Ezekiel 39:16

KJV

And also the name of the city [shall be] Hamonah. Thus shall they cleanse the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

And also the name {H8034} of the city {H5892} shall be Hamonah {H1997}. Thus shall they cleanse {H2891} the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, "Hamonah" [its horde] will be the name of a city. Thus will they cleanse the land.'

Berean Standard Bible

(Even the city will be named Hamonah.) And so they will cleanse the land.

American Standard Version

And Hamonah shall also be the name of a city. Thus shall they cleanse the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:16 concludes a pivotal section of prophecy concerning the dramatic defeat of Gog's invading forces, focusing on the meticulous and extensive process required to ritually cleanse the land of Israel following the catastrophic battle. This verse specifically names a city, Hamonah, which serves as a perpetual memorial to the immense multitude of the slain and underscores the profound spiritual and physical purification necessary to restore the land's holiness after such a widespread defilement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 39:16 is the culminating statement in the detailed account of the post-battle cleanup and purification, following the divine judgment against Gog and his vast coalition described in [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - Prophecy Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment on Gog"). The preceding verses, [Ezekiel 39:11-15](/ezekiel/39-11-15 "Ezekiel 39:11-15 - The Valley of Hamon-gog"), meticulously outline the seven-month period dedicated to burying the dead in the "Valley of Hamon-gog" ("the multitude of Gog") and the role of designated burial parties. Verse 16, by naming a specific city "Hamonah" (meaning "multitude"), reinforces the sheer scale of the enemy's defeat and the lasting impact on the geography of Israel, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the cleansing operation that follows such unprecedented defilement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite culture, contact with dead bodies, particularly unburied ones, rendered a person or place ritually unclean according to Mosaic Law, as detailed in [Numbers 19:11-16](/numbers/19-11-16 "Numbers 19:11-16 - Laws of Purification"). This defilement was not merely a matter of hygiene but carried significant spiritual implications, preventing participation in worship and communal life until purification rituals were performed. The immense number of casualties from Gog's army would have caused an unparalleled level of ritual impurity across the land, necessitating an equally unprecedented and meticulous cleansing process. The naming of a city "Hamonah" and the valley "Hamon-gog" would serve as a permanent, visible reminder of God's intervention and the subsequent restoration of the land's purity, a concept deeply ingrained in the Israelite understanding of their covenant relationship with God and the sanctity of their promised land.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute power to defeat even the most formidable enemies of His people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The scale of the defeat and subsequent cleanup underscores the completeness of this judgment. Secondly, the emphasis on "cleansing the land" reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Purity**. God's presence cannot dwell amidst defilement, and the purification of the land is essential for the full **Restoration of Israel** and the renewal of their relationship with Him, a major focus of Ezekiel's later chapters (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:25](/ezekiel/36-25 "Ezekiel 36:25 - Cleansing and New Heart")). Finally, the entire episode, including the naming of places and the cleansing, serves to **Reveal God's Glory** to both Israel and the nations, as seen in [Ezekiel 39:21-22](/ezekiel/39-21-22 "Ezekiel 39:21-22 - God's Glory Revealed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hamonah (Hebrew, _Hămôwnâh'_):** This name, derived from the Hebrew word for "multitude" or "abundance," is a feminine form of _hamon_. Its specific use here, alongside the "Valley of Hamon-gog" mentioned earlier, serves as a powerful and permanent linguistic memorial. It signifies the overwhelming number of the slain invaders, ensuring that the very place names within Israel would forever attest to the magnitude of God's victory and the immense scale of the enemy's defeat.
* **cleanse (Hebrew, _ṭâhêr'_):** Originating from a root meaning "to be bright," this verb signifies being pure in various senses: physically sound, clear, unadulterated; Levitically uncontaminated; and morally innocent or holy. In the context of Ezekiel 39:16, "cleanse" refers primarily to the ritual purification of the land from the defilement caused by the vast number of unburied corpses. This cleansing is not merely a sanitary operation but a sacred act necessary to restore the land to a state of ritual purity, making it fit for God's holy presence and for the renewed life of His people.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** This term, derived from a root suggesting firmness, refers broadly to the earth, or more specifically, a particular land or country. In this verse, "the land" specifically denotes the land of Israel. Its cleansing is paramount because Israel is God's holy dwelling place, and its defilement by the unburied dead of the invading armies would render it unfit for His presence and for the covenant people. The purification of the land is thus integral to the restoration of Israel's relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And also the name of the city [shall be] Hamonah."**: This clause specifies a city that will be named "Hamonah," meaning "multitude." This naming convention serves as a perpetual monument to the immense number of Gog's forces that were destroyed. It signifies that the defeat was so overwhelming that a prominent geographical feature, a city, would bear a name forever reminding future generations of the vast multitude of the slain, thereby emphasizing the completeness of God's victory.
* **"Thus shall they cleanse the land."**: This phrase directly links the naming of "Hamonah" to the subsequent and necessary act of purification. The "thus" implies that the sheer scale of the multitude (Hamonah) is precisely *why* such an extensive and meticulous cleansing operation is required. This cleansing is not merely a practical matter of disposing of bodies but a critical ritual and spiritual act to remove the defilement caused by the dead, thereby restoring the land to a state of holiness and purity acceptable to God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:16 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the naming of "Hamonah" (meaning "multitude") and the subsequent "cleansing of the land" symbolize not only the physical aftermath of battle but also profound spiritual realities. "Hamonah" becomes a symbol of the overwhelming nature of divine judgment and the utter destruction of God's enemies. The act of "cleansing the land" is symbolic of ritual purity and the restoration of God's holy presence, essential for the renewed covenant relationship with Israel. This act also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, as the sheer scale of the dead necessitates a seven-month burial process and the naming of a city and valley after the "multitude," underscoring the unprecedented nature of God's victory. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy**, where "the land" stands in for the entire nation and its spiritual well-being, implying that the physical purification of the territory is intrinsically linked to the spiritual health and restoration of the people of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:16 powerfully underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and His meticulous concern for the holiness of His people and their land. The extensive cleansing process, initiated by God's judgment, illustrates that divine victory is not merely about defeating enemies but also about restoring purity and order. This restoration is essential for God's continued dwelling among His people and for the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The naming of "Hamonah" serves as a perpetual reminder of God's power and faithfulness, ensuring that the memory of His decisive intervention endures. This thoroughness in purification foreshadows a deeper spiritual cleansing that God provides for His people.

