Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 39

Verses 1-29

Having thus described the order of events in the far distant future, the prophet proceeded to utter in greater detail his prophecy of the antagonism of God to those who thus would gather themselves against His anointed people. He first made it perfectly clear that the destruction of Cog would be by the direct act of Jehovah, and that in order that His holy name should be profaned no more the nations would know that He was the Holy One in Israel. This destruction, moreover, would be complete. The burial place of the last confederacy against Jehovah and Israel would be Israel itself. The judgment would be characterized by fearfulness and terror, as God would establish His rule, and set His glory forth by His last method of judgment, among the peoples who had not been persuaded in any other way.

The last word in the messages dealing with the one nation is a repetition of the promise that Jehovah would bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and be jealous for His holy name. In that day of restoration, dwelling securely in their land, they would still bear their shame, that is to say, repentance for past failure would be profound, even in the day of restoration. By that attitude of mind Jehovah would be sanctified among them in the sight of the nations, but they would have the infinite healing of His unveiled face, and the abiding energy of His outpoured Spirit.