accountability in the process of healing and reconciliation. And it points towards the ultimate source of true cleansing and renewal, which can only be found in God’s grace and mercy. These words remind us of the enduring truths they contain and the timeless lessons they impart for our own lives and faith journeys as we reflect on them.

Ezekiel 39:17-20

The passage in Ezekiel 39:17-20 begins by describing a grand feast that the Lord God prepares in the aftermath of a great judgment and destruction of Gog and his allies. The feast is not an ordinary celebration, but rather a solemn occasion where the birds and beasts of the field are called to gather and feast on the flesh of the mighty men and leaders who have defied God. The passage vividly describes how the birds and beasts will be filled to the full with the flesh of the slain, and they will drink their blood until they are drunk.

This passage may seem gruesome and difficult to comprehend at first, but it holds great significance in the biblical narrative. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and the ultimate defeat of all those who oppose His divine will. The imagery of the feast highlights the severity of God’s judgment and the certainty of His justice being carried out.

The notion of a grand feast in the presence of the Lord is not new in the Bible. Jesus often spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven being likened to a great banquet where the righteous would be invited to partake in the blessings of God’s eternal kingdom (Matthew 22:1-14) in the New Testament. This contrast between the feast of blessings for the righteous and the feast of judgment for the wicked emphasizes the importance of living a life in accordance with God’s will.

Additionally, the slaughter of Gog and his allies in Ezekiel 39 mirrors the battles and defeats of enemies of God’s people throughout the Bible. From the plagues in Egypt to the defeat of the Philistines by David, these accounts serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness to his people and his promise to protect them against their adversaries. Ezekiel 39:17-20 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and the assurance of His justice prevailing in the end. It prompts us to reflect on the choices we make in our lives and reminds us of the importance of aligning our actions with God’s will to partake in the blessings of His eternal kingdom.

Ezekiel 39:21-24

The verse in Ezekiel 39:21-24 divides into several significant sections that convey a profound message. Let’s break it down and explore the rich meaning behind each part of the passage.

Beginning with verse 21, it states, “And I will set My glory among the nations; all the nations shall see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them.” This section conveys the omnipotence and sovereignty of God. It speaks of a time when God’s glory will be evident to all nations, and His righteous judgment will be unmistakably clear. This imagery reinforces the biblical theme of God’s ultimate power and authority over all the earth. It reminds us that God’s actions are not hidden but will be visible to all, revealing His divine plan and justice to the world.

Moving on to verse 22, it reads, “So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day forward.” Here, we see a shift in focus to the House of Israel. This verse signifies a crucial moment of revelation and recognition for the Israelites. It portrays a future event where the people of Israel will have a profound realization of God’s identity as the one true Lord. This points to the theme of divine revelation and the importance of acknowledging God’s true nature. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God’s chosen people come to know Him in deeper ways, solidifying their faith and relationship with Him. It says in verses 23 and 24, “The Gentiles shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they were unfaithful to Me, therefore I hid My face from them.” I gave them into the hand of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden My face from them.” These verses offer a poignant reflection on the consequences of sin and unfaithfulness. They serve as a reminder of the historical events where Israel faced captivity and suffering due to their disobedience to God. This narrative echoes a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and the consequences of turning away from God’s will. Ezekiel 39:21-24 encapsulates profound truths about God’s glory, judgment, revelation to the nations, Israel’s recognition of Him, and the consequences of sin and unfaithfulness. This passage underscores the timeless message of God’s sovereignty, justice, and the significance of obedience and faithfulness in one’s relationship with Him. It serves as a reminder for us to seek God wholeheartedly, acknowledge His authority over all nations, and live in alignment with His will to avoid the pitfalls of sin and disobedience.

Ezekiel 39:25-29

The passage in Ezekiel 39:25-29 can be broken down into several significant sections that are vital to understanding the depth of its message. Identify the subject: “Let’s” “Therefore thus says the Lord God: Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for my holy name.”
This part of the passage highlights God’s promise to restore the fortunes of Jacob and show mercy to the entire house of Israel. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s unwavering faithfulness to His chosen people. Despite their sins and disobedience, God continually extends His mercy and grace towards them. This verse reaffirms the importance of God’s covenant with Israel and His commitment to preserving and restoring them. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness even in the midst of judgment and hardship.

1. “They shall forget their shame and all the treachery they have practiced against me, when they dwell securely in their land with none to make them afraid,”
   This section speaks to the future restoration and redemption of Israel. It emphasizes a time when the people of Israel will no longer remember their shame and the sins they committed against God. Instead, they will dwell securely in their land without fear. This promise reflects God’s ultimate plan for reconciliation and redemption for His people. It reveals God’s desire for his children to live in peace and security, free from the burdens of the past.

2. “When I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them from their enemies’ lands, and through them have vindicated my holiness in the sight of many nations.”
   Here, the focus is on God’s power to gather His people from all the nations where they have been scattered and bring them back to their land. This act of restoration will not only benefit the people of Israel but also serve as a testimony to God’s holiness and faithfulness in the eyes of other nations. Throughout the Bible, we see how God uses the restoration of Israel as a means to demonstrate His glory and power to the world. This verse underscores the importance of God’s redemptive plan for His people and His desire to be glorified through their restoration.

3. “Then they shall know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them into exile among the nations and then assembled them into their own land. I will leave none of them remaining among the nations anymore.”
   This final section reiterates the central theme of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. It emphasizes that the ultimate purpose of Israel’s restoration is to reveal God’s identity as their Lord and God. Through the exile and subsequent gathering of His people, God will make it known to all that He is the one true God who keeps His promises and fulfills His word. This verse underscores the importance of acknowledging God’s authority and recognizing His hand in the affairs of His people. Ezekiel 39:25-29 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering love, faithfulness, and redemptive plan for His people. It highlights the significance of Israel’s restoration not only for the nation itself but also for the world to witness God’s glory and power. This passage echoes throughout the Bible, connecting to God’s promises of restoration and redemption found in other books such as Jeremiah, Isaiah, and the Psalms. It ultimately points to the overarching theme of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in fulfilling His covenant with His people.

After Ezekiel 39

The Lord had spoken, and the people of Israel had witnessed His mighty power. The bones had come together, the flesh had been restored, and the breath of life had filled the valley. Yet, the journey was far from over. The reverend knew that the next chapter would reveal the true purpose of this miraculous event as the people stood in awe, for the Lord had more in store for His chosen people. The time had come to heed the call and follow the path that lay ahead, for only then would the true restoration of Israel be complete.