Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryEzekiel 39

The Judgment of Gog and MagogThis prophecy continues the message from the previous chapter. God repeats his warning to Gog, the leader from the north, to show that his words are certain and important. God’s purpose is to comfort his people and warn their enemies. The prophecy shows that God is in control, even over powerful enemies, and that he will protect his people and make his name known to all nations.v. 1-2: God tells Ezekiel to prophesy against Gog again. God says, “I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. I will turn you around and lead you from the far north, bringing you against the mountains of Israel.” God is in control of Gog’s actions, just as he was with other enemies in the past (Ezekiel 39:1-2; Jeremiah 1:14 ).

v. 3: God promises to disarm Gog’s army. He will strike the bow from Gog’s left hand and make the arrows fall from his right hand. This means that the enemy will lose their power to fight. No weapon formed against God’s people will succeed .

v. 4-5: Gog and his armies will fall on the mountains and open fields of Israel. Most of his soldiers will be killed, and their bodies will become food for birds and wild animals. Those who join with evil people will share in their punishment (Ezekiel 39:4-5; Psalm 76:3 ; Proverbs 1:14 ).

v. 6: God will send fire on Magog and on those who live safely in distant lands. The enemy wanted to destroy Israel, but instead, their own land will be judged. Those who attack others unjustly will lose what they have .

v. 7: Through these events, God will make his holy name known among his people Israel. They will learn more about God’s power, holiness, and care for them. God will also make sure that his name is not dishonored anymore. When people truly know God’s holy name, they will respect and honor him .

The Day of the LORD Declared This section contains God’s solemn declaration that the day of judgment against Gog and his armies will surely come. The Lord

v. 9–10: After Gog’s armies are defeated, the people of Israel will use the weapons left behind as fuel for seven years. They will not need to gather firewood from the fields or forests because there will be so many weapons to burn. This shows how completely God will defeat Israel’s enemies. The Israelites will take spoil from those who tried to rob them, reversing the situation and showing God’s justice (Ezekiel 39:9–10 ).

v. 11–16: God will give Gog a burial place in Israel, in the Valley of the Travelers. Gog and his armies will be buried there, and it will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog. For seven months, the Israelites will be burying the dead to cleanse the land. Special men will be appointed to search for and bury the remaining bodies. This careful burial shows respect for the land and the seriousness of God’s judgment (Ezekiel 39:11–16 ).

v. 17–20: God calls the birds and wild animals to come to a great sacrifice. They will feast on the flesh of the mighty men and leaders of Gog’s armies. This is a picture of total defeat and shame for those who opposed God. It also shows that God’s victory is so complete that even the animals are fed from the enemies’ defeat (Ezekiel 39:17–20 ).

v. 21–24: God says He will show His glory among the nations, and all will see His judgment. The people of Israel will understand that their suffering and captivity happened because of their own sin. When God restores them, everyone will know that He is holy and just (Ezekiel 39:21–24 ).

v. 25–29: God promises to gather Israel back from captivity and have mercy on them. He will pour out His Spirit on the people and never hide His face from them again. This is a promise of full restoration and blessing, showing God’s faithfulness to His covenant (Ezekiel 39:25–29 ). God declares that He will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have compassion on the whole house of Israel. This restoration will demonstrate His jealousy for His holy name and His faithfulness to His people. The nations will see that God is the Lord

v. 27: When God gathers his people from the nations and brings them home, he will be honored in the sight of many nations. The nations will see God’s power when he restores his people and makes them holy again .

v. 28: God’s people will know that he is the Lord

v. 29: God promises never to hide his face from his people again. He will pour out his Spirit on the house of Israel. This is a promise that God’s presence, protection, and help will stay with them always. When God gives his Spirit, it is a sure sign that his favor will remain (Ezekiel 39:29; Psalm 51:11 ).