Ezekiel 30:13
This is what the Lord GOD says: I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis. There will no longer be a prince in Egypt, and I will instill fear in that land.
This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. It is a common prophetic introduction, underscoring that the words are not from the prophet himself but from God. This establishes the seriousness and certainty of the prophecy, as seen throughout the Old Testament in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

I will destroy the idols
Idolatry was a significant issue in ancient Egypt, with numerous gods worshiped. The destruction of idols signifies God's judgment against false worship and the impotence of these gods. This echoes the first commandment in Exodus 20:3, where God commands exclusive worship. The destruction of idols is a recurring theme in the prophets, symbolizing the triumph of the one true God over false deities.

and put an end to the images in Memphis.
Memphis was a major city in ancient Egypt, known for its religious significance and as a center of worship for the god Ptah. The mention of Memphis highlights the extent of God's judgment, reaching the heart of Egyptian religious life. Archaeological findings confirm Memphis's prominence and its vast array of temples and statues, which would have been targets of this divine judgment.

There will no longer be a prince in Egypt,
This prophecy foretells political upheaval and the end of Egyptian sovereignty. Historically, Egypt experienced periods of foreign domination, such as the Persian and later Greek conquests, which align with this prediction. The absence of a native ruler signifies a loss of power and autonomy, reflecting God's control over nations as seen in Daniel 2:21.

and I will instill fear in that land.
The instillation of fear indicates the profound impact of God's judgment on the people of Egypt. This fear is not just of military defeat but of the realization of God's supremacy. Similar expressions of fear are found in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah 19:16, where fear is a response to divine intervention. This fear serves as a reminder of God's power and the consequences of turning away from Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Ezekiel.

2. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the exiles in Babylon, delivering messages of judgment and hope.

3. Memphis
An ancient capital of Egypt, known for its religious significance and numerous idols.

4. Egypt
A powerful nation often in conflict with Israel, symbolizing worldly power and idolatry.

5. Idols and Images
Representations of false gods worshiped in Egypt, which God promises to destroy.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations, and His plans will prevail over human power and idolatry.

Judgment Against Idolatry
God will not tolerate the worship of false gods, and He will act to remove them from His creation.

Fear of the Lord
True fear of the Lord leads to wisdom and understanding, contrasting with the fear instilled by God's judgment.

The Futility of Earthly Power
Earthly rulers and powers are temporary and subject to God's ultimate authority.

Call to Repentance
Recognizing God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a turning away from idolatry in our own lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the destruction of idols in Memphis reflect God's attitude towards idolatry, and how can this inform our own lives today?

2. In what ways does the prophecy against Egypt demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations, and how should this influence our view of current world events?

3. How can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives that may be hindering our relationship with God?

4. What parallels can we draw between the judgment on Egypt and the ultimate judgment described in Revelation, and how should this impact our daily walk with Christ?

5. How does understanding the historical context of Ezekiel's prophecy enhance our appreciation of God's power and faithfulness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 12:12
This verse connects to the judgment on Egypt's gods during the Exodus, showing God's power over false deities.

Isaiah 19:1
Isaiah prophesies against Egypt, similar to Ezekiel, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations.

Jeremiah 46:25
Jeremiah also speaks of God's judgment on Egypt, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution against idolatry.

Revelation 18:2
The fall of Babylon in Revelation parallels the fall of Egypt, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God.
Idols DestroyedJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 30:13
The Lord's Day in EgyptJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 30:1-19
People
Cherethites, Cushites, Egyptians, Ethiopians, Ezekiel, Lud, Lydia, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadrezzar, Pharaoh, Phut
Places
Arabia, Babylon, Cush, Egypt, Libya, Lud, Memphis, Migdol, Nile River, On, Pathros, Pelusium, Pi-beseth, Put, Syene, Tehaphnehes, Thebes, Zoan
Topics
Addition, Cause, Caused, Cease, Destroy, Destroyed, Destruction, Egypt, Fear, Gods, Idols, Images, Longer, Memphis, Noph, Nought, Prince, Ruler, Says, Sovereign, Spread, Throughout, Thus, Vain
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:12

     4819   dryness

Library
Sargon of Assyria (722-705 B. C. )
SARGON AS A WARRIOR AND AS A BUILDER. The origin of Sargon II.: the revolt of Babylon, Merodach-baladan and Elam--The kingdom of Elam from the time of the first Babylonian empire; the conquest's of Shutruh-nalkunta I.; the princes of Malamir--The first encounter of Assyria and Elam, the battle of Durilu (721 B.C.)--Revolt of Syria, Iaubidi of Hamath and Hannon of Gaza--Bocchoris and the XXIVth Egyptian dynasty; the first encounter of Assyria with Egypt, the battle of Raphia (720 B.C.). Urartu
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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