Ezekiel 30:16
I will set fire to Egypt, Pelusium will writhe in anguish, Thebes will be split open, and Memphis will face daily distress.
I will set fire to Egypt
This phrase signifies God's judgment upon Egypt, a nation that had long been a symbol of worldly power and idolatry. The Hebrew word for "fire" (אֵשׁ, 'esh) often represents divine judgment and purification. In the biblical context, fire is a tool of God to cleanse and to execute justice. Historically, Egypt was a powerful empire, but this prophecy foretells its downfall, emphasizing that no earthly power can withstand the sovereignty of God.

Pelusium will writhe in anguish
Pelusium, known as "Sin" in Hebrew (סִין), was a key fortress city in Egypt, strategically located at the eastern edge of the Nile Delta. The phrase "writhe in anguish" suggests intense suffering and turmoil. The Hebrew root for "writhe" (חִיל, chil) conveys the idea of trembling or being in labor pains, indicating a profound and unavoidable distress. This imagery underscores the totality of God's judgment, affecting even the most fortified places.

Thebes will be taken by storm
Thebes, referred to as "No" in Hebrew (נֹא), was a major city in Upper Egypt, renowned for its wealth and grandeur. The phrase "taken by storm" implies a sudden and overwhelming conquest. The Hebrew root for "storm" (סוּפָה, suphah) can also mean a whirlwind, symbolizing the swift and unstoppable nature of God's judgment. Historically, Thebes was indeed conquered multiple times, fulfilling this prophecy and demonstrating the accuracy of God's word.

Memphis will be in constant distress
Memphis, known as "Noph" in Hebrew (נֹף), was another significant city in ancient Egypt, serving as a political and cultural center. The phrase "constant distress" indicates ongoing suffering and instability. The Hebrew word for "distress" (צָרָה, tsarah) conveys a sense of tightness or pressure, reflecting the relentless nature of the calamities that would befall Memphis. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and relying on human strength.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Egypt
A significant nation in biblical history, often representing worldly power and opposition to God's people. In this context, Egypt is under judgment from God.

2. Pelusium
A city in Egypt, known as a stronghold. Its anguish signifies the collapse of Egypt's defenses.

3. Thebes
An ancient city in Egypt, known for its wealth and grandeur. Its capture symbolizes the fall of Egypt's pride and power.

4. Memphis
Another major city in Egypt, representing the heart of Egyptian culture and religion. Its distress indicates the pervasive impact of God's judgment.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God's judgment on Egypt demonstrates His control over all nations, reminding us that no earthly power can stand against His will.

The Consequences of Pride
Egypt's fall serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance. We are called to humble ourselves before God.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of prophecy in Ezekiel assures us of the reliability of God's Word. We can trust His promises and warnings.

The Call to Repentance
Observing God's judgment on Egypt should lead us to examine our own lives and turn from sin, seeking God's mercy.

Hope in God's Justice
While judgment is severe, it also assures us that God will ultimately bring justice to the world, encouraging us to live righteously.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the judgment of Egypt in Ezekiel 30:16 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations, and how should this influence our view of current world events?

2. In what ways can the pride and self-reliance of Egypt serve as a warning for us today? Are there areas in your life where you need to rely more on God?

3. How does the certainty of God's judgment in Ezekiel 30:16 encourage you to trust in the reliability of His promises? Can you think of other promises in Scripture that you need to hold onto?

4. Reflecting on the call to repentance, what steps can you take to ensure that you are living in alignment with God's will?

5. How does the theme of God's justice in Ezekiel 30:16 provide hope and encouragement in the face of injustice in the world today? How can you be an agent of God's justice in your community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 19
This chapter also prophesies the judgment of Egypt, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty over nations.

Jeremiah 46
Jeremiah's prophecy against Egypt parallels Ezekiel's, emphasizing the certainty of God's judgment.

Exodus 12
The plagues and the Exodus account show God's power over Egypt, serving as a historical backdrop to Ezekiel's prophecy.
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
Adversaries, Agony, Anguish, Asunder, Breached, Broken, Constant, Convulsion, Daily, Daytime, Day-time, Distress, Distresses, Egypt, Enemies, Fire, Greatly, Memphis, Noph, Onrush, Open, Pain, Pained, Pelusium, Rent, Sin, Storm, Syene, Thebes, Twisting, Walls, Waters, Writhe
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:16

     5782   agony

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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