Study 20 From the Book of Ezekiel is: Ezekiel
29 and 30
The prophet’s gaze is now
directed toward Egypt, pictured in 29:1-16 as a great dragon or crocodile,
whose destruction is at hand. The
remainder of Today’s portion consists of three further prophecies of similar
import, namely 29:17-20; 30:1-19; and 30:20-26.
1.
Compare
the explanation of the allegory in 29:8-12 with the allegory itself in 29:3-7.
What are the two sins in particular which caused God’s judgment to fall on
Egypt? With 29:7, cf. verse 16 and Is. 30:5.
2.
29:17-21.
This is a prophecy dated sixteen years after that of verses 1-16, i.e., in 571
BC. It appears to indicate that Nebuchadrezzar had not gained the spoils of war
at Tyre as he expected, and is now promised a recompense from the conquest of
Egypt. What light does this passage throw on the way in which God treats
heathen nations?
3.
‘Her
proud might shall come down’ (30:6; cf. 30:18). Why cannot anyone ultimately
prosper who trust, as Pharaoh did, in his own resources and achievements? Cf.
Jb. 9:4; Lk. 1:51.
Notes
1.
29:14-15.
Egypt is not to be finally destroyed, like Tyre (26:21; 27:36; 28:19), but
reduced in status.
2.
29:18.
A reference to the chafing of helmets and the carrying of packs.
