Ezekiel 39:17

KJV

And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, thou son {H1121} of man {H120}, thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Speak {H559} unto every feathered {H3671} fowl {H6833}, and to every beast {H2416} of the field {H7704}, Assemble {H6908} yourselves, and come {H935}; gather {H622} yourselves on every side {H5439} to my sacrifice {H2077} that I do sacrifice {H2076} for you, even a great {H1419} sacrifice {H2077} upon the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}, that ye may eat {H398} flesh {H1320}, and drink {H8354} blood {H1818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"As for you, human, Adonai ELOHIM says that you are to speak to all kinds of birds and to every wild animal as follows: 'Assemble yourselves and come, gather yourselves from all around for the sacrifice I am preparing for you, a great sacrifice on the mountains of Isra'el, where you can eat flesh and drink blood!

Berean Standard Bible

And as for you, son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: Call out to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field: ‘Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great feast on the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood.

American Standard Version

And thou, son of man, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Speak unto the birds of every sort, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh and drink blood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:17 is a stark prophetic summons from the Lord GOD to all birds of prey and wild beasts, inviting them to assemble on the mountains of Israel for a gruesome "sacrifice"—a feast upon the slain armies of Gog. This vivid imagery underscores the totality of God's climactic judgment against those who oppose Him and His people, serving as a powerful declaration of divine sovereignty and the ultimate vindication of His holy name before all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the climactic prophecy against Gog of Magog, detailed in [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - The Prophecy Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment on Gog"). Following the detailed description of Gog's massive invasion of Israel and God's miraculous intervention to utterly destroy his forces (as seen in [Ezekiel 38:18-23](/ezekiel/38-18 "Ezekiel 38:18-23 - God's Wrath Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39:1-8](/ezekiel/39-1 "Ezekiel 39:1-8 - Gog's Defeat")), verse 17 marks a dramatic shift to the aftermath. It initiates a vivid portrayal of the clean-up operation, where the sheer number of the fallen necessitates a divine invitation to scavengers, emphasizing the overwhelming scale of the judgment and the complete annihilation of the enemy. This section (Ezekiel 39:11-20) focuses on the burial and consumption of the dead, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's victory.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a time of profound despair for the Israelites. His prophecies often oscillated between pronouncements of judgment and glorious visions of future restoration. The concept of a "sacrifice" (Hebrew: *zebach*) was central to Israelite worship, typically involving the offering of animals to God, often followed by a communal meal. By using this term for the consumption of enemy corpses by scavengers, Ezekiel employs a profound irony that would have been shocking to his audience, subverting a sacred concept to depict utter desecration and divine wrath. The "mountains of Israel" were not just a geographical location but symbolized the very heartland of God's covenant people, the place He promised to restore them to, making it the ironic stage for this gruesome, yet divinely orchestrated, feast of judgment.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 39:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, showcasing God's absolute control over all nations and events, particularly His power to execute justice upon those who defy Him. The invitation to the birds and beasts underscores the **Totality of God's Victory** and the complete annihilation of His enemies, leaving no doubt about the finality of their defeat. There is also a powerful theme of **Vindication of God's Holy Name** (e.g., [Ezekiel 39:7](/ezekiel/39-7 "Ezekiel 39:7 - God's Holy Name Vindicated")), as this dramatic judgment serves to reveal God's power and faithfulness to both Israel and the gentile nations. Finally, the **Ironic "Sacrifice"** highlights the reversal of roles: the invaders, who sought to plunder God's people, become the offering, and the scavengers become the unexpected "guests" at a macabre feast, a stark reversal of the typical sacrificial meal. This imagery powerfully reinforces the severity of God's retribution against unrighteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)." In the phrase "son of man" (Hebrew: *ben adam*), it emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine speaker, the Lord GOD. It highlights his role as a human messenger chosen to deliver a divine, often overwhelming, message.
