Ezekiel 39:19

At the sacrifice I am preparing, you will eat fat until you are gorged and drink blood until you are drunk.

Study Bible

You will eat fat
The phrase "eat fat" in the Hebrew context often symbolizes abundance and richness. In ancient Israel, fat was considered the best part of the animal, reserved for offerings to God (Leviticus 3:16). Here, it signifies the overwhelming victory and the spoils that God’s people will enjoy. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for the fullness of God's provision and blessing, a promise of satisfaction and abundance for those who are faithful.

until you are gorged
The word "gorged" implies being filled to excess. This imagery suggests not just sufficiency but an overflow of God's provision. Historically, this reflects the complete and total victory over enemies, where the victors have more than enough. Spiritually, it can be seen as a promise of God's overwhelming grace and blessings that exceed our needs and expectations.

and drink blood
Drinking blood is a vivid and shocking image, especially given the biblical prohibition against consuming blood (Leviticus 17:10-14). In this context, it symbolizes the total defeat of the enemies of God’s people. It is a metaphor for the complete and utter destruction of those who oppose God, emphasizing the seriousness of divine judgment. This serves as a reminder of the ultimate triumph of God's justice.

until you are drunk
The state of being "drunk" here is not one of inebriation but rather an expression of being overwhelmed by the abundance of victory. It signifies the overwhelming nature of God's deliverance and the complete satisfaction that comes from His provision. Historically, it reflects the celebratory feasts following a great victory, where the people would rejoice in their deliverance.

at the feast I prepare for you
The "feast" is a divine banquet prepared by God Himself, symbolizing His provision and the celebration of victory. In the ancient Near Eastern context, feasts were significant social and religious events. This feast represents the ultimate victory celebration, prepared by God for His people. It is a foretaste of the Messianic banquet, a theme echoed in the New Testament (Revelation 19:9), where believers are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. This highlights the hope and assurance of eternal fellowship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Gog and Magog
Symbolic of the enemies of God's people. In Ezekiel 38-39, they represent a coalition of nations that will come against Israel in the end times.

3. The Feast
A symbolic event prepared by God, representing His judgment upon the enemies of Israel. It is depicted as a sacrificial meal where the enemies are consumed.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often representing His people. In this context, they are the beneficiaries of God's deliverance and judgment upon their enemies.

5. The Land of Israel
The geographical and spiritual center of God's covenant with His people, often the stage for prophetic events.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
God is in control of history and will ultimately judge the nations. This passage reminds us of His power and authority over all creation.

The Reality of Divine Justice
The vivid imagery of the feast underscores the certainty of God's justice. Believers can trust that God will right all wrongs in His perfect timing.

The Assurance of Deliverance
For God's people, the judgment of their enemies is a source of hope and assurance. It reminds us that God will deliver His people from oppression.

The Call to Repentance
The graphic nature of the judgment serves as a warning to turn from sin and seek God's mercy. It is a call to repentance and faithfulness.

The Ultimate Victory of God
The defeat of Gog and Magog points to the ultimate victory of God over evil. Believers are encouraged to live in light of this future hope.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the feast in Ezekiel 39:19 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's justice?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Gog and Magog encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty over world events?

3. How can the assurance of God's deliverance from enemies impact your daily walk with Him?

4. What parallels can you draw between the feast in Ezekiel 39 and the "great supper of God" in Revelation 19, and how do these passages inform your view of end times?

5. How does the call to repentance in light of divine judgment influence your approach to sharing the Gospel with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 19
This chapter describes a similar feast, the "great supper of God," where the enemies of God are defeated, drawing a parallel to the feast in Ezekiel 39.

Isaiah 34
This passage also speaks of a divine judgment where the land is filled with the blood of God's enemies, echoing the imagery in Ezekiel 39.

Psalm 23
The imagery of a prepared table in the presence of enemies can be seen as a contrast, where God provides for His people amidst adversaries.