Ezekiel_29.asp

Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Ezekiel

Chapter 29

Go To Verse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

[1] In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [2] Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt: [3] Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself. [4] But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales. [5] And I will leave thee thrown into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven. [6] And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. [7] When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.

Verse 1 Expanded Bible Comments

In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Question	Suggested Answer

Verse 2 Expanded Bible Comments

Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:
Question	Suggested Answer
To whom is this message given?	"Son of man."
Based upon this information, what is the time setting here?	During the days of the Seventh Messenger.
The "Son of man" is here instructed to "set thy face against..?" What does that mean?	While Eze. 3:8 does not use the phrase "set thy face against.." it does describe how the LORD made the forehead of the seventh messenger strong against those who did not hold to the Truth. It is the same principle here.
Who (or what) is pictured by "Egypt?"	A313 "Egypt represents the world".
Who then is pictured by "Pharaoh king of Egypt?"	Satan. Rev. 20:2
Is this prophecy against "Pharaoh?"	Definitely yes.
Is this prophecy against "Egypt?"	It is "and against all Egypt."

Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who is telling the "Son of man" what to say?	"Thus saith the Lord GOD [Jehovah]."
How is this "Pharaoh king of Egypt" described?	"The great dragon." We, of course, associate the dragon with Satan (Rev. 20:2.) Yet we should remember that the symbol of a dragon generally denotes civil power. In following what happens to the "Pharaoh king of Egypt," and recognizing that the Papacy was his masterpiece, we see the close identification of Satan with the false (counterfeit) Christian religion. As we continue in this study, we should watch to see how this association with the civil power and the religious organizations connected with the Adversary are described.
Where can he be found?	"That lieth in the midst of his rivers."
What does this dragon say about where he dwells?	"My river is mine own."
What does he claim to be the origin of the place?	"I have made it for myself."
Is this claim consistent with his character?	Isa. 14:13-14 - Same reference with alternate highlighting.

Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments

But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is indicated by the phrase "I will put hooks in thy jaws?"	This sounds a lot like fishing. The same phrase (H2397 H3895) is used again in Eze. 38:3-4 when God tells of how He will bring "Gog.. the chief prince of Mescech and Tubal" against re-gathered Israel.
Who are "the fish of thy rivers?"	Just as our Lord told Peter and Andrew: "I will make you fishers of men," (Matt. 4:19) so here the fish would indicate people. "Thy rivers" would seem to be the Euphrates and those rivers that flow as tributaries into it. Rev. 16:12. Remember, it is "thy rivers."
What happens to "the fish of thy rivers?"	The Lord causes them "to stick unto thy scales."
What kind of a literal creature that dwells in the river has the appearance of scales?	Likely a Crocodile.
What is pictured by Egypt?	"Egypt represents the world" - A313:1
Reminder: who is being spoken of here?	"Pharaoh king of Egypt."
Who is pictured by Pharaoh?	Satan, the god of this world. R3525
What happens to "Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon?" (vs 3)	"I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers."
And what about those fish, stuck to his scales?	"All the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales."

Verse 5 Expanded Bible Comments

And I will leave thee thrown into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven.
Question	Suggested Answer
What is pictured by "the wilderness?"	"The Wilderness, symbolizes disrespect - outcast condition, while "City" represents the reverse viz: popularity, honor, respect, dominion, kingdom." ... "This city condition, is beautifully represented by a symbol of a glorious New Jerusalem City." (Rev. 21:2.) R307 - The wilderness is "a tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings." - Webster
To where does the Lord bring the King of Egypt?	"Into the wilderness."
Is anyone else brought with him?	"thee and all the fish of thy rivers."
What is meant by "thou shalt fall upon the open fields?"	It does NOT say, "thou shalt stand up strong and dominate the fields." Clearly this describes a lower condition than before, a relatively low condition. Also it is in an "open field" as opposed to a field filled with ripened grain, ready for harvest.
The next expression is "Thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered." Why? What does this signify?	This is the opposite condition from the Lord's people. The spiritual seed of Abraham is gathered unto the Lord: "come out of her my people.." Rev. 18:4; Psa. 50:5. The earthly seed is to be gathered together as described in Eze. 37:12 and Amos 9:11,14-15.
What is meant by "I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven?"	Compare Eze. 39:17-18; Rev. 18:2; see also Isa. 34:5-7

