Ezekiel 39:23

Translations

Modern

And the nations will know that the house of Israel went into exile for their iniquity, because they were unfaithful to Me. So I hid My face from them and delivered them into the hands of their enemies, so that they all fell by the sword.

Traditional

And the heathen shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity: because they trespassed against me, therefore hid I my face from them, and gave them into the hand of their enemies: so fell they all by the sword.

Literal

And the nations will know that for their iniquity the house of Israel went into captivity, upon that they were unfaithful to Me; and I hid My face from them, and I gave them into the hand of their enemies, and they all fell by the sword.

Latin

Et scient gentes quoniam in iniquitate sua capta sit domus Israël, eo quod dereliquerint me, et absconderim faciem meam ab eis, et tradiderim eos in manus hostium, et ceciderint in gladio universi.

Original

Hebrew

English

And the nations will know that the house of Israel went into exile for their iniquity, because they were unfaithful to Me. So I hid My face from them and delivered them into the hands of their enemies, so that they all fell by the sword.

Notes

Ezekiel 39:21–24

The Lord will show his glory throughout history.

He showed his glory when he punished Israel during the exile. This punishment came because of their sin and their uncleanness.

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 God’s Judgment of His People The Purpose of the Judgments

Events

Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC

Related verses

Jeremiah 22:8–9
And many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?’
Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.
Isaiah 1:15
When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.
Ezekiel 39:29
And I will no longer hide My face from them, for I will pour out My Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Lord GOD.”
Jeremiah 40:2–3
The captain of the guard found Jeremiah and said to him, “The LORD your God decreed this disaster on this place,
Leviticus 26:25
And I will bring a sword against you to execute the vengeance of the covenant. Though you withdraw into your cities, I will send a plague among you, and you will be delivered into the hand of the enemy.
Deuteronomy 31:17–18
On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’
Deuteronomy 32:30
How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up?
Deuteronomy 32:20
He said: “I will hide My face from them; I will see what will be their end. For they are a perverse generation—children of unfaithfulness.
Isaiah 42:24
Who gave Jacob up for spoil, and Israel to the plunderers? Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned? They were unwilling to walk in His ways, and they would not obey His law.
Psalm 30:7
O LORD, You favored me; You made my mountain stand strong. When You hid Your face, I was dismayed.
Psalm 10:1
Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Book of Revelation Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of Magog

Topics

Captivity: As a Judgment Judgments: Different Kinds of Captivity Nation: Chastised Sin: The Israelites

Ezekiel 39:23

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