Ezekiel 39:11

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the [noses] of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call [it] The valley of Hamongog.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that I will give {H5414} unto Gog {H1463} a place {H4725} there of graves {H6913} in Israel {H3478}, the valley {H1516} of the passengers {H5674} on the east {H6926} of the sea {H3220}: and it shall stop {H2629} the noses of the passengers {H5674}: and there shall they bury {H6912} Gog {H1463} and all his multitude {H1995}: and they shall call {H7121} it The valley {H1516} of Hamongog {H1996}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'When that day comes, I will give Gog a place there in Isra'el for graves, the Travelers' Valley, east of the sea; and it will block the travelers' passage. There they will bury Gog and all his horde, and they will rename it the Valley of Hamon-Gog [horde of Gog].

Berean Standard Bible

And on that day I will give Gog a burial place in Israel, the Valley of the Travelers, east of the Sea. It will block those who travel through, because Gog and all his hordes will be buried there. So it will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place for burial in Israel, the valley of them that pass through on the east of the sea; and it shall stop them that pass through: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude; and they shall call it The valley of Hamon-gog.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:11 vividly describes the immense aftermath of God's decisive victory over Gog and his vast invading army in Israel. This verse details the grim but necessary task of burying the countless casualties, specifying the location as "the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea," and predicting its new, commemorative name: "The valley of Hamongog," signifying the "multitude of Gog." It underscores the overwhelming scale of the divine judgment and the subsequent purification of the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 39:11 is an integral part of the climactic prophecy against 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 future, divinely orchestrated invasion of Israel by a formidable coalition of nations led by Gog, culminating in their catastrophic defeat by God Himself. Following the detailed account of God's judgment in [Ezekiel 39:1-8](/ezekiel/39-1 "Ezekiel 39:1-8 - God's Judgment on Gog"), which includes fire, pestilence, and overwhelming destruction, verse 11 transitions to the extensive cleanup operation required. The sheer scale of the invading forces necessitates a dedicated, prolonged burial process, highlighting the totality of God's victory and the immense number of casualties. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent purification of the land and the recognition of God's glory among the nations, as seen in [Ezekiel 39:21-29](/ezekiel/39-21 "Ezekiel 39:21-29 - God's Glory and Israel's Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the proper burial of the dead was a matter of profound religious and cultural significance. Unburied corpses were considered a source of ritual defilement, rendering the land unclean (cf. [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - The Cursed Man and the Land")). The necessity of burying such a vast multitude of bodies underscores the defilement that would otherwise befall the land of Israel. The description "the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea" likely refers to a prominent, well-known thoroughfare, possibly near the Dead Sea or the Sea of Galilee, indicating a place easily accessible yet remote enough for such a massive undertaking. The mention of the stench stopping the "noses of the passengers" vividly portrays the horrific, overwhelming nature of the unburied dead, emphasizing the urgency and scale of the cleanup.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over all nations and historical events, even using the wicked intentions of His enemies to fulfill His own purposes and manifest His glory (cf. [Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - God's Purpose in Gog's Invasion")). Secondly, the necessity for a dedicated, long-term burial site highlights the **Immense Scale of Destruction** brought upon God's enemies, serving as an undeniable testament to His power. Thirdly, the meticulous burial process is crucial for the **Sanctification and Cleansing of the Land** of Israel, which would be defiled by such a vast accumulation of unburied corpses, reflecting God's profound concern for the holiness of His chosen land and people (cf. [Ezekiel 39:12](/ezekiel/39-12 "Ezekiel 39:12 - Seven Months of Burial")). Finally, this event is widely interpreted as a significant **Future Prophecy and Eschatology**, pointing to a time when God will decisively intervene to protect His people and establish His kingdom, revealing His glory to all nations (cf. [Ezekiel 39:7](/ezekiel/39-7 "Ezekiel 39:7 - God's Holy Name Revealed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gog (Hebrew, _Gôwg'_):** (H1463) This name refers to the leader of a northern nation, often understood symbolically as a powerful, anti-God force. In this context, Gog represents the ultimate human opposition to God's people, whose defeat serves to magnify God's glory.
* **valley (Hebrew, _gayʼ'_):** (H1516) This term denotes a gorge or narrow pass, characterized by its lofty sides. The selection of a "valley" for burial suggests a natural containment area, emphasizing the vastness of the casualties that would fill such a topographical feature.
* **Hamongog (Hebrew, _Hămôwn Gôwg'_):** (H1996) Literally meaning "the multitude of Gog," this newly designated name for the burial site serves as a perpetual memorial. It underscores the overwhelming number of the defeated enemy and eternally commemorates the immense scale of God's victory and judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This phrase signals a future, divinely appointed time, emphasizing the prophetic and eschatological nature of the event. It points to a specific moment in God's redemptive plan when these events will unfold.
* **"that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea":** God, in His sovereignty, designates a specific burial site for Gog and his forces within the land of Israel. This location, a known thoroughfare ("valley of the passengers") situated "on the east of the sea" (likely the Dead Sea or Sea of Galilee region), indicates a prominent yet suitable place for such a massive undertaking. The phrase "place of graves" immediately conveys the grim purpose of the location.
* **"and it shall stop the [noses] of the passengers":** This vivid imagery describes the horrific stench emanating from the unburied bodies, so overwhelming that it would physically deter or sicken travelers. Alternatively, it could imply the sheer number of corpses physically obstructing the valley, rendering it impassable. Both interpretations convey the immense scale of death and the resulting defilement.
* **"and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude":** This clause confirms the central action of the verse: the burial of Gog and his entire vast army. It highlights the necessity of cleansing the land from the defilement caused by the unburied dead, a task that would require immense effort and time.
* **"and they shall call [it] The valley of Hamongog":** The final act is the naming of this site. "Hamongog," meaning "multitude of Gog," serves as an enduring memorial to the overwhelming defeat of God's enemies. This name ensures that the memory of God's decisive judgment and the vastness of the vanquished army will persist for generations.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Naming**, specifically the renaming of the burial site to "The valley of Hamongog." This act of naming is not merely descriptive but serves as a perpetual **Memorial**, ensuring that the memory of God's overwhelming victory and the immense defeat of Gog's multitude is etched into the very geography of the land. The phrase "it shall stop the [noses] of the passengers" utilizes **Sensory Imagery**, particularly olfaction, to vividly convey the horrific scale of death and decomposition. This visceral detail creates a powerful, disturbing picture for the reader, emphasizing the magnitude of the judgment. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as **Prophecy**, detailing future events with specific, albeit symbolic, geographical and numerical references, underscoring God's foreknowledge and sovereign control over history. The implied **Hyperbole** regarding the sheer number of bodies and the duration of the burial also serves to underscore the unprecedented scale of this divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:11 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It demonstrates that even the most formidable forces arrayed against God's purposes will ultimately be brought to nothing by His divine power. The detailed account of the burial underscores the profound biblical principle that defilement must be removed from the land, reflecting God's holiness and His desire for a pure dwelling place among His people. This passage assures believers that God will always defend His own and that His justice will prevail, leading to the ultimate glorification of His name before all nations.

