Ezekiel 38:13

Sheba, and Dedan, and the marchants of Tarshish, with all the young lyons thereof, shall say vnto thee, Art thou come to take a spoile? hast thou gathered thy company to take a praye? to carie away siluer and gold, to take away cattell and goods, to take a great spoile? Ezekiel 38:13 (KJV)

Sheba (biblical Saba) is identified with the ancient kingdom centered in modern‑day Yemen, particularly the region of Marib. Historical and archaeological evidence, including inscriptions from Marib, as well as biblical references such as 1 Kings 10:1‑13 and Isaiah 60:6, support this identification. 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.

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.

The verse therefore portrays a scenario in which these nations and entities ask: “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?” Their questions reveal suspicion and a demand for clarification of the invaders’ motives.

Overall, Ezekiel 38:13 highlights the collective concern of various peoples toward the impending invasion, setting the stage for the larger conflict described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, where the ultimate outcome rests in the hand of God.