diff --git a/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_29:1-21.md b/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_29:1-21.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..871c154 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_29:1-21.md @@ -0,0 +1,46 @@ ++++ +title = "Ezekiel 29:1–21" +date = "2023-05-25" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel29.1-21) + +The prophecies against Egypt were given to Ezekiel in 587 b.c., roughly a year after the +siege of Jerusalem (and a few months before he prophesied against Tyre, in +fact). Egypt had long been one of the superpowers of the ancient world, +exerting great influence over its neighbors for a long time. But the Lord +decrees that the time for that has ended. + +The Pharaohs of Egypt had long likened themselves as gods to their people, +blessing the Nile River in order for it to bring abundance to the land. The +Lord compares Pharaoh to a great dragon that has its domain in the river but +one that also boasts that it created it. For this arrogance, the Lord will pull +him up out of the river like a fish on a hook and then toss him to the land. +There he will perish and become food for the carrion birds and beasts. + +In addition to Pharaoh trying to put himself in God's place, the Egyptians in +general are also punished for betraying God's people. Israel had gone to Egypt +(instead of the Lord) for aid against Babylon, but Egypt was not able to give +the support they needed. Because of this harm that was done against His people, +the Lord brings desolation upon Egypt. From north to south, Egypt will be made +desolate, emptied of its people. Man and beast of Egypt will be scattered +abroad, the superpower broken. However eventually the Lord gathers the +Egyptians together again to form a nation, but not as great as it once was. +Never again will any other nation be subject to them, nor will Israel be +tempted to rely upon them. + +Sixteen years later, Ezekiel is granted the knowledge of who will carry out +this prophecy against Egypt. Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had spent that +whole time besieging Tyre, but any plunder he had gotten from it was not worth +the cost of fielding his army for that long. Therefore the Lord will give him +success against Egypt as he turns his attention further south. The loot and +plunder he gets from Egypt will be enough to pay for his campaign against Tyre. + +Finally, Israel is offered hope. On the day Nebuchadnezzar conquers Egypt, +Israel's power will begin to rise and Ezekiel will prophesy to them again. + +* * * + +The greatest of superpowers is as nothing before You. Nations rise and fall at +Your command.