Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn up the weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel.
God speaks of this victory as already done, though the fulfillment lies ahead, because it is as certain as if accomplished. The routed army leaves behind such mountains of weapons that Israel will burn them for fuel seven years instead of cutting wood from the forests, turning the instruments of war into the ordinary means of warming their homes.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 39:8-22
And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth,.... Out of their houses into the streets, where Gog's soldiers will lie dead, and their armour by them; or rather out of their cities, where they dwelt safely, and where they kept themselves, and were secure from the enemy: these seem to be distinct from the militia of Israel, engaged in battle with...
The burning of the foe's weapons implies that nothing belonging to them should be left to pollute the land. The seven years (seven being the sacred number) spent on this work, implies the completeness of the cleansing, and the people's zeal for purity. How different from the ancient Israelites, who left not merely the arms, but the heathen themselves, to remain among them [FAIRBAIRN], (Jdg 1:27-28; Jdg 2:2-3; Psa 106:34-36).