Ezekiel 30: A Prophecy of Judgment Against Egypt
The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,
Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!
For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.
And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.
Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.
Thus saith the Lord; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord God.
And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.
And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed.
In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.
Thus saith the Lord God; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.
He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.
And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the Lord have spoken it.
Thus saith the Lord God; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.
And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No.
And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No.
And I will set fire in Egypt: Sin shall have great pain, and No shall be rent asunder, and Noph shall have distresses daily.
The young men of Aven and of Pi–beseth shall fall by the sword: and these cities shall go into captivity.
At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.
Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the Lord.
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, in the seventh day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.
Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand.
And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.
And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh’s arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded man.
But I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt.
And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries; and they shall know that I am the Lord.
Ezekiel 30 contains a powerful and sobering message of judgment against Egypt, revealing how God would bring this once-mighty empire to ruin through the hand of Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army. This chapter unfolds as a series of divine pronouncements, each emphasizing the certainty and severity of God's impending wrath. The structure of the chapter is quite clear, dividing into four sections, each initiated by a declaration of the Lord's word (Ezekiel 30:2, 6, 10, 13).
A Time of Clouds and a Sweeping Sword (Ezekiel 30:1-5)
The prophecy begins with a vivid depiction of the coming disaster. It will be "a time of clouds," a portent of impending doom, when a sword will descend upon Egypt (Ezekiel 30:3-4). This anguish will extend beyond Egypt's borders to Cush, encompassing the regions of southern Egypt, Sudan, and northern Ethiopia. The very foundations of Egypt will be shattered as its formidable army, bolstered by foreign mercenaries, falls by the sword (Ezekiel 30:4-5). This widespread devastation highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, leaving no part of the nation untouched.
Desolation from Migdol to Syene (Ezekiel 30:6-9)
The second part of the prophecy continues to detail the suffering that will befall Egypt's allies. From Migdol in the far north to Syene in the far south, those who have aligned themselves with Egypt will share in its downfall, succumbing to the sword (Ezekiel 30:6). The cities of Egypt will be reduced to desolate ruins, marking the complete collapse of this once-proud and powerful nation. This utter devastation will serve as a stark reminder of God's sovereignty. The purpose of this judgment is clear: that the Egyptians and their allies "shall know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 30:7-8). The blazing fires that engulf Egypt will testify to God's power as He unleashes His judgment, spreading terror on the day of Egypt's doom (Ezekiel 30:9).
Nebuchadnezzar: God's Instrument of Judgment (Ezekiel 30:10-12)
God explicitly reveals the instrument of His judgment: King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (Ezekiel 30:10). Nebuchadnezzar will lead a ruthless army that will ravage the land of Egypt (Ezekiel 30:11). This emphasizes that God is in control of history, using even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes.
The Fall of Key Cities (Ezekiel 30:13-19)
The final section of this prophecy focuses on specific Egyptian cities that will bear the brunt of Babylon's destructive forces. God names several key centers, making it clear that no important place will escape His hand of retribution.
- Memphis: This important religious center, filled with temples and idols, will be brought to ruin (Ezekiel 30:13). Notably, Jeremiah 44:1 indicates that Jewish refugees from Judah had fled to Memphis, hoping to escape Nebuchadnezzar's assault on Jerusalem, despite Jeremiah's warning (Jeremiah 42:19-22). Tragically, they would be caught up in Egypt's disastrous judgment. God promises to put an end to Memphis's false gods and bring the city's enemies against it in broad daylight (Ezekiel 30:13, 16).
- Thebes (No): Once the capital of Egypt, Thebes had been destroyed by the Assyrians in 663 BC but was later rebuilt. Its vast population will be decimated when the Babylonians breach its walls, a destruction also prophesied by Jeremiah (Ezekiel 30:14-16; Jeremiah 46:25).
- Tehaphnehes: The location of one of Pharaoh's palaces, Tehaphnehes, symbolizes Egypt's proud strength, which God will bring to an end. Its people will also be taken into captivity (Ezekiel 30:18).
Ultimately, the prophecy concludes with the humbling of Egypt, forcing it to acknowledge God as Lord (Ezekiel 30:19).
The Imagery of Broken and Strengthened Arms (Ezekiel 30:20-26)
The final verses of Ezekiel 30 present a separate prophecy against Egypt, employing the imagery of broken and strengthened arms to illustrate God's sovereign will and control over human events. As if the judgment had already taken place, God declares that He has broken the arm of Pharaoh, rendering him powerless to wield a sword (Ezekiel 30:21-22). Conversely, God will strengthen the arms of the King of Babylon (Ezekiel 30:24-25), enabling him to conquer and destroy Egypt. The ultimate purpose of this display of power is to bring the Egyptians to the knowledge of God: "Then they shall know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 30:26). God's judgment, while severe, serves to reveal His glory and establish His Lordship.
Ezekiel 30 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It also underscores the futility of relying on worldly power and false gods. The prophecy ultimately points to the need for all people to acknowledge God as Lord, finding true security and hope in Him alone.
