C. Judgment Against Egypt (29:1-32:32)

In a series of seven prophecies in these four chapters (29:1ff.; 29:17ff.; 30:1ff.; 30:20ff.; 31:1ff.; 32:1ff.; 32:17ff.), Ezekiel points out the sins of both Pharaoh and Egypt and how the Egyptians will experience God’s judgment for their sins. Like the prince of Tyre (ch. 28), the pharaoh boasted in his position and power (29:3-5). Also, Egypt had offered help to Israel when the Babylonians began their siege of Jerusalem, but Egypt turned out to be unreliable (vv.6-7). Because of this, God would make sure Egypt would survive at least partially so that it would be a reminder to Israel of her sin of turning to Egypt instead of God for help (vv.13-16).

Repeatedly throughout these chapters, Ezekiel mentioned Babylon as his instrument of wrath against Egypt. He vividly described just what would happen when he decided that the time for judgment had come. Like all the great powers of the world that had forgotten God, who had been guilty of crimes against other nations, especially against Israel, Egypt would end up in Sheol, the place of the dead. Already destroyed and in Sheol were Assyria (32:22), Elam (v.24), Meshech and Tubal (v.26), Edom (v.29), and Sidon (v.30). Again, Ezekiel’s words have emphasized his conviction that Yahweh is the Lord of history, that all nations are responsible before him and subject to his power and control.