Ezekiel 39:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 39:28 serves as a profound declaration of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness to Israel, encapsulating the divine purpose behind both their historical dispersion and their ultimate, complete restoration. Following the dramatic defeat of Gog, this verse reveals that God orchestrated Israel's exile among the nations as a disciplinary measure, yet also meticulously planned and executed their gathering back to their homeland, ensuring no remnant was left behind. It underscores that these pivotal events were designed to bring about a deep, experiential knowledge of God's identity as their covenant Lord and God, demonstrating His justice, power, and redemptive commitment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 39:28 concludes the climactic prophetic oracle against Gog of Magog, detailed in [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - Prophecy Against Gog") and [Ezekiel 39](/ezekiel/39 "Ezekiel 39 - Gog's Defeat and Israel's Restoration"). This section describes a massive, multi-national invasion of Israel, divinely thwarted by God's direct intervention. The preceding verses, particularly [Ezekiel 39:21-27](/ezekiel/39-21 "Ezekiel 39:21-27 - God's Glory Revealed Through Judgment"), emphasize that this spectacular victory is for the purpose of God's self-revelation to both Israel and the nations. Verse 28 specifically shifts focus from the nations' recognition of God to Israel's deepened understanding, connecting the recent miraculous deliverance to their entire history of judgment and restoration. It serves as a theological capstone, explaining the *why* behind Israel's past suffering and future glory, affirming God's consistent hand in their destiny.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Ezekiel was delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma and theological crisis for Israel. The people questioned God's faithfulness and power, wondering if their exile meant God had abandoned them or was too weak to protect them. The "heathen" (gôwy) refers to the gentile nations among whom Israel was dispersed, particularly Babylon. The concept of "captivity" (gâlâh) was a lived reality, a consequence of covenant disobedience as prophesied in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Prophecy of Scattering")). The promise of being "gathered" (kânaç) back to their "own land" (ʼădâmâh) was a central hope for the exiles, rooted in earlier covenant promises of restoration (e.g., [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - Promise of Gathering")). This verse directly addresses the existential questions of the exiles, affirming God's control over their past suffering and guaranteeing their future return, thereby bolstering their faith in His covenant integrity.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 39:28 powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and broader Old Testament theology. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God explicitly states, "I caused them to be led into captivity" and "I have gathered them." This underscores that Israel's history, including their suffering and restoration, is not random but meticulously orchestrated by God for His purposes, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's control over nations](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19 - God's Judgment on Egypt"). Secondly, the theme of **Judgment and Restoration** is central, presenting God as both just in His discipline for sin and merciful in His redemptive work. The exile was a consequence of idolatry and disobedience ([Ezekiel 20:3-31](/ezekiel/20 "Ezekiel 20 - Israel's Rebellions and God's Faithfulness")), but the return is a demonstration of His covenant faithfulness. Thirdly, **God's Self-Revelation** is the ultimate goal: "Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God." This "knowing" (yâdaʻ) is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, experiential, and transformative recognition of His character and power, a recurring motif throughout Ezekiel, often expressed as "then they will know that I am the LORD" ([Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing God Through Judgment")). Finally, the **Completeness of God's Salvation** is highlighted by "and have left none of them any more there," emphasizing the thoroughness and security of the promised restoration, a theme also found in prophecies like [Jeremiah 23:3](/jeremiah/23-3 "Jeremiah 23:3 - Gathering the Remnant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb signifies more than mere intellectual understanding; it implies a deep, experiential, and relational knowledge. In this context, Israel's "knowing" God is a profound recognition of His character, power, and faithfulness, learned through His mighty acts of judgment and salvation. It's an acknowledgment that leads to worship, obedience, and a transformed relationship, moving beyond theoretical knowledge to a lived reality of God's presence and authority.
* **captivity (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** Literally meaning "to denude" or "uncover," this word is used by implication to mean "to exile" or "to lead into captivity," as captives were often stripped. It vividly portrays the humiliation, vulnerability, and displacement of Israel. The fact that God "caused them to be led into captivity" emphasizes His active role in their judgment, not as an arbitrary act, but as a just consequence of their rebellion, intended to bring them to repentance and a deeper understanding of His holiness.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _kânaç'_):** This verb means "to collect" or "to assemble," often implying a careful and deliberate bringing together of scattered elements. Here, it contrasts sharply with "captivity," highlighting God's reversal of their dispersed state. The gathering signifies restoration, re-establishment, and a re-unification of His people to their rightful place. It speaks to God's meticulous care and power in fulfilling His covenant promises, bringing back every last one.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall they know that I [am] the LORD their God,"**: This clause establishes the ultimate purpose of God's actions. The phrase "Then shall they know" points to a future, definitive moment of revelation. "The LORD" (Yahweh, God's covenant name) and "their God" (Elohim, emphasizing His divine power and authority) together underscore His unique relationship with Israel. The entire sequence of judgment and restoration is designed to solidify Israel's experiential knowledge of Yahweh as their sovereign, faithful, and covenant-keeping God.
* **"which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen:"**: This segment directly attributes Israel's exile to God's agency. It refutes any notion that their suffering was random or due to the superior power of gentile nations. Instead, God intentionally "caused" their dispersion among the "heathen" (foreign nations) as a disciplinary measure for their disobedience. This highlights His justice and control over historical events, even those that brought immense suffering to His people.
* **"but I have gathered them unto their own land,"**: This marks a dramatic shift from judgment to restoration, introduced by the adversative "but." Just as God orchestrated their captivity, He also personally and powerfully "gathered them" back. The emphasis on "their own land" signifies the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant and the re-establishment of their national identity and inheritance. This demonstrates God's mercy, faithfulness, and His unwavering commitment to His promises despite Israel's failures.
* **"and have left none of them any more there."**: This final clause emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of God's restoration. It signifies that the gathering is not partial or temporary, but total. No Israelite, no matter how dispersed, will be overlooked or left behind. This provides immense assurance of security and a comprehensive fulfillment of the promise of return, underscoring God's meticulous care for His people and the finality of their re-gathering.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 39:28 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is evident in the stark juxtaposition of "caused them to be led into captivity" and "I have gathered them unto their own land." This antithesis highlights God's dual role as both judge and redeemer, demonstrating His absolute control over both judgment and restoration. The phrase "Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God" serves as a **Theological Motif** or **Leitmotif**, recurring throughout Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 6:7](/ezekiel/6-7 "Ezekiel 6:7 - Knowing God Through Judgment"), [Ezekiel 38:23](/ezekiel/38-23 "God's Glory Revealed")). This repetition emphasizes the central purpose of all God's actions – His self-revelation. The statement "and have left none of them any more there" uses **Hyperbole** or **Emphatic Negation** to convey the absolute completeness of the gathering, assuring the exiles that the restoration would be total, leaving no one behind. This reinforces the **Divine Faithfulness** and the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 39:28 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's sovereign control over history, encompassing both judgment and restoration, is ultimately for the purpose of His self-revelation. It demonstrates that even the darkest periods of suffering, like the Babylonian exile, are not outside of God's divine plan but are purposeful instruments in His hand to bring His people to a deeper, experiential knowledge of Himself. This verse assures Israel, and by extension, all believers, that God's covenant promises are immutable and His faithfulness endures despite human failure. His commitment to His people ensures that every promise, whether of discipline or deliverance, will be meticulously fulfilled, culminating in a complete and secure redemption.