* [Revelation 20:7-9](/revelation/20-7 "Revelation 20:7-9 - Gog and Magog in the End Times")
* [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - The Curse of an Unburied Body")
* [Isaiah 66:24](/isaiah/66-24 "Isaiah 66:24 - The Bodies of Transgressors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:11 offers profound reassurance to believers today, reminding us that God is ultimately in control of all history and every event, no matter how chaotic or threatening it may seem. In a world often characterized by conflict, injustice, and the apparent triumph of evil, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, affirming God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and His absolute power to execute justice. It encourages us to place our trust not in human strength or political solutions, but in the sovereign hand of God, who will ultimately bring all things to their appointed end, revealing His glory to all creation. This passage calls us to live with confident expectation of God's final victory, knowing that He will protect His people and cleanse His world, and to participate in His redemptive work with unwavering faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the burial in Ezekiel 39:11 strengthen your trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty over evil?**
* **In what ways might the concept of "cleansing the land" (through burial) apply to our spiritual lives or the church today?**
* **How does this prophecy encourage you to live with confident hope in God's future plans, even amidst present challenges?**

### FAQ

**Who is Gog, and is this prophecy literal or symbolic?**

Answer: Gog is identified as the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, from the land of Magog ([Ezekiel 38:2](/ezekiel/38-2 "Ezekiel 38:2 - Gog, Prince of Magog")). While the precise identity of Gog and Magog has been debated for centuries (some see them as literal historical nations, others as symbolic representations of ultimate anti-God forces), the prophecy's core message is clear: a formidable coalition will invade Israel, and God will decisively defeat them. The details of the defeat, including the burial in the "valley of Hamongog," are presented with vivid literal imagery, though the ultimate fulfillment may involve both literal and symbolic elements demonstrating God's overwhelming power and justice.

**What is the significance of "The valley of Hamongog"?**

Answer: "The valley of Hamongog" (meaning "multitude of Gog") is the designated burial site for Gog and his vast army. Its significance is multifaceted. First, it serves as a permanent memorial to the immense scale of God's victory and the overwhelming defeat of His enemies. Second, the act of burial is crucial for cleansing the land of Israel, which would be ritually defiled by such a vast number of unburied corpses ([Ezekiel 39:12](/ezekiel/39-12 "Ezekiel 39:12 - Seven Months of Burial")). This highlights God's concern for the holiness of His land and His people. The name itself ensures that future generations will remember God's mighty intervention.

**Does this prophecy relate to the "Gog and Magog" mentioned in Revelation?**

Answer: Many scholars see a thematic connection between Ezekiel's prophecy and the "Gog and Magog" mentioned in [Revelation 20:7-9](/revelation/20-7 "Revelation 20:7-9 - The Final Rebellion"). Both passages describe a massive, final rebellion against God and His people, culminating in divine judgment. However, there are also significant differences in their timing and context. Ezekiel's prophecy occurs before the millennial kingdom, while Revelation's "Gog and Magog" rebellion takes place at the end of the millennium. Therefore, while sharing a common motif of ultimate opposition to God, they are often interpreted as distinct, though related, eschatological events that underscore God's ultimate triumph over all evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 39:11 describes a future, decisive judgment against the enemies of Israel, its ultimate theological fulfillment points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The complete and utter defeat of Gog and his multitude foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all spiritual and physical enemies. On the cross, Jesus disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His atoning sacrifice provides the ultimate cleansing, not just for a defiled land, but for the defilement of sin in human hearts, making us holy before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Us")). Furthermore, the future judgment against Gog prefigures Christ's glorious return, when He will decisively judge the nations and establish His righteous kingdom, putting all enemies under His feet, including death itself ([Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Return and Victory"); [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death")). Thus, the "valley of Hamongog" serves as a prophetic picture of the finality of God's judgment, a judgment fully executed and ultimately brought to bear by the Lamb of God, who is both Savior and conquering King.

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

Numbers 11:34

And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.

John 6:1

¶ After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is [the sea of] Tiberias.

Numbers 34:11

And the coast shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall descend, and shall reach unto the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward:

Ezekiel 47:18

And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and from Gilead, and from the land of Israel [by] Jordan, from the border unto the east sea. And [this is] the east side.

Ezekiel 38:2

Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

Luke 5:1

¶ And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,