Bones and Bodies
In Ezekiel 39:11-16 is a statement (apparently symbolic) of the burying of the bodies of the remnants of Gog’s invasion of Israel. This article’s purpose is to suggest a possible solution to the symbolisms of bodies, graves, passengers, Hamon-Gog, Gog, and the seven months.
Concerning the symbolic use of bodies and their parts, it is suggested that a reading of Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Zechariah 14:12 will aid in understanding Ezekiel 39. Ezekiel 37 is the clearest statement of the problem. In it body parts coming together represent the restructuring of the polity of the Jewish nation. Using this as a clue, it seems likely that the decomposition of the bodies in Ezekiel 39 and the disintegration of bodies in Zechariah 14 would each represent the destruction of polity – one gradual (decomposition), the other sudden (disintegration). If this be true, Zechariah 14:12 represents a sudden governmental breakdown followed (verse 13) by anarchy. Ezekiel 39, however, seems to represent the tedious task of doing away with all remnants of former governmental concepts during the first 210 years (7 months) of the peaceable Kingdom.
The burying would represent the attempt of mankind to hide and forget all traces of the former ways of government. Those involved full-time in this work are Israel (verses 12-14). However, they are aided by “passengers.” It seems logical that the Ancient Worthies and restored Israel as the leaders of the new order would, indeed, be engaged full-time in eradicating the old order. The passengers, however, are those apparently who are coming to Jerusalem to learn. (Zechariah 14:16-19, 8:20-23) Their learning ability will become acute so that they can readily point to remnants of the ways of the old order (Ezekiel 39:15), and they will be expected to do so. It is interesting to note that these “passengers” have a valley named for them. (Ezekiel 39:11) It seems probable that this valley represents the peaceable Kingdom of Zechariah 14:4-5.
If the above symbolisms be correct, the symbolisms of Gog and Hamon-Gog also become clearer. If the three chapters examined all represent incoming or outgoing polity, they are politically (i.e., civilly) oriented prophecies (as opposed to prophecies dealing with the religious aspects of Babylon). Therefore the decomposition of Gog represents the fading gradually of earth’s civil influences in the lives of individuals. Bible students have long agreed that the invasion by Gog was basically an invasion of an irreligious force. This is civil government’s last stand. (almost!)
The words of Revelation 20 seem to confirm this conclusion. Here again Gog is mentioned (20:8). It does not seem reasonable to suppose that these are the same individuals who participated in Jacob’s trouble. Rather, Gog here seems to represent the same symbolisms as he did in Ezekiel: civil power’s advocates. Civil power has long been Satan’s tool (compare Rev. 12), and it will apparently form the kernel of his final hour at the little season. Bro. Russell several times cautions that we recognize Revelation 20 as being primarily about Satan’s civil deceptions rather than primarily about his person. Revelation 19 records the beast and false prophet being cast into the lake of fire; but what about the third part of the trio – the dragon (compare 16:13)? The dragon is not destroyed until the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:7-10) although he is bound during that period. He works through Gog at both ends of the age!
Note: The “kings of the earth” of Revelation 19 are not the dragon as can be confirmed by a careful comparison with 16:13, 14. Even if they were, it will be noticed that they are not destroyed in the lake of fire in 19:20. Only two entities are: beast and false prophet.
Ezekiel 39:11, 15 mention Hamon-Gog [1]. Perhaps this clarifies the distinction between the dragon and Gog of Revelation 20. Both represent facets of Satan’s deception through the civil power. Dragon, however, seems to represent civil power as a unit, as a philosophy, as a tool of the devil. Gog, on the other hand, seems to represent the cooperating individuals (the multitudes). Thus we have portrayed in Scripture the multitudes (Gog) who serve Satan’s governments, and the multitudes who serve God’s government. The ideas of the former shall be buried; those of the latter shall prosper.
One final note: The name of Haman in the book of Esther seems to have its origin lost in obscurity. But his history as one who planned to destroy Israel and who was destroyed in the process has a strong resemblance to Ezekiel 39. The similarity of names (Hamon and Haman) as well as of objectives is intriguing.
– David Doran
(We appreciate this stimulating article! With the author’s permission we mention our reservation – not the same as disagreement – respecting the 7 months equaling 210 years, and some reflections on the Dragon. Revelation 20 does not mention a reappearance of Satan as a Dragon at the end of the 1000 years (though it does not deny it either). But Isa. 27:1, Psa. 74.13, 14, Ezek. 29:3-5, Job 41:1-7, 34 lead us to think that as a Dragon, Leviathan, Satan is slain and destroyed when the full binding of Revelation 20 is completed. When Satan is released during the Little Season he is referred to as the Devil – accuser – which fits his role of then fomenting a bitter spirit against God. We commit this to your judgment. – BT)
[1] The Multitude of Gog.