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The prophecies of the Old Testament were directed, first toward a people or a nation which existed in that day. As we have noted they may also have a future accomplishment, as well as to those to whom the prophecy was directed at that period of time. Therefore conditions along with the manner in which they are first consummated may differ in their climax. For instance, the constant reference to the sword both in the past and the future of the prophecies. The sword speaks to warfare of any kind whether or not a sword is used. Such as in the final two battles, Armageddon at the close of the great tribulation and Gog and Magog at the close of the Millennium. The prophecy is given according to the system of life in the day in which it was first given. It is then anticipated that some of the prophecies were local and consummated in that day.
This prophecy of Ezekiel was directed to Gog and Magog, an existing people of that day. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. At the completion of their captivity some returned to Israel, others were so imbedded in the life style of Babylon that they continued their residence there. Those who returned and began to rebuild had to work with a tool in one hand and a sword in the other. Neh. 4:17-18 It must also be noted that almost all attacks against Israel came from the north. The burning of the weapons of warfare and the burying of the bones of those killed in the battle very easily fits into the carnage which was left behind after any of the battles conducted in the area.
There is that left which pertains to the ultimate battle of Gog and Magog as seen in the book of Revelation. From the very start, the Lord, as always, is in control. He is against that which Gog will attempt to do and will turn him (the devil) back from his attempt to take the New Jerusalem. Rev. 20:7-9 Some marginal readings give this translation of Eze. 39:2 which is more reasonable than leaving a sixth of the people alive at the battle of Gog and Magog in the end of the age. ìstrike thee with six plaguesî (namely, pestilence, blood, overflowing rain, hailstones, fire and brimstone,
Eze. 38:22). ISBE ìOr, draw thee back with a hook of six teeth.î Eze. 38:4
ISBE This gives the sound of great victory on the side of the Lord over the final attempt of Lucifer to take over the authority of the Lord. The number six is the number of man inasmuch as he was created on the sixth day. The number six is most definitely imposed upon the enemy who will deceive the nations at the time of the second resurrection. It will be his and his followers last attempt to gain eternal life, without recognizing the perfect atonement which is to be found in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus.