Ezekiel 38:13
New International Version
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, “Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?"’

New Living Translation
But Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish will ask, ‘Do you really think the armies you have gathered can rob them of silver and gold? Do you think you can drive away their livestock and seize their goods and carry off plunder?’

English Standard Version
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?’

Berean Standard Bible
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will ask, ‘Have you come to capture the plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and goods, to seize great spoil?’

King James Bible
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

New King James Version
Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?’ ” ’

New American Standard Bible
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoils? Have you assembled your contingent to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to capture great spoils?’”’

NASB 1995
“Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?’"’

NASB 1977
“Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its villages, will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your company to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?’”’

Legacy Standard Bible
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoil? Have you assembled your assembly to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to capture great spoil?’”’

Amplified Bible
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish (southern Spain), with all its young lions (villages) will say to you, ‘Have you come to take spoil? Have you assembled your hordes [of fighting men] to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take great spoil?’”’

Christian Standard Bible
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its rulers will ask you, “Have you come to seize spoil? Have you mobilized your assembly to carry off plunder, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and possessions, to seize plenty of spoil? ” ’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its rulers will ask you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hordes to carry off plunder, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and possessions, to seize great spoil?”

American Standard Version
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take the spoil? hast thou assembled thy company to take the prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take great spoil?

Contemporary English Version
The people of Sheba and Dedan, along with merchants from villages in southern Spain, will be your allies. They will want some of the silver and gold, as well as the livestock and property that your army takes from Israel.

English Revised Version
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish; with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take the spoil? hast thou assembled thy company to take the prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take great spoil?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
" 'Sheba, Dedan, the merchants from Tarshish, and all their villages will ask you, "Did you come to rob these people of their possessions? Did you assemble all these soldiers to carry away large amounts of silver and gold and to take cattle and property?"'

Good News Translation
The people of Sheba and Dedan and the merchants from the towns of Spain will ask you, 'Have you assembled your army and attacked in order to loot and plunder? Do you intend to get silver and gold, livestock and property, and march off with all those spoils?'"

International Standard Version
Businessmen based in Sheba, Dedan, Tarshish, and all of its growling lions will ask you, "Are you coming for war spoils? Have you assembled your armies to carry off silver and gold, and to gather lots of war booty?"'"

Majority Standard Bible
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will ask, ‘Have you come to capture the plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and goods, to seize great spoil?’

NET Bible
Sheba and Dedan and the traders of Tarshish with all its young warriors will say to you, "Have you come to loot? Have you assembled your armies to plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to haul away a great amount of spoils?"'

New Heart English Bible
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions of it, shall tell you, 'Have you come to take the spoil? Have you assembled your company to take the prey, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great spoil?'"'

Webster's Bible Translation
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its young lions, shall say to thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

World English Bible
Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its young lions, will ask you, ‘Have you come to take the plunder? Have you assembled your company to take the prey, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?’”’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Sheba, and Dedan, and merchants of Tarshish, "" And all its young lions say to you, "" Are you coming to take spoil? Have you assembled your assembly to take prey? To carry away silver and gold? To take away livestock and substance? To take a great spoil?

Young's Literal Translation
Sheba, and Dedan, and merchants of Tarshish, And all its young lions say to thee: To take a spoil art thou come in? To take a prey assembled thine assembly? To bear away silver and gold? To take away cattle and substance? To take a great spoil?

Smith's Literal Translation
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish, and all her young lions, they shall say to thee, For spoiling a spoil art thou come? For plundering a plunder didst thou call together thy convocation? to lift up silver and gold, to take cattle and substance, to spoil a great spoil?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Saba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tharsis, and all the lions thereof shall say to thee: Art thou come to take spoils? behold, thou hast gathered thy multitude to take a prey, to take silver, and gold, and to carry away goods and substance, and to take rich spoils.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, and all its lions will say to you: ‘Could you have arrived in order to purchase from the spoils? Behold, you have gathered your multitude in order to plunder a prey, so that you may take silver and gold, and carry away equipment and substance, and plunder immeasurable wealth.’

New American Bible
Sheba and Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish and all its “young lions” shall ask you: “Have you come here to plunder? Have you summoned your army for pillage, to carry off silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to seize much plunder?”