The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,
Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!
For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.
And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.
Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.
Thus saith the Lord; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord God.
And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.
And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed.
In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.
Thus saith the Lord God; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.
He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.
And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the Lord have spoken it.
Thus saith the Lord God; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.
And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in No.
And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No.
And I will set fire in Egypt: Sin shall have great pain, and No shall be rent asunder, and Noph shall have distresses daily.
The young men of Aven and of Pi–beseth shall fall by the sword: and these cities shall go into captivity.
At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.
Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the Lord.
And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, in the seventh day of the month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.
Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand.
And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.
And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh’s arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded man.
But I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt.
And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries; and they shall know that I am the Lord.
Ezekiel 30 contains a powerful and sobering message of judgment against Egypt, revealing how God would bring this once-mighty empire to ruin through the hand of Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army. This chapter unfolds as a series of divine pronouncements, each emphasizing the certainty and severity of God's impending wrath. The structure of the chapter is quite clear, dividing into four sections, each initiated by a declaration of the Lord's word (Ezekiel 30:2, 6, 10, 13).
A Time of Clouds and a Sweeping Sword (Ezekiel 30:1-5)
The prophecy begins with a vivid depiction of the coming disaster. It will be "a time of clouds," a portent of impending doom, when a sword will descend upon Egypt (Ezekiel 30:3-4). This anguish will extend beyond Egypt's borders to Cush, encompassing the regions of southern Egypt, Sudan, and northern Ethiopia. The very foundations of Egypt will be shattered as its formidable army, bolstered by foreign mercenaries, falls by the sword (Ezekiel 30:4-5). This widespread devastation highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, leaving no part of the nation untouched.
Desolation from Migdol to Syene (Ezekiel 30:6-9)
The second part of the prophecy continues to detail the suffering that will befall Egypt's allies. From Migdol in the far north to Syene in the far south, those who have aligned themselves with Egypt will share in its downfall, succumbing to the sword (Ezekiel 30:6). The cities of Egypt will be reduced to desolate ruins, marking the complete collapse of this once-proud and powerful nation. This utter devastation will serve as a stark reminder of God's sovereignty. The purpose of this judgment is clear: that the Egyptians and their allies "shall know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 30:7-8). The blazing fires that engulf Egypt will testify to God's power as He unleashes His judgment, spreading terror on the day of Egypt's doom (Ezekiel 30:9).
Nebuchadnezzar: God's Instrument of Judgment (Ezekiel 30:10-12)
God explicitly reveals the instrument of His judgment: King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (Ezekiel 30:10). Nebuchadnezzar will lead a ruthless army that will ravage the land of Egypt (Ezekiel 30:11). This emphasizes that God is in control of history, using even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes.
The Fall of Key Cities (Ezekiel 30:13-19)
The final section of this prophecy focuses on specific Egyptian cities that will bear the brunt of Babylon's destructive forces. God names several key centers, making it clear that no important place will escape His hand of retribution.
- Memphis: This important religious center, filled with temples and idols, will be brought to ruin (Ezekiel 30:13). Notably, Jeremiah 44:1 indicates that Jewish refugees from Judah had fled to Memphis, hoping to escape Nebuchadnezzar's assault on Jerusalem, despite Jeremiah's warning (Jeremiah 42:19-22). Tragically, they would be caught up in Egypt's disastrous judgment. God promises to put an end to Memphis's false gods and bring the city's enemies against it in broad daylight (Ezekiel 30:13, 16).
- Thebes (No): Once the capital of Egypt, Thebes had been destroyed by the Assyrians in 663 BC but was later rebuilt. Its vast population will be decimated when the Babylonians breach its walls, a destruction also prophesied by Jeremiah (Ezekiel 30:14-16; Jeremiah 46:25).
- Tehaphnehes: The location of one of Pharaoh's palaces, Tehaphnehes, symbolizes Egypt's proud strength, which God will bring to an end. Its people will also be taken into captivity (Ezekiel 30:18).
Ultimately, the prophecy concludes with the humbling of Egypt, forcing it to acknowledge God as Lord (Ezekiel 30:19).
The Imagery of Broken and Strengthened Arms (Ezekiel 30:20-26)
The final verses of Ezekiel 30 present a separate prophecy against Egypt, employing the imagery of broken and strengthened arms to illustrate God's sovereign will and control over human events. As if the judgment had already taken place, God declares that He has broken the arm of Pharaoh, rendering him powerless to wield a sword (Ezekiel 30:21-22). Conversely, God will strengthen the arms of the King of Babylon (Ezekiel 30:24-25), enabling him to conquer and destroy Egypt. The ultimate purpose of this display of power is to bring the Egyptians to the knowledge of God: "Then they shall know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 30:26). God's judgment, while severe, serves to reveal His glory and establish His Lordship.
Ezekiel 30 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It also underscores the futility of relying on worldly power and false gods. The prophecy ultimately points to the need for all people to acknowledge God as Lord, finding true security and hope in Him alone.