Ezekiel 39:19

At the sacrifice I am preparing, you will eat fat until you are gorged and drink blood until you are drunk.

Study Bible

At the sacrifice I am preparing
This phrase refers to a divine act orchestrated by God, symbolizing His judgment and victory over the enemies of Israel. The context is a prophetic vision where God prepares a sacrificial feast, not for worship, but as a metaphor for the destruction of Israel's foes. This imagery is reminiscent of ancient Near Eastern practices where sacrifices were common, but here it is inverted to depict God's triumph. The preparation indicates God's sovereignty and control over the events, aligning with His covenant promises to protect and restore Israel.

you will eat fat until you are gorged
In ancient Israelite culture, fat was considered the best part of the animal, often reserved for God in sacrifices (Leviticus 3:16). Here, the consumption of fat until being gorged symbolizes abundance and the complete defeat of the enemy. It reflects the totality of God's judgment, where nothing is left undone. This imagery also connects to the eschatological banquet described in Isaiah 25:6, where God provides a feast for all peoples, symbolizing salvation and victory.

and drink blood until you are drunk
Drinking blood is forbidden in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 17:10-14), making this imagery particularly striking. It underscores the severity and completeness of God's judgment against the nations opposing Israel. The act of drinking blood until drunk signifies overwhelming victory and the utter destruction of the enemies. This phrase also echoes the apocalyptic imagery found in Revelation 19:17-18, where a similar feast is prepared for the birds to consume the flesh of kings and mighty men, symbolizing the final defeat of evil.

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. Gog and Magog
Symbolic of the enemies of God's people. In Ezekiel 38-39, they represent a coalition of nations that will come against Israel in the end times.

3. The Feast
A symbolic event prepared by God, representing His judgment upon the enemies of Israel. It is depicted as a sacrificial meal where the enemies are consumed.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often representing His people. In this context, they are the beneficiaries of God's deliverance and judgment upon their enemies.

5. The Land of Israel
The geographical and spiritual center of God's covenant with His people, often the stage for prophetic events.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control of history and will ultimately judge the nations. This passage reminds us of His power and authority over all creation.

The Reality of Divine Justice
The vivid imagery of the feast underscores the certainty of God's justice. Believers can trust that God will right all wrongs in His perfect timing.

The Assurance of Deliverance
For God's people, the judgment of their enemies is a source of hope and assurance. It reminds us that God will deliver His people from oppression.

The Call to Repentance
The graphic nature of the judgment serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's mercy. It is a call to repentance and faithfulness.

The Ultimate Victory of God
The defeat of Gog and Magog points to the ultimate victory of God over evil. Believers are encouraged to live in light of this future hope.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the feast in Ezekiel 39:19 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Gog and Magog encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty over world events?

3. How can the assurance of God's deliverance from enemies impact your daily walk with Him?

4. What parallels can you draw between the feast in Ezekiel 39 and the "great supper of God" in Revelation 19, and how do these passages inform your view of end times?

5. How does the call to repentance in light of divine judgment influence your approach to sharing the Gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 19
This chapter describes a similar feast, the "great supper of God," where the enemies of God are defeated, drawing a parallel to the feast in Ezekiel 39.

Isaiah 34
This passage also speaks of a divine judgment where the land is filled with the blood of God's enemies, echoing the imagery in Ezekiel 39.

Psalm 23
The imagery of a prepared table in the presence of enemies can be seen as a contrast, where God provides for His people amidst adversaries.