Ezekiel 39:2

KJV

And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will turn thee back {H7725}, and leave but the sixth part {H8338} of thee, and will cause thee to come up {H5927} from the north {H6828} parts {H3411}, and will bring {H935} thee upon the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will turn you around, lead you on and bring you from the far reaches of the north against the mountains of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

I will turn you around, drive you along, bring you up from the far north, and send you against the mountains of Israel.

American Standard Version

and I will turn thee about, and will lead thee on, and will cause thee to come up from the uttermost parts of the north; and I will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:2 is a powerful declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over Gog of Magog, detailing His precise orchestration of their movement and ultimate destruction. This verse reveals that God, far from being surprised or reactive, is actively drawing this massive northern army to the mountains of Israel, not for Israel's demise, but for the dramatic display of His judgment and power, ensuring the catastrophic defeat of the enemy and the vindication of His holy name before all nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 39:2 is an integral part of the extended prophetic oracle against Gog of Magog, spanning [Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38-39 - Prophecy Against Gog"). This specific verse immediately follows God's initial address to Gog in [Ezekiel 38:1-3](/ezekiel/38-1-3 "Ezekiel 38:1-3 - God's Prophecy to Gog"), where the Lord identifies Gog as the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal and declares His intention to bring him forth. Chapter 38 sets the stage, describing Gog's vast confederacy and his malicious intent to plunder Israel, while [Ezekiel chapter 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - God's Judgment and Vindication") details the divine intervention and the cataclysmic judgment that befalls Gog's army. Verse 2 specifically outlines God's active role in directing Gog's invasion, emphasizing that this is not an independent act of aggression but a divinely orchestrated event designed to showcase God's power and holiness. The subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 39:3-6](/ezekiel/39-3-6 "Ezekiel 39:3-6 - The Destruction of Gog") describe the scale of the destruction, the burial of the dead, and the cleansing of the land, all culminating in God's ultimate self-vindication and the restoration of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual introspection for the Israelites. The prophecies concerning Gog of Magog speak to a future, eschatological conflict, yet they resonate with the historical anxieties of Israel regarding powerful, often hostile, empires from the "north." Historically, invading armies frequently descended from the northern regions (e.g., Assyria, Babylon) into Israel, making "the north" a symbolic direction for impending judgment or threat, as seen in [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - Evil from the North"). The "mountains of Israel" represent the very heartland of the covenant people, a sacred space where God's faithfulness and power would be dramatically displayed. The concept of God "turning back" or "bringing up" an enemy reflects ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine control over kings and nations, where even the most formidable rulers were ultimately instruments in the hands of a greater deity. This prophecy would have offered immense hope and reassurance to a dispirited people, reminding them that their God remained sovereign, even in exile, and would ultimately defend His covenant promises.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, where God explicitly states "I will turn thee back," "I will cause thee to come up," and "I will bring thee." This repeated divine "I will" underscores God's absolute control over all nations and events, even those seemingly hostile to His purposes, demonstrating that He is not merely reacting to Gog but actively directing him to fulfill His divine plan. This echoes the declaration in [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over All Nations") that God "does according to his will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'" Another crucial theme is **Ultimate Judgment and Defeat**. The phrase "leave but the sixth part of thee" signifies a catastrophic and overwhelming defeat for Gog's forces, highlighting the severity of God's judgment against those who oppose Him and His chosen people, a theme also found in [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - The Rider on the White Horse and the Beast's Defeat"). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Protection and Vindication of Israel**. God brings this vast enemy to the "mountains of Israel" not for Israel's destruction, but for the enemy's own annihilation, serving to protect His people and to demonstrate God's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises, ultimately leading to the [vindication of His holy name](/ezekiel/38-23 "Ezekiel 38:23 - God's Self-Vindication") before all nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **turn back (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) signifies turning back, often with the idea of retreat, reversal, or causing to return. In Ezekiel 39:2, it highlights God's active control over Gog. It implies that Gog's initial movement or intention is being divinely redirected or manipulated. God is not merely allowing Gog to come but is actively "turning" him, perhaps from a different intended path or purpose, to align with His own sovereign plan for judgment. It underscores God's absolute authority to direct the course of nations and individuals, even those who oppose Him.
