Ezekiel 39

Ezekiel 39:1

39:1-6 The hordes of Gog will meet utter destruction on the mountains of Israel. The mention of bows and arrows in verse 3 does not necessarily mean that future armies will revert to the use of primitive weapons, although it could mean that. Why would any nation do so?, one may well ask. A possible explanation lies in the fact that for years various military powers have been working on inventions that would totally disable any mechanical weapon, such as a tank, plane, etc. If this is perfected, it would necessitate using horses and non-mechanical weapons in warfare again. On the other hand, S. Maxwell Coder maintains that the Hebrew words are sufficiently flexible to include modern, sophisticated hardware. Thus, bows and arrows might mean launching devices and missiles. The “horses” in Eze_38:4 (literally “leapers”) could be self-propelled vehicles such as tanks or helicopters. The weapons in 39:9, 10 are not necessarily made of wood. The word could mean military equipment such as fuel oil and rocket propellants, many believe. 39:7, 8 The LORD will vindicate His holy name in that day. 39:9, 10 The weapons of Gog, strewn on the mountains, will provide fuel for seven years. The fact that they will not need wood from the field or the forest with which to make campfires would seem to support the view that the abundant and abandoned weapons are indeed made of wood. 39:11-16 Burial of the dead bodies will take place in the Valley of Hamon Gog (Gog’s multitude), east of the Dead sea. The task will require seven months. 39:17-20 The dead bodies of the horses and riders will provide a great feast for birds and beasts of prey. 39:21-24 In that day, the Gentiles shall know that Israel’s captivity was not because God was unable to prevent it but because their uncleanness and transgressions demanded it. 39:25-29 Israel’s restoration will be complete. They will forget their shame and acknowledge the LORD, who will pour out His Spirit on the house of Israel.