Ezekiel 38:13

KJV

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

KJV (with Strong's)

Sheba {H7614}, and Dedan {H1719}, and the merchants {H5503} of Tarshish {H8659}, with all the young lions {H3715} thereof, shall say {H559} unto thee, Art thou come {H935} to take {H7997} a spoil {H7998}? hast thou gathered {H6950} thy company {H6951} to take {H962} a prey {H957}? to carry away {H5375} silver {H3701} and gold {H2091}, to take away {H3947} cattle {H4735} and goods {H7075}, to take {H7997} a great {H1419} spoil {H7998}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Sh'va, D'dan and all the leading merchants of Tarshish will ask you, "Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hordes to loot; to carry off silver, gold, livestock and other wealth; to take much plunder?"'

Berean Standard Bible

Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will ask, ‘Have you come to capture the plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and goods, to seize great spoil?’

American Standard Version

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take the spoil? hast thou assembled thy company to take the prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take great spoil?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 38:13 vividly portrays the discerning reaction of prominent ancient trading powers—Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, along with their associated "young lions"—as they witness the impending invasion of Israel by Gog and his vast confederacy. Their pointed rhetorical questions, "Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?", immediately expose the invaders' true, rapacious motive: an insatiable desire for immense material plunder rather than strategic conquest. This verse underscores the transparency of avarice and sets the stage for God's dramatic intervention to vindicate His holiness before the nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 38:13 is strategically placed within the climactic prophetic narrative of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, which detail a future, divinely orchestrated invasion of the land of Israel by a formidable coalition led by "Gog of the land of Magog." This invasion is not a random geopolitical event but a preordained act by God to display His power and holiness to the world. The verses immediately preceding, [Ezekiel 38:10-12](/ezekiel/38-10-12 "Ezekiel 38:10-12 - Gog's Evil Intent and Target"), explicitly articulate Gog's "evil thought" to attack a peaceful, unsuspecting Israel, specifically to "take a spoil" and "take a prey." Verse 13, therefore, functions as an external corroboration, echoing and confirming the very avaricious motives that God Himself had already revealed Gog would possess. It represents the international community's accurate perception of the aggressor's true intentions just before God's decisive judgment unfolds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The nations named in this verse were renowned for their extensive trade networks and considerable wealth in the ancient world. **Sheba** (likely in modern Yemen or Ethiopia) and **Dedan** (an oasis in northwest Arabia) were prominent South Arabian trading powers, celebrated for their commerce in frankincense, spices, gold, and precious stones, as famously exemplified by the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon in [1 Kings 10](/1-kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba's Visit"). **Tarshish** remains somewhat enigmatic but typically refers to a distant, wealthy maritime trading center, possibly in the far west (e.g., Tartessos in Spain) or serving as a general descriptor for powerful, distant commercial entities. The "merchants of Tarshish" thus represent a vast, global trading empire. The "young lions" (Hebrew: _kᵉphîyr_) associated with Tarshish likely symbolize their aggressive, influential trading partners, satellite states, or powerful commercial fleets and enterprises, akin to how a lion's cubs grow to embody its predatory nature. Their collective concern is not military defense but the profound economic disruption and loss of potential trade or resources that Gog's massive plunder would inflict.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **economic motivations** that frequently drive human conflict, revealing how insatiable avarice for "silver and gold," "cattle and goods," and "great spoil" can fuel large-scale geopolitical aggression. Secondly, it emphasizes the theme of **international observation and accountability**, demonstrating that even in the midst of seemingly unstoppable invasions, other nations are keenly watching and accurately discerning the true intentions of aggressors. This global observation sets the stage for God's subsequent, spectacular display of power, which will be witnessed by these very nations, as prophesied in [Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - God's Purpose for Gog's Invasion"). Finally, while the verse focuses on human questions, it implicitly points to the overarching theme of **divine sovereignty**. The fact that these nations correctly perceive Gog's greedy intentions, which were already foretold by God, subtly reinforces that God is ultimately in control, even using the wicked intentions of humanity to accomplish His ultimate purposes and display His glory, as seen in [Ezekiel 39:7](/ezekiel/39-7 "Ezekiel 39:7 - God's Holy Name Revealed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **merchants (Hebrew, _çâchar'_):** This word, derived from a primitive root meaning "to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate," refers to individuals or groups engaged in extensive trade and commerce, often involving travel. It underscores the commercial identity of Tarshish and its associates, whose primary concern revolves around the flow of goods and the accumulation of wealth. Their immediate questioning of Gog's motives stems directly from their occupational understanding of the value of the very "spoil" Gog seeks, highlighting their vested economic interest.
* **young lions (Hebrew, _kᵉphîyr'_):** This term, originating from a root meaning "to cover in by walls" (hence, a village), also specifically denotes a "young lion," perhaps alluding to its developing mane or its inherent predatory nature. In the context of Tarshish, it powerfully symbolizes the dependencies, colonies, or influential trading partners of this major maritime power. These "young lions" share the aggressive, powerful, and potentially predatory commercial characteristics of the "mother" nation, indicating their collective and vested interest in the global economic landscape and their readiness to challenge threats to it.
* **spoil (Hebrew, _shâlâl'_):** This noun refers to "booty" or "plunder" acquired through warfare. Its prominent repetition throughout the verse, often paired with "prey" (Hebrew: _baz_), emphatically underscores the central, rapacious motivation behind Gog's invasion. The desire for "spoil" is not a secondary objective but the primary driving force, revealing a deep-seated avarice that is immediately recognized by the observing nations. It signifies the vast material wealth—including silver, gold, cattle, and goods—that Gog intends to seize.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee,"**: This opening clause precisely identifies the international observers and accusers of Gog's massive invasion. Sheba and Dedan represent the wealthy, established Arabian trading nations, while the "merchants of Tarshish" signify a powerful, distant maritime trading empire, whose "young lions" are its associated entities or colonies. Their collective voice indicates a significant international reaction to Gog's movements, emphasizing that this invasion will not occur unnoticed but will draw global attention and scrutiny.
* **"Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey?"**: These are profound rhetorical questions, conveying both astonishment and strong accusation. They reveal the immediate and accurate perception of these powerful trading nations regarding Gog's true, underlying intentions. The deliberate repetition of "spoil" (Hebrew: _shâlâl_) and "prey" (Hebrew: _baz_) emphatically highlights the singular, overwhelming motive of plunder. The questions are not concerned with military strategy or political dominance, but solely with economic exploitation, indicating that Gog's avarice is transparent even to distant, commercially astute observers.
* **"to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?"**: This final clause elaborates on the precise nature of the "spoil" and "prey," detailing the specific material wealth Gog intends to seize. The enumeration of "silver and gold" (precious metals), "cattle" (representing agricultural wealth and livestock), and "goods" (encompassing general possessions and merchandise) paints a comprehensive picture of the vast resources Gog aims to acquire. The concluding phrase, "to take a great spoil," serves as a powerful summation, underscoring the immense scale and value of the intended plunder, thereby reinforcing the greedy and destructive nature of Gog's entire enterprise.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 38:13 employs several potent literary devices to effectively convey its message and emphasize the nature of Gog's invasion. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, repeated three times ("Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? ... to take a great spoil?"). These are not genuine inquiries for information but rather expressions of incredulity, accusation, and clear discernment of Gog's avaricious motives, highlighting the transparency of his rapacious intent to the observing nations. **Repetition** is also key, with the terms "spoil" (Hebrew: _shâlâl_) and "prey" (Hebrew: _baz_) appearing multiple times, often in conjunction with the verb "take," emphatically underscoring the central theme of plunder. This repetition, combined with the detailed enumeration of "silver and gold," "cattle and goods," creates a sense of overwhelming avarice and the sheer volume of desired loot, effectively employing **Accumulation** for heightened emphasis. Furthermore, the phrase "young lions" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the aggressive, powerful, and commercially predatory nature of Tarshish's associated entities, reflecting their own vested interests in the economic stability and wealth of the region.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 38:13, while describing the reactions of human nations, profoundly underscores the biblical truth of divine sovereignty over all human affairs, particularly concerning judgment and the ultimate display of God's glory. The discerning questions posed by Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish highlight that even the most ambitious and seemingly unstoppable human endeavors, driven by profound greed, are transparent to discerning observers and, more importantly, are fully known and subject to God's overarching plan. This passage serves as a potent reminder that God often uses the wicked intentions of nations to achieve His righteous purposes, ultimately revealing His power and holiness to a watching world. The relentless pursuit of material wealth, as epitomized by Gog's insatiable desire for "spoil," is consistently condemned throughout Scripture as a root of evil, leading to conflict, injustice, and destruction. Yet, God remains sovereign even over such depravity, turning it for His own glory and the vindication of His name.

