Ezekiel 39:13

KJV

Yea, all the people of the land shall bury [them]; and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, all the people {H5971} of the land {H776} shall bury {H6912} them; and it shall be to them a renown {H8034} the day {H3117} that I shall be glorified {H3513}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, all the people of the land will be burying them; they will become famous for it. It will be a day for me to be glorified,' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

All the people of the land will bury them, and it will bring them renown on the day I display My glory, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

Yea, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown in the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:13 is a pivotal declaration within the prophecy against Gog of Magog, emphasizing the monumental task awaiting the people of Israel after God's decisive victory over the invading forces. It foretells that the collective effort of burying the vast numbers of fallen enemies will not be a mere chore but will become a source of honor and recognition for the land's inhabitants. This renown is intrinsically linked to the day of God's magnificent self-glorification, underscoring that the entire dramatic sequence of judgment and subsequent cleanup ultimately serves to magnify the Lord God's power, justice, and faithfulness before all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 39:13 is situated in the latter part of the extensive prophecy concerning Gog of Magog, spanning [Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38-39 - The Prophecy of Gog and Magog"). Chapters 38:1-39:8 detail the massive, multi-national invasion led by Gog against the land of Israel in the "latter days," followed by God's direct, miraculous, and utterly devastating intervention to destroy the invading armies on the mountains of Israel. The preceding verses, particularly [Ezekiel 39:11-12](/ezekiel/39-11 "Ezekiel 39:11-12 - The Valley of Hamon-gog"), describe the specific location and the immense scale of the burial effort, indicating that it will take seven months for the house of Israel to bury the dead to cleanse the land. Verse 13, therefore, builds upon this grim necessity, elevating the act of burial from a mere logistical challenge to a divinely ordained act that confers honor and contributes to God's ultimate glory. It transitions from the description of the destruction to its aftermath and theological significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Gog and Magog, while eschatological, draws upon ancient Near Eastern concepts of warfare, divine judgment, and the purification of land. In ancient Israelite thought, the presence of unburied bodies, especially of enemies, could defile the land (cf. [Deuteronomy 21:23](/deuteronomy/21-23 "Deuteronomy 21:23 - Burial of the Executed")). The sheer number of casualties described in Ezekiel 39 would necessitate an unprecedented burial effort to restore ritual purity and order to the land. The concept of "renown" or "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) was profoundly significant in ancient cultures, signifying reputation, honor, and lasting legacy. For the people to gain renown through such a task highlights a unique form of honor, not from military prowess, but from participating in the aftermath of a divine triumph. This also reflects the broader prophetic theme in Ezekiel, where God's actions are consistently aimed at revealing His holiness and sovereignty to both Israel and the nations, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Sanctification of His Name").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations and history, executing overwhelming judgment against those who oppose His people and His purposes. The immense scale of the burial emphasizes the completeness of this divine victory. Secondly, the central theme of **God's Glory** is paramount; the entire event, including the arduous cleanup, serves the ultimate purpose of glorifying the Lord God. It is "the day that I shall be glorified," meaning God's power, justice, and faithfulness will be unequivocally displayed to all nations. This aligns with the recurring motif in Ezekiel that God acts for the sake of His holy name (e.g., [Ezekiel 20:9](/ezekiel/20-9 "Ezekiel 20:9 - God Acts for His Name's Sake")). Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Renown for God's People**, where the participation of "all the people of the land" in the burial process brings them "renown" or honor. This is not a self-generated honor but a reflection of their involvement in God's magnificent triumph, signifying a collective act of cleansing and acknowledgment of God's hand in history, thereby testifying to His greatness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Renown (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** From H8034, this primitive word (perhaps from the idea of definite and conspicuous position) signifies an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality. By implication, it carries meanings of honor, authority, and character. In Ezekiel 39:13, "renown" refers to the reputation, fame, or honor that will come to the people of the land. It's not merely a "name" but a distinguished reputation earned through their participation in the monumental task of burying Gog's army, an act that directly follows and highlights God's glorious intervention. This renown is a public acknowledgment of their role in witnessing and facilitating God's ultimate triumph.
* **Glorified (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** From H3513, this primitive root means "to be heavy." In a good sense, it implies being numerous, rich, or honorable. Causatively, it means "to make weighty," conveying the idea of being honored, made glorious, or having one's majesty displayed. When God says, "I shall be glorified," it means His inherent weight, majesty, power, and importance will be fully revealed and recognized. The destruction of Gog and the subsequent burial are the means by which God's glory is made manifest and acknowledged by all, demonstrating His supreme authority and holiness.
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From H3117, this word refers to a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or one sunset to the next) or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term). In this context, "the day that I shall be glorified" is not necessarily a single 24-hour period but rather a significant, defined period of time or an epochal event during which God's glory is supremely revealed. It denotes the decisive moment or era when God's ultimate triumph over His enemies becomes undeniably clear, marking a new phase in the recognition of His sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, all the people of the land shall bury [them]:"** This clause emphasizes the vast scale of the task and the collective involvement required. The destruction of Gog's army will be so immense that it will necessitate the participation of every inhabitant of the land of Israel in the burial process. This is not a task for a select few, but a communal effort, highlighting the overwhelming nature of God's judgment and the subsequent need for purification and restoration of the land.
* **"and it shall be to them a renown the day that I shall be glorified,"** This is the core theological statement of the verse. The act of burying the dead, though arduous, will bring honor or "renown" to the people. This renown is not for their own strength or military might, but for their role in the aftermath of God's victory. Crucially, this renown is directly linked to "the day that I shall be glorified," meaning their honor is a direct consequence and reflection of God's own glory being revealed. Their participation becomes a testimony to God's power and faithfulness.
* **"saith the Lord GOD."** This concluding phrase serves as a divine affirmation, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy. "The Lord GOD" (Hebrew: *Adonai YHWH*) is a powerful divine title, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. It underscores that this entire event—the judgment, the burial, the renown, and especially God's glorification—is part of His predetermined plan and will certainly come to pass.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:13 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, evident in the implied scale of the burial. While not explicitly stating the number, the phrase "all the people of the land shall bury them" strongly suggests an unimaginable multitude of corpses, so vast that it requires the entire populace to undertake the task. This exaggeration underscores the completeness and overwhelming nature of God's victory. There is also significant **Symbolism** in the act of burial itself. Beyond the practical necessity of cleansing the land from defilement, the burial of the enemy represents the definitive end of their threat and the finality of God's judgment. It is a symbolic act of triumph and restoration. Furthermore, the verse employs **Divine Assertion**, particularly in the concluding phrase "saith the Lord GOD." This formulaic declaration emphasizes the prophetic authority and the unwavering certainty of God's word, ensuring the audience that these events are not mere human speculation but a divine decree that will inevitably come to pass.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:13 profoundly articulates the ultimate purpose of God's eschatological judgments: the revelation of His unparalleled glory. The immense scale of the destruction and the subsequent, arduous task of burial are not ends in themselves but serve as a dramatic backdrop against which God's power, justice, and faithfulness are magnified before all nations. The "renown" bestowed upon the people of the land is a derivative glory, a reflection of their participation in God's grand redemptive and judgmental work. This passage assures believers of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to vindicate His name and His people, demonstrating that even the most difficult and gruesome tasks, when part of God's divine plan, contribute to His ultimate glorification and bring honor to those who obey.

