Ezekiel 29:20
I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָ֣בַד
wherewith he served
H5647
עָ֣בַד
wherewith he served
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
3 of 15
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
נָתַ֥תִּי
I have given
H5414
נָתַ֥תִּי
I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָ֣שׂוּ
against it because they wrought
H6213
עָ֣שׂוּ
against it because they wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
This principle—pagan rulers serving God's purposes unknowingly—appears throughout Scripture: Pharaoh in Exodus, Assyria (Isaiah 10), Cyrus (Isaiah 45), Rome crucifying Jesus (Acts 2:23). God's sovereignty doesn't negate human responsibility but demonstrates His comprehensive control of history. Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Tyre and Egypt fulfilled divine purposes though motivated by imperial ambition.
Questions for Reflection
- How can God righteously claim pagan rulers 'worked for me' without their knowledge?
- What does this teach about God's sovereignty over world history?
- How should Christians view secular governments in light of God's absolute control?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it—The verb נָתַתִּי (nātattî, 'I have given') is prophetic perfect: future event spoken as accomplished fact because God's decree is certain. פְּעֻלָּתוֹ אֲשֶׁר עָבַד בָּהּ (pĕʿullātô ăsher ʿābad bāh, 'his labor which he served in it') refers to the Tyre siege.
Because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD—The stunning declaration: עָשׂוּ לִי (ʿāsû lî, 'they worked for me'). Nebuchadnezzar didn't know he served YHWH (he worshiped Marduk/Bel), but God sovereignly directed his campaigns to accomplish divine purposes: judging proud Tyre and Egypt, disciplining Israel, and demonstrating that YHWH alone controls history. This echoes Cyrus being called God's 'shepherd' and 'anointed' without knowing YHWH (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1-4). God works His will through all rulers, willing or unwitting (Proverbs 21:1).