Ezekiel 39:14

KJV

And they shall sever out men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall sever out {H914} men {H582} of continual employment {H8548}, passing through {H5674} the land {H776} to bury {H6912} with the passengers {H5674} those that remain {H3498} upon the face {H6440} of the earth {H776}, to cleanse {H2891} it: after the end {H7097} of seven {H7651} months {H2320} shall they search {H2713}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'They will then pick men for the continual duty of going through the land and burying with the travelers the corpses still lying out on the ground, in order to cleanse it; they will begin their search after the seven months.

Berean Standard Bible

And men will be employed to continually pass through the land to cleanse it by burying the invaders who remain on the ground. At the end of the seven months they will begin their search.

American Standard Version

And they shall set apart men of continual employment, that shall pass through the land, and, with them that pass through, those that bury them that remain upon the face of the land, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:14 details the meticulous and prolonged effort required to cleanse the land of Israel following God's devastating judgment on Gog and his vast army. It describes the appointment of a dedicated task force, "men of continual employment," who will systematically traverse the land over a period of seven months to locate and bury the remaining corpses, thereby purifying the defiled earth. This verse underscores the immense scale of the divine victory and the absolute necessity of ceremonial cleansing for the land where God's presence dwells.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel's profound prophecy concerning the eschatological invasion of Gog from the land of Magog and God's decisive intervention on behalf of Israel. Chapters 38 and 39 form a cohesive unit describing this climactic battle and its aftermath. Preceding this verse, God has already declared His judgment and promised to destroy Gog's forces on the mountains of Israel ([Ezekiel 39:1-5](/ezekiel/39-1 "Ezekiel 39:1-5 - God's Judgment on Gog")). The immediate preceding verses ([Ezekiel 39:11-13](/ezekiel/39-11 "Ezekiel 39:11-13 - The Valley of Hamon-gog")) introduce the concept of burying the dead in a specific valley called "Hamon-gog" (meaning "multitude of Gog"). However, the sheer number of casualties is so overwhelming that this initial burial site is insufficient, necessitating a broader, more systematic cleanup operation across the entire land, which Ezekiel 39:14 then outlines.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For ancient Israel, contact with dead bodies, especially unburied ones, rendered a person and the land ceremonially unclean ([Numbers 19:11-13](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11-13 - Laws of Defilement by the Dead")). This defilement was a serious matter, as a holy God dwelt among His people, and ritual purity was essential for maintaining His presence and for the people's ability to worship Him. The land itself was considered holy, belonging to God, and its defilement by bloodshed or unburied corpses was an affront to His holiness. The "seven months" period is significant; seven often denotes completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, suggesting a thorough and exhaustive process. The concept of "passing through the land" reflects a systematic survey, akin to a military sweep or a census, but here for the purpose of purification.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 39:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, it emphasizes the **completeness of divine judgment**; God's victory over His enemies is so absolute that the physical evidence of their destruction necessitates an unprecedented, prolonged cleanup. Secondly, it highlights the **sanctification and cleansing of the land**; the extensive purification effort underscores the critical importance of ritual purity for the land where God's presence is restored and where His people dwell securely ([Ezekiel 36:23-28](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23-28 - Restoration and Cleansing of Israel")). Thirdly, the "seven months" and "continual employment" speak to the **thoroughness and meticulousness of God's work**, whether in judgment or in the subsequent restoration of His people and land, echoing God's detailed instructions for the temple and its rituals found elsewhere in Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - Ezekiel's Temple Vision")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Employment (Hebrew, _tâmîyd'_):** From H8548, this word signifies "continuance" or "constancy." When applied to the "men of continual employment," it denotes a dedicated, permanent, and ongoing task force. This is not a temporary or casual effort but an organized, sustained operation, emphasizing the gravity, scale, and prolonged nature of the task of cleansing the land. It implies a commitment to thoroughness until the work is fully accomplished.
* **Cleanse (Hebrew, _ṭâhêr'_):** From H2891, this primitive root means "to be bright" or "to be pure." In a Levitical context, it refers to ceremonial purification, the removal of defilement, and the restoration of a state of holiness or acceptability before God. Its use here underscores that the burial of the corpses is not merely a practical matter of disposal but a vital act of ritual purification, essential for removing the spiritual contamination from the land caused by such widespread death.
* **Search (Hebrew, _châqar'_):** From H2713, this root means "to penetrate" or "to examine intimately." It implies a diligent, thorough, and exhaustive investigation, not a superficial glance. The instruction that "after the end of seven months shall they search" indicates a final, meticulous sweep of the land to ensure no remaining defilement, highlighting the absolute completeness required for the purification process.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall sever out men of continual employment,"**: This clause describes the establishment of a specialized, dedicated group of individuals. The verb "sever out" (H914, _bâdal_) implies a selection or setting apart for a specific, distinct purpose. These are not ordinary citizens performing a temporary civic duty, but a task force committed to a long-term, continuous operation, signifying the unique and demanding nature of the work ahead.
* **"passing through the land to bury with the passengers those that remain upon the face of the earth, to cleanse it:"**: This section details the mission of the appointed men. They are to "pass through" (H5674, _ʻâbar_) the entire land, systematically traversing it. Their primary objective is to "bury" (H6912, _qâbar_) the vast number of unburied corpses, specifically "those that remain" (H3498, _yâthar_) after the initial burial efforts. The phrase "with the passengers" might refer to those who happen to be traveling through the land and encounter bodies, or it could imply that the task force will bury bodies found by travelers. The ultimate purpose of this burial is explicitly stated: "to cleanse it" (H2891, _ṭâhêr_), emphasizing the ritual purification of the land from defilement.
* **"after the end of seven months shall they search."**: This final clause specifies the duration and thoroughness of the operation. The "seven months" (H7651, _shebaʻ_ and H2320, _chôdesh_) denote a significant, complete period of time, indicating the massive scale of the cleanup. At the conclusion of this extensive period, a final "search" (H2713, _châqar_) is mandated. This implies a meticulous, intimate examination of the land to ensure that every last remnant of defilement has been located and removed, guaranteeing the complete purity of the land.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The sheer scale of the task described, requiring "men of continual employment" for "seven months" to cleanse the entire "face of the earth" (the land), functions as **Hyperbole**. This exaggeration emphasizes the unprecedented magnitude of God's judgment and the resulting devastation. The act of "cleansing" the land is rich in **Symbolism**, representing not only physical purification but also the spiritual restoration and sanctification of the land of Israel, preparing it for God's renewed presence and blessing. The meticulous detail and prolonged effort described also highlight God's **Divine Thoroughness**, illustrating His commitment to complete justice and complete restoration, leaving no stone unturned in His work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:14 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to the holiness of His covenant land and people. The extensive cleansing operation following the defeat of Gog underscores that God's victory is not merely military but also spiritual, culminating in the removal of all defilement from His dwelling place. This meticulous purification points to God's ultimate desire for a pure and holy environment for His people, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history, from the tabernacle's purity laws to the vision of a new heaven and new earth. The thoroughness of this cleansing reflects God's comprehensive plan for restoration and the establishment of His righteous kingdom, where no trace of evil or defilement will remain.

