Ezekiel 30:8
Then they will know that I am the LORD when I set fire to Egypt and all her helpers are shattered.
Then they will know that I am the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the recurring theme in Ezekiel that God's actions are meant to reveal His identity and sovereignty. Throughout the book, God declares His intention to make Himself known to both Israel and the nations. This revelation often comes through acts of judgment or deliverance, underscoring His power and authority. The phrase echoes similar declarations in Ezekiel 6:7 and 7:4, where God's judgments serve as a means for people to recognize His divine nature.

when I set fire to Egypt
The imagery of fire is frequently used in the Bible to symbolize judgment and purification. In the context of Egypt, a nation historically known for its power and influence, the setting of fire signifies a divine judgment against its idolatry and opposition to God's people. Egypt had been a place of refuge and temptation for Israel, and God's judgment serves as a warning against reliance on foreign powers. This prophecy aligns with historical events where Egypt faced invasions and internal strife, fulfilling God's pronouncement.

and all her helpers are shattered
Egypt's "helpers" likely refer to the nations and allies that supported or were allied with Egypt. Historically, Egypt had alliances with various neighboring nations, which were often political and military in nature. The shattering of these helpers indicates a comprehensive judgment that extends beyond Egypt itself, affecting its entire sphere of influence. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the futility of trusting in human alliances rather than in God, as seen in Isaiah 31:1, where reliance on Egypt is condemned.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. He conveyed God's messages of judgment and restoration.

2. Egypt
A powerful nation in the ancient Near East, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people. In this context, Egypt is under God's judgment.

3. Helpers of Egypt
Refers to the allies and supporters of Egypt, likely other nations or groups that aligned themselves with Egypt politically or militarily.

4. The LORD (YHWH)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises.

5. Fire
Symbolic of God's judgment and purification, often used in the Bible to represent divine wrath and cleansing.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. No power is beyond His reach or judgment.

The Certainty of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is certain and serves as a reminder of His holiness and justice. It calls for repentance and humility before Him.

Recognition of God's Authority
The ultimate purpose of God's actions is that people will know He is the LORD. Our lives should reflect a recognition of His authority.

The Futility of Trusting in Worldly Powers
Trusting in nations or alliances instead of God leads to downfall. Our reliance should be on God alone.

The Call to Repentance and Faithfulness
In light of God's judgment, we are called to examine our lives, repent of sin, and remain faithful to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the judgment of Egypt in Ezekiel 30:8 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations?

2. In what ways can we see the futility of trusting in worldly powers in our own lives today?

3. How does the theme of divine judgment in Ezekiel 30:8 connect with the plagues in Exodus and the fall of Babylon in Revelation?

4. What does it mean for us to "know that I am the LORD" in our daily walk with God?

5. How can we apply the lessons of God's judgment and sovereignty in Ezekiel 30:8 to our current global and personal circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 7-12
The plagues of Egypt demonstrate God's power over Egypt and its gods, similar to the judgment described in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 19
Another prophecy against Egypt, highlighting God's control over nations and His ability to bring them to humility.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon parallels the fall of Egypt, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God.
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
Broken, Crushed, Destroyed, Egypt, Fire, Giving, Helpers
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:6

     5205   alliance
     8805   pride, results

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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