* [Numbers 35:33-34](/numbers/35-33-34 "Numbers 35:33-34 - Defilement of the Land by Blood")
* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Purify Me with Hyssop")
* [Zechariah 13:1](/zechariah/13-1 "Zechariah 13:1 - A Fountain for Sin and Uncleanness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:16 invites us to consider the thoroughness of God's work, not only in judgment but also in restoration and purification. Just as the ancient land of Israel required extensive cleansing from the defilement of death, so too do our lives and communities often accumulate spiritual impurities from sin, brokenness, and the lingering effects of evil. This verse reminds us that God is deeply committed to our holiness and purity, desiring to remove everything that hinders our fellowship with Him. It encourages us to actively participate in the process of spiritual cleansing, allowing God to expose and purify areas of defilement in our hearts and lives, trusting in His power to bring about complete restoration. The lasting memorial of Hamonah also prompts us to remember God's past victories and to trust in His ultimate triumph over all evil, even when the "cleanup" seems daunting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "defilement" in your life or community might God be calling you to address or participate in cleansing?**
* **How does God's thoroughness in cleansing the land of Israel encourage you about His commitment to your own spiritual purity?**
* **In what ways can you actively cooperate with God's purifying work in your heart and environment?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the city being named "Hamonah"?**

Answer: The naming of the city "Hamonah" (meaning "multitude") is highly significant because it serves as a permanent, geographical memorial to the overwhelming number of Gog's forces that were destroyed in the battle. This name, alongside the "Valley of Hamon-gog" mentioned earlier in [Ezekiel 39:11](/ezekiel/39-11 "Ezekiel 39:11 - The Valley of Hamon-Gog"), ensures that the sheer magnitude of God's victory and the catastrophic defeat of His enemies would never be forgotten. It underscores the completeness of God's judgment and the vast scale of the subsequent cleansing required for the land.

**Why was it so important to "cleanse the land" after the battle?**

Answer: Cleansing the land was critically important due to the ritual purity laws in ancient Israel, as detailed in passages like [Numbers 19](/numbers/19 "Numbers 19 - Laws of Purification"). Contact with dead bodies, especially unburied ones, rendered a person or place ritually unclean. The immense number of casualties from Gog's army would have caused an unprecedented level of defilement across the land of Israel. This cleansing was not just for hygiene but was a spiritual imperative to restore the land to a state of ritual purity, making it fit for God's holy presence and for His people to dwell in and worship Him. It was an essential step in the spiritual and physical restoration of the land after such a profound act of divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:16, with its emphasis on the cleansing of the land from the defilement of death, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament cleansing rituals were external and temporary, pointing to a deeper need, Christ's sacrifice provides a complete and eternal purification. He is the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), cleansing us not merely from ritual impurity but from the spiritual defilement of sin itself. Through His death and resurrection, Christ defeated the spiritual enemies of humanity—sin, death, and the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). Just as the land was cleansed for God's dwelling, so too are believers, through faith in Christ, cleansed and made holy to become [temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple"). The thoroughness of the cleansing in Ezekiel foreshadows the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work, which [purifies our consciences from dead works](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing from Dead Works") to serve the living God and prepares us for the [new heavens and new earth](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth"), where righteousness dwells and all defilement is absent.

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.