Keraia
Ezekiel 39

Ezekiel 39:15

The Slaughter of Gog’s Armies · Ezekiel 39:1–20
Read Ezekiel 39

Translations

Modern
As they pass through the land, anyone who sees a human bone will set up a pillar next to it, until the gravediggers have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog.
Traditional
And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man’s bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamon–gog.
Literal
And those passing by will pass through the land, and having seen a bone of a man, he will construct beside it a sign, until those burying have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog.
Latin
Et circuibunt peragrantes terram: cumque viderint os hominis, statuent juxta illud titulum, donec sepeliant illud pollinctores in valle multitudinis Gog.

Original

Hebrew
English
As they pass through the land, anyone who sees a human bone will set up a pillar next to it, until the gravediggers have buried it in the Valley of Hamon-gog.

Notes

Ezekiel 39:12–16

So many people would die that all Israel would take part in cleaning the land for seven months.

Even after those seven months, more work would remain. Specially appointed workers would continue to search the land. When they found human bones, they would mark the place so the remains could be buried properly.

Ezekiel 38:1–39:29

  • In Ezekiel 37, the nation is reunited and lives in peace in its own land. In Ezekiel 38–39, this peaceful picture changes. A new danger appears. These chapters describe the attack, defeat, and removal of the final enemy, called Gog.

    Many readers have tried to identify Gog. Some have connected him with Gyges, king of Lydia, who ruled about 680 to 644 BC. However, the Gog described in the Bible goes beyond any one historical ruler. The text focuses less on who Gog is and more on the worldwide threat from the nations.

    Even this powerful enemy would not truly threaten God’s restored people. God was now living among them. Because of his presence, they were secure.

    These chapters use strong symbols. They are similar to psalms that speak about Zion’s safety (see, for example, Psalms 2, 46). The message is clear. If even a terrible enemy like Gog cannot defeat God’s people, then nothing in all creation can separate them from God’s protection.

  • Ezekiel’s description of Gog also includes features of apocalyptic literature (a style of writing that uses symbols and dramatic images to describe God’s final victory over evil; see “Apocalyptic Literature” Theme Note).

Theme notes and profiles

Apocalyptic Literature

Events

Places

Valley of Hamon-gog: A valley where Gog and his army will be buried

Glossary

Bone Book of Revelation Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of Gog Hamon-gog Magog

Topics

Burial: Lack of, a Disgrace Hamon-Gog: Another Name for Hamonah