Ezekiel 29:1-21

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_29:1-21.md

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+title = "Ezekiel 29:1–21"
+date = "2023-05-25"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel29.1-21)
+
+The prophecies against Egypt were given to Ezekiel in 587 <span
+style="font-variant-caps: small-caps">b.c.</span>, 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.