* [Numbers 19:11-13](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11-13 - Laws of Defilement by the Dead")
* [Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants")
* [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Uncleanness in New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:14 offers a powerful visual of God's comprehensive victory and His commitment to holiness. It reminds us that God's work is always thorough, leaving no stone unturned, whether in judgment or in restoration. For believers today, this passage provides assurance that all evil, all defilement, and all that opposes God's kingdom will ultimately be dealt with completely and decisively. Just as the physical land of Israel required extensive cleansing, so too do our hearts and lives require spiritual purification from sin. This cleansing is not a superficial act but a deep, continuous process, often requiring diligent effort on our part, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are called to participate in the ongoing work of sanctification, allowing God to purify every corner of our being, making us fit vessels for His presence. The promise of a thoroughly cleansed land points to the hope of a future where God's holiness reigns supreme, and all things are made new.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "seven months" of cleansing in Ezekiel 39:14 illustrate the thoroughness of God's work in judgment and restoration?**
* **In what ways do we, like the land of Israel, need a continuous process of "cleansing" from spiritual defilement?**
* **What does the appointment of "men of continual employment" teach us about our role in God's ongoing work of purification and sanctification in the world?**
* **How does the concept of a perfectly cleansed land in this prophecy inspire hope regarding God's ultimate plan for creation?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a long period of seven months required for the cleansing?**

Answer: The "seven months" period (H7651, _shebaʻ_ and H2320, _chôdesh_) signifies the immense scale of the destruction and the vast number of unburied corpses from Gog's army. It emphasizes the thoroughness and meticulousness required for the purification. In ancient Israelite culture, contact with dead bodies caused severe ritual impurity, and the land itself was considered defiled by such a massive presence of unburied dead ([Numbers 19:11](/numbers/19-11 "Numbers 19:11 - Laws of Defilement by the Dead")). A shorter period would not suffice for the complete removal of defilement from every part of the land, ensuring its full restoration to a state of holiness acceptable to God.

**Who are these "men of continual employment" and what is their significance?**

Answer: The "men of continual employment" (H582, _ʼĕnôwsh_ and H8548, _tâmîyd_) are a specially designated and dedicated task force. Their "continual employment" indicates that this is not a temporary or casual effort, but a sustained, organized operation. Their significance lies in highlighting the gravity and scale of the task, demonstrating that the cleansing is a serious, long-term undertaking. It also underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in ensuring the complete purification of the land, mobilizing specific resources for this critical purpose.

**What is the theological significance of "cleansing" the land in this context?**

Answer: The act of "cleansing" (H2891, _ṭâhêr_) the land is of paramount theological significance. For ancient Israel, the land was considered holy, a gift from God, and His dwelling place among His people. Defilement, especially from death and bloodshed, was an affront to God's holiness ([Leviticus 18:24-28](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-28 - The Land Vomits Out Its Inhabitants")). The thorough cleansing ensures the restoration of the land's ceremonial and spiritual purity, making it fit for God's renewed presence and for His people to live in covenant relationship with Him. It symbolizes the complete removal of all traces of evil and rebellion, preparing the way for a new era of divine blessing and righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:14, with its vivid depiction of the land's thorough cleansing, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the comprehensive work of redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ. Just as the physical land needed meticulous purification from the defilement of death, humanity, defiled by sin, requires a far deeper spiritual cleansing. Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice, became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), shedding His blood to purify us from all unrighteousness ([1_john/1-7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). His death on the cross was not a temporary measure but a complete and eternal act of purification, making us "clean every whit" ([John 13:10](/john/13-10 "John 13:10 - Jesus Washes Feet")). Furthermore, the thoroughness of the seven-month cleansing foreshadows the comprehensive nature of Christ's victory over sin, death, and evil. His resurrection ensures the ultimate defeat of all spiritual enemies, leading to a new creation where "nothing unclean will ever enter" ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - No Uncleanness in New Jerusalem")). The diligent search for remaining defilement points to the Holy Spirit's ongoing work of sanctification in believers, continually purifying us until the day of Christ's return, when all things will be made perfectly new and holy, reflecting the unblemished presence of God.

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 39:12

And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land.

Numbers 19:11

¶ He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days.

Numbers 19:19

And the clean [person] shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.