* [Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - God's Purpose in Gog's Invasion")
* [Proverbs 28:22](/proverbs/28-22 "Proverbs 28:22 - The Haste to be Rich")
* [Revelation 18:11-17](/revelation/18-11-17 "Revelation 18:11-17 - Lament over Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 38:13 offers a powerful and enduring lesson: human motives, especially those rooted in greed and avarice, are often transparent to discerning observers and are certainly laid bare before God. In a world still profoundly driven by economic interests, competition for resources, and the pursuit of wealth, this verse challenges us to critically examine the underlying intentions behind our own actions and the actions of nations. It calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, enabling us to recognize that what may appear to be complex geopolitical maneuvers can, at their core, be manifestations of an insatiable desire for material gain. For believers, this passage reinforces a profound and comforting trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. Even when powerful forces seem to operate unchecked, propelled by predatory ambition, they are ultimately instruments in God's hands, serving His larger redemptive and revelatory purposes. We are called to look beyond the immediate chaos of worldly affairs and fix our gaze on the God who uses all things, even the evil intentions of humanity, to display His glory and establish His righteous kingdom. This should inspire both vigilant watchfulness and unwavering faith in His final, triumphant victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the transparency of Gog's motives in this verse challenge my own understanding of hidden intentions in today's world and in my own heart?**
* **In what specific ways might the "spoil" that Gog seeks represent the material desires that often drive conflict, injustice, and personal compromises in our contemporary society?**
* **How does the reaction of Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish encourage me to observe global events with a more discerning, biblically informed perspective, looking beyond surface explanations?**
* **What comfort or challenge does the ultimate sovereignty of God, powerfully implied in this passage, offer me when faced with seemingly overwhelming evil or pervasive greed in the world?**