Verse 6 Expanded Bible Comments

And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who are "all the inhabitants of Egypt?"	All the people of the world.
What will they know?	They "shall know that I am the LORD.
Why (or how) will they know this?	"Because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel."
Just what does that mean?	Staff - H4938 Strong's H4938 מִשְׁעֶנֶת מִשְׁעֵנָה mish‛ênâh mish‛eneth mish-ay-naw', mish-eh'-neth Feminine of H4937; support (abstractly), that is, (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking stick: - staff. Total KJV occurrences: 12 Reed - H7070 Strong's H7070 קָנֶה qâneh kaw-neh' From H7069; a reed (as erect); by resemblance a rod (especially for measuring), shaft, tube, stem, the radius (of the arm), beam (of a steelyard): - balance, bone, branch, calamus, cane, reed, X spearman, stalk. Total KJV occurrences: 62 The only other places where we find this combination of Hebrew words is when Sannacherib (king of Assyria) sent his representative (Rabshakeh) as head of his army to Jerusalem. The Assyrian army thought that Hezekiah was trusting in Egypt to protect them when in reality king Hezekiah was trusting in the LORD. The account is found in two places: 2 Kings 18:21 and Isa. 36:6. The thought is that none will be looking to the world (and its prince: Satan) for support. In this case the message of the LORD sent via "Son of man" is that in the past the world (Egypt) has been of little or no strength on behalf of Israel. But now, the LORD has taken up Israel's cause and the entire world ("all the inhabitants of Egypt") will be able to understand this.

Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments

When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.
Question	Suggested Answer
Who is "they?"	Israel.
Who is "thee" and "thy?"	These refer to Egypt (the world.)
What happened to Egypt when Israel sought for help from them?	"Thou didst break."
What was the impact on Israel when this happened?	It caused Israel to "rend all their shoulder."
What happened when Israel "leaned" (or pressed harder) for Egypt's (the world's) help?	It caused Egypt (the world) injury ("thou brakest" )
What else happened to Israel as a result of their leaning (pressing) on Egypt (the world) for help?	It "madest all their loins to be at a stand."
"When they [Israel] took hold of thee [Egypt, the world] by thy hand, thou [Egypt, the world] didst break, and rend all their [Israel's] shoulder: and when they [Israel] leaned upon thee [Egypt, the world], thou [Egypt, the world] brakest, and madest all their [Israel's] loins to be at a stand." This last phrase is from two Hebrew words. Loins H4975 Strong's H4975 מֹתֶן môthen mo'-then From an unused root meaning to be slender; properly the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins: - + greyhound, loins, side. Total KJV occurrences: 47 and 'to be at a stand' H5976 Strong's H5976 עָמַד ‛âmad aw-mad' From H4571; to shake: - be at a stand. Total KJV occurrences: 1 As we can see the word 'at a stand' is only found in this verse and nowhere else. But it is taken from the word Strong's H4571. Strong's H4571 מָעַד mâ‛ad maw-ad' A primitive root; to waver: - make to shake, slide, slip. Total KJV occurrences: 6 In searching the O.T. there is one place where "loins" (H4975) and H4571 are used together. This helps. It is found in a prophecy about our Lord Jesus and his crucifixion. Psa. 69:16-28 And we remember our Lord's words in Matt. 10:25.
Other translations may assist in the understanding of this verse.	"When they took a grip of you in their hands, you were crushed so that their arms were broken: and when they put their weight on you for support, you were broken and all their muscles gave way." BBE "When they reached out to you for support, you broke in half, cutting their arms and making them fall." CEV "The people of Israel leaned on Egypt for support, but Egypt only pierced their hands and shoulder. They leaned on you for support, but you broke and twisted their back.'" ERV "when they grasped you with the hand, you broke and tore all their shoulders; and when they leaned on you, you broke and made all their loins to shake." ESV "When they took hold of you with the hand, you snapped, and you split their every shoulder. And when they leaned on you, you broke, and you caused all of their loins to wobble." LEB

