Ezekiel 29
BSB1 In the tenth year, on the twelfth day of the tenth month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all Egypt. 3 Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’ 4 But I will put hooks in your jaws and cause the fish of your streams to cling to your scales. I will haul you up out of your rivers, and all the fish of your streams will cling to your scales. 5 I will leave you in the desert, you and all the fish of your streams. You will fall on the open field and will not be taken away or gathered for burial. I have given you as food to the beasts of the earth and the birds of the air. 6 Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel. 7 When Israel took hold of you with their hands, you splintered, tearing all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke, and their backs were wrenched. 8 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will bring a sword against you and cut off from you man and beast. 9 The land of Egypt will become a desolate wasteland. Then they will know that I am the LORD. Because you said, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it,’ 10 therefore I am against you and against your rivers. I will turn the land of Egypt into a ruin, a desolate wasteland from Migdol to Syene, and as far as the border of Cush. 11 No foot of man or beast will pass through, and it will be uninhabited for forty years. 12 I will make the land of Egypt a desolation among desolate lands, and her cities will lie desolate for forty years among the ruined cities. And I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them throughout the countries. 13 For this is what the Lord GOD says: At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations to which they were scattered. 14 I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom. 15 Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the nations. For I will diminish Egypt so that it will never again rule over the nations. 16 Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD." 17 In the twenty-seventh year, on the first day of the first month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it. 19 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder. This will be the wages for his army. 20 I have given him the land of Egypt as the reward for his labor, because it was done for Me, declares the Lord GOD. 21 In that day I will cause a horn to sprout for the house of Israel, and I will open your mouth to speak among them. Then they will know that I am the LORD."
Study Notes — Ezekiel 29
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezekiel 29
- Themes from Ezekiel 29
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezekiel 29
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Ezekiel receiving a word from the Lord, instructing him to prophesy against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and against all Egypt (Ezekiel 29:1-2). The Lord announces that He will put an end to the pride of Egypt and its ruler, and that the nation will be desolate for 40 years (Ezekiel 29:10-12). The chapter also describes the alliance between Egypt and other nations, including Tyre, and how they will all be judged by God (Ezekiel 29:16-20). The prophecy concludes with a message of hope for Israel, promising that they will be restored and that God will be their strength (Ezekiel 29:21).
Context for the Chapter
Ezekiel chapter 29 is part of a larger collection of prophecies against the nations, which are found in Ezekiel chapters 25-32. The chapter is addressed to the exiles in Babylon, who are struggling to come to terms with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. The prophecy serves as a reminder of God's power and sovereignty, and the ultimate judgment that will be inflicted upon all nations. The chapter's themes and motifs are also closely tied to the broader biblical narrative, particularly the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, which also contain prophecies against the nations.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages us to reflect on our own pride and arrogance, and to recognize the dangers of self-reliance. It also reminds us of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people, and the promise of restoration that is available to all who put their trust in Him. As we consider the themes and motifs of this chapter, we are invited to examine our own hearts and to seek a deeper understanding of God's character and ways.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ezekiel chapter 29 is a prophecy of God's judgment on Egypt, which had become proud and arrogant. The chapter describes the downfall of Egypt and its ruler, Pharaoh, as a result of God's wrath. In Ezekiel 29:9, God says He will bring a sword upon Egypt and cut off its people and animals. The chapter also promises restoration for Israel, which is a reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people.
Voices from the Church
“The pride of man is a terrible thing, for it leads him to forget his dependence upon God and to trust in his own strength. But God will not be mocked, and He will bring down the proud and the arrogant.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The sword of God's wrath is a terrible thing, for it cuts down all who oppose Him. But it is also a symbol of God's justice and righteousness, for it punishes the wicked and vindicates the righteous.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Prophecy (Ezekiel 29:1-2) — The chapter begins with Ezekiel receiving a word from the Lord, instructing him to prophesy against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and against all Egypt.
- The Downfall of Egypt (Ezekiel 29:3-7) — The Lord announces that He will put an end to the pride of Egypt and its ruler, and that the nation will be desolate for 40 years.
