Ezekiel 29:13
Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
מִקֵּ֞ץ
At the end
H7093
מִקֵּ֞ץ
At the end
Strong's:
H7093
Word #:
6 of 16
an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָעַמִּ֖ים
from the people
H5971
הָעַמִּ֖ים
from the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 19:22And the LORD shall smite Egypt: he shall smite and heal it: and they shall return even to the LORD, and he shall be intreated of them, and shall heal them.Jeremiah 46:26And I will deliver them into the hand of those that seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants: and afterward it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Egypt did recover limited independence after Persian conquest and continued to exist (unlike Assyria or later Babylon which disappeared). Though never regaining former glory, Egypt survived as a nation. The forty-year desolation ended, and population returned. This partial restoration differs from Israel's eventual messianic restoration but demonstrates God's mercy even in judgment of pagan nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does measured justice differ from vindictive punishment?
- What does restoration after forty years teach about judgment's purposes?
- Why does God show mercy even to pagan nations that defied Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered introduces hope. Unlike Israel's permanent exile of northern kingdom, Egypt will be restored after forty years. This demonstrates measured justice—judgment is severe but not eternal. God's justice is perfectly calibrated, not excessive. The promise of gathering after forty years shows that judgment serves remedial purposes. God disciplines to correct, not merely to punish. Even pagan nations receive measured judgment designed to accomplish divine purposes rather than vindictive destruction.