* [Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Glory Revealed to All Nations")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")
* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:13 offers a powerful lens through which to view our own lives and the broader sweep of history. It reminds us that even in the midst of overwhelming and difficult circumstances—represented here by the gruesome task of burying countless bodies—God's ultimate purpose is to glorify Himself. This encourages us to seek God's glory in all our endeavors, understanding that even the mundane or unpleasant tasks can take on profound spiritual significance when performed in obedience to His will and for His purposes. It also provides immense comfort and assurance, knowing that despite the apparent chaos and evil in the world, God remains sovereign. He will decisively defeat all forces that oppose Him, ensuring His ultimate triumph and the vindication of His people. Our "renown" is not found in our own strength or accomplishments, but in our association with and participation in God's magnificent work, which culminates in His unassailable glory. This calls us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's final victory and seeking to honor Him in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea that "all the people of the land shall bury them" challenge our perception of what constitutes "honorable" or "glorious" work?**
* **In what ways can seemingly mundane or difficult tasks in our own lives contribute to God's glory?**
* **How does the assurance of God's ultimate glorification in judgment impact our perspective on current global conflicts or personal struggles?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "renown" for the people of the land in this context?**

Answer: The "renown" (Hebrew: *shem*) for the people of the land is not a result of their own military prowess or self-aggrandizement. Instead, it is an honor derived directly from their participation in the aftermath of God's spectacular victory over Gog. It signifies a public acknowledgment and reputation that comes from being the instruments and witnesses of God's mighty acts. By undertaking the immense and arduous task of burying the dead, they are performing a necessary act of cleansing and order, which directly contributes to the full manifestation of God's glory. Their renown is thus a reflection of God's glory, making them distinguished by their association with His divine triumph. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that those who serve God faithfully, even in difficult circumstances, will be honored by Him (cf. [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")).

**How does God being "glorified" relate to the destruction of Gog?**

Answer: God being "glorified" in this context refers to the public and undeniable display of His power, justice, and sovereignty. The destruction of Gog's vast army is so overwhelming and miraculous that it leaves no doubt about the identity and omnipotence of the God of Israel. It demonstrates that He is the supreme ruler over all nations and that His purposes cannot be thwarted. This act of judgment serves to sanctify His name before both Israel and the gentile nations, fulfilling His declaration that "I will make my holy name known in the midst of my people Israel; and I will not let my holy name be profaned any more: and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel" ([Ezekiel 39:7](/ezekiel/39-7 "Ezekiel 39:7 - God's Holy Name Made Known")). The destruction of Gog is a dramatic, visible demonstration of God's holiness and power, compelling all to acknowledge His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:13, with its emphasis on God's ultimate glorification through the defeat of His enemies and the subsequent cleansing of the land, finds its profoundest fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Gog prophecy speaks of a future, literal battle, the theological principles it embodies—divine judgment, ultimate victory over evil, and God's self-glorification—are perfectly realized in Christ. Jesus, as the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), took upon Himself the judgment due to humanity's sin, conquering sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection. His victory on the cross was the ultimate defeat of the spiritual forces of evil, far more comprehensive than any earthly battle (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "day that I shall be glorified" points forward to Christ's exaltation, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His future return in glory to establish His eternal kingdom (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). The "renown" for the people of the land foreshadows the honor bestowed upon believers who, through Christ, participate in His victory and share in His glory, not through burying physical corpses, but by living lives that testify to His triumph over spiritual death and by proclaiming His glorious gospel (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Ultimately, all of history, including the defeat of every opposing force, culminates in the full and final glorification of God through Christ, when He will be "all in all" ([1 Corinthians 15:28](/1_corinthians/15-28 "1 Corinthians 15:28 - God All in All")).

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 28:22

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

Zephaniah 3:19

Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

Zephaniah 3:20

At that time will I bring you [again], even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 33:9

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

Ezekiel 39:21

And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.

Ezekiel 39:22

So the house of Israel shall know that I [am] the LORD their God from that day and forward.

Psalms 126:2

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.