Ezekiel 39:17

And as for you, son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: Call out to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field: 'Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great feast on the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood.

Study Bible

And as for you, son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says:
The phrase "son of man" is a title frequently used for Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It underscores the divine authority of the message, as it is directly from the Lord GOD, highlighting the seriousness and divine origin of the prophecy.

Call out to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field:
This imagery of summoning birds and beasts is symbolic of a divine judgment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, birds and beasts consuming the dead was a sign of disgrace and defeat. This reflects the totality of God's judgment against the enemies of Israel, as seen in similar prophetic imagery in Revelation 19:17-18.

‘Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you:
The "sacrificial feast" is a metaphor for the destruction of Israel's enemies. In biblical times, sacrifices were central to worship, and this imagery conveys the idea of God's enemies being offered up as a sacrifice. This echoes the concept of divine retribution and justice, where the enemies of God are defeated and consumed.

a great feast on the mountains of Israel:
The "mountains of Israel" are significant as they represent the land promised to God's people. Historically, these mountains have been the site of many significant biblical events. The location underscores the fulfillment of God's promises and the restoration of Israel, as the enemies are defeated on the very land God has given to His people.

There you will eat flesh and drink blood:
This phrase is a vivid depiction of the aftermath of divine judgment. Eating flesh and drinking blood is a graphic representation of the total defeat and humiliation of God's enemies. It also serves as a stark contrast to the covenant meal shared by God's people, highlighting the fate of those who oppose God. This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where the ultimate victory over evil is achieved through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
The prophet through whom God delivers His messages. Known as the "son of man," Ezekiel is called to speak God's words to the people of Israel.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign deity, Yahweh, who commands Ezekiel to deliver His message. He is the ultimate authority and orchestrator of the events described.

3. Birds and Wild Animals
Symbolic participants in the divine judgment. They are called to partake in the "sacrifice," representing the aftermath of God's judgment on His enemies.

4. Mountains of Israel
The geographical setting for the prophetic vision. It signifies the place where God's judgment and subsequent restoration will occur.

5. The Sacrifice
Represents God's judgment against the nations that oppose Him. It is depicted as a feast for the birds and animals, symbolizing the totality of God's victory.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's control over all creation is evident as He calls the birds and animals to partake in His judgment. This reminds us of His ultimate authority over life and death.

The Certainty of Divine Justice
The vivid imagery of a sacrificial feast underscores the certainty and completeness of God's justice. Believers can trust that God will ultimately right all wrongs.

The Call to Repentance
The passage serves as a warning to turn away from sin and align with God's will. It encourages self-examination and repentance in light of God's impending judgment.

Hope in Restoration
While the passage focuses on judgment, it is part of a larger account that includes the restoration of Israel. Believers can find hope in God's promise to restore and renew.

The Role of Prophetic Imagery
Understanding the symbolic language used by prophets like Ezekiel helps us grasp the spiritual truths conveyed. It challenges us to seek deeper insights into God's word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a sacrificial feast in Ezekiel 39:17 help us understand the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways does the call to the birds and wild animals reflect God's sovereignty over creation?

3. How can the themes of judgment and restoration in Ezekiel 39:17 encourage believers in their faith journey?

4. What parallels can you draw between Ezekiel 39:17 and the imagery used in Revelation 19:17-18? How do these passages complement each other?

5. How does the message of repentance and divine justice in Ezekiel 39:17 apply to contemporary Christian living?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 19:17-18
This passage echoes the imagery of a great feast for birds, symbolizing God's final judgment and victory over His enemies.

Isaiah 34:6
Similar imagery of a sacrificial feast, highlighting God's judgment against the nations and His sovereignty over all creation.

Jeremiah 7:33
Describes the aftermath of judgment where the dead bodies become food for birds and beasts, emphasizing the completeness of God's judgment.