Gog’s Armies Destroyed

Ezekiel 39:1–16
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This chapter contains a prediction of the utter destruction of Gog and Magog (vv. 1-7). An illustration of the vastness of that destruction (vv. 8-22). God’s mercy to his people (vv. 23-29).The defeat of the evil forces will be final and complete, they will be destroyed by divine intervention (vv. 1-16). Two themes are woven into this passage: God’s total victory over His enemies, and the need to make the land holy. After the final battle, teams will be used to give burial to the bodies of the dead enemies in order for the land to be cleansed. Because of this victory the name of God will be recognized throughout the world and the nations will understand that He alone is in charge of human history. God will clearly show His love for His people by restoring them to their homeland.

The destruction of the great army involved in this passage will be almost total (vv. 1-8). Some have stated that only one-sixth of this army will survive. The bows and arrows may be viewed as figurative of weapons of warfare of all kinds. Even the land of Magog, where many of the troops come from, will experience the wrath of fire from the Lord upon them.

To clean up a destruction of this magnitude, supernatural aid is required (vv. 11-20). Many, of course, will have already been buried through the leveling of mountains and valleys. The ravenous beasts and birds of prey will clean off the flesh. While Israel is burying the skeletons and bones, seven months will transpire. This gruesome task would appear to have a very sobering influence spiritually. No doubt it will prove to be one of the means of leading Israel, as well as the Gentiles, to repentance.

Application

The message for me is an exciting one. With God on my side, I am assured of ultimate victory over the enemies of the world and because of the rapture I will never experience any of the above.