What happensPermalink
Ezekiel again prophesies against Gog. God will bring his armies against Israel, disarm and slaughter them, and give their bodies to wild animals. Israel will burn their weapons for seven years and spend seven months burying the dead to cleanse the land. God summons birds and beasts to feast upon the fallen warriors. The nations will understand that Israel’s treachery caused its exile. God will restore His people, cease hiding His face, and pour out His Spirit upon them.
Why it mattersPermalink
Gog’s defeat displays God’s holiness and secures restored Israel. The long burial emphasizes the need to cleanse the land, preparing for the final vision’s concern with holiness. The invaders become spoil for those they threatened. Revelation 19 reuses the feast of birds in its vision of divine victory. Judgment and restoration together vindicate God’s name before Israel and the nations.
Key versePermalink
And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.