Read Ezekiel 29:1-16
You may have noticed the time stamp of this reading comes before Ezekiel’s previous message to Tyre. And while after the prophecy about Jerusalem’s fall in the 9th year of captivity, the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians was not yet complete. This timeline sheds some light on the mindset of the audience hearing these words from Ezekiel in real time.
The siege on Jerusalem would be underway, however there would still be hope among the exiles and those remaining in Judah that rescue would still happen. Historically, the Israelites looked to Egyptian power and protection rather than trusting in God’s plan. This prophecy would send the message that Egypt was not the proper choice. Egypt, too, was a target of the LORD’s judgment and would not be coming to set them free from the Babylonian conquest.
God’s anger with Egypt resulted because of how his precious Israelites had trusted Egypt instead of him for help and deliverance. What about us? Where do we put our trust and allegiance? Jesus spoke of himself in John 14:6 as follows: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” While the Israelites had not met Jesus as of Ezekiel’s writing, we do know and should not make the same mistake by putting our trust in the wrong source.
If we are putting our trust and allegiance in anyone besides Jesus, we can be sure the LORD is not pleased. Are you struggling with a challenging problem or circumstance right now? Have you cried out to Jesus for help?
The length of the LORD’s anger against Egypt was limited. Egypt’s desolation and curse would last forty years. The LORD said, “I will restore the prosperity of Egypt and bring its people back to the land of Pathros in southern Egypt from which they came.” While Egyptian history may not have a forty-year period of desolation, God’s precise use of 40 years isn’t necessarily a literal reference. We’ve seen mention of the number 40 many times in the Bible. It can signify a new life or a transformational change. One key example is the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land. 40 years is generally believed to be the time it takes for a new generation to arise.
What was promised Egypt is that the glory days of being a powerful nation were over. Israel would do good to put their trust in God alone. Do you think they got this message from Ezekiel’s words? We can take this as good counsel, too. God wants us to trust him not the world. That’s a Bible truth we can live by!
Let’s pray. LORD, you are worthy and deserve my trust and respect. You are an awesome God slow to anger an overflowing with unfailing love. Help me be strong against the temptations in this world to put my trust and allegiance in other things, including myself. I am guilty of thinking I can do things on my own. Forgive me. Forgive my errors and missteps, especially the ones I’m not even aware of. Help me to do a better job at following you and you alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
