Ezekiel 39:9

Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons--the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel.

Study Bible

Then the inhabitants of the cities of Israel
This phrase sets the stage for a future event involving the people of Israel. The Hebrew word for "inhabitants" (יֹשְׁבֵי, yoshev) implies those who dwell or reside, indicating a settled community. Historically, this reflects the post-exilic return of the Israelites to their homeland, a time of restoration and rebuilding. The "cities of Israel" signifies not just physical locations but the collective identity and unity of God's chosen people.

will go out
The action of going out suggests a proactive movement from a place of safety or rest to engage in an activity. In the context of ancient Israel, this implies a transition from a defensive posture to one of reclaiming and utilizing resources. Spiritually, it symbolizes the church's call to engage with the world, transforming what was meant for harm into something beneficial.

kindle fires
The act of kindling fires is both practical and symbolic. In Hebrew, the word for "kindle" (בָּעַר, ba'ar) can mean to burn or consume. This reflects the transformative power of God, who turns instruments of war into sources of warmth and energy. Historically, fire was a means of purification and renewal, echoing the divine promise of restoration and peace.

and burn the weapons
Burning weapons signifies the end of conflict and the beginning of peace. The Hebrew term for "weapons" (כְּלֵי, keli) encompasses tools or instruments, indicating a complete disarmament. This prophetic imagery aligns with Isaiah's vision of swords beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4), symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God's peace over human warfare.

the small and large shields
The mention of both small and large shields highlights the comprehensive nature of the disarmament. Shields, in Hebrew (מָגֵן, magen), were defensive tools, representing protection and security. Their destruction signifies a new era where divine protection supersedes human defenses, pointing to a future where God Himself is the shield of His people.

the bows and arrows
Bows and arrows, traditional symbols of offense in warfare, are rendered obsolete. The Hebrew word for "bow" (קֶשֶׁת, qeshet) and "arrows" (חֵץ, chets) emphasize the cessation of hostilities. This transformation reflects the prophetic hope found in Psalm 46:9, where God makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.

the war clubs and spears
These instruments of close combat, "war clubs" (מַקֵּלוֹת, maqqelot) and "spears" (רֹמַח, romach), represent the personal and direct nature of ancient warfare. Their burning signifies the end of personal enmity and strife, a foretaste of the peace that Christ brings, as He reconciles all things to Himself (Colossians 1:20).

For seven years they will use them to make fires
The number seven in Hebrew culture symbolizes completeness and divine perfection. The extended period of using these weapons as fuel underscores the totality of God's victory and the sufficiency of His provision. This prophetic image assures believers of God's enduring peace and the complete transformation of what was once destructive into something life-sustaining.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He is the author of the book and the one receiving the visions from God.

2. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often representing His people. In this context, it refers to the inhabitants of the cities of Israel who will benefit from the destruction of their enemies' weapons.

3. The Cities of Israel
These are the urban centers within the land of Israel where the people will reside and from where they will collect the weapons for burning.

4. Weapons
The instruments of war used by Israel's enemies, which will be collected and burned by the Israelites. This includes shields, bows, arrows, clubs, and spears.

5. Seven Years
A significant period in biblical numerology often symbolizing completeness or divine perfection. Here, it indicates the duration for which the Israelites will use the weapons as fuel.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God demonstrates His control over the nations by turning the instruments of war into tools for peace and provision.

The Futility of Human Warfare
The burning of weapons signifies the ultimate futility of human conflict against God's purposes.

Provision Through Divine Intervention
God provides for His people in unexpected ways, turning what was meant for harm into a source of sustenance.

Symbol of Complete Victory
The seven-year period of burning weapons symbolizes a complete and total victory over the enemies of God’s people.

Peace and Restoration
This passage foreshadows a time of peace and restoration, encouraging believers to look forward to God's ultimate plan for peace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the burning of weapons for seven years reflect God's sovereignty and provision for His people?

2. In what ways does the imagery of burning weapons in Ezekiel 39:9 connect to the promise of peace in Isaiah 2:4?

3. What can we learn about the futility of human conflict from the transformation of weapons into fuel in this passage?

4. How does the concept of a "complete victory" in Ezekiel 39:9 encourage us in our personal battles and struggles?

5. Reflect on a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way. How does this passage reinforce your trust in His provision?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 2:4
This verse speaks of a future time of peace when nations will beat their swords into plowshares, similar to the transformation of weapons into fuel in Ezekiel 39:9.

Revelation 20:7-10
Describes the final defeat of Satan and his armies, paralleling the defeat of Israel's enemies in Ezekiel 39.

Psalm 46:9
Declares God's power to end wars and destroy weapons, resonating with the imagery of burning weapons in Ezekiel 39:9.