Ezekiel 29:10
Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֛ן
H3651
לָכֵ֛ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יְאֹרֶ֑יךָ
Behold therefore I am against thee and against thy rivers
H2975
יְאֹרֶ֑יךָ
Behold therefore I am against thee and against thy rivers
Strong's:
H2975
Word #:
5 of 17
a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m
וְנָתַתִּ֞י
and I will make
H5414
וְנָתַתִּ֞י
and I will make
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 17
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְחָרְבוֹת֙
waste
H2723
לְחָרְבוֹת֙
waste
Strong's:
H2723
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
15 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
The 'tower of Syene' (modern Aswan) marked Egypt's southern border with Nubia/Ethiopia. This prophecy encompassed all Egyptian territory from Mediterranean to cataracts, the entire kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's comprehensive judgment of prideful systems assure ultimate justice?
- What does it mean that nothing escapes God's notice and judgment—neither individuals nor nations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God promises judgment 'from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia'—from Egypt's northern to southern extremity. The comprehensiveness of judgment reflects the totality of Egypt's pride. The phrase 'I am against thee' appears repeatedly in these oracles, revealing divine hostility toward systems and powers that oppose His purposes or mislead His people.