Read Ezekiel 29.
Egypt had historically been the southern powerhouse of nations. During
times of trouble, Judah looked to their Egyptian neighbor for an alliance of
help. God pronounced a series of prophecies concerning Egypt that
requires four chapters to deliver.
1. The River Monster. (vv.1-5)
This Pharaoh would have been Hophra (589-570 B.C.) Pharaohs were
considered to be gods and the ultimate sin of Hophra was to claim that he made
and owned the Nile River. This was a direct affront to the real Creator
and Owner of all things. Comparing the Egyptian king to a large,
ferocious monster in the river, God predicted his demise would be like hooking
him and dragging him off in the desert to die.
2. The Reed. (vv.6-9a)
Judah allied with Egypt hoping to break free from the Babylonian oppression.
But when Judah leaned on them for support, they proved to be
untrustworthy. Therefore, God would judge them.
3. The Repercussions. (vv.9b-16)
God's punishment included reducing Egypt's power to nothing and scattering the
people for a period of forty years. After that time, the LORD promised to
restore Egypt's fortunes. However, never again would Egypt rule over
other nations as it once did.
4. The Reward for Babylon. (vv.17-21)
The Babylonians were used by God as His instruments to judge the nations for
their sin. When Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Tyre, he expected to capture its
great wealth. But after all the hard work of the soldiers, they found
nothing. Evidently, in a protective move Tyre had shipped its wealth
elsewhere. The war had been costly without a pay-off. God promised
to give the wealth of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar as his reward.
Taking credit for what God has done robs Him of His glory. We must be
careful to give the LORD the glory due Him. Doing so will keep our pride
in check, strengthen our awareness of His blessings, and cause us to speak of
His goodness more often.
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