Ezekiel 38:12

KJV

To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places [that are now] inhabited, and upon the people [that are] gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

To take {H7997} a spoil {H7998}, and to take {H962} a prey {H957}; to turn {H7725} thine hand {H3027} upon the desolate places {H2723} that are now inhabited {H3427}, and upon the people {H5971} that are gathered {H622} out of the nations {H1471}, which have gotten {H6213} cattle {H4735} and goods {H7075}, that dwell {H3427} in the midst {H2872} of the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will seize the spoil and take the plunder." You will attack the former ruins that are now inhabited and come against the people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and other wealth and are living in the central parts of the land.

Berean Standard Bible

in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’

American Standard Version

to take the spoil and to take the prey; to turn thy hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and against the people that are gathered out of the nations, that have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the middle of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:12 unveils the predatory motives behind the prophesied invasion of Gog against the restored nation of Israel. It details the invaders' intent to seize the significant material wealth—cattle and goods—accumulated by a people regathered from the nations and now dwelling securely in formerly desolate places. This verse highlights the remarkable transformation of the land and its inhabitants, making it an attractive target for covetous forces, yet ultimately serving God's sovereign plan to display His glory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic prophetic narrative of Gog and Magog found in [Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38-39 - The Prophecy of Gog and Magog"). These chapters describe a massive, divinely orchestrated invasion against the nation of Israel in the latter days. Preceding [Ezekiel 38:12](/ezekiel/38-12 "Ezekiel 38:12 - The Motive for Invasion"), Ezekiel portrays Israel as a people living in security, "without walls, and having neither bars nor gates" ([Ezekiel 38:11](/ezekiel/38-11 "Ezekiel 38:11 - Israel's Secure Dwelling")). The Lord explicitly states His intention to "put hooks into thy jaws" and "bring thee forth" ([Ezekiel 38:4](/ezekiel/38-4 "Ezekiel 38:4 - God's Sovereignty Over Gog")), drawing Gog and his vast confederacy to attack Israel. Verse 12 thus specifies the primary, earthly motivation for this divinely permitted assault: the plunder of Israel's restored prosperity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While a future prophecy, the imagery of Ezekiel 38:12 draws from the historical realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where conquest often entailed the seizure of wealth, livestock, and goods as "spoil" and "prey." The description of "desolate places [that are now] inhabited" and "people [that are] gathered out of the nations" directly references the post-exilic return of the Jewish people to their homeland, a theme powerfully articulated in earlier chapters like [Ezekiel 36](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36 - Israel's Restoration and Renewal"). This return and subsequent flourishing, particularly in agriculture and livestock, would have been a remarkable sight in a region often marked by barrenness and conflict. The phrase "midst of the land" (often translated "navel of the land") signifies Israel's central geopolitical and spiritual importance, making it a focal point for regional and global powers, and thus a natural target for those seeking to exploit its resources.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 38:12](/ezekiel/38-12 "Ezekiel 38:12 - The Motive for Invasion") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, as God orchestrates even the malevolent intentions of human actors for His ultimate purposes, as seen in [EEzekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - God's Glory Revealed"). Secondly, it highlights the **Restoration of Israel**, emphasizing the miraculous regathering of the Jewish people and the revitalization of their land, fulfilling promises like those in [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - The Gathering of Israel"). Thirdly, the verse points to **Israel's Material Prosperity** as a direct consequence of God's blessing, which ironically becomes the very magnet for the invaders' greed. This prosperity, evidenced by "cattle and goods," is a tangible sign of God's faithfulness to His covenant, even as it precipitates a dramatic confrontation. Finally, it sets the stage for the **Clash of Kingdoms**, where the temporal, covetous aims of human empires collide with the eternal, righteous purposes of God, ultimately leading to God's vindication and glorification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolate places (Hebrew, _chorbâh'_):** From H2723, meaning "drought," and by implication, "desolation" or a "decayed place." This word vividly portrays the condition of the land of Israel during its periods of judgment and exile, emphasizing the contrast with its later state of being "inhabited." It underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's restoration, transforming barrenness into fruitfulness.
