Ezekiel 29-32
Yesterday’s tough words were primarily for all the proud idolatrous nations surrounding Israel: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, and Tyre. Some of them had whooped for joy at Jerusalem’s demise.
Today’s chapters continue this theme...for just one more nation: EGYPT!
Because Egypt has been a weak stick for Israel to lean on, and because of their pride in the Nile, they will become a desolate waste (29:10). The allies of Egypt will fall (30:6), and the arms of the Pharaoh will be broken (30:22). In chapter 31, Ezekiel compares Egypt to a towering tall cedar of Lebanon that is about to come crashing to the ground. God will use the same instrument to humble Egypt, as he used to humble the other nations: Babylon and her ruthless leader, Nebuchadnezzar.
Though Ezekiel’s words for Egypt are as tough as his words for the other nations, there is a bit of hope. Read Ezekiel 29:13-16; these verses describe two faint flickers of this hope: First, exiled Egyptians will be returned to Egypt after forty years. Secondly, they will know that the God of Israel is the Sovereign Lord!
Tomorrow, we finally begin to read some hopeful words for Israel!
Your fellow pilgrim through the Prophets,
Pastor Gary
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