Ezekiel 39:18

You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls--all the fattened animals of Bashan.

Study Bible

You will eat the flesh of the mighty
This phrase is part of a prophetic vision where God speaks of a great sacrificial feast prepared for the birds and beasts, symbolizing the defeat of Israel's enemies. The "mighty" refers to powerful warriors and leaders who oppose God's people. This imagery is reminiscent of ancient Near Eastern practices where victors would often leave the bodies of the defeated unburied, a sign of utter defeat and disgrace. It also echoes the language of divine judgment found in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah 34:6, where the Lord's sword is filled with blood and fat from a great slaughter.

and drink the blood of the princes of the earth
The "princes of the earth" signifies the high-ranking officials and rulers who are part of the opposition against God. Drinking blood, in this context, is a metaphor for complete victory and the total consumption of the enemy's power and influence. This imagery is stark and serves to emphasize the totality of God's judgment. It also connects to the covenantal language found in Genesis 9:4, where blood is associated with life, highlighting the severity of the judgment.

as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls
These animals were commonly used in sacrificial offerings in the Old Testament, particularly in the Levitical system (Leviticus 1-7). The comparison suggests that the enemies of God will be offered up as sacrifices, indicating their complete destruction and the vindication of God's holiness. This sacrificial language underscores the idea that the judgment is not just a military victory but a divine act of worship and justice.

all the fattened animals of Bashan
Bashan was a region known for its fertile land and well-fed livestock (Deuteronomy 32:14). The reference to "fattened animals" implies abundance and richness, suggesting that the judgment will be thorough and complete. Bashan's reputation for strong and healthy animals serves as a metaphor for the strength and prosperity of the enemies, which will be utterly consumed. This imagery also connects to Psalm 22:12, where the "strong bulls of Bashan" surround the psalmist, symbolizing powerful adversaries.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Mighty Men and Princes
Symbolic of powerful leaders and warriors who oppose God. Their defeat signifies God's ultimate victory over earthly powers.

3. Rams, Lambs, Goats, Bulls
These animals represent sacrificial offerings, indicating the totality of the judgment and the completeness of God's victory.

4. Bashan
A region known for its fertile land and well-fed livestock, symbolizing abundance and strength. The reference underscores the magnitude of the judgment.

5. The Great Supper of God
An eschatological event where God demonstrates His sovereignty by defeating His enemies, as depicted in the prophetic vision.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The passage emphasizes God's ultimate control over all earthly powers, reminding believers of His supreme authority.

The Certainty of Divine Judgment
Just as the animals from Bashan are fattened for sacrifice, so too are the wicked prepared for judgment. This serves as a warning to live righteously.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The imagery of sacrificial animals points to the completeness of God's judgment and the fulfillment of His justice.

Hope in God's Victory
Believers can find hope in the assurance that God will triumph over evil, bringing about His righteous kingdom.

Call to Repentance
The impending judgment serves as a call for repentance and turning back to God, aligning one's life with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of "mighty men" and "princes" in Ezekiel 39:18 relate to the concept of earthly power versus divine authority?

2. In what ways does the reference to animals from Bashan enhance our understanding of the completeness of God's judgment?

3. How can the themes of judgment and victory in Ezekiel 39:18 encourage believers facing opposition today?

4. What parallels can be drawn between Ezekiel 39:18 and the depiction of divine judgment in Revelation 19?

5. How does the certainty of God's judgment in this passage motivate us to live lives of holiness and repentance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 19
This chapter describes a similar "supper of God," where birds are invited to feast on the flesh of kings and mighty men, symbolizing God's final judgment.

Isaiah 34
This passage also speaks of a divine feast involving the judgment of nations, highlighting the theme of God's retribution against His enemies.

Psalm 22
The imagery of bulls and strong animals is used to describe adversaries, drawing a parallel to the opposition faced by the righteous.