* **sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** From H2077, "properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)." This word is central to the verse's profound irony. While *zebach* typically refers to a voluntary offering of an animal to God, here it is subverted to describe the involuntary slaughter of God's enemies, whose bodies become the "flesh" of a gruesome, divinely ordained feast for scavengers, signifying utter destruction rather than worship.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, "great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent." The descriptor "great" applied to this "sacrifice" amplifies the scale and significance of the event. It's not just a sacrifice, but a *great* one, emphasizing the immense number of the slain and the unparalleled magnitude of God's judgment and victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you":** This opening clause establishes the divine command and the recipient of the message. Ezekiel, as the "son of man," is commanded by "the Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh, emphasizing His sovereign mastery and covenant faithfulness) to issue a universal summons. The invitation is extended to all "feathered fowl" (birds of prey) and "beast of the field" (wild animals), instructing them to "assemble" and "gather yourselves on every side." This sets the stage for a divinely orchestrated, macabre feast, explicitly called "my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you," highlighting God's active role in this judgment.
* **"even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel,":** This phrase specifies the location and the nature of the event. The "mountains of Israel" are the designated place where this "great sacrifice" will occur. The repetition of "sacrifice" (from the previous clause) reinforces the ironic usage, while "great" emphasizes the immense scale of the slaughter. It signifies that the very land Gog sought to conquer will become the site of his army's annihilation and consumption.
* **"that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.":** This final clause clarifies the purpose of the assembly: to consume the remains of the fallen armies. "Flesh" and "blood" are the gruesome elements of this "feast," completing the picture of total destruction and desecration for the enemies of God. It's a stark image of the consequences of opposing divine will.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:17 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message. The most prominent is **Irony**, particularly in the use of the term "sacrifice" (*zebach*). Traditionally a holy offering to God, it is here repurposed to describe the slaughter of His enemies, turning a concept of worship into one of utter destruction and desecration. This subversion highlights the severity of God's judgment and the complete reversal of fortune for the invaders. **Anthropomorphism** is also present, as God directly addresses animals, inviting them to a feast, which underscores His absolute sovereignty over all creation, even the natural order. The vivid, almost grotesque imagery of birds and beasts feasting on human flesh employs **Hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming scale of the judgment and the countless number of the slain. Finally, the "mountains of Israel" serve as **Symbolism**, representing the land and people God has chosen and promised to protect, making it the ironic stage for the annihilation of their would-be conquerors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:17 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His righteous judgment against all who oppose His divine will. It speaks to the ultimate triumph of good over evil, demonstrating that no force, however vast or formidable, can stand against the sovereign Lord. This "great sacrifice" is not merely a physical event but a profound theological statement: God will defend His honor and His people, and His justice will be fully executed. The imagery, while gruesome, serves to underscore the certainty and totality of divine retribution, ensuring that God's name is vindicated and glorified among all nations. It foreshadows a day when all cosmic evil will be decisively defeated, and God's kingdom will be fully established.

