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Ezekiel 39:9

And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:

Ezekiel 39:9 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible depicts a scene where the people of Israel, specifically those living in cities, are called to take action. They are instructed to go out and gather weapons of war, such as shields, bucklers, bows, arrows, handstaves, and spears, and burn them with fire for a period of seven years. This act of burning weapons signifies a transformation from a state of conflict and war to one of peace and security. By destroying these instruments of violence, the people are symbolically renouncing warfare and committing to a future free from the threat of aggression. The seven-year duration of burning the weapons could represent a complete cycle of time, indicating a definitive and lasting end to hostilities. This verse can be seen as a call to reconciliation, disarmament, and the pursuit of peace among the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of seeking harmony and unity over conflict and division.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from Ezekiel 39:9 suggests that it symbolizes the ultimate victory of God's people over their enemies. The act of setting fire to and burning the weapons of war signifies a complete and final end to conflict and warfare. The mention of burning the weapons for seven years holds significance in the Biblical context, as the number seven is often seen as a symbol of completeness and perfection. This could indicate a lasting peace and security that is established by the power of God. The destruction of the weapons also highlights the futility of human efforts to achieve victory through violence, pointing towards the ultimate triumph that can only be achieved through divine intervention.

Ezekiel 39:9 in other translations

American Standard Version

And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall make fires of the weapons and burn them, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall make fires of them seven years;

World English Bible

Those who dwell in the cities of Israel shall go out, and shall make fires of the weapons and burn them, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the war clubs, and the spears, and they shall make fires of them seven years;

Douay-Rheims

And the inhabitants shall go forth of the cities of Israel, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, the shields, and the spears, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves and the pikes: and they shall burn them with fire seven years.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And they that dwell in the cities of Israel, shall goe forth, and shall burne and set fire vpon the weapons, and on the shieldes, and bucklers, vpon the bowes, and vpon the arrowes, and vpon the staues in their handes, and vpon the speares, and they shall burne them with fire seuen yeeres.