Ezekiel 30:1
The prophecies against Egypt continue. There is no date associated with this first portion of the oracle. It is broken into 4 pieces, each headed with, "Thus says the Lord God."
Ezekiel 30:2-5
- It is a time of woe, or mourning. Anguish and death will be common in this time of judgment. This isn't a day, a few hours or single event. It points toward a season of judgment that is not just Egypt but all the nations. Maybe we shouldn't see this a 'a' day of the Lord but also consider 'the' day of the Lord.
Ezekiel 30:6-9
- Egypt specifically is dealt with during this time. Egypt was the nation used by the Lord as an incubator for the nation of Israel. They are a picture of a sin-fallen world and its systems. Its ways are broken, fallible and never-lasting while the ways of the Lord are perfect and ever-lasting. The Lord will lay waste the nation and all will know that He is Lord. Those in alliance with Egypt will also fall. The Lord sets a fire in Egypt, a judgment fire. Messengers of the Lord will go out in ships to warn the Ethiopians who were secure in their ways.
Ezekiel 30:10-12
- In verse 10 we get a few specifics to put this on a time line. All the previous verses could have been looking into our future. Ezekiel brings the message first to those of that day, Nebuchadnezzar would be the tool of judgment against Egypt. This presents the scenario of a massive invasion that would forever change Egypt. The land would suffer and be put into the hands of the wicked.
Ezekiel 30:13-19
- No part or city of Egypt could find comfort or security. Noph (Memphis) was a religious center for their false gods. No (Thebes) had to large temples to their god Amon. The cities listed were famous has strongholds, capitals, financial centers, political centers, etc. None of these things, none of this fame or reputation or false gods would keep them from God's judgment. All her arrogant strength would cease. Then they would come to the knowledge of God.
Ezekiel 30:20-26
The Egyptian army was a formidable foe against the Babylonians. Their ability to war was equal to that of Babylon. They really thought they could defeat Nebuchadnezzar. However, this wasn't decided by strength of arms or wisdom of generals. The Lord had decided this outcome. Pharaoh's arm was broken. His strength and ability to make war was stripped from him. Egypt would be scattered. The nation would never be the same.
©2019 Doug Ford
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