Ezekiel 39:3

And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.

And I will smite {H5221} thy bow {H7198} out of thy left {H8040} hand {H3027}, and will cause thine arrows {H2671} to fall {H5307} out of thy right {H3225} hand {H3027}.

But then I will knock your bow out of your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand.

Then I will strike the bow from your left hand and dash down the arrows from your right hand.

and I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.

Commentary

Context of Ezekiel 39:3 (KJV)

Ezekiel 39:3 is a powerful declaration within the larger prophecy of Gog of the land of Magog, found in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39. This apocalyptic vision describes a massive, future invasion of Israel by a formidable coalition of nations led by Gog, after the people of Israel have been regathered to their land in peace. The Lord God Himself declares His direct and supernatural intervention against this invading force. Verse 3 specifically details how God will disarm Gog, setting the stage for the complete destruction of this enemy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: This verse underscores God's absolute control over all earthly powers and their military might. He is not a passive observer but an active participant, executing His divine judgment against those who rise up against Him and His chosen people. The disarming of Gog is a clear demonstration of God's omnipotence.
  • Complete Disarmament and Incapacitation: The vivid imagery of God smiting the bow from the left hand and causing arrows to fall from the right hand signifies a total and humiliating incapacitation of the enemy. It's not merely a defeat in battle, but a rendering of Gog's forces utterly helpless and unable to wage war, highlighting the futility of human strength when pitted against divine power.
  • God's Protection of Israel: The primary purpose of this judgment on Gog is to defend and protect the nation of Israel. It reassures God's people of His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His commitment to their security, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Linguistic Insights

The "bow" and "arrows" were quintessential instruments of war in ancient times, representing offensive military capability and strength. The Hebrew verb for "smite" (ื”ึดื›ึผึธื” - hikkah) implies a decisive, forceful blow. The phrase "cause thine arrows to fall" (ื•ึฐื”ึดืคึผึทืœึฐืชึผึดื™ ืงึทืฉึผืึฐืชึผึฐืšึธ - v'hippalti qasht'kha) further emphasizes the supernatural nature of this disarmament; it's not a result of human combat but a direct act of God rendering their weapons useless. This imagery vividly portrays God's ability to dismantle any human threat with ease, demonstrating that no weapon formed against His purposes can prosper.

Related Scriptures

The theme of God disarming and defeating enemies who oppose Him resonates throughout scripture. For example, Psalm 46:9 declares, "He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder." Similarly, Isaiah 54:17 promises, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn." These verses reinforce the truth that God's ultimate victory is assured, and all who stand against Him will fail.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel 39:3 offers profound comfort and a powerful reminder of God's unwavering control over all circumstances and adversaries. In times of fear, uncertainty, or spiritual warfare, this verse encourages us to place our trust not in human strength or military might, but in the Almighty God who can disarm any enemy, seen or unseen. It reinforces the truth that no opposition, however formidable, can ultimately thwart God's plans or overcome His people when they rest in His divine protection. It calls us to recognize the futility of opposing God and to instead align ourselves with His purposes.

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

Cross-References

  • Psalms 76:3

    There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.

  • Hosea 1:5

    And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel.

  • Jeremiah 21:4

    Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that [are] in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and [against] the Chaldeans, which besiege you without the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city.

  • Jeremiah 21:5

    And I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in fury, and in great wrath.

  • Psalms 46:9

    He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

  • Ezekiel 20:21

    Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

  • Ezekiel 20:24

    Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers' idols.