Ezekiel 39:13

All the people of the land will bury them, and it will bring them renown on the day I display My glory, declares the Lord GOD.

Study Bible

All the people of the land will bury them
This phrase indicates a collective effort by the inhabitants of Israel to bury the fallen invaders. The act of burial is significant in Jewish culture, emphasizing respect for the dead and the importance of ritual purity. The communal involvement suggests a national unity and shared responsibility. Historically, this reflects the aftermath of a significant battle, where the entire community participates in the cleanup and restoration process. This also fulfills the prophecy of cleansing the land from defilement, as unburied bodies were considered a source of impurity.

and it will bring them renown
The act of burying the dead will bring honor and fame to the people of Israel. This renown is not just for their victory but for their obedience to God's commands and their role in His divine plan. The burial signifies a moral and spiritual victory, showcasing Israel as a nation that upholds God's laws. This renown can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to make Israel a light to the nations, as their actions reflect God's justice and mercy.

on the day I display My glory
This phrase points to a specific time when God will reveal His power and majesty. The display of God's glory often involves miraculous events or divine intervention, as seen in other biblical accounts such as the Exodus. This event will serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and His protection over Israel. It also foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's glory in the eschatological future, where His kingdom will be fully established.

declares the Lord GOD
The declaration by the Lord GOD emphasizes the certainty and authority of the prophecy. It assures the fulfillment of the events described, as they are spoken by the sovereign Creator. This phrase underscores the divine origin of the message, reinforcing the trustworthiness of God's word. It also connects to other prophetic declarations throughout Scripture, where God asserts His plans and purposes for His people and the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The People of the Land
Refers to the Israelites who are tasked with burying the fallen enemies. This act signifies the cleansing of the land and the restoration of Israel.

2. The Day of God's Glory
A prophetic event where God demonstrates His power and sovereignty, marking a significant moment in Israel's history.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign deity of Israel, Yahweh, who declares His intentions and orchestrates the events described in the prophecy.

4. The Fallen Enemies
The armies that come against Israel and are defeated by God's intervention, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God's people.

5. The Land of Israel
The geographical and spiritual center of the prophecy, representing God's covenant promise to His people.

Teaching Points

The Sovereignty of God
God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes are evident. Believers can trust in His ultimate plan and timing.

The Importance of Cleansing
The act of burying the dead signifies purification. In our lives, we must actively seek to remove sin and anything that defiles our spiritual walk.

Memorable Days of God's Glory
Just as Israel had a day to remember God's glory, we should mark and celebrate moments when God has shown His power and faithfulness in our lives.

Community Responsibility
The collective action of the people in burying the dead highlights the importance of community in fulfilling God's commands. We are called to work together in the body of Christ.

Hope in God's Promises
The prophecy assures us of God's faithfulness to His promises. We can have hope and confidence in the future He has planned for us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the act of burying the dead in Ezekiel 39:13 symbolize spiritual cleansing, and how can we apply this concept to our personal lives?

2. In what ways does the prophecy in Ezekiel 39:13 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our trust in Him during difficult times?

3. Reflect on a "memorable day" in your life when you experienced God's glory. How can you use that experience to encourage others in their faith journey?

4. How does the communal effort described in Ezekiel 39:13 inspire us to engage in collective action within our church or community?

5. Compare the events in Ezekiel 39 with the battle described in Revelation 20. What similarities do you see, and what do they teach us about God's ultimate victory over evil?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 38
Provides context for the battle against Gog and the subsequent victory that leads to the events of chapter 39.

Revelation 20
Describes a similar end-times battle where God defeats the forces of evil, drawing a parallel to the events in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 66:18-21
Speaks of God's glory being revealed to all nations, similar to the display of glory in Ezekiel 39:13.

Zechariah 14:9
Prophesies the Lord's reign over all the earth, echoing the theme of God's ultimate sovereignty.