Prophesies Concerning Egypt
This and the next three chapters deal with Egypt and it's king. Formally,
Egypt had been the source of bondage for Israel, at this point in time, they
had become to friendly with them and Israel had placed too much dependence in
them. The Prophesy was given to Israel about Egypt so that they would not
depend upon them. The prophesies against Egypt, recorded in these four
chapters, were made at five separate dates. The first was made in the 10th.
month of the 10th. year of the bondage of Israel in Babylon, the second in the
27th. year, the third in the first month of the 11th. year, the fourth, in the
third month of the 11th. year and the fifth in the 12th. year with another made
later on in the same year. In this chapter we have the following prophesies
concerning Egypt.
- The destruction of Pharaoh foretold because of his deception of
Israel. It would appear that the Lord rewarded Nebuchadnezzar for
his destruction of Tyre and Sidon by giving him Egypt also. The
Pharaoh's name was Hophrah and is here represented by a great dragon
that lies in the midst of his river. He boasts of his security in
the possessing of this river. God will humble this dragon by
dragging it out of the river. He will then cast him out of his
kingdom, a kingdom that he has ruled for 25 years.
- The destruction of the land of Egypt foretold. Here prophesied is
the total destruction not only of the land but of its population
also. The people shall be killed or scattered.
- A promise of restoration of a part after 40 years. This restoration
occurred about the same time as the return of the Israelites from
bondage in Babylon. They gathered from out of all the nations in
which they had been scattered. This new nation of Egypt will not
domineer its neighbors as it did before but shall exist in humility.
- The possession of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar foretold again. Here the
chronological order of Nebuchadnezzar's successes are foretold.
After the destruction of Jerusalem, he got involved in several
campaigns against the Ammonites and the Moabites then it took him 13
years to conquer Tyre. With the conquest of Tyre, Ezekiel is again
told to prophesy the destruction of Egypt as he had 16 years before.
- A promise of mercy for Israel again reiterated. The day of their
deliverance shall begin at dawn and the source of their power shall
be the Glory of God.
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