Ezekiel 30:5
Cush, Put, and Lud, and all the various peoples, as well as Libya and the men of the covenant land, will fall with Egypt by the sword.
Cush, Put, and Lud
Cush refers to the region south of Egypt, often associated with modern-day Sudan. In biblical times, Cush was known for its warriors and was a significant power. Put is generally identified with the region west of Egypt, possibly modern-day Libya. Lud is often associated with the Lydians, an ancient people from Asia Minor. These nations were known for their military prowess and alliances with Egypt. Their mention here signifies the widespread impact of God's judgment, extending beyond Egypt to its allies and neighbors.

and all the various peoples
This phrase indicates the inclusion of diverse ethnic groups and tribes that were part of or allied with Egypt. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment, affecting not just the major nations but also smaller groups that were interconnected with Egypt's political and military structure.

as well as Libya
Libya, located to the west of Egypt, was another significant ally. Known for its skilled archers, Libya's inclusion in this prophecy highlights the extent of the calamity that would befall Egypt and its surrounding regions. This reflects the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern politics and the far-reaching consequences of divine judgment.

and the men of the covenant land
This phrase likely refers to those who had treaties or agreements with Egypt, possibly including mercenaries or other allied forces. The "covenant land" could also imply regions that had formal agreements with Egypt, suggesting that even those who had legal or formal ties would not escape the coming destruction.

will fall with Egypt by the sword
The phrase "by the sword" indicates a violent and decisive judgment, often associated with warfare and conquest. This prophecy foretells the downfall of Egypt and its allies through military defeat. The imagery of the sword is common in prophetic literature, symbolizing God's instrument of judgment. This aligns with other biblical prophecies where nations are judged for their actions and alliances, underscoring the sovereignty of God over all nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Cush
Often identified with the region south of Egypt, possibly modern-day Sudan or Ethiopia. Known for its warriors and archers.

2. Put
Generally associated with the region west of Egypt, possibly modern-day Libya. Known for its warriors.

3. Lud
Likely referring to a people group in Asia Minor, possibly Lydia, known for their skilled archers.

4. Arabia
Refers to the various tribes and regions in the Arabian Peninsula.

5. Libya
A region west of Egypt, known for its warriors and part of the broader coalition against Egypt.

6. People of the covenant land
Likely referring to the Israelites or other groups in the region who had treaties or agreements with Egypt.

7. Egypt
A major power in the ancient Near East, often in conflict with Israel and other nations.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God's judgment on these nations demonstrates His control over all kingdoms and His ability to bring about His purposes through geopolitical events.

The Consequences of Alliances
The mention of the "people of the covenant land" serves as a warning about forming alliances that are not in line with God's will. Trust should be placed in God rather than in human powers.

The Inevitability of Divine Judgment
The prophecy underscores the certainty of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. It serves as a reminder to live righteously and in accordance with God's commands.

The Role of Prophecy in Scripture
Prophecies like this one in Ezekiel are meant to instruct and warn, showing that God's word is reliable and that His promises, both of blessing and judgment, will come to pass.

Hope Amidst Judgment
Even in the midst of judgment, there is hope for those who turn to God. The broader account of Scripture shows that God is merciful and desires repentance and restoration.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Egypt and its allies in Ezekiel 30:5 reflect God's sovereignty over nations?

2. What lessons can we learn from the alliances mentioned in this verse about where we place our trust today?

3. How does the judgment of these nations in Ezekiel 30:5 connect with the broader theme of divine judgment throughout the Bible?

4. In what ways can we see the fulfillment of God's prophecies in history, and how does this strengthen our faith in His promises?

5. How can we find hope and assurance in God's character, even when facing difficult or uncertain times, as illustrated in the prophecies of Ezekiel?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 18
Discusses Cush and its role in the broader geopolitical landscape, highlighting its significance and eventual downfall.

Jeremiah 46
Provides a prophecy against Egypt, similar to Ezekiel's, emphasizing God's judgment on nations that oppose His will.

Ezekiel 29
Offers a broader context for the judgment against Egypt, explaining the reasons for God's wrath and the consequences for Egypt's pride and idolatry.
The Day of DesolationW. Clarkson Ezekiel 30:1-3, 7
The Lord's Day in EgyptJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 30:1-19
The Fate of the AlliesJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 30:5-8
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
Along, Arabia, Cherethites, Chub, Covenant, Cub, Cush, Death, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fall, Kub, League, Libya, Lud, Lydia, Mingled, Mixed, Mixture, Phut, Sons, Sword
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:4

     5317   foundation

Ezekiel 30:2-4

     5899   lament

Ezekiel 30:3-4

     9220   day of the LORD

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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