Ezekiel 39:11

The people needed to collect the plunder and bury the bodies of the dead soldiers. If left unburied, these corpses would defile the holy land, as touching a corpse made a person ritually unclean. There were so many bodies that they required a large graveyard, big enough to fill an entire valley, which would become known as the Valley of Hamon-gog.

• In Ezekiel 37, the nation is reunited and lives in peace in its own land. In Ezekiel 38–39, this peaceful picture changes. A new danger appears. These chapters describe the attack, defeat, and removal of the final enemy, called Gog.

  Many readers have tried to identify Gog. Some have connected him with Gyges, king of Lydia, who ruled about 680 to 644 BC. However, the Gog described in the Bible goes beyond any one historical ruler. The text focuses less on who Gog is and more on the worldwide threat from the nations.

  Even this powerful enemy would not truly threaten God’s restored people. God was now living among them. Because of his presence, they were secure.

  These chapters use strong symbols. They are similar to psalms that speak about Zion’s safety (see, for example, Psalms 2, 46). The message is clear. If even a terrible enemy like Gog cannot defeat God’s people, then nothing in all creation can separate them from God’s protection.

• Ezekiel’s description of Gog also includes features of apocalyptic literature (a style of writing that uses symbols and dramatic images to describe God’s final victory over evil; see “Apocalyptic Literature” Theme Note).