Ezekiel 29:19

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder. This will be the wages for his army.

Study Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and sovereignty of God in delivering His message. It is a common prophetic introduction, underscoring that the following words are not of human origin but divinely inspired. This establishes the seriousness and certainty of the prophecy.

I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon:
This prophecy indicates a divine judgment against Egypt, a nation historically opposed to Israel. Nebuchadnezzar, as the king of Babylon, is portrayed as an instrument of God's judgment. Historically, Babylon was a dominant power in the ancient Near East, and this prophecy aligns with Babylon's expansionist policies. The giving of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar signifies a transfer of power and a humbling of Egypt, which had been a significant power in the region.

who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder:
This phrase describes the outcome of Babylon's conquest of Egypt. The terms "wealth," "spoil," and "plunder" indicate the material riches that Egypt possessed, which were to be taken by Babylon. This reflects the common practice of ancient warfare, where victors would take the resources of the defeated. The prophecy highlights the totality of Egypt's defeat and the thoroughness of Babylon's victory.

This will be the wages for his army:
Here, the prophecy explains the reason for the conquest: it serves as compensation for Nebuchadnezzar's army. This suggests that the Babylonian forces were to be rewarded for their efforts, possibly due to their previous campaigns, such as the lengthy siege of Tyre. The concept of "wages" implies a transactional nature to the conquest, where the spoils of Egypt serve as payment for military service. This reflects the economic realities of ancient warfare, where soldiers were often compensated through the acquisition of plunder.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through His prophet Ezekiel.

3. Nebuchadnezzar
The king of Babylon, known for his conquests and the Babylonian captivity of Judah. He is used by God as an instrument of judgment.

4. Egypt
A powerful and historically significant nation in the ancient Near East, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God’s people.

5. Babylon
The empire ruled by Nebuchadnezzar, which God used to execute judgment on various nations, including Egypt.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and uses them to accomplish His purposes, even when they are unaware of it.

Divine Justice and Judgment
God’s judgment is just and serves as a warning to those who oppose His will. He uses earthly powers to execute His divine justice.

The Consequences of Pride
Egypt's downfall serves as a reminder of the dangers of pride and reliance on worldly power rather than on God.

God's Provision for His Servants
God provides for those who serve His purposes, as seen in how He rewards Nebuchadnezzar for his role in executing judgment.

Trust in God Alone
Believers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than in worldly powers or alliances.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy against Egypt in Ezekiel 29:19 demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations?

2. In what ways does the judgment of Egypt serve as a warning to other nations and individuals who oppose God?

3. How can we see the theme of divine justice in the way God uses Nebuchadnezzar to fulfill His purposes?

4. What lessons can we learn from Egypt's reliance on its own strength and how can we apply these lessons to our own lives?

5. How does the fulfillment of this prophecy encourage us to trust in God's provision and timing in our own circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 43-44
These chapters describe the warnings against seeking refuge in Egypt, highlighting Egypt's impending judgment.

Isaiah 19
This chapter prophesies the judgment and eventual restoration of Egypt, showing God's sovereignty over all nations.

Daniel 4
Nebuchadnezzar's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty after his period of humbling, illustrating God's control over kings and nations.