- The Alliance between Egypt and Other Nations (Ezekiel 29:8-12) — The chapter describes the alliance between Egypt and other nations, including Tyre, and how they will all be judged by God.
- The Desolation of Egypt (Ezekiel 29:13-16) — The Lord announces that Egypt will be desolate for 40 years, and that its people will be scattered among the nations.
- The Restoration of Israel (Ezekiel 29:17-21) — The chapter concludes with a message of hope for Israel, promising that they will be restored and that God will be their strength.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations, highlighting His power and authority. This doctrine is reinforced through the use of phrases such as 'I will' and 'I will bring', which underscore God's active role in shaping the course of human history.
- The Judgment of God
- The chapter describes the judgment that God will inflict upon Egypt, highlighting the severity of His wrath. This doctrine serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of seeking forgiveness and mercy.
- The Restoration of Israel
- The chapter promises restoration for Israel, which is a reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people. This doctrine is closely tied to the broader biblical narrative, particularly the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah, which also contain prophecies of restoration and redemption.
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter encourages us to reflect on our own pride and arrogance, and to recognize the dangers of self-reliance. This doctrine serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the need to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life.
Lessons from Ezekiel 29
- The Dangers of Pride and Arrogance — The chapter warns us of the dangers of pride and arrogance, and encourages us to recognize the importance of humility and dependence upon God.
- The Importance of Recognizing God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and power over all nations, and encourages us to trust in His wisdom and guidance.
- The Promise of Restoration — The chapter promises restoration for Israel, which is a reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people. This promise serves as a source of hope and comfort for all who are struggling or suffering.
- The Use of Symbolism in Prophecy — The chapter's use of symbolism, such as the sword, serves as a reminder of the importance of careful interpretation and application of prophetic language.
- The Balance between Judgment and Mercy — The chapter balances our recognition of God's judgment and wrath with our understanding of His mercy and love, serving as a reminder of the complexity and nuance of God's character and ways.
Themes from Ezekiel 29
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all nations, highlighting His authority and control over the course of human history.
- The Dangers of Pride and Arrogance — The chapter warns us of the dangers of pride and arrogance, and encourages us to recognize the importance of humility and dependence upon God.
- The Promise of Restoration — The chapter promises restoration for Israel, which is a reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people.
- The Importance of Symbolism in Prophecy — The chapter's use of symbolism, such as the sword, serves as a reminder of the importance of careful interpretation and application of prophetic language.
- The Balance between Judgment and Mercy — The chapter balances our recognition of God's judgment and wrath with our understanding of His mercy and love, serving as a reminder of the complexity and nuance of God's character and ways.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which we can recognize and overcome pride and arrogance in our own lives?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty and power over all nations impact our understanding of His character and ways?
- What are some ways in which we can apply the promise of restoration for Israel to our own lives and circumstances?
- How does the chapter's use of symbolism, such as the sword, contribute to our understanding of God's judgment and wrath?
- What are some ways in which we can balance our recognition of God's judgment and wrath with our understanding of His mercy and love?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Prophecy (Ezekiel 29:1-2)
| 29:1 | The chapter begins with Ezekiel receiving a word from the Lord, instructing him to prophesy against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and against all Egypt. |
| 29:2 | The Lord announces that He will put an end to the pride of Egypt and its ruler, and that the nation will be desolate for 40 years. |
2. The Downfall of Egypt (Ezekiel 29:3-7)
| 29:3 | The Lord announces that He will put an end to the pride of Egypt and its ruler, and that the nation will be desolate for 40 years. |
| 29:4 | The Lord will bring a sword upon Egypt and cut off its people and animals. |
3. The Alliance between Egypt and Other Nations (Ezekiel 29:8-12)
| 29:8 | The chapter describes the alliance between Egypt and other nations, including Tyre, and how they will all be judged by God. |
| 29:9 | The Lord announces that He will bring a sword upon Egypt and cut off its people and animals. |
4. The Desolation of Egypt (Ezekiel 29:13-16)
| 29:13 | The Lord announces that Egypt will be desolate for 40 years, and that its people will be scattered among the nations. |
| 29:14 | The nation will be a desolation, and its cities will be laid waste. |
5. The Restoration of Israel (Ezekiel 29:17-21)
| 29:17 | The chapter concludes with a message of hope for Israel, promising that they will be restored and that God will be their strength. |
| 29:18 | The Lord will give Israel strength and courage, and they will be a blessing to all nations. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical context of Ezekiel chapter 29?
