It's easy to overlook that these nations aren't just asking a question; their inquiry is a proposition, an agreement to join forces with Gog. They aren't simply curious about his motives, but are signaling their own desire to profit from the invasion, expecting a share in the plunder. Their focus on specific riches like "silver and gold" and "livestock and goods" reveals a purely mercenary motive, ready to capitalize on destruction.
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize great spoil?’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Gog has just been described as a mighty leader from the far north, gathering a vast army from many nations for a future invasion. Now, diverse peoples from the south (Sheba and Dedan) and the west (Tarshish merchants) express their interest, not in fighting Gog, but in the potential spoils of his conquest. Their question reveals a worldly focus on profit, eager to see if they can profit from the plunder Gog intends to seize from God's people.
When God's people face a threat, who shows up? This verse reveals a disturbing truth about the motivations of many who observe and engage.
Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish are not depicted as allies fighting alongside Gog out of loyalty. Instead, their question, “Have you come to seize spoil?” reveals their true interest: personal gain.
A World Focused on Profit
Their inquiry isn't about God's people or the justice of Gog's cause. It's a business negotiation: 'Can we get in on the spoils?' They are opportunists, drawn by the prospect of taking what doesn't belong to them, highlighting a global appetite for the possessions of God's people.
The way these nations ask their question is significant. It’s not a casual inquiry but a calculated one, revealing the precise nature of their selfish ambition.
Ask a follow-up
The repeated questions in Ezekiel 38:13 aren't just rhetorical; they function as a form of negotiation and agreement. These groups want to ensure they get their share of the loot.
Defining the Terms of Plunder
This isn't about supporting Gog's invasion; it's about capitalizing on it. They are essentially saying, 'If we join you, or even just watch, what can we get out of this?' Their precise language underscores their focus on tangible wealth and their willingness to align themselves with any force that promises personal enrichment.
Understand the original words
tsaba' · Hebrew Noun
Refers to a large, organized military force or, in a spiritual sense, the angelic armies of heaven. Here, it denotes the gathered nations orchestrated for the purpose of battle.
The nations mentioned in this verse – Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish – represent ancient trade centers and peoples from Arabia and the Mediterranean. Their inquiry about seizing spoil highlights the global, commercialized aspect of opposition to God's people, even in the face of a divine intervention.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling many of its people. This event marks a significant shift in regional power and leaves the southern Kingdom of Judah vulnerable.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, capturing many cities. Jerusalem is besieged but ultimately spared, though Judah is forced into heavy tribute.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, conquers Judah and begins deporting elite citizens, including young Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population. This is a catastrophic event for the Jewish people.
c. 550-539 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great and Persia
Cyrus the Great unites the Persian tribes and begins expanding his empire, eventually conquering Babylon.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great captures Babylon, allowing for the return of exiled peoples to their homelands, including the Jews.
c. 540-530 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry and Prophecy
Ezekiel, a priest exiled in Babylon, receives visions and prophecies concerning Israel's sin, judgment, and future restoration. Chapters 38-39 describe a future invasion by Gog from the land of Magog.
This passage also highlights Tarshish as a significant trading power, emphasizing the consistent theme of commercial nations drawn to wealth and spoil, even in prophetic contexts.
Proverbs 28:20This verse speaks of the destructive desire for quick riches, mirroring the greedy motivations of Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish who are enticed by the prospect of plunder.
Matthew 6:24This New Testament passage warns against serving two masters, God and money, directly addressing the worldly focus of these nations who are more concerned with material gain than righteousness.
2 Peter 2:14This verse describes those who are 'experts in greed,' showing how the allure of ill-gotten gain can corrupt individuals and nations throughout biblical history.
clarkeEzekiel 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?"
Sheba, and Dedan - The Arabians, anciently great plunderers; and Tarshish, the inhabitants of the famous isle of Tartessus, the most noted merchants of the time. They are here represented as coming to Antiochus befo…
jfbEzekiel 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?"
- Sheba, &c.—These mercantile peoples, though not taking an active part against the cause of God, are well pleased to see others do it. Worldliness makes them ready to deal in the ill-gotten spoil of the invaders…
It's easy to overlook that these nations aren't just asking a question; their inquiry is a proposition, an agreement to join forces with Gog. They aren't simply curious about his motives, but are signaling their own desire to profit from the invasion, expecting a share in the plunder. Their focus on specific riches like "silver and gold" and "livestock and goods" reveals a purely mercenary motive, ready to capitalize on destruction.
Gog has just been described as a mighty leader from the far north, gathering a vast army from many nations for a future invasion. Now, diverse peoples from the south (Sheba and Dedan) and the west (Tarshish merchants) express their interest, not in fighting Gog, but in the potential spoils of his conquest. Their question reveals a worldly focus on profit, eager to see if they can profit from the plunder Gog intends to seize from God's people.
Gog has just been described as a mighty leader from the far north, gathering a vast army from many nations for a future invasion. Now, diverse peoples from the south (Sheba and Dedan) and the west (Tarshish merchants) express their interest, not in fighting Gog, but in the potential spoils of his conquest. Their question reveals a worldly focus on profit, eager to see if they can profit from the plunder Gog intends to seize from God's people.
"Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all its leaders will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil? Have you assembled your hosts to carry off plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to seize…" — It's easy to overlook that these nations aren't just asking a question; their inquiry is a proposition, an agreement to join forces with Gog. They aren't simply curious about his motives, but are sig…
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Last reviewed October 2026