[8] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee. [9] And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the LORD: because he hath said, The river is mine, and I have made it. [10] Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia. [11] No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years. [12] And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee.
Question	Suggested Answer
Why does this verse begin with "Therefore?"	It indicates that as a result of what has just been described, something is going to happen. Cause and effect.
Who is speaking?	"thus saith the Lord GOD."
Is the "sword" he speaks of literal or symbolic?	Clearly symbolic but may also be literal.
What does he say he will do with this "sword?"	"I will... cut off man and beast out of thee."
What does that mean? Will there no longer be any camels in Egypt?	In symbolic language a beast represents a government. A258:3; R5349

Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments

And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the LORD: because he hath said, The river is mine, and I have made it.
Question	Suggested Answer
In what condition will the land of Egypt find itself?	"And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste."
Is there a difference between "desolate" and "waste?" If so, what is it?	Desolate: Strong's H8077 שִׁמָמָה שְׁמָמָה shemâmâh shimâmâh shem-aw-maw', shee-mam-aw' Feminine of H8076; devastation; figuratively astonishment: - (laid, X most) desolate (-ion), waste. Total KJV occurrences: 57 Waste: Strong's H2723 חָרְבָּה chorbâh khor-baw' Feminine of H2721; properly drought, that is, (by implication) a desolation: - decayed place, desolate (place, -tion), destruction, (laid) waste (place). Total KJV occurrences: 42 This can be very confusing because the translators have been inconsistent. Both of these words have been translated as waste and both as desolation. Both of these words carry the thought of destruction, while the first (H8077) also carries more the thought of astonishment and the second (H2723) the thought of drought (indicating a condition of little or no water.) There are 5 places where both words are used in the same verse. Here in both verse 9 and 10, and the other 3 are found in Lev. 26:33; Jer. 44:6 and again in Eze. 35:4.
"They shall know that I am the LORD." Who is "they?"	The Egyptians, the inhabitants of Egypt.
"Because he hath said.." Who is being referred to by "he?"	"Pharaoh king of Egypt." See verse 2.
What is the claim "he" made?	"The river is mine, and I have made it."
Is his claim true?	No. Water is used both to symbolize people and truth. The river (truth and people) were there before Pharoah (Satan) corrupted things to the point where the Euphrates river (people and corrupted 'truth' - doctrines) became the support of Babylon. So, from his standpoint, the outward appearance was that he did make the river.
What is this "river" of which he speaks?	Literally, the Nile, symbolically, The Euphrates.

Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments

Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.
Question	Suggested Answer
Unto whom is this message from the LORD directed to?	"I am against thee.." against Pharoah (Satan.)
How can we be sure of this?	Verse 2 tells us directly that this prophecy is aimed at Pharoah.
Is this prophecy only against him?	No. ".. and against thy rivers." We remember in verse 3 "Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon..." made the claim "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself."
How does the LORD describe what He will do to Egypt?	"I will make the land of Egypt *utterly waste and* desolate**, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia."
Just how "utterly waste" and "desolate" is Egypt to become? Consider the following:	This phrase "utterly waste" is made up of two very closely related Hebrew words: Strong's H2723 and H2721. Strong's H2723 חָרְבָּה chorbâh khor-baw' Feminine of H2721; properly drought, that is, (by implication) a desolation: - decayed place, desolate (place, -tion), destruction, (laid) waste (place). Total KJV occurrences: 42 Strong's H2721 חֹרֶב chôreb kho'-reb A collateral form of H2719; drought or desolation: - desolation, drought, dry, heat, X utterly, waste. Total KJV occurrences: 16 The word "desolate" is Strong's H8077 Strong's H8077 שִׁמָמָה שְׁמָמָה shemâmâh shimâmâh shem-aw-maw', shee-mam-aw' Feminine of H8076; devastation; figuratively astonishment: - (laid, X most) desolate (-ion), waste. Total KJV occurrences: 57 This is the ONLY place in the Bible where this combination occurs.
With the above in mind, just what does Egypt look like today (2024)?	It is dominated by desert.