New Revised Standard Version
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its young warriors will say to you, “Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your horde to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to seize a great amount of booty?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Sheba and Deran and the merchants of Tarshish and all its villages shall say to you, Are you come to carry off captives and to take a spoil? Have you mobilized your host to take silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, and to take a great spoil?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Sheba and Daran and the Merchants of Tarshish and all the villages shall say to you: ‘Have you come to take captivity captive and to loot the loot, and have you gathered your gatherings that you would take silver and gold, and will you take beasts and possessions, and will you take great prey?’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the magnates thereof, shall say unto thee: Comest thou to take the spoil? hast thou assembled thy company to take the prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take great spoil?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Sabba, and Daedan, and Carthaginian merchants, and all their villages shall say to thee, Thou art come for plunder to take a prey, and to get spoils: thou hast gathered thy multitude to take silver and gold, to carry off property, to take spoils.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Prophecy Against Gog
12in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’ 13Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will ask, ‘Have you come to capture the plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and goods, to seize great spoil?’ 14Therefore prophesy, son of man, and tell Gog that this is what the Lord GOD says: On that day when My people Israel are dwelling securely, will you not take notice of this?…

Cross References
Revelation 20:8
and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore.

Revelation 18:11-13
And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— / cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; / of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and carriages; of bodies and souls of slaves.

Isaiah 60:6
Caravans of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah, and all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD.

Isaiah 23:1-18
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. / Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. / On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. ...

Jeremiah 25:22
all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea;

1 Kings 10:22
For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

Psalm 72:10
May the kings of Tarshish and distant shores bring tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba offer gifts.

Revelation 18:3
All the nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her immorality. The kings of the earth were immoral with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown wealthy from the extravagance of her luxury.”

Revelation 17:4
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.

Isaiah 2:16
against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel.

Jeremiah 49:31
Rise up, advance against a nation at ease, one that dwells securely,” declares the LORD. “They have no gates or bars; they live alone.

1 Kings 10:15
not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land.

Matthew 12:42
The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with Hiram’s servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

Isaiah 21:13
This is the burden against Arabia: In the thickets of Arabia you must lodge, O caravans of Dedanites.


Treasury of Scripture

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say to you, Are you come to take a spoil? have you gathered your company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Sheba

Ezekiel 27:12,15,20,22,23,25
Tarshish was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in thy fairs…

with

Ezekiel 19:3-6
And she brought up one of her whelps: it became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey; it devoured men…

Ezekiel 32:2
Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou art as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

Psalm 57:4
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

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Ezekiel 38
1. The army
8. and malice of Gog
14. God's judgment against him














Sheba and Dedan
These names refer to ancient regions and peoples located in the Arabian Peninsula. Sheba is often associated with the Sabeans, a wealthy trading nation known for their spices and gold, as seen in the account of the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13). Dedan is linked to a trading community known for its caravans (Isaiah 21:13). The mention of these regions highlights the far-reaching impact of the events described in Ezekiel 38, suggesting a widespread recognition and concern over the impending conflict. Historically, these areas were known for their wealth and trade, which aligns with the theme of economic interest in the passage.

the merchants of Tarshish
Tarshish is often identified with a distant maritime location, possibly in the western Mediterranean, such as modern-day Spain. It was known for its wealth and trade, particularly in metals like silver and gold (Jeremiah 10:9). The merchants of Tarshish symbolize international trade and economic power. Their mention in this context suggests that the events in Ezekiel 38 have global economic implications, drawing the attention of powerful trading nations. This reflects the interconnectedness of ancient economies and the far-reaching consequences of geopolitical events.

with all its villages
The phrase "with all its villages" indicates the inclusion of smaller settlements or trading outposts associated with Tarshish. This suggests a comprehensive involvement of the entire trading network, not just the central hub. In a broader sense, it implies that the impending conflict will affect not only major powers but also smaller communities connected to them. This highlights the pervasive nature of the threat described in the prophecy, affecting all levels of society.

will ask you
The phrase "will ask you" introduces a rhetorical question, emphasizing the incredulity and concern of the nations witnessing the events. It suggests a demand for accountability and understanding of the motives behind the actions described. This questioning reflects the broader theme of divine justice and the moral implications of human actions, as seen throughout the prophetic literature.

‘Have you come to capture spoil?
This question directly addresses the motives of the invading forces, suggesting that their primary intent is plunder and economic gain. The focus on "spoil" aligns with the historical context of ancient warfare, where conquering armies often sought material wealth. This highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of the conflict, contrasting the greed and materialism of the invaders with the divine justice proclaimed by the prophets.