* [Deuteronomy 4:34-35](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34-35 - Knowing God Through His Mighty Acts")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God's Promise to Gather Israel")
* [Romans 11:25-27](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25-27 - The Fullness of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 39:28 offers profound comfort and challenge for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our God is utterly sovereign, orchestrating all events—both the difficult and the delightful—for His ultimate purposes and our good. Just as He used Israel's captivity to humble them and reveal His power in their restoration, so too does He work in our personal trials and the broader chaos of the world. We are called to trust in His unseen hand, knowing that even when circumstances seem to lead us into "captivity" or hardship, He is faithfully working to "gather" us into His perfect will and presence. This verse cultivates a deep sense of security and hope, knowing that God's promises of ultimate redemption and a complete gathering into His eternal kingdom are sure, leaving "none of us any more there" in the grip of sin or despair. It calls us to respond with a deeper, experiential "knowing" of Him, leading to worship and unwavering trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's active role in both judgment and restoration (as seen in Ezekiel 39:28) shape your view of suffering in your own life or in the world?**
* **In what ways have you experientially "known" the Lord as your God through difficult circumstances, much like Israel was meant to through their exile and return?**
* **What specific promises of God are you holding onto that relate to His "gathering" or restoring what seems lost or broken in your life?**

### FAQ
**What does "Then shall they know that I am the LORD their God" truly mean?**

Answer: This recurring phrase throughout Ezekiel signifies a profound, experiential recognition of God's identity and character, not just an intellectual understanding. It means Israel, through the dramatic events of judgment and restoration, would come to deeply acknowledge Yahweh (the LORD) as their covenant-keeping, all-powerful, and faithful God. It implies a transformed relationship rooted in seeing His hand clearly in history, leading to worship and obedience. This "knowing" is the ultimate goal of God's dealings with His people, fostering a deep, personal connection, as seen in [Jeremiah 24:7](/jeremiah/24-7 "Jeremiah 24:7 - A Heart to Know God").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's faithfulness?**

Answer: Ezekiel 39:28 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, which led to their captivity, God remains true to His covenant promises to ultimately restore them. He promised both scattering for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Prophecy of Scattering")) and gathering for repentance and His own glory ([Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - Promise of Gathering")). This verse shows Him meticulously fulfilling both aspects, demonstrating that His word is reliable and His commitment to His people is unbreakable, even when they fail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 39:28 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of Israel's physical gathering from exile, it points to a deeper, spiritual reality of God's comprehensive salvation. The "captivity among the heathen" foreshadows humanity's universal bondage to sin and spiritual death, a dispersion from God's presence that no human effort could reverse. Christ, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the one whom God "caused" to be led into the ultimate "captivity" of death on the cross, bearing the judgment for our sins. Yet, through His resurrection, God "gathered" us, His chosen people from every nation, into a new covenant relationship, bringing us into His spiritual "land" of grace and eternal life. The promise that God "left none of them any more there" finds its ultimate expression in Christ's complete and perfect redemption, where [all who are given to Him will be raised up](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus Will Lose None") and none will be lost. He is the great Shepherd who gathers His scattered sheep ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")), and through Him, we truly "know" God not just as the LORD their God, but as [our Father, through the Spirit](/galatians/4-6 "Galatians 4:6 - The Spirit Cries 'Abba, Father'"). The final, complete gathering of all believers into the eternal kingdom, leaving no one behind, is secured by His finished work and promised return ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with 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

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: