Ezekiel 39:11
“On that day I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the Valley of the Travelers, east of the sea. It will block the travelers, for there Gog and all his multitude will be buried. It will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights a crucial detail: the name of the valley, "Valley of the Travelers," will be ironically re-purposed to "Valley of Hamon-gog" (Valley of Gog's Multitude). This emphasizes that the very path of passage and commerce will be choked and rendered impassable by the sheer scale of the divine judgment, transforming a route of life into a graveyard.
This passage describes the aftermath of a massive divine judgment against Gog and his invading armies. Following their utter destruction, God designates a specific valley in Israel as their burial ground. This valley, a known route for travelers east of a significant body of water (likely the Dead Sea or Sea of Galilee), will become so filled with the dead that it will impede passage and be renamed the "Valley of Hamon-gog" – the Valley of Gog's Multitude.
Gog invaded Israel seeking spoils and dominion, but God destined him for something far more permanent: a grave. This verse reveals a profound reversal of fortune.
The Ultimate Irony
When Gog and his vast army descend upon Israel, their intention is to plunder and conquer. They envision themselves as victors, claiming the land and its riches. But God's plan is different. He declares, “I will give to Gog a place there of graves in Israel.”
Instead of spoils, Gog finds a burial site. Instead of victory, he meets his end. The place meant for conquest becomes a tomb for his entire multitude. This highlights that human ambition, no matter how grand, is utterly subject to God's sovereign will and judgment.
This valley had a name reflecting its purpose – a place for people to pass through. But after Gog's defeat, its name and function drastically change. It becomes a stark monument to divine judgment.
From Thoroughfare to Tomb
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ezekiel 39:11 is available in the Sola app.
The "Valley of the Travelers" was likely a well-used route, perhaps for trade or passage. The name signifies movement, life, and connection. However, the sheer scale of Gog's defeat transforms this place.
The text says the multitude of the slain will "stop the travelers" and the valley will be called "the Valley of Hamon-gog" – the Valley of Gog's Multitude. This name change isn't just descriptive; it's prophetic.
This transformation shows how God can take places of ordinary life and make them sites of extraordinary divine action, forever altering their significance.
Understand the original words
Gog · Hebrew Proper Noun
A designation for the final apocalyptic enemy of God's people. It symbolizes the gathering of the nations against Israel and God's ultimate defeat of all evil powers.
Ezekiel's prophecy of the burial of Gog in the 'Valley of Passengers' paints a vivid picture of God's ultimate triumph over His enemies. The ancient context of exile and ongoing foreign oppression would have made this vision of divine vindication incredibly powerful for Ezekiel's audience, offering hope that even the most terrifying invasions would end in God's decisive judgment and the cleansing of His land.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire's Expansion
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire frequently invaded and conquered surrounding regions, including the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This era of dominance instilled a deep-seated fear of foreign invasion and destruction among the Israelites.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins his campaigns, leading to the first deportation of Judean captives, including members of the royal family and intellectuals like Daniel. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, destroy Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population. This event is a catastrophic turning point for the Jewish people, leading to profound theological reflection and prophecies of future restoration and divine judgment.
c. 540 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry During Exile
The prophet Ezekiel, himself an exile in Babylon, receives visions from God concerning the future of Israel, judgment on foreign nations, and the ultimate restoration of God's people and land. His prophecies often describe symbolic battles and divine interventions.
c. 160 BC
Maccabean Revolt Begins
The Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire (a successor state to Alexander the Great's empire) breaks out. This period of intense conflict and oppression highlights the Jewish people's ongoing struggle against foreign domination and their longing for divine deliverance.
Early 1st century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman control, a period marked by political tension, intermittent uprisings, and the presence of Roman legions. The ongoing reality of foreign military occupation fuels messianic expectations and prophecies of divine judgment on oppressors.
This passage describes a valley where God's people will flee and where judgment will fall, echoing the imagery of a divinely appointed place of destruction and burial found in Ezekiel 39.
Isaiah 34:3This prophecy speaks of God's judgment upon His enemies, where the slain will be cast out and their blood will stain the land, similar to the overwhelming destruction and subsequent burial described for Gog's army.
Revelation 19:17-18This New Testament passage describes a great supper for the birds and beasts, where the flesh of kings, captains, and armies will be eaten, highlighting the utter annihilation of enemy forces, a theme also present in the aftermath of Gog's defeat in Ezekiel.
Jeremiah 51:61-64This passage likens Babylon's fall to a great flood that will be completely overwhelmed and sunk, with its messages of destruction read and then cast into the Euphrates, illustrating a complete and final judgment that leaves no trace, similar to how Gog's army is entirely buried.
clarkeEzekiel 39:11: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog."
The valley of the passengers on the east of the sea - That is, of Gennesareth, according to the Targum. The valley near this lake or sea is called the Valley of the Passengers, becau…
barnesEzekiel 39:11: "And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of the sea: and it shall stop the noses of the passengers: and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude: and they shall call it The valley of Hamongog."
The prophet pictures to himself some imaginary valley (compare Zechariah 14:5 ) at the "east of the sea," the Dead Sea, a place frightful in its physical character, and admonitory of…
This verse highlights a crucial detail: the name of the valley, "Valley of the Travelers," will be ironically re-purposed to "Valley of Hamon-gog" (Valley of Gog's Multitude). This emphasizes that the very path of passage and commerce will be choked and rendered impassable by the sheer scale of the divine judgment, transforming a route of life into a graveyard.
This passage describes the aftermath of a massive divine judgment against Gog and his invading armies. Following their utter destruction, God designates a specific valley in Israel as their burial ground. This valley, a known route for travelers east of a significant body of water (likely the Dead Sea or Sea of Galilee), will become so filled with the dead that it will impede passage and be renamed the "Valley of Hamon-gog" – the Valley of Gog's Multitude.
This passage describes the aftermath of a massive divine judgment against Gog and his invading armies. Following their utter destruction, God designates a specific valley in Israel as their burial ground. This valley, a known route for travelers east of a significant body of water (likely the Dead Sea or Sea of Galilee), will become so filled with the dead that it will impede passage and be renamed the "Valley of Hamon-gog" – the Valley of Gog's Multitude.
"“On that day I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the Valley of the Travelers, east of the sea. It will block the travelers, for there Gog and all his multitude will be buried. It will be called the Valley of Hamon-gog." — This verse highlights a crucial detail: the name of the valley, "Valley of the Travelers," will be ironically re-purposed to "Valley of Hamon-gog" (Valley of Gog's Multitude). This emphasizes that th…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
