And I will turn you about and drive you forward, and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While "leave but the sixth part of thee" sounds like a simple statement about reduction, some scholars suggest the original Hebrew might actually mean "I will lead you on" or "draw you along," transforming the verse from a mere headcount to God's active, guiding hand—even in destruction. This subtle shift reveals that even when judgment is coming, God is the one orchestrating the entire event.
And I will turn you about and drive you forward, and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of God's direct address to "Gog," a formidable leader of nations prophesied to assemble a massive army for a final invasion against God's people. Immediately following a description of Gog's impending destruction by divine intervention, God declares His active role in guiding this enemy, paradoxically ensuring that only a fraction will survive to be driven from the far north onto the mountains of Israel. This sets the stage for the detailed account of Gog's utter defeat and the subsequent purification of the land.
Ever feel like events are just happening randomly, out of your control? This verse shows a divine hand actively steering even the most terrifying forces.
This verse isn't just describing an enemy army moving; it's revealing God's sovereign power at work.
A Divine Puppeteer
The phrases "I will turn you about," "drive you forward," and "bring you up" aren't suggestions. They are direct divine actions. God is the one initiating, directing, and compelling this massive invasion force.
Purposeful Movement
This isn't a chaotic stampede. God uses the enemy's natural aggression and their origin in the 'uttermost parts of the north' as part of His plan. He's not reacting to their invasion; He's orchestrating it for His own purposes.
Imagine an unstoppable army... now imagine that by the time they reach their destination, only a fraction remain. What does this drastic reduction reveal?
The phrase about leaving only 'the sixth part' is a stark indicator of divine judgment and the enemy's ultimate futility.
A Devastating Blow
Scholars debate the exact meaning of the Hebrew word here, with some seeing it as the enemy being 'led on' or 'enticed astray.' However, the overwhelming context across different commentaries points to a severe reduction in their numbers. Whether through plagues, battle, or a combination, God ensures this massive force is critically weakened before they even reach their target.
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God's Power on Display
This isn't just about military defeat; it's about God demonstrating His power over earthly armies. The enemy is reduced from a formidable threat to a mere remnant, highlighting that their strength is nothing compared to God's might.
Why 'the uttermost parts of the north' and why 'the mountains of Israel'? This geographical movement isn't accidental; it's divinely appointed.
The specific direction and destination are crucial elements in understanding God's redemptive and judgment plan.
The Source of Chaos
Traditionally, the 'north' represented a source of powerful, often chaotic, invading forces against Israel. Bringing the enemy from these remote regions emphasizes the scale and threat of the invasion.
God's Sacred Ground
However, God directs this threat specifically against the mountains of Israel. This is highly symbolic. The mountains were central to Israel's identity, worship, and security. By drawing the enemy there, God is bringing the battle to the very heart of His people's land, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation and deliverance right where His covenant promises are rooted.
Understand the original words
tzafon · Hebrew Noun
The geographical region historically associated with the northern enemies of Israel. In prophetic literature, it symbolizes distant, hostile powers opposed to God's people.
Yisra'el · Hebrew Proper Noun
The promised land given by God to His covenant people. It is significant as the location of God's presence and the setting for His acts of judgment and restoration.
Ezekiel's prophecy in chapter 39 describes a future, massive invasion from the 'north' by a confederation of nations led by 'Gog.' This imagery draws on the historical context of Israel's long experience with powerful empires to the north, like Assyria and later Babylon, whose military might and invasions deeply scarred the nation.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Empire Dominates
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire exerts control over the Near East, including the region of Israel, impacting political alliances and religious practices.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon begins deporting Jewish elites and skilled workers to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile and the weakening of the Judean kingdom.
587/586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, leading to a massive dispersal of the Jewish population and deepening the crisis of faith and identity.
c. 593-571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry in Exile
Ezekiel, a priest, prophesies to the exiled Jews in Babylon, offering messages of judgment and future restoration, including visions of a powerful, divinely orchestrated conflict.
c. 540 BC
Rise of Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great begins his conquests, eventually leading to the fall of the Babylonian Empire and creating a new geopolitical landscape.
This passage describes a divine directive, similar to Ezekiel 39:2, where God commands a prophet to proclaim judgment originating from the north, highlighting a consistent theme of northern threats in prophetic literature.
Isaiah 14:13This verse speaks of aspiring to ascend to the highest heavens, mirroring the ambition of powerful, encroaching forces that God brings down, a concept echoed in Ezekiel's depiction of Gog's downfall.
Psalm 48:2This psalm celebrates Zion's beauty and security, contrasting with Ezekiel's vision of invaders coming against the mountains of Israel, emphasizing the sacredness of the land that God protects.
Zechariah 14:2This passage also foretells a massive invasion from the north against Jerusalem, creating a direct parallel with Ezekiel 39:2 in its depiction of divine judgment against invading forces descending upon Israel.
clarkeEzekiel 39:2: "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:"
And leave but the sixth part of thee - The margin has, strike thee with six plagues; or, draw thee back with a hook of six teeth.
wesleyEzekiel 39:2: "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:"
39:2 The sixth part - I will leave in thy country but one in six.
While "leave but the sixth part of thee" sounds like a simple statement about reduction, some scholars suggest the original Hebrew might actually mean "I will lead you on" or "draw you along," transforming the verse from a mere headcount to God's active, guiding hand—even in destruction. This subtle shift reveals that even when judgment is coming, God is the one orchestrating the entire event.
This verse is part of God's direct address to "Gog," a formidable leader of nations prophesied to assemble a massive army for a final invasion against God's people. Immediately following a description of Gog's impending destruction by divine intervention, God declares His active role in guiding this enemy, paradoxically ensuring that only a fraction will survive to be driven from the far north onto the mountains of Israel. This sets the stage for the detailed account of Gog's utter defeat and the subsequent purification of the land.
This verse is part of God's direct address to "Gog," a formidable leader of nations prophesied to assemble a massive army for a final invasion against God's people. Immediately following a description of Gog's impending destruction by divine intervention, God declares His active role in guiding this enemy, paradoxically ensuring that only a fraction will survive to be driven from the far north onto the mountains of Israel. This sets the stage for the detailed account of Gog's utter defeat and the subsequent purification of the land.
"And I will turn you about and drive you forward, and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel." — While "leave but the sixth part of thee" sounds like a simple statement about reduction, some scholars suggest the original Hebrew might actually mean "I will lead you on" or "draw you along," transf…
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Last reviewed October 2026