Ezekiel 30:15
I will pour out My wrath on Pelusium, the stronghold of Egypt, and cut off the crowds of Thebes.
I will pour out My wrath on Pelusium
Pelusium, known as "Sin" in Hebrew, was a significant city in ancient Egypt, located near the eastern mouth of the Nile River. It served as a strategic military and trade location, often referred to as the "key of Egypt" due to its role in defending the nation from eastern invaders. The phrase indicates God's judgment against Egypt, highlighting Pelusium's importance as a target. This judgment reflects God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to execute justice. The pouring out of wrath signifies a complete and overwhelming judgment, similar to the imagery used in other prophetic books like Jeremiah and Isaiah, where God's wrath is depicted as a consuming force.

the stronghold of Egypt
Egypt was known for its fortified cities and military strength, with Pelusium being one of its most fortified locations. The term "stronghold" emphasizes the city's defensive capabilities and its role in protecting Egypt from external threats. This phrase underscores the futility of relying on human strength and fortifications when faced with divine judgment. The Bible often contrasts human power with God's omnipotence, as seen in Psalms and Proverbs, where trust in God is portrayed as the only true refuge.

and cut off the crowds of Thebes
Thebes, another major city in Egypt, was renowned for its wealth, culture, and religious significance, being home to the temple of Amun. The "crowds" likely refer to its population and possibly its gatherings for worship and commerce. The cutting off of Thebes' crowds signifies a disruption of its societal and religious life, pointing to the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. Historically, Thebes faced destruction and decline, aligning with the prophetic declarations. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and pride, themes prevalent throughout the prophetic literature, where cities and nations are judged for their rebellion against God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. His prophecies often included visions and symbolic actions.

2. Pelusium
A city in Egypt, known as a stronghold or fortress. It was strategically important due to its location near the eastern border of Egypt.

3. Thebes
An ancient city in Egypt, known for its wealth and grandeur. It was a major center of worship and political power.

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

5. God’s Wrath
The divine judgment and righteous anger of God against sin and rebellion.
Teaching Points
God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. His judgments are just and serve His divine purposes.

The Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Egypt’s reliance on its own strength and false gods led to its downfall. We must guard against pride and idolatry in our own lives.

The Certainty of God’s Judgment
Just as God’s judgment on Egypt was certain, so is His future judgment on the world. We must live in readiness and obedience.

The Call to Repentance
God’s warnings are opportunities for repentance. We should heed His call and turn from sin.

Trust in God’s Deliverance
While God judges nations, He also delivers His people. We can trust in His protection and provision.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the judgment on Pelusium and Thebes reflect God’s sovereignty over nations?

2. In what ways can pride and self-reliance lead to downfall, both in nations and individuals?

3. How does the certainty of God’s judgment influence the way we live our daily lives?

4. What are some modern-day "strongholds" or "idols" that people rely on instead of God?

5. How can we find assurance in God’s deliverance amidst His judgments on the world?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 19
This chapter also speaks of God's judgment on Egypt, highlighting the theme of divine retribution against nations that oppose God’s will.

Jeremiah 46
Jeremiah prophesies against Egypt, echoing the themes of destruction and judgment found in Ezekiel.

Exodus 12
The original deliverance of Israel from Egypt, contrasting God’s salvation of His people with His judgment on their oppressors.
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
Cut, Cutting, Egypt, Fury, Hordes, Loose, Mass, Multitude, Pelusium, Pour, Poured, Sin, Strength, Strong, Stronghold, Thebes, Wrath
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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