Ezekiel 39:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God invites birds and beasts to a feast on the mountains of Israel, consuming Gog's defeated forces.
The Context of Ezekiel 39:17
God invites birds and beasts to feast on Gog's defeated army.
What Does Ezekiel 39:17 Mean?
This shocking image shifts from burial to a feast. God speaks of Gog's army as a 'sacrifice'—not a sacred offering to Him, but meat provided for scavengers. The inversion of normal imagery is stark: the mighty army becomes food. Birds and beasts are summoned as God's guests to this table on Israel's mountains.
The language echoes ancient sacrificial meals but transforms the meaning. Rather than priests eating sacrificial meat in worship, animals eat the flesh of the defeated invader. Mountains become an altar where God's justice is visible. This grotesque feast emphasizes both the magnitude of defeat and the reversal of fortunes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 39:17
What does Ezekiel 39:17 mean?
God invites birds and beasts to a feast on the mountains of Israel, consuming Gog's defeated forces.
What is the context of Ezekiel 39:17?
God invites birds and beasts to feast on Gog's defeated army.