Ezekiel 39:9

And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:

And they that dwell {H3427} in the cities {H5892} of Israel {H3478} shall go forth {H3318}, and shall set {H1197} on fire {H784} and burn {H5400} the weapons {H5402}, both the shields {H4043} and the bucklers {H6793}, the bows {H7198} and the arrows {H2671}, and the handstaves {H3027}{H4731}, and the spears {H7420}, and they shall burn {H1197} them with fire {H784} seven {H7651} years {H8141}:

"'Those living in Isra'el's cities will go out and set fire to the weapons, to use as fuel - the shields, breastplates, bows, arrows, clubs and spears; they will use them for fire seven years;

Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel.

And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall make fires of the weapons and burn them, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall make fires of them seven years;

Ezekiel 39:9 describes the aftermath of a massive, divinely orchestrated battle, where the people of Israel utilize the vast quantity of enemy weaponry for fuel. This verse paints a vivid picture of the scale of the victory and the subsequent period of peace and provision.

Context

This verse is part of the larger eschatological prophecy in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, which details a future invasion of Israel by a coalition of nations led by "Gog of the land of Magog." God Himself intervenes with a powerful, supernatural judgment upon these invading forces on the mountains of Israel, leading to their utter destruction. Verse 9 specifically highlights the practical consequences of this decisive victory, emphasizing the sheer volume of discarded enemy armaments.

Key Themes

  • Divine Victory and Provision: The burning of weapons signifies God's complete victory over Israel's enemies, ensuring their security. Furthermore, it demonstrates God's provision for His people; the discarded weapons become a source of fuel, alleviating the need to gather wood.
  • Scale of Defeat: The mention of various types of weapons—shields, bucklers, bows, arrows, handstaves, and spears—and the duration of burning them for "seven years" underscores the immense size of the defeated army and the overwhelming nature of their loss. This is not just a skirmish but a catastrophic defeat for the invaders.
  • Long-Term Peace and Security: The "seven years" of burning imply a sustained period of peace and the absence of any immediate threat, as the weapons of war are not merely stored but consumed. This speaks to a profound restoration of security for Israel after a time of immense conflict.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "seven years" (שֶׁבַע שָׁנִים, sheva shanim) is significant. In biblical numerology, the number seven often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or a divinely appointed period. Here, it suggests not merely a lengthy duration but a period of full and complete utilization of the spoils, indicative of a profound and lasting peace and recovery following the war. The detailed list of weapons highlights the comprehensive nature of the enemy's arsenal and, by extension, the totality of their defeat.

Related Scriptures

The preceding verses, such as Ezekiel 39:1-8, describe the divine judgment that leads to the destruction of Gog's army. The aftermath of this immense battle is further detailed in Ezekiel 39:10, which reiterates the burning of weapons and introduces the idea of taking spoil from those who spoiled them.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 39:9 offers a powerful message of hope and assurance regarding God's ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness. It reminds believers that even in the face of overwhelming opposition, God can turn the instruments of war into resources for His people. This prophetic vision encourages trust in God's future provision and His ability to establish lasting peace, even after great turmoil. It underscores the truth that God will always defend His chosen people and ultimately bring about His purposes, transforming destruction into a testimony of His power and care.

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 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.

  • Isaiah 66:24

    And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

  • Malachi 1:5

    And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.

  • Psalms 111:2

    The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

  • Psalms 111:3

    His work [is] honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

  • Joshua 11:6

    And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.

  • Ezekiel 39:10

    So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down [any] out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD.

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