Ezekiel 30:21
"Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt. See, it has not been bound up for healing, or splinted for strength to hold the sword.
Son of man
This phrase is a common title used by God to address Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and role as a prophet. It is used over 90 times in the book of Ezekiel. The term "Son of Man" is also significant in the New Testament, where it is frequently used by Jesus to refer to Himself, highlighting His incarnation and fulfillment of prophecy.

I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt
This metaphorical language indicates a decisive act of divine judgment against Pharaoh, symbolizing the weakening of Egypt's power and military might. Historically, this could refer to the defeat of Egypt by Babylonian forces, as Egypt was a significant power in the region. The "arm" represents strength and ability to wage war, and its breaking signifies the loss of power and influence.

See, it has not been bound up for healing
The lack of binding or healing suggests that Egypt's defeat is not temporary but rather a lasting judgment. In ancient times, binding a broken arm would be a necessary step for recovery, indicating that God has not allowed Egypt the opportunity to regain its former strength. This reflects the completeness of God's judgment and the futility of relying on human power against divine will.

or splinted for strength to hold the sword
The inability to hold the sword signifies Egypt's incapacity to defend itself or engage in warfare effectively. This imagery underscores the totality of Egypt's defeat and the cessation of its military prowess. In a broader biblical context, this serves as a warning against pride and reliance on earthly power, echoing themes found in other prophetic books where nations are judged for their arrogance and opposition to God's plans.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God, called to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile.

2. Pharaoh
The king of Egypt, representing the nation and its power. In this context, Pharaoh symbolizes the strength and military might of Egypt.

3. Egypt
A powerful nation often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people. Historically, Egypt was both an ally and adversary to Israel.

4. The Arm
Symbolizes strength and power. The breaking of Pharaoh's arm signifies the weakening of Egypt's military and political power.

5. God's Judgment
The event of God breaking Pharaoh's arm represents divine intervention and judgment against Egypt for its opposition to God's plans.
Teaching Points
Divine Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their leaders. No earthly power can withstand His will.

The Futility of Human Strength
Relying on human power and alliances, like Egypt, is ultimately futile. True strength comes from God alone.

The Consequences of Opposing God
Nations and individuals who oppose God's plans will face His judgment. It's a call to align with God's purposes.

The Need for Spiritual Healing
Just as Pharaoh's arm was not healed, spiritual wounds require divine intervention. Seek God for true healing and restoration.

Trust in God's Deliverance
In times of trouble, trust in God's ability to deliver and protect, rather than relying on worldly solutions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the breaking of Pharaoh's arm symbolize God's judgment, and what does this teach us about His power over nations?

2. In what ways do we sometimes rely on "Egypt" (worldly power) in our own lives, and how can we shift our trust to God?

3. How does the imagery of a broken arm relate to our own spiritual weaknesses, and what steps can we take to seek healing from God?

4. What are some modern-day examples of nations or leaders who might be seen as opposing God's plans, and how should Christians respond?

5. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty in Ezekiel 30:21 to our personal challenges and uncertainties today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 31:3
This verse contrasts the strength of Egypt with the power of God, emphasizing that human strength cannot stand against divine will.

Jeremiah 46:11
This passage also speaks of Egypt's inability to heal itself, reinforcing the theme of divine judgment and the futility of relying on human power.

Psalm 20:7
Highlights the difference between trusting in chariots and horses (symbolic of military power) versus trusting in the name of the Lord.
One Strengthened and Another WeakenedJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 30:20-24
The Broken ArmJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 30:20-26
The Broken and the Strengthened ArmW. Clarkson Ezekiel 30:21, 22, 24
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
Apply, Arm, Bandage, Behold, Bind, Bound, Broken, Egypt, Healing, Hold, Medicines, Pharaoh, Splint, Strong, Sword
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:21

     5298   doctors
     5333   healing
     5571   surgery

Ezekiel 30:21-22

     5126   arm

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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