Ezekiel 30:23
I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands.
I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations
This phrase begins with the divine pronouncement, "I will disperse," indicating God's sovereign action and judgment. The Hebrew root for "disperse" is "פּוּץ" (puts), which conveys the idea of scattering or spreading out. This action is not merely a natural consequence but a deliberate act of God, emphasizing His control over the nations and His ability to execute judgment. Historically, this scattering reflects the fate of many ancient peoples who, after conquest, were often exiled or assimilated into other cultures, losing their national identity.

the Egyptians
The Egyptians, in this context, represent a powerful and ancient civilization known for its wealth, military might, and idolatry. Egypt was often seen as a symbol of human pride and reliance on worldly power rather than on God. The historical context here is significant, as Egypt was a major player in the ancient Near East, often in conflict with Israel. God's judgment upon Egypt serves as a reminder of the futility of trusting in human strength and the inevitability of divine justice.

among the nations
The phrase "among the nations" underscores the extent of the dispersion. The Egyptians would not be confined to a single area but scattered across various peoples and lands. This scattering among the nations is a common theme in the Bible, often used as a form of judgment for disobedience and rebellion against God. It serves as a humbling experience, stripping away national pride and identity, and forcing reliance on God. Theologically, it points to the universality of God's dominion and His ability to use even foreign nations to accomplish His purposes.

and scatter them throughout the lands
The repetition of the idea of scattering, "and scatter them," reinforces the totality and completeness of the judgment. The Hebrew word "זָרָה" (zarah) is used here, which also means to winnow or to scatter. This imagery is akin to the process of separating wheat from chaff, suggesting a purifying or refining purpose behind the dispersion. "Throughout the lands" indicates the wide-reaching impact of this judgment, affecting not just Egypt but the surrounding regions as well. This scattering serves as a testament to God's power and a call to repentance for all nations, highlighting the theme of divine sovereignty and the call to recognize God's authority over all the earth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. His prophecies often included visions and symbolic actions.

2. Egyptians
The people of Egypt, a powerful nation in ancient times, often seen as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people.

3. Nations
Refers to the various countries and peoples among whom the Egyptians would be scattered, symbolizing the loss of their power and unity.

4. Scattering
A divine act of judgment where God disperses a people, often as a consequence of their actions and rebellion against Him.

5. Babylonian Exile
The context in which Ezekiel prophesied, where the Israelites themselves were experiencing dispersion and exile.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God is in control of all nations and their destinies. No nation, regardless of its power, is beyond His reach or judgment.

The Consequences of Pride and Rebellion
Egypt's scattering serves as a warning against pride and rebellion against God. Nations and individuals alike must humble themselves before Him.

The Faithfulness of God's Word
God's prophecies through His prophets, like Ezekiel, are fulfilled. This assures us of the reliability and truth of His Word.

Hope in Exile
Just as God had a plan for Israel in their exile, He has a purpose for His people even in times of dispersion and hardship.

Call to Repentance
The judgment on Egypt is a call to repentance for all who hear. It is a reminder to turn back to God and seek His mercy.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the scattering of the Egyptians demonstrate God's sovereignty over all nations?

2. In what ways can the pride and rebellion of Egypt serve as a warning for us today?

3. How does the theme of scattering and exile in Ezekiel 30:23 relate to the experiences of the Israelites in Babylon?

4. What assurances can we draw from the fulfillment of God's prophecies in the Bible for our own lives?

5. How can we apply the call to repentance seen in the judgment of Egypt to our personal spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 11
The Tower of Babel incident, where God scattered the people across the earth, serves as a parallel to the scattering of the Egyptians, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations.

Jeremiah 46
Jeremiah also prophesies against Egypt, reinforcing the theme of God's judgment on nations that oppose His will.

Deuteronomy 28
The blessings and curses for Israel, including the threat of dispersion for disobedience, which mirrors the judgment on Egypt.
One Strengthened and Another WeakenedJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 30:20-24
The Broken ArmJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 30:20-26
The Broken and the Strengthened ArmW. Clarkson Ezekiel 30:21, 22, 24
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
Countries, Disperse, Egyptians, Flight, Lands, Nations, Scatter, Scattered, Spread, Throughout, Wandering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:21-22

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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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