* [Revelation 19:17-18](/revelation/19-17 "Revelation 19:17-18 - The Great Supper of God")
* [Isaiah 34:6-7](/isaiah/34-6 "Isaiah 34:6-7 - God's Sacrifice in Bozrah")
* [Zephaniah 1:7-8](/zephaniah/1-7 "Zephaniah 1:7-8 - The Day of the Lord's Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:17, while depicting a scene of intense judgment, offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and history. We are assured that no matter how chaotic or threatening world events may seem, God remains firmly in control, orchestrating all things according to His perfect will. This passage instills confidence that ultimately, all evil and opposition to God will be decisively defeated. For those who trust in Him, it brings peace and security, knowing that our ultimate vindication and protection rest in His mighty hands. For those who do not, it serves as a solemn warning of the inevitable consequences of defying the Creator. It calls us to live in awe of God's power and justice, aligning our lives with His righteous purposes, and trusting in His unfailing promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God inviting scavengers to a "sacrifice" challenge or deepen your understanding of divine justice and sovereignty?**
* **What assurance can believers draw from God's decisive victory over Gog, even when facing seemingly overwhelming challenges in their own lives or in the world?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to consider the seriousness of opposing God's will and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why does God invite animals to this "sacrifice"?**

Answer: God's invitation to the "feathered fowl" and "beasts of the field" to partake in this "great sacrifice" serves several symbolic and practical purposes. Symbolically, it emphasizes the utter destruction and desecration of the enemy armies; their bodies are not given a proper burial but become carrion, signifying complete dishonor and the finality of their defeat. Practically, it highlights the immense scale of the slaughter—so vast that human burial would be impossible, requiring nature's scavengers to consume the dead. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the natural world, which He commands to participate in His judgment. This imagery is echoed in other prophetic texts, such as [Revelation 19:17-18](/revelation/19-17 "Revelation 19:17-18 - The Supper of the Great God"), where a similar "supper of the great God" is proclaimed for scavengers to feast on the fallen.

**What is the significance of the "mountains of Israel" as the location for this event?**

Answer: The "mountains of Israel" are highly significant as the stage for this "great sacrifice." Throughout Ezekiel, these mountains represent the promised land and the heartland of God's covenant people. Gog's invasion is specifically directed at these mountains (e.g., [Ezekiel 38:8](/ezekiel/38-8 "Ezekiel 38:8 - Gog's Invasion of Israel's Mountains")), aiming to plunder and destroy Israel. By having the decisive battle and the subsequent "feast" occur precisely on these mountains, God demonstrates His unwavering protection of His land and people. It signifies that the very place targeted for desecration by the enemy becomes the site of their utter humiliation and destruction, thereby vindicating God's name and securing Israel's future (as promised in [Ezekiel 39:25-29](/ezekiel/39-25 "Ezekiel 39:25-29 - God's Restoration of Israel")).

**Is this a literal event or symbolic prophecy?**

Answer: Prophecies in Ezekiel often blend literal and symbolic elements. While the imagery of birds and beasts feasting on corpses is a vivid, almost literal, depiction of the aftermath of a massive battle, the entire Gog and Magog prophecy (Ezekiel 38-39) is widely understood to have significant symbolic and eschatological dimensions. Gog represents the ultimate, comprehensive forces of evil that will one day rise against God's people. The "great sacrifice" is therefore a symbolic representation of God's decisive and overwhelming judgment against all such opposition in the end times. While the details are graphic, they convey the theological truth of God's ultimate victory and the complete annihilation of His enemies, whether this takes a literal form or a divinely orchestrated event that perfectly fulfills the prophetic imagery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:17, with its imagery of a "great sacrifice" of judgment upon the mountains of Israel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly in His role as both the perfect sacrifice and the triumphant King. While this Old Testament passage speaks of a sacrifice of judgment upon God's enemies, it foreshadows the greater spiritual reality of Christ's victory over sin, death, and all spiritual adversaries. The "flesh" and "blood" consumed by the scavengers point to a gruesome end for the wicked, but Christ's own "flesh" and "blood" were given as the true, redemptive sacrifice, establishing a new covenant (as seen in [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19-20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). The ultimate defeat of Gog, orchestrated by God, prefigures Christ's final triumph over all evil powers, culminating in His return where He will judge the nations and establish His eternal kingdom (as described in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as King of Kings")). The "great sacrifice" on the mountains of Israel, a feast of judgment, is ultimately subsumed by the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where believers feast with Christ, celebrating His victory and the establishment of His righteous reign, a stark contrast to the judgment feast for His enemies. Thus, Ezekiel's vision of divine judgment ultimately points to the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who perfectly fulfills God's justice and brings about ultimate salvation and eternal peace for His people.

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

Revelation 19:17

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

Revelation 19:18

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great.

Zephaniah 1:7

¶ Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD [is] at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

Jeremiah 12:9

Mine heritage [is] unto me [as] a speckled bird, the birds round about [are] against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour.

Ezekiel 39:4

Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that [is] with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and [to] the beasts of the field to be devoured.

Isaiah 34:6

The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, [and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.

Isaiah 56:9

¶ All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, [yea], all ye beasts in the forest.