Ezekiel 39
Verse 1; “the chief prince of”, as in chapter 38, should be read “prince of Rosh.” The marginal note regarding verse 2 refers to uncertainty as to the meaning of the rare Hebrew word translated “and leave but the sixth part of thee.” It has been read “and lead thee” (N. T.).
Verse 4, compared with Revelation 19: 17 is suggestive of the much more numerous army to be brought against Palestine by Russia and its allies; the latter passage speaks of the western empire’s hosts which will then have been destroyed, that is, at the Lord’s appearing.
Verse 6 is a promise of an infliction of judgment upon Russia and the countries with which it will be allied, for “the isles” means distant lands, not necessarily islands (verses 9, 10). The weapons of warfare here named are little used in our times, but as God’s Word is true, there will be enough wood in war material left by the slaughtered hosts of the north to serve the children of Israel for fire wood for seven years.
Verse 11: The burial place of this vast army will be where many will see it,—the valley of the passersby to the east of the sea; but the translators erred in adding the “noses” of the passengers; it is rather their way that will be stopped. For seven months the bones of the dead will be in process of burial.
“Heathen” in verses 21 and 23 should be “nation”; all will know God who are spared when the Millennium begins. Israel will know Him in a nearer relationship than the nations (verse 22), and the latter will know that Israel’s troubles were afflictions from Him for their iniquity, because they were unfaithful to Him.
Verses 25-29 close the chapter and this section of the book with a bright picture of the coming day of blessing. As usual in Ezekiel, the whole of Israel’s twelve tribes is in view. The latter part of verse 26 should be read, “when they shall dwell safely in their land, and none shall make them afraid.” All of Israel will then be gathered in their own land; no more will the spectacle be seen of Jews in nearly every country of the world.
Never again will God turn away from His earthly people, for He will have poured out His Spirit upon the house of Israel (verse 29).
He never has hidden His face from the Christian, because the believer is now brought into the full value before God of the sacrifice of Christ. Blessed as Israel will be, the Christian’s blessing far exceeds.
ML 03/01/1936