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Ezekiel 38:13

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?

Ezekiel 38:13 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse "Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?" is from the book of Ezekiel, chapter 38, verse 13. In this verse, the nations mentioned are questioning the intentions of a group that has gathered to take spoil and prey. Sheba and Dedan were regions known for their wealth and prosperity, while Tarshish was a prosperous trading nation. The reference to young lions symbolizes strength and power. The verse depicts a scenario where wealthy and powerful nations are perplexed by the motives of another group that has come to plunder their resources. It serves as a warning about the consequences of greed, aggression, and the pursuit of material wealth at the expense of others. This verse reflects themes of justice, accountability, and the consequences of exploitation in the biblical context.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Ezekiel 38:13, the mention of Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish raises questions about their reaction to the invasion of Gog and Magog. The use of these specific names of ancient territories signifies a broader representation of different nations reacting to the impending attack. The mention of the young lions can be understood metaphorically as bold and powerful nations standing with Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish. The theological interpretation of this verse suggests that these nations are questioning the motives behind the invasion, wondering if it is solely for plunder and spoil. The emphasis on silver, gold, cattle, and goods highlights the greed and materialism that often drives conflicts and wars. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of seeking power and wealth at the expense of others, reflecting themes of justice and accountability in biblical teachings.

Ezekiel 38:13 in other translations

American Standard Version

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions thereof, shall say unto thee, Art thou come to take the spoil? hast thou assembled thy company to take the prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take great spoil?

World English Bible

Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions of it, shall tell you, Have you come to take the plunder? have you assembled your company to take the prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?

Douay-Rheims

Saba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tharsis, and all the lions thereof shall say to thee: Art thou come to take spoils? behold, thou hast gathered thy multitude to take a prey, to take silver, and gold, and to carry away goods and substance, and to take rich spoils.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Sheba and Dedan, and the marchantes of Tarshish with all the lions thereof shall say vnto thee, Art thou come to spoyle the praye? hast thou gathered thy multitude to take a booty? to cary away siluer and golde, to take away cattell and goods, and to spoyle a great pray?