Have you assembled your hordes to loot
The term "hordes" implies a large, organized military force, emphasizing the scale and threat of the invasion. The focus on "loot" reinforces the theme of economic exploitation and greed. This reflects the historical reality of ancient empires, which often expanded through conquest and plunder. The prophetic message challenges this worldview, calling for a recognition of divine sovereignty and justice.

to carry away silver and gold
Silver and gold represent wealth and economic power, highlighting the materialistic motives of the invaders. In the ancient world, these metals were symbols of prosperity and status. The emphasis on "carrying away" suggests a forceful and unjust appropriation of resources, contrasting with the biblical ideal of stewardship and justice.

to take away livestock and goods
Livestock and goods represent the basic economic resources and livelihoods of the people. The mention of these items underscores the comprehensive nature of the plunder, affecting not only wealth but also the means of sustenance and survival. This highlights the devastating impact of the invasion on ordinary people, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and justice.

to seize great spoil?
The phrase "seize great spoil" encapsulates the overarching theme of greed and exploitation. The focus on "great spoil" suggests an excessive and unjust accumulation of wealth, reflecting the moral corruption of the invaders. This serves as a warning against the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of justice and righteousness, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature.

(13) Sheba, and Dedan . . . . Tarshish.--The first two are districts of Arabia, and the last is probably the Tartessus in Spain. These names seem to be added to those of Ezekiel 38:5-6, to show that all the nations of the world sympathise in this attack upon the Church.

Verse 13. - Sheba, and Dorian, and the merchants of Tarshish were the great trading communities of the South, East, and West respectively (see on Ezekiel 27:15, 20, 22, 25). The young lions thereof - i.e. of Tarshish, not of the other communities (Keil) - were probably intended to represent, not the" authorities" of Tarshish, as Hitzig suggests, but its smaller tradesmen who were equally rapacious with its larger merchants. All are depicted as following in the wake of Gog, like vultures in the rear of an army, and as inquiring whether Gog had come simply for the purpose of destruction or in the hope of trading with the booty he should capture. In this case they intimate their wish to be partakers of the spoil This (Plumptre), rather than the thirst for booty which characterized them (Keil), their question to Gog signified; Schroder's idea, that they purposed ironically to ridicule the smallness of the spoil which would reward so gigantic an expedition, has as little to recommend it as Kliefoth's suggestion, that they designed to intimate their sympathy with Gog's invasion of Israel.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Sheba
שְׁבָ֡א (šə·ḇā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7614: Sheba -- a territory in soutwest Arabia, also the name of one or more descendant of Noah

and Dedan
וּ֠דְדָן (ū·ḏə·ḏān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1719: Dedan -- a descendant of Ham, also a descendant of Abraham

and the merchants
וְסֹחֲרֵ֨י (wə·sō·ḥă·rê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5503: To go around or about, travel about

of Tarshish
תַרְשִׁ֤ישׁ (ṯar·šîš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8659: Tarshish -- a son of Javan, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite

with all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

its villages
כְּפִרֶ֙יהָ֙ (kə·p̄i·re·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3715: A village, a young lion

will ask
יֹאמְר֣וּ (yō·mə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

you,
לְךָ֔ (lə·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

“Have you
אַתָּ֣ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

come
בָ֔א (ḇā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to capture
הֲלִשְׁלֹ֤ל (hă·liš·lōl)
Preposition | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7997: To drop, strip, to plunder

spoil?
שָׁלָל֙ (šā·lāl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty

Have you assembled
הִקְהַ֣לְתָּ (hiq·hal·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6950: To gather as an assembly or congregation

your hordes
קְהָלֶ֑ךָ (qə·hā·le·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6951: Assembly, convocation, congregation

to carry off plunder,
הֲלָבֹ֥ז (hă·lā·ḇōz)
Preposition | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 962: To spoil, plunder

to make off
לָשֵׂ֣את ׀ (lā·śêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

with silver
כֶּ֣סֶף (ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

and gold,
וְזָהָ֗ב (wə·zā·hāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

to take
לָקַ֙חַת֙ (lā·qa·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3947: To take

cattle
מִקְנֶ֣ה (miq·neh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4735: Something bought, property, livestock, acquisition

and goods,
וְקִנְיָ֔ן (wə·qin·yān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7075: Creation, creatures, acquisition, purchase, wealth

to seize
לִשְׁלֹ֖ל (liš·lōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7997: To drop, strip, to plunder

great
גָּדֽוֹל׃ (gā·ḏō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

spoil?”’
שָׁלָ֥ל (šā·lāl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7998: A prey, spoil, plunder, booty


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 38:13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 38:12
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