* **inhabited (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, a primitive root meaning "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell" or "to remain." When applied to the "desolate places," it signifies not merely temporary occupation but a settled, established dwelling, indicating a return to normalcy and prosperity after long periods of abandonment. This word highlights the security and stability that God has brought to His people.
* **cattle (Hebrew, _miqneh'_):** From H4735, meaning "something bought," specifically "livestock" or "property." This refers to the tangible wealth of the restored nation, indicating agricultural and pastoral prosperity.
* **goods (Hebrew, _qinyân'_):** From H7075, meaning "creation," "acquisition," "purchase," or "wealth." This term complements "cattle," encompassing a broader range of acquired possessions and riches, further emphasizing the material abundance that has drawn the covetous gaze of Gog.
* **midst (Hebrew, _ṭabbûwr'_):** From H2872, meaning "accumulated" or "summit," often translated as "navel." This term is highly significant, suggesting Israel's central, prominent, and perhaps vulnerable position in the world, both geographically and spiritually. It implies a place of vital importance, drawing the attention of surrounding nations and powers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To take a spoil, and to take a prey":** This opening clause explicitly states the primary, predatory motivation of Gog and his confederacy. The repetition of "take" (Hebrew: _shâlal_ and _bâzaz_) and the use of two distinct terms for plunder ("spoil" - _shâlâl_ and "prey" - _baz_) intensify the image of rapacious greed. Their objective is not conquest for territory or political dominance, but for the sheer acquisition of wealth and resources.
* **"to turn thine hand upon the desolate places [that are now] inhabited":** This phrase highlights the remarkable transformation of the land of Israel. It refers to areas that were once barren and uninhabited due to judgment and exile, but have now been miraculously restored and resettled. The invaders target not just the people, but the very land that has been made fruitful again, underscoring the extent of God's restorative work.
* **"and upon the people [that are] gathered out of the nations":** This identifies the specific demographic target: the Jewish people who have been miraculously regathered from their global dispersion. This points to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the return of Israel to their homeland, marking them as a distinct and divinely favored people.
* **"which have gotten cattle and goods":** This clause specifies the nature of the wealth that attracts the invaders. "Cattle" (livestock) and "goods" (acquired possessions, wealth) represent the tangible signs of economic prosperity and God's blessing upon the restored nation. This material abundance, a testament to God's faithfulness, paradoxically makes them a target for those driven by avarice.
* **"that dwell in the midst of the land":** This final phrase emphasizes Israel's unique and central geopolitical position. The Hebrew "navel of the land" (ṭabbûwr hā'āreṣ) suggests a prominent, central, and perhaps vulnerable location. It implies that Israel's restoration and prosperity are not hidden but are visible and significant on the world stage, drawing the attention and envy of surrounding nations and distant powers.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where "spoil" and "prey" symbolize the insatiable greed and predatory nature of the invading forces, driven by material gain rather than ideological conquest. The transformation of "desolate places" into "inhabited" and prosperous regions is a powerful symbol of God's **Restoration** and faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel, turning barrenness into flourishing life. Furthermore, the phrase "midst of the land" (often translated "navel of the land") functions as a **Metaphor** for Israel's central and vital geopolitical position, suggesting its spiritual and historical significance as a focal point for divine activity and international attention. There is also an element of **Irony**, as God's blessing of prosperity upon Israel becomes the very catalyst for the invasion, yet this invasion is ultimately orchestrated by God for His own glorification, revealing His ultimate control over human evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:12 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even amidst future threats. It highlights that God's promises of restoration for Israel, including their return to the land and their flourishing, are so tangible that they become a visible sign to the nations, albeit one that provokes envy and aggression. The verse underscores the pervasive nature of human greed and covetousness, demonstrating how material prosperity, a gift from God, can become a magnet for evil intentions. Yet, it simultaneously affirms God's ultimate sovereignty, revealing that even the malevolent plans of invaders are woven into His grand design, ultimately serving to display His power and holiness to the entire world. This passage reminds us that God's purposes will prevail, and His people, though seemingly vulnerable, are under His divine protection.

