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.
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}.
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.
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.’
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.
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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.
Ezekiel 38:12 is a pivotal verse within the prophetic narrative of Gog and Magog, detailing the specific motives and targets of the invading forces. It describes the invaders' intent to plunder the land of Israel, highlighting the remarkable transformation of the land and its people.
Context
This verse is part of a significant prophecy in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, which outlines a massive invasion against the nation of Israel in the latter days. Leading up to this verse, Ezekiel describes Israel as a people living securely and without walls (Ezekiel 38:8, 11). The invaders, led by Gog, are depicted as being drawn by God's sovereign hand to attack Israel. Verse 12 explicitly states their predatory aims, focusing on the wealth accumulated by a restored Israel.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "dwell in the midst of the land" (Hebrew: ṭabbur hā'āreṣ) literally translates to "navel of the land." This suggests Israel's central, prominent, and perhaps vulnerable position in the world, historically and prophetically. It implies a place of significant geopolitical and spiritual importance, drawing the attention of surrounding nations and powers.
Practical Application
Ezekiel 38:12 reminds us of several enduring truths. Firstly, God's prophetic word is precise; He foretells not only events but also motives. Secondly, it underscores God's faithfulness to His promises regarding the restoration and blessing of His people, even when they face external threats. Even in times of apparent vulnerability, God remains sovereign over all events, using the schemes of men to ultimately display His glory (Ezekiel 38:16, 23). This passage encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and protection, even when the world seems hostile to His purposes.