Ezekiel 39:28

Then shall they know that I [am] the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.

Then shall they know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}, which caused them to be led into captivity {H1540} among the heathen {H1471}: but I have gathered {H3664} them unto their own land {H127}, and have left {H3498} none of them any more there.

Then they will know that I am ADONAI their God, since it was I who caused them to go into exile among the nations, and it was I who regathered them to their own land. I will leave none of them there any more,

Then they will know that I am the LORD their God, when I regather them to their own land, not leaving any of them behind after their exile among the nations.

And they shall know that I am Jehovah their God, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them unto their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there;

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 39:28 (KJV)

Ezekiel 39:28 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, concluding a significant prophetic section concerning the ultimate defeat of Israel's enemies and the subsequent glorious restoration of His people. This verse encapsulates God's historical dealings with Israel, serving as a foundational statement for understanding His character and future promises.

Context

This verse appears at the very end of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, which detail the dramatic prophecy against Gog of Magog. Following God's miraculous intervention to destroy Gog's massive invading army on the mountains of Israel, the nations of the world will "know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 38:23). Ezekiel 39:28 specifically addresses the people of Israel, affirming God's direct hand in both their past judgment and their present and future deliverance. It places the miraculous victory over Gog within the larger narrative of God's purposeful plan for His chosen nation, moving from their historical Babylonian captivity to their complete restoration.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Purpose: The verse unequivocally states that God "caused them to be led into captivity" and "gathered them unto their own land." This highlights God's absolute control over history, demonstrating that even Israel's suffering and dispersion were part of His divine plan, not merely random misfortune. He orchestrates all events to ultimately bring glory to His name and to reveal Himself to His people and the world.
  • Judgment and Restoration: It presents the cyclical nature of God's dealings with Israel: discipline for their disobedience (captivity) followed by merciful restoration based on His covenant promises. This pattern assures Israel, and believers today, that God's judgments are corrective and lead to ultimate redemption.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite Israel's repeated failures, God remains true to His word. He promised to scatter them if they disobeyed (Deuteronomy 28:64) and to gather them back (Deuteronomy 30:3). This verse is a powerful declaration of that faithfulness.
  • Completeness of Restoration: The phrase "and have left none of them any more there" emphasizes the thoroughness of God's gathering. It signifies a complete and secure return, where every remnant of Israel is brought back to their land under God's protection.

Linguistic Insights

The recurring phrase "Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God" (Hebrew: Yahweh Elohim) is a significant motif throughout Ezekiel. It emphasizes God's self-revelation through His mighty acts. The word "know" (Hebrew: yada) here implies not just intellectual understanding but a deep, experiential recognition and relationship with God. It signifies a profound acknowledgment of His power, justice, and faithfulness, leading to worship and obedience.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 39:28 offers profound encouragement and lessons for contemporary believers:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: This verse reminds us that God is in control, even amidst difficult or seemingly chaotic circumstances. Just as He ordained Israel's captivity for a purpose, He has a purpose in our trials and challenges. We can trust that He is working all things for good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).
  • Hope in Restoration: God's faithfulness to Israel, bringing them back from exile, is a powerful testament to His unwavering commitment to His promises. This provides hope that He will also fulfill His promises of future restoration and eternal life for those who trust in Him.
  • Understanding God's Character: The verse reveals a God who is both just (in causing captivity due to sin) and merciful (in orchestrating restoration). Understanding these facets of His character helps us to worship Him fully and to live in reverent obedience.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 39:22

    So the house of Israel shall know that I [am] the LORD their God from that day and forward.

  • Isaiah 27:12

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.

  • Amos 9:9

    For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as [corn] is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.

  • Romans 9:6

    ¶ Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:

  • Romans 9:8

    That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

  • Deuteronomy 30:3

    That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

  • Deuteronomy 30:4

    If [any] of thine be driven out unto the outmost [parts] of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee: