Ezekiel 39:18

Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.

Ye shall eat {H398} the flesh {H1320} of the mighty {H1368}, and drink {H8354} the blood {H1818} of the princes {H5387} of the earth {H776}, of rams {H352}, of lambs {H3733}, and of goats {H6260}, of bullocks {H6499}, all of them fatlings {H4806} of Bashan {H1316}.

You will eat the flesh of heroes and drink the blood of the earth's princes - rams, lambs, goats and bulls, fattened in Bashan, all of them.

You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Bashan.

Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.

Ezekiel 39:18 is part of a vivid prophetic description of the aftermath of God's decisive victory over Gog and his vast army, who invade the land of Israel in the latter days. This verse paints a gruesome, symbolic picture of divine judgment, where the slain invaders become food for the birds and beasts of the field.

Context

This verse immediately follows a call for all birds and beasts to gather for a "great sacrifice" prepared by God (Ezekiel 39:17). The entire prophecy of Gog and Magog, found in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, details a massive invasion of Israel that God supernaturally defeats, primarily to demonstrate His holiness and sovereignty to the nations. Verse 18 elaborates on the nature of the "feast" – the consumption of the powerful, fallen enemy soldiers.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute power to judge and utterly destroy those who oppose Him and His people. The imagery of consuming flesh and blood signifies total annihilation and humiliation of the enemy.
  • Humiliation of the Mighty: The "princes of the earth" and "mighty" ones, who once held power and authority, are reduced to carrion. This reversal of roles emphasizes that no earthly power can stand against the Almighty.
  • God's Sovereignty and Protection: The entire event, including this macabre feast, serves to glorify God and demonstrate His unwavering commitment to protect Israel and establish His name among the nations. It underscores His ultimate control over human history and destiny.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fatlings of Bashan" is significant. Bashan was a region east of the Jordan River, renowned for its rich pastures and robust, well-fed livestock. The term here is used metaphorically to describe the enemy's leaders and warriors as strong, well-equipped, and prominent, much like prime cattle. Their destruction and consumption by scavenger animals highlights the completeness of their defeat, despite their former strength and status. It underscores the idea that even the most formidable adversaries are ultimately no match for God's power.

Practical Application

While the imagery is stark, Ezekiel 39:18 offers several enduring truths. It reminds us that:

  • God is in Control: No matter how powerful or menacing earthly forces may seem, God holds ultimate authority and will bring about His justice in His time. This should bring comfort and assurance to believers facing oppression or injustice.
  • Justice Will Prevail: This prophecy, like others in the Bible, assures us that evil and those who defy God will ultimately face consequences. There is a day of reckoning, a theme echoed in other prophetic books like Revelation 19:17-18, which also describes a "supper of the great God" for birds to feast on the slain enemies.
  • Trust in God's Protection: For those who are part of God's covenant people, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of His commitment to defend and deliver them, even when faced with overwhelming odds. It encourages a firm trust in God as our refuge and strength.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 22:12

    Many bulls have compassed me: strong [bulls] of Bashan have beset me round.

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 51:40

    I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with he goats.

  • Ezekiel 29:5

    And I will leave thee [thrown] into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven.

  • Jeremiah 50:27

    Slay all her bullocks; let them go down to the slaughter: woe unto them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

  • Amos 4:1

    ¶ Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that [are] in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

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