Ezekiel 39:13

Yea all the people of the land shall burie them, and it shall be to them a renowne the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord God. Ezekiel 39:13 (KJV)

Ezekiel 39 is a chapter in the book of Ezekiel that contains prophecies and visions given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. In this chapter Ezekiel prophesies against Gog, a symbolic figure representing an enemy of God’s people. Understanding the verse, Ezekiel 39:13 speaks about the aftermath of the battle with Gog and his armies: “And all the people of the land shall bury them, and it shall be to their renown on the day that I shall be glorified, saith the Lord GOD.” The burial of the defeated enemies’ bodies by the people of the land signifies a respectful treatment of the dead. The phrase “to their renown” indicates that this act will bring honor or recognition to the people when God is glorified through His victory over Gog’s forces.

God’s sovereignty and victory are central to this passage. The verse reminds us that God has authority over the nations and the power to deliver His people from their enemies. It assures believers that God will be glorified through the triumph of His purposes, and that His glory will be fully revealed on a future day when He establishes His dominion on earth. The command to bury the dead enemies underscores the importance of showing respect and dignity even toward adversaries, reflecting God’s own character.

The promise that this burial will become a renown on the day of God’s glorification points to an eschatological hope—a time when God’s kingdom will be fully manifested and righteousness will prevail. This hope should inspire believers to trust in God’s control, to treat all people with honor, and to live faithfully in anticipation of the day when God’s glory is fully displayed throughout the world. In conclusion, Ezekiel 39:13 teaches about God’s sovereign authority, the value of respectful treatment of the dead, and the confident expectation of God’s ultimate victory and glorification.