After delivering a message of judgement, there is a message of hope, for God’s hurting people. (Ezek 28:20-26) (destroying Jerusalem and the temple).
We are reminded of Rom 5:20 “But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more”.
Starting with Ezek 28:20-24 Judgement on Sidon.
Sidon a rival city was approximately 25 miles north of Tyre. Two cities were mentioned together (Isa 23:1-4; Joel 3:4). Here Sidon was singled out. Sidon despised Jews. The Lord in His holiness rejects false gods. The Babylonian soldiers destroyed many people those that escaped died in plagues that often accompanied watrtime.
Regathering of Israel (Ezek 28:25-26)
One major theme is the deliverance of the exiles from Babylon and regathering. After 70 years of exile and the Persian conquest of Babylon Cyrus allowed the return to build the temple (2 Chron 36:22-23; Ezra 1). 50 000 in 538-537BC (2:64-65) didn’t completely fulfil the promises in Ezekiel, hence the completion is set for the end times. A remmant returned with Zerubbabel though not safely. (Ezek 28:26).
God gave the land to the Jews, although they only possessed it when they obeyed the terms of the covenant. God called his chosen: into their own land, judged them, cleansed them, and established His kingdom. (Zech 10:8-12; 12:9-13; Mt 24:31; Gen 13:14-18; 15:7-17), thus renewing the promise to Jacob, (Gen 28:10-15; 35:12; Ps 105:8-11).
The brief promise gives encouragement, just as the return of Messiah is a future hope.
Egypt will fall (Ezek 29-32)
Egypt is the 7th nation in Ezek judgement cycle. The Jews were like their father Avraham (Gen 12:10-20) and their ancestors (Ex 14:10-12; 16:1-3; Num 11:4-9, 19; 14:1-5). Whenever a crises they were prone to look to Egypt for help. “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help” warned Isaiah in (Isa 31:1).
Believers who look to the world and its systems in times of need, or help can be commiting this same disillusionment. (The writer says this without any intention of judgement or condemnation).
Chapters 29-32 composes 7 messages God gave to Ezekiel to deliver to the Egyptians and the Jewish exiles.
6 of the 7 messages are chronologically dated, the 3rd is not (Ezek 30:1-19). Each message presents a picture/metaphor of the impending judgement of Egypt.
- A monster slain. (Ezek 29:1-16) Picture: Killing sea monster. the 1st message quite possibly was around Jan 7, 587 BC. 7 months before Jerusalem was destroyed. The prophet set his face against PharoahHophra who ruled Egypt 589-510 BC (Jer 44:30).
- Pharaoh’s sins (Ezek 29:1-7). The Lord compared Hopra to a monster in the Nile River, and Hopra claimed the river for himself. The river was treated like a god. Hopra claimed he made the river. Pharaoh was compared to a ferocious crocodile guarding the weaters of the land, the Nile and all the canals. Hence, attacking anyone who cahallenged, his claims. His major sin was pride (v1-5), taking credit for what the Lord had done. Hopra was buried like an unwanted dead animal.
- Hopra’s 2nd sin was his disloyalty to Israel (v6-7). Egypt a weak reed that couldn’t be trusted. The Egyptians had a reputation for making promises and not keeping them (2 Kgs 18:20-21; Isa 36:6). It was Egypt who encouraged Judah to break their agreement with Babylon. King Zedekiah’s foolish act/part, is what incited the Babylonian attack against Jerusalem.
- While Nebuchadnezzar was atttacking Jerusalem, the Jews negotiated with Egypt to send their army to deliver Judah. The Babylonians turned away from Jerusalem so they could deal with Egypt. The scheme failed. The people rejoiced but it was short lived. (Jer 34:21-22; 37:8).
Nebuchadnezzar invasion (Ezek 29:8-12)
Prophecy of the Babylonian army to Egypt, destroying man and beast and revage the land (Jer 43:8-13, 46). The land was desolate (Ezek 29:10), “From the tower of Seveneh even unto the border of Ethiopia” is the Egyptian equilivant to Israel’s from Dan to Beersheba. (Migdol in the North to Awwan in the South). Desolation would last 40 years (v11-13). Nebuchadnezzar attacked Egypt 568-567 BC fulfilling that prophesy.
Divine Mercy (Ezek 29:13-16)
- After 40 years the Jews learnt that Egypt couldn’t be trusted, nor put their confience in them (Ezek 28:24; 29:16).
- “They shall know that I am the Lord”, is repeated 3 times (v 6, 9, 16). Key affirmations of Ezekiel used 60 times.
- The Lord uses His attributes through his judgements (withdrawing his protection), his blessings. Sometimes the judgements capture our attention more quickly. (When it does, maybe the Lord is endeavoring to show us something of significance).
The wages paid (Ezek 29:17-21)
The 2nd prophecy was given around Apr 26, 571 BC relating to Egypt. Nebuchadnezzar a servant of the Lord (Jer 23:9; 27:6; 43:19) reveals the Lord will use anyone and/or anything for attaining His purpose.
13 years was spent on building ramparts and attacking Tyre.
Egypt had assisted Tyre in resisting the attack and relocating their wealth.
A promise for the Jews (v 21), restoration when God would give them new strength (the budding horn) for the new challenges. After the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon in 539 BC (Dan 3), Cyrus issued the edit permitting the temple rebuild (Ezra 1).
Jerusalem had been taken in (33:21-22) approximately January 8, 585 BC, but the prophecy 29:17-21 was given on April 26, 571 BC = 14 years later.
The storm announced (Ezek 30:1-19)
The 3rd prophecy pictures judgement of Egypt, shaking the foundation.