Ezekiel 30:7
They will be desolate among desolate lands, and their cities will lie among ruined cities.
They will be desolate
The Hebrew word for "desolate" is "שָׁמֵם" (shamem), which conveys a sense of utter devastation and emptiness. In the context of Ezekiel, this desolation is a divine judgment against Egypt and its allies. Historically, this reflects the period when Egypt, once a powerful empire, faced invasions and internal strife, leading to its decline. Spiritually, this serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience.

among desolate lands
The repetition of "desolate" underscores the totality of the destruction. The phrase suggests that Egypt's desolation is not isolated but part of a broader judgment affecting the surrounding nations. This can be seen as a fulfillment of God's prophetic word through Ezekiel, highlighting the interconnectedness of nations and the ripple effects of divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all lands and His ability to humble even the mightiest of empires.

and their cities
The term "cities" (עָרִים, arim) refers to the urban centers that were the heart of Egyptian civilization. These cities were not only political and economic hubs but also centers of idolatry and false worship. The mention of cities being affected indicates the comprehensive nature of the judgment, impacting every aspect of society. This reflects the biblical theme that no place is immune to God's righteous judgment when it turns away from His statutes.

will lie among ruined cities
The imagery of cities lying in ruins paints a vivid picture of destruction and abandonment. The Hebrew root for "ruined" (חָרֵב, charev) suggests a state of being laid waste or destroyed. This phrase emphasizes the permanence of the judgment, as these once-thriving cities become indistinguishable from other ruins. Historically, this aligns with archaeological findings of ancient cities that were once vibrant but now lie in ruins, serving as a testament to the accuracy of biblical prophecy.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites and surrounding nations.

2. Egypt
The nation being addressed in this prophecy. Egypt was a powerful and influential nation, often seen as a symbol of worldly strength and opposition to God's people.

3. Desolate Lands
Refers to the lands that will be left barren and uninhabited as a result of God's judgment.

4. Ruined Cities
Symbolizes the complete destruction and desolation that will come upon Egypt and its cities due to their sins and opposition to God.

5. Judgment
The event of divine retribution that God pronounces upon Egypt for its pride and idolatry.
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 Consequences of Pride and Idolatry
Egypt's downfall serves as a warning against pride and reliance on worldly power instead of God.

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and serves as a call to repentance and humility before Him.

Hope Amidst Desolation
Even in judgment, there is hope for restoration and redemption for those who turn back to God.

The Call to Trust in God Alone
Believers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than in human strength or alliances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Egypt in Ezekiel 30:7 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations?

2. In what ways can the downfall of Egypt serve as a warning to modern societies and individuals?

3. How do the themes of judgment and desolation in Ezekiel 30:7 connect with the broader biblical account of redemption?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are placing our trust in God rather than in worldly powers or possessions?

5. How can the message of hope amidst desolation in Ezekiel 30:7 encourage us in times of personal or communal crisis?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 19
This chapter also prophesies the downfall of Egypt, emphasizing God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to humble the proud.

Jeremiah 46
Jeremiah's prophecy against Egypt parallels Ezekiel's message, highlighting the theme of divine judgment against nations that oppose God's will.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation echoes the desolation described in Ezekiel, illustrating the ultimate defeat of worldly powers opposed to God.
The Day of DesolationW. Clarkson Ezekiel 30:1-3, 7
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
Cities, Countries, Desolate, Desolated, Devastated, Laid, Lands, Lie, Midst, Ruined, Towns, Unpeopled, Waste, Wasted
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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