* **sixth part (Hebrew, _shâshâʼ'_):** This unique and somewhat debated term (H8338) refers to a drastic reduction or annihilation. While some interpret it literally as one-sixth, many scholars understand it as a symbolic expression of an overwhelming and catastrophic defeat, leaving only a small, decimated remnant. It emphasizes the totality of God's judgment and the devastating scale of the destruction that will befall Gog's army, leaving them utterly broken and unable to pose any further threat.
* **mountains (Hebrew, _har'_):** This term (H2022) refers to a mountain or range of hills, often used figuratively. In the context of "mountains of Israel," it designates the specific geographical location where God's judgment will be executed. These mountains, the very heartland of Israel, become the stage for God's dramatic display of power and protection. The choice of this location is significant, as it is where Israel dwells securely under God's protection, and it is here that God will spectacularly vindicate His name and demonstrate His faithfulness to His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will turn thee back":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's initiative and absolute control over Gog. It indicates that Gog's movement is not independent but is being divinely directed, perhaps implying a redirection from an initial path or a reversal of a previous state to bring him into the designated battleground. This highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events, even those seemingly driven by human malice.
* **"and leave but the sixth part of thee":** This phrase declares the devastating outcome for Gog's vast army. The "sixth part" signifies an immense and catastrophic defeat, leaving only a tiny, broken remnant. It underscores the severity and totality of God's judgment, ensuring that Gog's forces will be utterly decimated and rendered powerless.
* **"and will cause thee to come up from the north parts":** This clause specifies the origin and direction of Gog's advance. "The north parts" (Hebrew: _tsâphôwn_) consistently refers to the direction from which formidable enemies of Israel historically emerged. God is actively compelling Gog to mobilize from this region, confirming that Gog's invasion is not merely an act of human aggression but a divinely permitted and directed movement to fulfill God's purposes.
* **"and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel":** This final clause identifies the precise destination and battleground for Gog's army. The "mountains of Israel" represent the land and people of God, the very place Gog intends to plunder. However, God's intention in bringing Gog there is not for Israel's destruction but for Gog's own annihilation, making the mountains of Israel the site of God's ultimate vindication and the demonstration of His protective power.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:2 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological message. **Divine Fiat/Declaration** is prominently featured through the repeated use of the first-person singular verb "I will," emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His active, decisive role in orchestrating these events. This is not a mere prediction of what might happen, but a definitive declaration of what God *will* cause to happen. The phrase "leave but the sixth part of thee" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, signifying an overwhelming and total defeat rather than a precise numerical fraction. It dramatically conveys the catastrophic scale of destruction that awaits Gog's forces. Furthermore, the "mountains of Israel" serve as powerful **Geographical Symbolism**, representing the sacred space of God's covenant people and the chosen arena for divine judgment and vindication. The very land targeted for plunder becomes the site of the plunderer's demise, reinforcing God's protective presence and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:2 profoundly underscores the unwavering sovereignty of God over all earthly powers and events. It teaches that even the most formidable and hostile forces are ultimately instruments in His hand, being directed by His divine will to accomplish His purposes. This divine control ensures that no enemy, however vast or malicious, can thwart God's plans for His people or prevent the ultimate vindication of His holy name. The verse offers a powerful theological statement about God's justice, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His ultimate victory over evil, providing immense comfort and assurance to believers facing seemingly insurmountable threats. It reminds us that God's plan is unfolding, and He is orchestrating history towards His glorious conclusion, demonstrating His unchallengeable authority over all creation.

