Ezekiel 38:13

Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will ask, '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?'

Study Bible

Sheba and Dedan
Sheba and Dedan were ancient regions located in the Arabian Peninsula. Sheba is often associated with the kingdom of the Queen of Sheba, who visited Solomon (1 Kings 10:1-13). Dedan is mentioned in several biblical passages (Isaiah 21:13, Jeremiah 25:23) and was known for its trade routes. These regions were known for their wealth and trade, suggesting a connection to commerce and material prosperity.

and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages
Tarshish is often identified with a distant maritime location, possibly in the western Mediterranean, such as Spain. It was known for its ships and trade (Jonah 1:3, Isaiah 23:1). The mention of "all its villages" implies a network of trading communities. This phrase highlights the commercial interests and the economic implications of the events described.

will ask, ‘Have you come to capture the plunder?
The question posed by Sheba, Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish suggests a concern for economic stability and the protection of wealth. The term "plunder" indicates a focus on material gain and the threat of invasion or conflict disrupting trade and prosperity.

Have you assembled your hordes to carry away loot,
The assembling of "hordes" implies a large, organized military force. This phrase suggests a premeditated plan to seize wealth, reflecting the aggressive nature of the invaders. The term "loot" reinforces the idea of taking valuable goods by force.

to make off with silver and gold,
Silver and gold are often symbols of wealth and prosperity in the Bible. Their mention here underscores the material motivations behind the invasion. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the transient nature of earthly riches (Proverbs 23:5, Matthew 6:19-21).

to take cattle and goods,
Cattle and goods represent not only wealth but also sustenance and economic resources. The taking of these items would have significant implications for the livelihoods of those affected, indicating a comprehensive plundering of resources.

to seize great spoil?’
The phrase "great spoil" emphasizes the extent and value of the resources targeted by the invaders. This reflects the magnitude of the threat and the potential impact on the affected regions. The concept of "spoil" is often associated with the aftermath of battle, highlighting the destructive consequences of conflict.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sheba and Dedan
These are ancient regions often associated with trade and wealth. Sheba is traditionally linked to the Arabian Peninsula, while Dedan is thought to be in the northwestern part of modern-day Saudi Arabia.

2. Merchants of Tarshish
Tarshish is believed to be a distant trading partner, possibly located in the western Mediterranean. The merchants symbolize international trade and commerce.

3. Villages
The term "villages" here can also be translated as "young lions" in some versions, indicating smaller, dependent entities or nations allied with Tarshish.

4. Spoil and Plunder
The passage speaks of an invasion motivated by greed, aiming to seize wealth and resources.

5. Hordes
Refers to the invading armies gathered for the purpose of plundering.

Teaching Points

Understanding Prophetic Context
Recognize the symbolic nature of the nations and merchants in Ezekiel's prophecy, representing broader themes of materialism and greed.

The Dangers of Materialism
Reflect on how the pursuit of wealth can lead to moral and spiritual decay, as seen in the motivations of the invaders.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
Trust in God's ultimate control over world events, even when nations rise and fall for material gain.

The Role of Witness
Consider how believers are called to be witnesses in a world driven by materialism, offering a different perspective rooted in eternal values.

Preparation for Spiritual Battle
Equip oneself with spiritual discernment to recognize and resist the temptations of greed and materialism.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do the regions of Sheba, Dedan, and Tarshish reflect the economic and political dynamics of Ezekiel's time, and what can we learn from them today?

2. In what ways does the pursuit of "spoil and plunder" manifest in modern society, and how can Christians guard against these temptations?

3. How does the prophecy in Ezekiel 38:13 relate to the broader account of God's sovereignty over nations throughout the Bible?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the merchants of Tarshish and the merchants lamenting in Revelation 18, and what lessons can we apply to our lives?

5. How can we, as Christians, be effective witnesses in a world that often prioritizes material wealth over spiritual values?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 10:7
This passage lists the descendants of Cush, including Sheba and Dedan, providing a genealogical context for these regions.

1 Kings 10:22
Describes the wealth and trade of Solomon, including ships of Tarshish, highlighting the historical significance of these trading routes.

Revelation 18:11-13
Discusses the fall of Babylon and the lament of merchants, drawing a parallel to the economic motivations and consequences of greed.