Just how big is the Sahara desert?	Sahara desert is about 3.6 million square miles. For comparison, the contiguous USA (a.k.a. the lower 48) is about 3.12 million square miles, Europe is about 3.93 million square miles, Canada is about 3.86 million square miles.
What is indicated by "the tower of Syene unto the border of Ethiopia?"	Easton's Bible Dictionary: "Opening (Ezek. 29:10; 30:6), a town of Egypt, on the borders of Ethiopia, now called Assouan, on the right bank of the Nile, notable for its quarries of beautiful red granite called "syenite." It was the frontier town of Egypt in the south, as Migdol was in the north-east."
Let us first examine the literal description against Egypt and its inhabitants. Attempting to establish the locations indicated in verse 10.
First: other translations may help to establish the locations in Egypt which the LORD is speaking." from Migdol to Syene, even as far as the edge of Ethiopia. - BBE all the way from the town of Migdol in the north to Aswan in the south, and as far as the border of Ethiopia. - CEV from Migdol to Syene, even unto the border of Ethiopia. - Darby The cities will be empty from Migdol to Aswan and as far as the border of Ethiopia.- ERV from Migdol to Syene, as far as the border of Cush. - ESV from Migdol to Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia. - JPS from Migdol to Syene and up to the boundary of Cush. - LEB from Migdol to Syene, And to the border of Cush. - LSV from Migdol to Syene, even to the border of Ethiopia. - MKJV from Migdol to Syene, And unto the border of Cush. - YLT from Migdol to Syene, even up to the boundary of Ethiopia. - Rotherham
The next question is: Where is Migdol? Difficult to say. Consider the following: Holman Bible Dictionary (mihg' dahl) Transliteration of Hebrew word meaning, �tower, watchtower, fortress.� A town or a border fortress located in the northeast corner of Egypt. The site is mentioned in reference to two events in biblical history-the Exodus and the Exile. One of the sites on or near the route of the Exodus, Migdol was located near the sites of Pi-hahiroth and Baal-Zephron, all of which were near the sea (Exodus 14:20). Jewish refugees fled to Migdol during the Exile (Jeremiah 44:1). The coming doom of Egypt at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar was to be proclaimed there (Jeremiah 46:13-14). Ezekiel prophesied that the land of Egypt would be laid waste, �from Migdol to Aswan� (Ezekiel 29:10; Ezekiel 30:6 NIV), that is from the northern extremity of the land, Migdol, to the southern extremity of the land, Aswan. Since migdol could be used as a proper name, Migdol, or as a common noun, �tower,� two questions remain unresolved. What is the exact location of the site of Migdol? Do all of the references to Migdol refer to the same site, or was there more than one site in Egypt named Migdol? More than one site may have borne the name Migdol, though the evidence we have at hand is inconclusive. The Amarna Letters from Egypt refer to an Egyptian city named Maagdali, but information about its location is not given. See Amarna tell el. For instance a papyrus manuscript mentions the Migdol of Pharoah Seti I. This Migdol was located near Tjeku, the location of which is still debated. Some prefer to identify Tjeku with Succoth, modern-day tell el-Maskhutah, while others identify it with tell el-Her located further north near Pelusium. For this reason we may assume with some certainty that there were at least two sites named Migdol: the Migdol referred to by Jeremiah and Ezekiel located near Pelusium, and the Migdol on the route of the Exodus located near Succoth. Both may have been part of a line of border fortresses or migdols designed to provide protection for Egypt against invasion from the Sinai. Below we show the supposed locations for Migdol (on the left) and Syene (on the right.)

