Ezekiel 30:14
I will lay waste Pathros, set fire to Zoan, and execute judgment on Thebes.
I will lay waste Pathros
The phrase "I will lay waste Pathros" refers to God's judgment upon the region of Pathros, which is in Upper Egypt. The Hebrew word for "lay waste" is "שָׁמֵם" (shamem), which conveys a sense of desolation and ruin. This reflects God's sovereign power to bring about judgment and desolation as a consequence of sin. Pathros, being a significant part of Egypt, symbolizes the broader judgment upon the nation. Historically, Pathros was known for its cultural and economic significance, and its desolation would have been a powerful statement of divine judgment.

set fire to Zoan
"Set fire to Zoan" indicates a divine act of destruction upon the city of Zoan, known in Hebrew as "צֹעַן" (Tso'an). Zoan was an ancient city in the Nile Delta, often associated with wisdom and power in Egypt. The imagery of fire suggests complete destruction and purification, a common biblical metaphor for judgment. This act signifies the dismantling of human pride and wisdom that stands in opposition to God's will.

execute judgment on Thebes
The phrase "execute judgment on Thebes" highlights God's intention to bring justice to the city of Thebes, known in Hebrew as "נֹא אָמוֹן" (No Amon). Thebes was a major city in Egypt, renowned for its grandeur and as a center of worship for the god Amon. The execution of judgment here underscores the theme of divine retribution against idolatry and false worship. Historically, Thebes was a symbol of Egyptian power and religious influence, and its judgment would have been seen as a direct challenge to the false gods of Egypt.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pathros
An ancient region in Upper Egypt, often associated with the original homeland of the Egyptian people. It signifies the heart of Egypt's cultural and religious identity.

2. Zoan
Also known as Tanis, an ancient city in the Nile Delta. It was a significant political and religious center in Egypt.

3. Thebes
A major city in Upper Egypt, known for its wealth and grandeur. It was a center of worship for the god Amun and a symbol of Egyptian power.

4. Judgment
The divine act of executing justice, often involving destruction or punishment, as a response to sin or rebellion against God.

5. Fire
Symbolic of God's purifying judgment, often used in the Bible to denote destruction and cleansing.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God's judgment on Egypt demonstrates His control over all nations. No power is beyond His reach or authority.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Egypt's reliance on false gods and its own strength led to its downfall. We must examine our lives for idols and turn to God alone.

The Certainty of Divine Judgment
Just as God executed judgment on Egypt, He will hold all accountable. This should inspire a reverent fear and a commitment to righteousness.

The Call to Repentance
God's warnings are opportunities for repentance. We should heed His call and turn from sin before judgment comes.

Hope in God's Justice
While judgment is severe, it is also just. Believers can find hope in knowing that God will ultimately set all things right.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Egypt in Ezekiel 30:14 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and how can this understanding impact our view of current world events?

2. In what ways might modern believers be tempted to rely on "Egyptian" idols or powers, and how can we guard against this in our spiritual lives?

3. How does the theme of divine judgment in Ezekiel 30:14 connect with the New Testament teachings on the final judgment, and what implications does this have for our daily walk with Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the destruction of cities like Zoan and Thebes about the temporary nature of earthly power and wealth?

5. How can the certainty of God's justice, as seen in His judgment on Egypt, provide comfort and hope to believers facing injustice or persecution today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 19
This chapter also prophesies judgment against Egypt, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to humble the proud.

Jeremiah 46
Jeremiah's prophecy against Egypt parallels Ezekiel's, emphasizing the certainty of God's judgment and the futility of relying on earthly power.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the themes of judgment and destruction found in Ezekiel, illustrating the ultimate downfall of all earthly powers opposed to God.
The Lord's Day in EgyptJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 30:1-19
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
Acts, Desolate, Desolation, Egypt, Execute, Fire, Inflict, Judgment, Judgments, Pathros, Punishment, Punishments, Thebes, Upper, Waste, Zoan, Zo'an
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:12

     4819   dryness

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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