* [Psalm 2:4](/psalm/2-4 "Psalm 2:4 - God Mocks the Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:2 offers profound encouragement and a call to unwavering trust for believers today. In a world often characterized by overwhelming threats, geopolitical instability, and spiritual warfare, this verse reminds us that God remains in absolute, sovereign control. He is not a passive observer but an active orchestrator of history, even using the malicious intentions of the wicked to achieve His righteous purposes and demonstrate His glory. When we feel surrounded by seemingly insurmountable challenges, whether personal struggles, societal injustices, or global crises, this passage calls us to remember that the Lord is on His throne, directing all things according to His perfect will. Our confidence is not in our strength or the absence of opposition, but in God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to protect His people and vindicate His name. This should inspire us to live with courage, knowing that ultimate victory belongs to Him, and to trust that even in the face of daunting adversity, God is working all things for His good and our ultimate benefit, shaping history toward His glorious conclusion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's explicit declaration, "I will turn thee back," challenge my own assumptions about control and agency in the world, especially concerning adverse events?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to surrender control and trust more fully in God's sovereign orchestration, even when His methods are mysterious or His timing unclear?**
* **How does the ultimate defeat of Gog on the "mountains of Israel" strengthen my faith in God's protection and His faithfulness to His people today, even amidst current threats?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to live out a greater trust in God's sovereignty, even amidst challenging circumstances, and to rest in His ultimate victory?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the north parts" in this prophecy?**

Answer: "The north parts" (Hebrew: _tsâphôwn_) is a consistent biblical motif, particularly in prophetic literature, referring to the direction from which formidable and often hostile invading armies would descend upon Israel. Historically, empires like Assyria and Babylon came from the north. In this prophecy against Gog, it symbolizes the vastness and perceived invincibility of Gog's forces, making God's subsequent defeat of them an even more dramatic display of His absolute power and control, as seen in [Jeremiah 1:14](/jeremiah/1-14 "Jeremiah 1:14 - Evil from the North") and [Jeremiah 6:1](/jeremiah/6-1 "Jeremiah 6:1 - The Enemy from the North"). It underscores that even the most feared enemies are subject to God's sovereign direction.

**Does "leave but the sixth part of thee" mean exactly one-sixth of the army will survive?**

Answer: While "sixth part" (Hebrew: _shâshâʼ_) could be interpreted literally, many scholars view it as a symbolic expression of an overwhelming and catastrophic defeat rather than a precise numerical fraction. It signifies that only a drastically reduced, decimated remnant of Gog's vast army will be left, emphasizing the totality and severity of God's judgment. The primary message is one of immense loss and utter devastation, leaving the enemy utterly broken and unable to pose any further threat, highlighting the divine power demonstrated on the [mountains of Israel](/ezekiel/39-4 "Ezekiel 39:4 - Gog's Defeat on the Mountains of Israel"). It conveys the complete and decisive nature of God's victory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:2, though describing a future, eschatological battle, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's kingdom through Jesus Christ. The divine "I will" that orchestrates Gog's defeat foreshadows the absolute sovereignty of God revealed in Christ, who perfectly executes the Father's will and holds all authority in heaven and on earth (as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Just as God draws Gog to the mountains of Israel for judgment, so too does God, in Christ, draw all humanity to a decisive encounter with His truth and judgment, culminating in the cross and the final judgment. The catastrophic defeat of Gog's forces, leaving but a "sixth part," prefigures the ultimate and decisive victory of Christ over all spiritual enemies—sin, death, and the devil. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "mountains of Israel" as the battleground for God's vindication points to the new creation, the heavenly Jerusalem, where God's people dwell securely under the reign of the [Lamb of God](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem") and where there is no longer any curse (see [Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - No More Curse")). Ultimately, Ezekiel 39:2 paints a picture of God's unassailable reign, a reign fully realized in the Lord Jesus Christ, who will return to establish His eternal kingdom, making His enemies His footstool (as promised in [Hebrews 10:13](/hebrews/10-13 "Hebrews 10:13 - Christ's Enemies Made His Footstool")), and ensuring the final, complete vindication of God's holy name before all creation.

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

Isaiah 37:29

Because thy rage against me, and thy tumult, is come up into mine ears, therefore will I put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

Ezekiel 38:15

And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:

Psalms 40:14

Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

Psalms 68:2

As smoke is driven away, [so] drive [them] away: as wax melteth before the fire, [so] let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.