Verse 11 Expanded Bible Comments

No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.
Question	Suggested Answer
First, let us make sure we do not get confused by all the above. It is easy to lose our context. This verse follows immediately after the prior one in which is about "the land of Egypt... from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia." Therefor the "it" referred to here is "the land of Egypt." "No foot of man shall pass through it [the land of Egypt], nor foot of beast shall pass through it [the land of Egypt], neither shall it [the land of Egypt] be inhabited forty years."
"No foot of man shall pass through it." Is this literal or symbolic?	It appears to be symbolic.
In either case, what does this mean?	Egypt symbolizes the world. We here suggest that this is similar in concept to what is described in Rev. 15:8 (Additional comments "No man was able to enter the temple" and "Till the seven plagues .. were fulfilled") In this case no man shall pass through Egypt to gain its former prosperity.
"Nor foot of beast shall pass through it." Same question here. Is this literal or symbolic?	Same answer. It appears to be symbolic.
In either case, what does this mean?	Similar answer. No beastly government will pass through Egypt to gain its former prosperity. - To verify that beasts are symbolic of governments, consider Dan. 7.
"Neither shall it be inhabited forty years." Is this literal or symbolic? and what does that mean?	Our suggestion is that the "forty years" symbolize a period of judgment, much like what took place with the forty years judgment upon Israel from 29 A.D. to 69-70 A.D. Another text that is similar in concept (describing a period of judgment) is Micah 4:1-4 shown below.

Micah 4:1-4

[1] But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain [kingdom] of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains [in the top of, or above the kingdoms of earth, in 1914 at the end of the Gentile Times], and it [the Kingdom of God] shall be exalted above the hills [lesser governments, Republics (or constitutional monarchies)]; and people shall flow unto it. [2] And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain [Kingdom] of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion [the Spiritual, heavenly phase of the Kingdom], and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem [the Earthly phase of the Kingdom]. [3] And he [God] shall judge among many people, and rebuke [formerly] strong nations afar off; and they [these previously 'strong' nations] shall beat their swords [ideas, doctrines, teachings] into plowshares [turning from tearing down into ideas, teachings, etc. which will build up], and their spears [weapons] into pruninghooks [tools, inventions etc. for building up and improving man's condition]: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they [these formerly 'strong' nations] learn war any more. [4] But they shall sit every man under his vine [spiritual phase - 'I am the vine, ye are the branches'] and under his fig tree [Israel, the earthly phase of the Kingdom]; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.

Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.
Question	Suggested Answer
The land of Egypt..."	Strong's H776 אֶרֶץ 'erets eh'-rets From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land): - X common, country, earth, field, ground, land, X nations, way, + wilderness, world.
And I will make the land [H776] of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries [H776] that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries [H776].
"I will make the land of Egypt desolate." Is the land of Egypt desolate today (October 2024?)	From the literal standpoint it is pretty much desolate except in the Nile delta and along the Nile River. From the symbolic standpoint Egypt (the world) is also desolate and barren. They are without the spirit of the Lord, even if some do at least acknowledge Him to some degree.
What are "the countries that are desolate?"	We need to remember that the Hebrew is indicating that this refers to the land or territory (geography) of these countries. Since this was before the "universal" empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, we should look at the ancient power of Egypt in similar fashion as those empires. Under the Pharaoh's, Egypt was once the primary power in the region. Other countries came to them, seeking their favor (both for prosperity and for aid in defense.) This is similar to ancient Babylon. Our suggestion is that here we have Egypt picturing the world under (as stated in verse 3) "Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon" (Satan.)
What are "the cities that are laid waste?"	While we are looking at these as two separate questions, they need to be taken together. A city is symbolic of a government. (R3570) The real question is "How are "the cities" different from "her cities?" -- Still looking for clarity on this --
What are "her cities?" - Please note: This is NOT the same as the previous question.
How is it that "her cities... shall be desolate forty years?" and what does that mean?	We note that it is not all the cities, merely the cities of Egypt that are to "be desolate forty years." -- Still looking for clarity on this --
"I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries." This sounds like what God did with the nation of Israel. What does all this mean?	Not sure, but there is at least one clue here. At the time this prophecy is fulfilled there are other countries where the Egyptians have been "scattered" among.