The chapter is addressed to the exiles in Babylon, who are struggling to come to terms with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. The prophecy serves as a reminder of God's power and sovereignty, and the ultimate judgment that will be inflicted upon all nations.
How does the chapter's emphasis on God's sovereignty impact our understanding of His character and ways?
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all nations, highlighting His authority and control over the course of human history. This serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and guidance.
What are some ways in which we can apply the promise of restoration for Israel to our own lives and circumstances?
The promise of restoration for Israel serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people. We can apply this promise to our own lives by seeking God's guidance and wisdom, and by trusting in His power and sovereignty.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 29:3 → Isaiah 19:1 | Both prophecies announce God's judgment on Egypt, highlighting the severity of His wrath and the importance of recognizing His sovereignty. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 29:9 → Revelation 19:15 | Both passages describe the sword of God's wrath, emphasizing the severity of His judgment and the importance of seeking mercy and forgiveness. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 29:10 → Jeremiah 46:25 | Both prophecies describe the desolation of Egypt, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the importance of recognizing God's power and authority. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 29:13 → Deuteronomy 29:22-24 | Both passages describe the desolation of a nation, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 29:17 → Isaiah 40:1-2 | Both prophecies promise restoration for Israel, highlighting God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 29:18 → Psalm 102:13-14 | Both passages describe God's care for His people, emphasizing His faithfulness and mercy towards those who trust in Him. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 29:19 → Habakkuk 3:17-19 | Both passages describe God's power and sovereignty, highlighting the importance of trusting in His wisdom and guidance. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 29:20 → Matthew 25:31-46 | Both passages describe the ultimate judgment that God will bring upon all nations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His sovereignty and seeking mercy and forgiveness. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 29:21 → Isaiah 55:1-3 | Both prophecies promise restoration and redemption, highlighting God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 29:21 → John 10:10 | Both passages describe the ultimate purpose of God's judgment and redemption, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His sovereignty and seeking mercy and forgiveness. |
Sermons on Ezekiel 29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When God's Word Comes to You by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the necessity of recognizing when God speaks to us, urging believers to maintain a vibrant, two-way communication with Him. He warns that a lack of remembran |
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No Dirty Dogs Shall Ever Trample Upon That Golden Pavement by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the stark contrast between the holiness of heaven and the unholiness of sinful people, using vivid animal imagery to describe the nature of the unholy. He |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 29
In this chapter, we see the Lord's judgment on Egypt, a nation that had become proud and arrogant. The prophecy announces the downfall of Egypt and its ruler, Pharaoh, as a result of God's wrath. The chapter also promises restoration for Israel, which is a reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy towards His people. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is known by the judgments which he executes, and his people are preserved by his power.' The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and seeking His mercy and forgiveness. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Use of Symbolism
The chapter employs vivid symbolism, such as the sword, to convey the severity of God's judgment. This use of symbolism adds depth and complexity to the prophecy, inviting the reader to reflect on the nature of God's wrath and mercy.
The Emphasis on God's Sovereignty
The chapter repeatedly emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations, highlighting His power and authority. This theme is reinforced through the use of phrases such as 'I will' and 'I will bring', which underscore God's active role in shaping the course of human history.
The Contrast between Egypt and Israel
The chapter presents a stark contrast between the fate of Egypt and the promise of restoration for Israel. This contrast serves to highlight the distinctive status of Israel as God's chosen people, and the special relationship that exists between God and His people.