The Hebrew name Hămôwn Gôwg, represented by H1996, is a fanciful name for an emblematic place in Palestine. It is derived from H1995 hâmôwn, meaning "multitude," and the name Gog, translating to "the multitude of Gog." This specific term appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.
Both occurrences of H1996 are found in the prophecy of Ezekiel. The Lord declares that He will give H5414 Gog a designated place for graves H6913 in Israel, specifically "the valley H1516 of the passengers H5674." This site is where Gog and his entire multitude H1995 will be buried H6912, and it will be called "The valley of Hamongog" Ezekiel 39:11. The prophecy continues, stating that passengers H5674 who pass through the land H776 and see a human bone will set up a marker, so that buriers H6912 can inter it in "the valley of Hamongog" Ezekiel 39:15.
Several related words provide context for the meaning and setting of Hamongog:
- H1995 hâmôwn (multitude): This word, meaning a crowd, company, or multitude, forms the first part of the name H1996 and emphasizes the vast number of Gog's defeated army to be buried there Ezekiel 39:11. It is also used to describe a "great company" coming against God's people 2 Chronicles 20:12.
- H1516 gayʼ (valley): This term defines the physical topography of Hamongog as a gorge or valley. Scripture specifies the location as "The valley H1516 of Hamongog" Ezekiel 39:11, grounding the symbolic event in a geographical setting.
- H6912 qâbar (bury): This root word for the act of burying is central to the purpose of Hamongog. It is the place where Gog's multitude "shall they bury" Ezekiel 39:11, and where designated "buriers" will complete the task Ezekiel 39:15.
- H5674 ʻâbar (to cross over): The people who witness the aftermath are described as "passengers" H5674, those who "pass through" the land. Their role in marking the dead for burial highlights the public and memorable nature of the event (Ezekiel 39:11, Ezekiel 39:15).
The theological significance of H1996 is rooted in its role as a symbol of divine judgment and restoration.
- A Place of Judgment: The valley is given H5414 by God specifically as a burial site for His enemies. The name "multitude of Gog" permanently associates the location with the utter defeat of a vast force that opposed God Ezekiel 39:11.
- A Public Memorial: The location is described in relation to "passengers" H5674, indicating it is a known place. The naming of the valley serves as a lasting memorial, a sign on the land H776 testifying to the consequences of rising against God Ezekiel 39:15.
- The Cleansing of the Land: The concerted effort to bury H6912 the dead within this specific valley H1516 represents a divine process of purifying the land of Israel from the defilement of the invaders' corpses.
In summary, H1996 is not merely a place name but an emblematic term signifying the finality of God's judgment. It designates a specific valley H1516 for the burial H6912 of a defeated "multitude" H1995. As "The valley of Hamongog," the site is prophesied to stand as a permanent memorial to the downfall of Gog's army and the purification of God's land.
TRV