Ezekiel 39 9

Ezekiel 39:9 kjv

And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:

Ezekiel 39:9 nkjv

"Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bows and arrows, the javelins and spears; and they will make fires with them for seven years.

Ezekiel 39:9 niv

"?'Then those who live in the towns of Israel will go out and use the weapons for fuel and burn them up?the small and large shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel.

Ezekiel 39:9 esv

"Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and make fires of the weapons and burn them, shields and bucklers, bow and arrows, clubs and spears; and they will make fires of them for seven years,

Ezekiel 39:9 nlt

"Then the people in the towns of Israel will go out and pick up your small and large shields, bows and arrows, javelins and spears, and they will use them for fuel. There will be enough to last them seven years!

Ezekiel 39 verses

Ezekiel 39 9 Meaning

This verse describes the use of weapons left behind after a great battle described in Ezekiel 38-39. These weapons will be repurposed for a period of seven years, providing fuel for fires, meaning the destructive weaponry of the enemy will be transformed into a resource for the people.

Ezekiel 39 9 Context

Ezekiel chapter 39 details the final defeat of a massive confederation of nations led by Gog, from the land of Magog, who invade the land of Israel. This invasion is divinely orchestrated to bring about a great revelation of God's power and holiness to the nations. After their destruction, the chapter focuses on the aftermath: the purification of the land, the disposal of the enemy's dead, and the repurposing of their abandoned war materials. Verse 9 fits into this aftermath, emphasizing the thoroughness of the enemy's defeat and the subsequent utilization of what they left behind, turning implements of destruction into a source of provision for Israel. The historical context for Ezekiel's audience was a period of Babylonian exile, where hope for restoration and God's protective power was paramount.

Ezekiel 39 9 Word Analysis

• And (Hebrew: וְ – və)

  • A common conjunction used to link clauses, ideas, or sequential events.

• they (Hebrew: הֵמָּה – hemmah)

  • Refers to the people of Israel who will inhabit the land.

• shall inhabit (Hebrew: יָשְׁבוּ – yāshəḇû)

  • From the root ישב (yāshāḇ), meaning to sit, remain, settle, inhabit. Implies a settled, secure, and peaceful habitation in the land.

• the land (Hebrew: הָאָרֶץ – hā'āreṣ)

  • Refers specifically to the land of Israel, promised to Abraham and his descendants.

• in (Hebrew: בְּ – bə)

  • A preposition indicating location, presence, or means.

• it (Hebrew:־ָה – -āh suffix)

  • Suffix indicating "it" referring back to "the land."

• with (Hebrew: בְּ – bə)

  • Here, it denotes the manner or instrument.

• the wood (Hebrew: עֵצִים – ‘ēṣîm)

  • Plural of עֵץ (‘ēṣ), meaning tree, wood, timber, or specifically here, firewood. This indicates fuel for fires.

• of (Hebrew: שֶׁל – šeṯ)

  • Indicates possession or relation.

• the instruments (Hebrew: הַכְּלִים – hak-kəlîm)

  • Plural of כְּלִי (kəālî), meaning vessel, implement, tool, weapon. Refers to the military equipment.

• of (Hebrew: שֶׁל – šeṯ)

  • Indicates possession or relation.

• the war (Hebrew: הַמִּלְחָמָה – ham-milḥāmāh)

  • From the root חמה (ḥamah), meaning war, battle, fighting. Refers to the instruments used in the battle.

• Seven (Hebrew: שֶׁבַע – šeḇa‘)

  • A significant number in the Bible, often representing completeness or a period of time.

• years (Hebrew: שָׁנִים – šānîm)

  • Years, indicating the duration of this repurposed use.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "they shall inhabit the land in it with the wood of the instruments of the war" (Hebrew: הֵמָּה יָשְׁבוּ אֶת־הָאָרֶץ בָּהּ בְּעֲצֵי הַכְּלִי הַמִּלְחָמָה)
    • This phrase emphasizes a future state of peace and abundance for Israel, where the very instruments of past destruction become fuel for life. The use of "in it" refers back to the land, reinforcing the idea that this is happening within their territory.

Ezekiel 39 9 Bonus Section

The detailed duration of seven years for utilizing the spoils as fuel emphasizes the completeness of the enemy's defeat and the overwhelming abundance of their discarded weaponry. This imagery resonates with the concept of making "something good out of something bad," a spiritual principle seen throughout Scripture. The act of burning these weapons for fuel also points to a ritualistic cleansing and transformation, similar to how leftover materials from the Tabernacle service were utilized. The enemies' efforts, designed for Israel's annihilation, ultimately serve to sustain and purify them. This highlights a recurring biblical motif where God turns curses into blessings and defeats His enemies' plans by working them for the good of His people.

Ezekiel 39 9 Commentary

This verse illustrates a profound shift from destruction to provision, a theme of God's redemptive work. The enemies’ massive stockpile of weapons, gathered for invasion and destruction, will be rendered useless to them but incredibly useful to God's people. This repurposing signifies complete victory, where the spoils of war become instruments of daily life and purification. The duration of seven years highlights a substantial period, allowing for the thorough cleansing and resettlement of the land. This transformation from implements of death to fuel for life is a powerful symbol of God’s ultimate plan to bring peace and restoration after judgment. It also underscores God's sovereign control over all events and materials, even those intended for evil.