Ezekiel 38:13

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Ezekiel 38:13 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a prophecy about a future invasion of Israel by a coalition led by Gog. Several trading nations respond to the invading force with pointed questions. Sheba (biblical Saba) is identified with the ancient kingdom centered in modern-day Yemen, particularly the region of Marib. Dedan was an oasis settlement in north-western Arabia, in the area now known as Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia. In this context both Sheba and Dedan represent nations or regions that are curious about, and perhaps wary of, the invaders’ purpose.

Tarshish is generally thought to refer to a distant seaport, possibly located in modern-day Spain. The merchants of Tarshish were renowned for long-distance maritime trade and are frequently mentioned in connection with wealth and commerce. Here they stand for a group of wealthy traders who echo the same questioning attitude toward the invading army.

Meaning

The phrase “young lions” is understood by biblical scholars to be a metaphor for the young warriors or military forces associated with Tarshish, not a separate nation. These “young lions” join the merchants in asking whether the invaders have come merely to plunder. Their questions reveal suspicion and a demand for clarification of the invaders’ motives.

Biblical connections

The rhetorical questions expose the invaders’ true intentions: they are not coming for any righteous purpose but to loot and plunder. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God sees the hearts of nations and will judge those who act with greed and violence. Even nations not directly involved in the conflict recognize the unjust nature of the invasion, which sets the stage for God’s subsequent judgment against Gog.

Application

For the Christian reader, this verse serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over the affairs of nations and that He will ultimately judge all acts of unjust aggression. It also warns against the love of material wealth and the temptation to exploit others for personal gain. The passage encourages believers to trust in God’s justice rather than taking matters into their own hands, and to live with integrity, avoiding the greed that characterizes the enemies of God’s people.