* [Psalm 76:5](/psalm/76-5 "Psalm 76:5 - The Spoiling of the Stouthearted")
* [Zechariah 14:1-2](/zechariah/14-1 "Zechariah 14:1-2 - The Gathering of Nations Against Jerusalem")
* [Revelation 20:7-9](/revelation/20-7 "Revelation 20:7-9 - Gog and Magog in the End Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:12 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God's prophetic word is precise and trustworthy, detailing not only future events but also the underlying motives of human actors. It calls us to recognize that God's blessings, whether individual or corporate, can sometimes draw the covetous gaze of a fallen world. This verse encourages a robust trust in God's ultimate sovereignty, even when faced with seemingly overwhelming threats or hostile intentions. Just as God preserved and prospered Israel, and then used the very aggression against them to display His glory, so too does He work in our lives. We are called to live faithfully, steward our blessings wisely, and rest in the assurance that no plan of evil can thwart God's ultimate purposes. Our security is not in our walls or wealth, but in the unfailing hand of our sovereign God, who turns the schemes of men to His praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the invaders' motives in Ezekiel 38:12 challenge or confirm your understanding of evil in the world?**
* **In what ways might God's blessings in our lives or communities attract unwanted attention or opposition, and how should we respond?**
* **How does this prophecy of God's sovereign control over hostile nations strengthen your faith in His ultimate plan for history and for your life?**
* **What practical steps can we take to live securely in God's promises, even when the world around us appears hostile or chaotic?**

### FAQ
**Is the Gog-Magog prophecy literal or symbolic?**

Answer: While elements of the prophecy, particularly the names and geographical references, have led to various interpretations, the overall consensus among many biblical scholars is that the invasion described in [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - The Prophecy of Gog and Magog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment on Gog") is a literal, future event. The detailed descriptions of the invaders' motives, their vast numbers, the specific targets, and God's dramatic intervention suggest a concrete, historical fulfillment rather than a purely allegorical one. However, the precise timing and identity of all parties remain subjects of ongoing theological discussion.

**What is the significance of Israel's wealth in this prophecy?**

Answer: The wealth of Israel—"cattle and goods"—is presented in [Ezekiel 38:12](/ezekiel/38-12 "Ezekiel 38:12 - The Motive for Invasion") as the primary earthly motivation for Gog's invasion. This highlights a key aspect of God's restoration of Israel: not only their physical return to the land but also their economic flourishing. This prosperity, a sign of God's blessing and faithfulness, paradoxically becomes the magnet for the covetousness of the nations. It underscores the biblical principle that material blessings, while good, can also attract the envy and aggression of those who do not acknowledge God's hand. Ultimately, this wealth serves as a catalyst for God to demonstrate His power and protect His people.

**How does God use the evil intentions of invaders in this prophecy?**

Answer: [Ezekiel 38:12](/ezekiel/38-12 "Ezekiel 38:12 - The Motive for Invasion") reveals the invaders' purely self-serving, evil intentions to plunder. However, the broader context of [Ezekiel 38-39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38-39 - The Prophecy of Gog and Magog") makes it clear that God is sovereignly orchestrating this invasion, putting "hooks into thy jaws" ([Ezekiel 38:4](/ezekiel/38-4 "Ezekiel 38:4 - God's Sovereignty Over Gog")) to bring Gog to Israel. God uses the wicked intentions of Gog to achieve His own righteous purposes: to demonstrate His power and holiness to the nations ([Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - God's Glory Revealed"), [Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Holiness Revealed")), to vindicate His name, and to purify and restore His people Israel. This illustrates a profound theological truth: God can use even the most malevolent human actions to accomplish His divine will and bring about His ultimate glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 38:12 describes a future invasion of Israel, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment and resonance. The ultimate "spoil" and "prey" that evil forces seek is not merely material wealth, but the very people and purposes of God. Yet, Christ is the ultimate protector and deliverer of His people. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, ensuring that no one can snatch them out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). The "desolate places" made "inhabited" by a regathered Israel foreshadow the spiritual restoration and new creation found in Christ, where those once "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise" are now "brought near by the blood of Christ" ([Ephesians 2:12-13](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12-13 - Made Near by Christ's Blood")). The prosperity of Israel points to the spiritual riches and abundant life that believers receive in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Furthermore, the divine orchestration of Gog's invasion to display God's glory ultimately points to Christ's triumphant return, when He will definitively crush all opposing forces and establish His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Triumphant Return")), fulfilling the promise that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). In Christ, God's people are eternally secure, and His glory is ultimately and perfectly revealed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 38:8

After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land [that is] brought back from the sword, [and is] gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.

Ezekiel 29:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Jeremiah 32:43

And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, It [is] desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 32:44

Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal [them], and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 30:16

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

Ezekiel 36:33

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause [you] to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be builded.