Ezekiel 30:4
A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, its wealth is taken away, and its foundations are torn down.
A sword will come against Egypt
The phrase "A sword" symbolizes impending judgment and warfare. In the Hebrew context, the sword often represents divine retribution. Egypt, a powerful nation in the ancient world, is here depicted as vulnerable to God's judgment. Historically, Egypt was a dominant force, but this prophecy foretells its downfall, emphasizing that no earthly power is beyond God's reach.

and there will be anguish in Cush
"Cush" refers to the region south of Egypt, often associated with modern-day Sudan. The "anguish" signifies the widespread impact of Egypt's downfall, affecting neighboring nations. This highlights the interconnectedness of nations and the far-reaching consequences of divine judgment. Cush's distress underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over all nations.

When the slain fall in Egypt
The imagery of "the slain" falling conveys the severity of the coming destruction. It is a vivid depiction of the loss of life and the chaos that ensues when a nation faces divine judgment. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the reality of His justice.

her wealth will be carried away
The phrase "her wealth" indicates the material prosperity of Egypt, which was renowned for its riches and resources. The carrying away of wealth signifies not only economic ruin but also the stripping away of what the nation relied upon for security and pride. This reflects the biblical principle that earthly treasures are fleeting and should not be the foundation of one's trust.

and her foundations torn down
"Her foundations" symbolize the core structures and systems that uphold a nation. The tearing down of these foundations represents a complete and utter collapse, not just physically but also socially and politically. This serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragility of human institutions when they stand in opposition to God's will. It is a call to build one's life on the solid foundation of faith in God, rather than on the shifting sands of worldly power and wealth.

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 facing divine judgment.

2. Cush
A region south of Egypt, often associated with modern-day Sudan. Cush is mentioned as experiencing anguish due to the events in Egypt, indicating its political or economic ties to Egypt.

3. The Sword
Symbolic of war and divine judgment. In biblical prophecy, the sword often represents God's instrument of justice against nations.

4. The Slain
Refers to those who will fall in battle or as a result of the divine judgment pronounced against Egypt.

5. Wealth and Foundations
Symbolic of Egypt's economic strength and stability, which will be stripped away as part of God's judgment.
Teaching Points
Divine Judgment is Inevitable
God's judgment against Egypt serves as a reminder that no nation or power is beyond His reach. We must live in reverence and obedience to God, recognizing His sovereignty over all nations.

The Futility of Worldly Reliance
Egypt's wealth and foundations are stripped away, illustrating the temporary nature of worldly security. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God rather than in material wealth or political alliances.

Interconnectedness of Nations
The anguish in Cush due to Egypt's downfall highlights the interconnectedness of nations. This serves as a reminder of the global impact of sin and the importance of seeking peace and justice in our communities.

God's Sovereignty Over History
The prophecy underscores God's control over historical events. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is actively working out His purposes, even amidst chaos and judgment.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Egypt in Ezekiel 30:4 reflect God's sovereignty over nations, and what implications does this have for our understanding of current world events?

2. In what ways does the judgment on Egypt challenge us to evaluate where we place our trust and security? How can we apply this lesson in our personal lives?

3. How does the anguish in Cush due to Egypt's downfall illustrate the interconnectedness of nations, and what practical steps can we take to promote peace and justice in our communities?

4. Compare the themes of judgment in Ezekiel 30:4 with those in Isaiah 19 and Jeremiah 46. What consistent messages do these passages convey about God's character and His expectations for nations?

5. Reflect on the temporary nature of Egypt's wealth and foundations. How can this perspective influence our approach to material possessions and our priorities as Christians?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 19
This chapter also prophesies against Egypt, describing a time of civil strife and divine judgment, similar to Ezekiel's prophecy.

Jeremiah 46
Another prophecy against Egypt, emphasizing the theme of divine retribution and the futility of relying on worldly power.

Revelation 18
The fall of Babylon in Revelation parallels the fall of Egypt, highlighting the ultimate downfall of worldly systems 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
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
Abundance, Anguish, Bases, Broken, Carried, Convulsion, Cruel, Cush, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fall, Falling, Foundation, Foundations, Multitude, Overthrown, Pain, Slain, Store, Sword, Torn, Wealth, Wounded
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 30:4

     5317   foundation

Ezekiel 30:2-4

     5899   lament

Ezekiel 30:3-4

     9220   day of the LORD

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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