[13] Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered: [14] And I will bring again the prosperity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom. [15] It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations. [16] And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.

Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments

Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered:
Question	Suggested Answer
When does this take place, and what does that mean?	It takes place "At the end of forty years" after the world has passed through a judgment period.
Who is it that gathers the Egyptian people?	"The Lord GOD."
We know that Israel was scattered into all countries. How (if any) does this differ from what God did to Israel?	The intent of re-gathering Israel was for the purpose of using them to be the earthly center of His government for the blessing of all the families of the earth. (Amos 3:2) God has no such purpose for the Egyptians.
Are we sure that this is to happen to Egypt?	Absolutely yes. "Thus saith the Lord GOD"

Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments

And I will bring again the prosperity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.
Question	Suggested Answer
I will bring them back from captivity and return them to Upper Egypt, the land of their ancestry. There they will be a lowly kingdom. – NIV I'll restore the economy of Egypt and return them to the land of Pathros, from which they originated, and there they will remain an insignificant kingdom. – ISV
Why does this language sound so much like the re-gathering of Israel?	Because this does involve bringing the nations of the world back to a state of prosperity.
What is different from the re-gathering of Israel?	These nations of the world are not to become mighty kingdoms. Rather they are to be insignificant ones in comparison with Israel.

Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.
Question	Suggested Answer
"It shall be the basest of the kingdoms." What does that mean?	It means Egypt will be the least significance among the kingdoms.
Will Egypt try to become a mighty and important nation again? If so, why? If not, why not?	Clearly not. Why not? Because they will have learned their lesson and accepted God's judgment.
Who is it that causes this condition to come about?	The LORD. "I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations."
When the Lord says "They shall no more rule over the nations," what does that imply about their former state?	That they, at some time, did rule over the nations. We need to remember what we learned in verse 2: "Set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt."

Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments

And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
And it [Egypt] shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their [Israel's] iniquity to remembrance, when they [Israelites] shall look after them [Egyptians]: but they [Israelites] shall know that I am the Lord GOD.
Question	Suggested Answer
In speaking of Egypt, is this literal or symbolic?	Yes (but specially against symbolic Egypt.)
Did Israel ever look to Egypt for their confidence (refuge, trust or hope)?	Strong's H4009 מִבְטָח mibṭâch mib-tawkh' From H982; properly a refuge, that is, (objectively) security, or (subjectively) assurance: - confidence, hope, sure, trust. Exo. 14:10-12 (BBE) "[10]� And when Pharaoh came near, the children of Israel, lifting up their eyes, saw the Egyptians coming after them, and were full of fear; and their cry went up to God.�[11]� And they said to Moses, Was there no resting-place for the dead in Egypt, that you have taken us away to come to our death in the waste land? why have you taken us out of Egypt?�[12]� Did we not say to you in Egypt, Let us be as we are, working for the Egyptians? for it is better to be the servants of the Egyptians than to come to our death in the waste land."
How is it that Israel's "iniqity" would be brought to their "remembrance" by looking at Egypt?	Because it would be a reminder that when Israel did look to Egypt for security it was an indication that they had lost their faith in God.
Please explain "They [Israelites] shall know that I am the Lord GOD."	By this time Israel will have learned their lesson that God is indeed on their side. They will have repented of their backsliding. Zech. 12:10

[17] And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [18] Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it: [19] Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. [20] I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.

Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments

And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Question	Suggested Answer
The 27th year of what?	CEV "Twenty-seven years after King Jehoiachin and the rest of us had been led away as prisoners to Babylonia." ERV "On the first day of the first month in the twenty-seventh year of exile." Jehoiachin only reigned for 3 months and was then replaced by Zedekiah (who reigned 11 years terminating with the fall of Jerusalem.) That places the beginning of the 27th year as being 11 years prior to the beginning of the period of desolation. (606 BC if year zero is counted, else 607 BC.) The temple was destroyed and the Times of the Gentiles began on the 9th day of the 5th month (AV) in that year. This would appear to be saying that the 1st day of Nisan in the year 618 BC is the first year. That would point to the 1st month 1st day of the 27th year (26 years later: 27 -1 = 26). Verse 1 would then be pointing to the 12th day of Tevet in the year 592 BC.
To whom does "the word of the LORD" come and what does that tell us?	It comes unto "me" (Ezekiel.) In the next verse it once again refers to him as "son of man," which indicates Pastor Russell and thus lets us know to look for fulfillment during his ministry.

Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments

Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:
Question	Suggested Answer
"Son of man." Does this refer to the prophet Ezekiel or to Pastor Russell?	Apparently yes.
What was the "great service" performed by King Nebuchadnezzar and his army?	The taking of the city of Tyrus (Tyre.) While he never completely took the island city, he did deminish the power of the land part of the city.
Was every head made bald and every shoulder pealed (like a sunburned shoulder when the skin has been peeled?)	No, not every head and shoulder.
What does this suggest about this part of the prophecy?	That we should be looking beyond a strictly literal fulfillment.
According to this verse, what wages were received by Nebuchadnezzar and his army?	None.
The key to understanding this prophecy
In the symbolical sense, who was Nebuchadnezzar?	The king of Babylon, the first of the 4 Universal Empires - "Thou art this head of gold." Dan. 2:38 - The thought here is that the king of Babylon pictures, not just the first empire, but all 4 of these Universal Empires throughout "the Times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24.)
Repeating a previous question but thinking symbolically - What was the "great service" performed by King Nebuchadnezzar and his army?	The taking of the city of Tyrus (Tyre.) Symbolically this is saying that Babylon helps in taking down Satan (pharaoh) and his empire, "this present evil world." - Gal. 1:4; 2 Pet. 3:6-7

Verses 19-20 Expanded Bible Comments

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. [20] I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.
Question	Suggested Answer
Literal
This verse begins with "Therefore." What does this tell us about what follows?	This is like saying "Because of what the above.." Think "cause and effect."
"I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon." Did this happen?	Yes. Its fulfillment is described in a single verse: 2 Kings 24:7. This verse is helpful here in that it places the spoiling of Egypt at the the death of king Jehoiachin (followed three months later by the reign of Zedekiah.) Thus this took place about 11 years prior to the beginning of "the Times of the Gentiles".
What did the LORD give to king Nebuchadnezzar?	"Her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey."
What was the purpose of these spoils?	"It shall be the wages for his army."
Why did the LORD give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar?	"For his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD."
Symbolical
Did Babylon have anything positive with regard to the world?	Clearly yes. Consider Phil. 1:15-18. (Consider also Amos 3:2) Even though they had a twisted version of the Gospel, the world has been lifted up by its presentation and especially the distribution of Bibles through the world.
What did God promise to the king of Babylon? "I will give the land of Egypt [the world] unto... king of Babylon." Did this happen?	Yes. The universal empires (especially the fourth, Rome) did gain practically the whole world. If not under its direct control, its influence was spread throughout the world.
What did the king of Babylon (church and state, emphasis on the state) do for the LORD?	He fought against Tyrus (the world under the leadership of Satan.) Br. Perry has reminded us many times that the nations of Christendom had all those secret treaties which kicked in when WWI began. The worldly phrase is "hoist with his own petard." We also remember that included in the principal teachings of mystic Babylon was the "three unclean spirits like frogs" (R510) consisting of the divine right of kings, clergy and responsibility of the people to obey these as being from God. Rev. 16:14,16 tells us that God used these to gather the nations to Armageddon.

Begin Here January 7, 2025

[21] In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.

Verse 21 Expanded Bible Comments

In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Question	Suggested Answer
To what period of time does the phrase "In that day" (in the old testament prophecies) usually refer?	To the Millennial day, often with an emphasis on the Harvest time, or the time of trouble.
What is meant by "the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth?"	Horns are a symbol of power. What is the difference between "bud forth" and reach full flower?
Have we reached that point yet?	Yes. Regathered Israel has "budded forth" but have not "flowered."

Chapter 28 Chapter 30