### FAQ
**Who are Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish, and why are they mentioned here?**

Answer: Sheba and Dedan were ancient Arabian kingdoms renowned for their immense wealth and extensive trade routes, particularly in valuable commodities like spices, gold, and precious stones. Tarshish is generally understood as a distant, powerful maritime trading hub, possibly located in the western Mediterranean (like ancient Tartessos in Spain) or serving as a generic term for a far-off commercial power. They are mentioned in [Ezekiel 38:13](/ezekiel/38-13 "Ezekiel 38:13 - Nations Question Gog's Motives") because they collectively represent the international trading community, whose primary concern is the economic impact of Gog's massive invasion. They are not part of Gog's confederacy but are astute observers who immediately recognize his true, predatory motive: to seize vast material wealth, which would inevitably disrupt global trade and threaten their own economic interests.

**What is the significance of the "young lions" associated with Tarshish?**

Answer: The "young lions" (Hebrew: _kᵉphîyr_) associated with Tarshish are highly symbolic. They likely represent the satellite states, colonies, or powerful commercial enterprises and trading partners that were dependent on or closely allied with the major maritime power of Tarshish. Just as young lions share the predatory nature and developing strength of their adult counterparts, these entities would share Tarshish's aggressive commercial interests and its deep concern over any threat to the established flow of wealth and resources. Their inclusion emphasizes the widespread international economic concern over Gog's actions, extending beyond just the major power itself to its influential network.

**Why do these nations ask, "Art thou come to take a spoil?" What does it reveal?**

Answer: The question posed by these nations is a rhetorical one, not genuinely seeking information but rather expressing profound astonishment, incredulity, and direct accusation. It reveals that Gog's true, greedy intentions are remarkably transparent to these observing nations. They immediately discern that his massive military mobilization is not for legitimate conquest, political dominance, or defense, but for pure, unadulterated plunder—to seize "silver and gold," "cattle and goods." This highlights the universal recognition of avarice as a driving force behind conflict and sets the stage for God's subsequent judgment, demonstrating that even human observers can perceive the evil motives that God Himself has already clearly revealed in [Ezekiel 38:10-12](/ezekiel/38-10-12 "Ezekiel 38:10-12 - Gog's Evil Thought").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 38:13, with its stark depiction of nations driven by insatiable greed and the pursuit of earthly "spoil," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and their avaricious motives. While Gog's invasion is fueled by a desire for material plunder, Christ's mission was to secure a spiritual "spoil"—the redemption of humanity from the bondage of sin and death, a victory infinitely greater and more enduring than any earthly treasure. The "merchants" and "young lions" of the world, ever focused on temporal gain and earthly resources, stand in stark contrast to the eternal values and spiritual riches of Christ's reign. Just as Gog's invasion ultimately serves God's sovereign purpose to reveal His glory and holiness to the nations ([Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - God's Purpose in Gog's Invasion")), so too does all human history, with its conflicts and greedy pursuits, ultimately bend to the will of the King of Kings. The true "spoil" that Christ takes is not silver or gold, but souls redeemed by His precious blood ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb's Redemption")). His glorious return will mark the final judgment of all who, like Gog, are driven by selfish ambition and rebellion against God, establishing a kingdom where righteousness dwells and where no "spoil" is taken by force, but all blessings flow from His gracious hand ([Revelation 21:23-27](/revelation/21-23-27 "Revelation 21:23-27 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). The ultimate Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), will overcome all "young lions" and their predatory schemes, ushering in an era of perfect peace, justice, and eternal abundance.

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 27:15

The men of Dedan [were] thy merchants; many isles [were] the merchandise of thine hand: they brought thee [for] a present horns of ivory and ebony.

Ezekiel 32:2

Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou [art] as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

Ezekiel 27:22

The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they [were] thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

Ezekiel 27:23

Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, [and] Chilmad, [were] thy merchants.

Ezekiel 27:25

The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.

Ezekiel 27:20

Dedan [was] thy merchant in precious clothes for chariots.

Ezekiel 19:3

And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men.