What is the meaning of Ezekiel 38:13? Sheba and Dedan Sheba and Dedan appear repeatedly in Scripture as real, identifiable peoples of the Arabian Peninsula (Genesis 10:7; 1 Kings 10:1–13; Jeremiah 25:23; Ezekiel 25:13). In Ezekiel 38 they stand outside Gog’s invading alliance. Reading the prophecy literally, these Gulf-region nations remain politically separate when Gog advances. Instead of joining the attack, they raise a voice of concern—suggesting a posture of cautious neutrality that fits their historic role as trading hubs rather than military powers. the merchants of Tarshish Tarshish was a renowned maritime trading center (1 Kings 10:22; Jonah 1:3; Isaiah 2:16). Ezekiel 27:12 links Tarshish to global commerce, and Psalm 72:10 pictures its merchants delivering tribute. In 38:13 these merchants symbolize seafaring, wealth-oriented nations to the far west of Israel. Taking the text at face value, Ezekiel foresees powerful commercial states—likely modern successors of that ancient trading empire—remaining outside Gog’s coalition yet deeply interested in the economic implications of the invasion. with all its villages BSB renders the phrase “with all its villages,” while many translations say “young lions.” Either way, the thought is of Tarshish’s dependent communities—colonies, territories, or partner states that share its commercial spirit (cf. Ezekiel 19:2). The picture is of a network of younger, vigorous offshoots aligned with the parent maritime power, watching events with their own economic security in mind. will ask Rather than intervening militarily, these observers raise a diplomatic query. The Hebrew imperfect form (captured by “will ask”) conveys a simple, direct question, hinting at a limited response: diplomatic protest but no force. This resonates with other prophetic scenes where onlookers question an aggressor’s motives yet hold back from action (Isaiah 21:11–12; Nahum 3:8–10). “Have you come to capture the plunder? Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot, to make off with silver and gold, to take cattle and goods, to seize great spoil?” The wording mirrors the plunder list of the previous verse (Ezekiel 38:12) and recalls earlier judgments where armies coveted Israel’s riches (Zechariah 14:1–2; Isaiah 10:6). The focus is strictly material—silver, gold, livestock, and goods—underscoring Gog’s greedy motive. By highlighting economic gain, the question exposes the moral bankruptcy of the invasion and contrasts it with God’s covenant faithfulness to protect His land (Ezekiel 38:18–23; 39:6–7). summary Ezekiel 38:13 shows a coalition of trading nations—Arabian (Sheba and Dedan) and western maritime (Tarshish with its villages)—standing on the sidelines of Gog’s assault. They issue a mild, profit-centered protest, revealing that while they value commerce and stability, they lack the resolve to oppose Gog militarily. Their question highlights the invader’s materialistic intent and sets the stage for God’s dramatic defense of Israel, proving once more that He alone is Israel’s ultimate protector and that His prophetic word is exact, literal, and sure. |
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