And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:

EZEKIEL 39:2KJV
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Ezekiel 39:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 39:2 mean?

Ezekiel 39:2 describes God’s intention to turn back and drastically reduce the invading army, leading only a small portion of them from the far north to the mountains of Israel. The verse emphasizes that God is in control of these events, guiding the enemy’s movements for a specific purpose.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel about Gog, a leader symbolizing a hostile nation or coalition coming against Israel. The setting is a prophetic vision where God declares He will intervene, limiting the enemy’s numbers and directing their path. This sets the stage for God’s judgment and demonstrates His authority over nations.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 39:2

  • "back" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means "to turn back" or "to return." Here, it suggests that God is actively reversing the direction or plans of Gog, not just allowing events to unfold naturally.
  • "part" (שִׁשִּׁית, shishit): This word refers to "a sixth part." The verse is often understood as saying only one-sixth of the invading force will be spared, highlighting the scale of the defeat.
  • "north" (צָפוֹן, tsafon) and "parts" (יַרְכָּה, yarkah): Together, these words emphasize that the enemy comes from the farthest reaches of the north, underlining the foreignness and distance of the threat.

Why Ezekiel 39:2 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the defeat of Gog’s army is not accidental but a deliberate act of God, showing His sovereignty over even hostile nations.
  • By specifying that only a sixth part is left, the verse highlights the overwhelming nature of God’s intervention and the scale of the coming judgment.
  • This verse connects to the broader message in Ezekiel 38–39, where God’s purpose is to defend Israel and make His power known to all nations.

Where else these words appear

“parts” Hebrew H3411 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • 1 Samuel 24:3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.
  • Jeremiah 25:32 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.