Old Testament
Ezekiel 39:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is speaking about a powerful enemy that will be defeated.
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
I will turn you back, leaving only a sixth of you, and bring you from the far north to the mountains of Israel.
And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is speaking about a powerful enemy that will be defeated. He promises to turn this enemy back, leaving only a small remnant behind. This remnant, just a sixth of the original force, will be brought from the distant north to the mountains of Israel. The imagery here emphasizes God's control over nations and His ability to protect His people. The mountains of Israel symbolize a place of safety and promise. This act of bringing back a remnant shows that even in defeat, there is hope for restoration. It highlights God's commitment to His people and His plans for their future. The message is clear: no matter how dire the situation may seem, God has the power to intervene and bring about change. He can turn back those who oppose His will and ensure that His promises are fulfilled. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of adversity, encouraging us to trust in His plans for our lives and communities, even when challenges arise.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezekiel 39:2 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that God is in control and can turn situations around. Trust that even in difficult times, there is hope for restoration. Lean on your faith and seek guidance, knowing that God has a plan for you and your community. Stay encouraged and resilient in the face of adversity, as God is always with you. He can bring about change when you least expect it, so keep your heart open to His
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 39:2 mean?
Ezekiel 39:2 describes God's promise to defeat a powerful enemy, leaving only a small remnant. This remnant will be brought from the north to the mountains of Israel, symbolizing God's control and protection over His people.
What is the significance of the remnant in Ezekiel 39:2?
The remnant mentioned in Ezekiel 39:2 represents hope and restoration. It shows that even in defeat, God preserves a small group to fulfill His promises and plans for the future.
What does the phrase 'turn you back' mean in Ezekiel 39:2?
In Ezekiel 39:2, 'turn you back' means that God will cause the enemy to retreat and be defeated. This emphasizes God's power to intervene in situations and protect His people.
What is the context of Ezekiel 39:2?
Ezekiel 39:2 is part of a prophecy about the defeat of Israel's enemies. It highlights God's sovereignty and His commitment to restoring His people, even in challenging times.
The Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1: Visions of God
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans. He sees visions of God as the heavens open. A great cloud comes from the north with a fire flashing continually and brightness around it, and from the midst appears something like glowing metal. From the fire emerge four living creatures, each with the likeness of a man. Each has four faces and four wings, and their legs are straight with feet like a calf's foot, shining like polished brass. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, and their wings are joined one to another as they move straight forward without turning.
Unlock the full Ezekiel summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Ezekiel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 48 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Ezekiel summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.