Ezekiel 39:2
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)
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The phrase "leave but the sixth part of thee" is actually a mistranslation based on a misunderstood Hebrew word. The original language suggests God is not reducing their numbers yet, but rather "turning you about and leading you on," drawing them into a trap.
This verse immediately follows God's pronouncement against Gog, the leader of an immense northern confederacy, who will be stirred up to invade the land of Israel. God declares His intention to manipulate this enemy, not only diminishing his forces significantly but also drawing him out from the farthest reaches of the north. This divine redirection ultimately sets the stage for Gog's final confrontation and destruction upon the very mountains of Israel.
God doesn't just react to evil; He actively orchestrates it for His own purposes. How does that work?
The verse uses powerful imagery of God 'turning' and 'driving' an enemy forward. This isn't about divine indecisiveness, but about God's sovereign control. Even the wicked actions of enemies are brought under His command.
From the North
The phrase 'uttermost parts of the north' points to a distant, formidable enemy. But notice the word choice: God is the one causing them to come up from there. It's as if He's reeling in a giant fish with a hook, or leading a reluctant army with unseen forces.
Against Their Will
This divine manipulation is meant to bring judgment. The enemies are being compelled into a position where God can finally deal with them decisively on the mountains of Israel – the very place they sought to conquer.
The enemy army faces a devastating reduction, leaving only a fraction. What does this 'sixth part' signify?
The phrase 'leave but the sixth part of thee' is fascinating and has been debated. While some ancient translations and commentators explored ideas of plagues or hooks with six teeth, the core meaning points to a drastic reduction of the enemy forces.
A Striking Defeat
Whatever the precise linguistic nuance, the outcome is clear: God intends to shatter the might of this invading army. The immense force that marches north will be reduced to a mere fraction of its original size by the time it reaches Israel.
God's Sovereign Pruning
This isn't random chance. It's a deliberate act by God to demonstrate His power and to ensure His people's ultimate victory. The devastating loss ensures that the focus remains on God's intervention, not on the enemy's strength.
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 addresses a people who have experienced the devastation of exile. The vivid imagery of a massive northern invasion and utter defeat speaks to their deepest fears and their longing for God's ultimate triumph and restoration of Israel.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Conquest of Northern Israel
The powerful Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people and leading many into exile. This event would have been a stark reminder of God's judgment against His people when they strayed.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation of Judah
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and many of Judah's elite to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile for the Southern Kingdom.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling the remaining population of Judah to Babylon. This is the lowest point in Israel's history, leaving them without a land or their central place of worship.
c. 593-571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Ministry in Exile
Ezekiel, a priest, prophesies to the exiles in Babylon, offering both judgment and hope for future restoration. The book of Ezekiel provides the direct context for the prophecies concerning Gog and Magog.
This passage also speaks of evil being stirred up and coming from the north, paralleling the direction from which the enemy advances in Ezekiel.
Isaiah 14:13This prophecy describes a similar ambition for ascent and dominance from the north, revealing a pattern of prideful nations seeking power against God's people.
Revelation 20:8This New Testament passage echoes the theme of a vast, formidable enemy gathering from all corners of the earth, ultimately facing divine judgment, similar to Gog's fate.
Psalm 48:2This psalm speaks of the majestic beauty and security of Mount Zion, which is the very place God brings the enemy against, highlighting the sacred ground they will invade.
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.
The phrase "leave but the sixth part of thee" is actually a mistranslation based on a misunderstood Hebrew word. The original language suggests God is not reducing their numbers yet, but rather "turning you about and leading you on," drawing them into a trap.
This verse immediately follows God's pronouncement against Gog, the leader of an immense northern confederacy, who will be stirred up to invade the land of Israel. God declares His intention to manipulate this enemy, not only diminishing his forces significantly but also drawing him out from the farthest reaches of the north. This divine redirection ultimately sets the stage for Gog's final confrontation and destruction upon the very mountains of Israel.
This verse immediately follows God's pronouncement against Gog, the leader of an immense northern confederacy, who will be stirred up to invade the land of Israel. God declares His intention to manipulate this enemy, not only diminishing his forces significantly but also drawing him out from the farthest reaches of the north. This divine redirection ultimately sets the stage for Gog's final confrontation and destruction upon the very mountains of Israel.
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c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers the Babylonian Empire. This event paves the way for the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus Allowing Return
Cyrus issues a decree allowing the Jewish people to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This begins the era of post-exilic restoration.
"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." — The phrase "leave but the sixth part of thee" is actually a mistranslation based on a misunderstood Hebrew word. The original language suggests God is not reducing their numbers yet, but rather "tu…
