Ezekiel 39:17

And as for you, son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: Call out to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field: 'Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great feast on the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood.

Study Bible

And as for you, son of man
The phrase "son of man" is a title used frequently in the book of Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of mankind. In Hebrew, "ben adam" underscores the contrast between the divine and the human, reminding Ezekiel of his position as a servant of God, tasked with delivering God's messages to Israel. This title also foreshadows the use of "Son of Man" in the New Testament, where it is a title for Jesus, highlighting His role as the representative and redeemer of humanity.

this is what the Lord GOD says
The phrase underscores the authority and sovereignty of God. "Lord GOD" in Hebrew is "Adonai Yahweh," a combination that emphasizes both God's lordship and His covenantal relationship with Israel. This introduction to the divine message serves as a reminder that the words following are not Ezekiel's own, but those of the Almighty, carrying divine authority and certainty.

Speak to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field
This command to address the birds and beasts is symbolic, representing the universality of God's judgment and the completeness of His victory. In the ancient Near Eastern context, animals were often seen as participants in divine feasts, symbolizing the aftermath of a great battle. The imagery here is vivid, portraying the totality of God's triumph over His enemies, where even the creatures of the earth are called to witness and partake in the results of divine justice.

Assemble and come, gather from all around
The call to "assemble and come" is a divine summons, indicating the gathering of forces or entities for a significant event. In the context of Ezekiel, this gathering is for a sacrificial feast, symbolizing the defeat of God's enemies. The phrase suggests a sense of urgency and inevitability, as all creation is drawn to witness the fulfillment of God's purposes.

to the sacrificial feast I am preparing for you
The "sacrificial feast" is a metaphor for the judgment and destruction of the enemies of God. In ancient Israel, sacrifices were central to worship and covenant renewal, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation. Here, the feast is a divine act of judgment, where the enemies of God become the sacrifice, highlighting the seriousness of opposing God's will and the ultimate victory of His righteousness.

a great feast on the mountains of Israel
The "mountains of Israel" are significant in biblical prophecy, often representing the place of God's presence and action. In Ezekiel, these mountains are the stage for God's redemptive acts and the fulfillment of His promises. The "great feast" signifies the magnitude of God's victory and the restoration of His people, as the mountains become the site of divine justice and celebration.

and you will eat flesh and drink blood
This graphic imagery is a continuation of the sacrificial theme, symbolizing the complete and utter defeat of God's enemies. In the ancient world, consuming flesh and blood was associated with victory and conquest. For the original audience, this would evoke the totality of God's judgment and the assurance of His deliverance. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
The prophet through whom God delivers His messages. Known as the "son of man," Ezekiel is called to speak God's words to the people of Israel.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign deity, Yahweh, who commands Ezekiel to deliver His message. He is the ultimate authority and orchestrator of the events described.

3. Birds and Wild Animals
Symbolic participants in the divine judgment. They are called to partake in the "sacrifice," representing the aftermath of God's judgment on His enemies.

4. Mountains of Israel
The geographical setting for the prophetic vision. It signifies the place where God's judgment and subsequent restoration will occur.

5. The Sacrifice
Represents God's judgment against the nations that oppose Him. It is depicted as a feast for the birds and animals, symbolizing the totality of God's victory.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God's control over all creation is evident as He calls the birds and animals to partake in His judgment. This reminds us of His ultimate authority over life and death.

The Certainty of Divine Justice
The vivid imagery of a sacrificial feast underscores the certainty and completeness of God's justice. Believers can trust that God will ultimately right all wrongs.

The Call to Repentance
The passage serves as a warning to turn away from sin and align with God's will. It encourages self-examination and repentance in light of God's impending judgment.

Hope in Restoration
While the passage focuses on judgment, it is part of a larger account that includes the restoration of Israel. Believers can find hope in God's promise to restore and renew.

The Role of Prophetic Imagery
Understanding the symbolic language used by prophets like Ezekiel helps us grasp the spiritual truths conveyed. It challenges us to seek deeper insights into God's word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of a sacrificial feast in Ezekiel 39:17 help us understand the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways does the call to the birds and wild animals reflect God's sovereignty over creation?

3. How can the themes of judgment and restoration in Ezekiel 39:17 encourage believers in their faith journey?

4. What parallels can you draw between Ezekiel 39:17 and the imagery used in Revelation 19:17-18? How do these passages complement each other?

5. How does the message of repentance and divine justice in Ezekiel 39:17 apply to contemporary Christian living?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 19:17-18
This passage echoes the imagery of a great feast for birds, symbolizing God's final judgment and victory over His enemies.

Isaiah 34:6
Similar imagery of a sacrificial feast, highlighting God's judgment against the nations and His sovereignty over all creation.

Jeremiah 7:33
Describes the aftermath of judgment where the dead bodies become food for birds and beasts, emphasizing the completeness of God's judgment.