Ezekiel 29:9
And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the LORD: because he hath said, The river is mine, and I have made it.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיְתָ֤ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִשְׁמָמָ֣ה
shall be desolate
H8077
לִשְׁמָמָ֣ה
shall be desolate
Strong's:
H8077
Word #:
4 of 15
devastation; figuratively, astonishment
וְחָרְבָּ֔ה
and waste
H2723
וְחָרְבָּ֔ה
and waste
Strong's:
H2723
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, drought, i.e., (by implication) a desolation
וְיָדְע֖וּ
and they shall know
H3045
וְיָדְע֖וּ
and they shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 15
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֑ה
that I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
that I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יַ֧עַן
H3282
יַ֧עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
Cross References
Ezekiel 29:3Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.Proverbs 16:18Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.Proverbs 18:12Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
Historical Context
Egyptian theology deified Pharaoh and attributed national prosperity to Egyptian gods and human wisdom. This worldview denied Yahweh's sovereignty over creation and history. Egypt's fall would expose their theological error.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of success or blessing might you be functionally denying God credit?
- How does cultivating gratitude and acknowledging God's provision combat pride?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Egypt's desolation stems from Pharaoh's prideful claim 'the river is mine, and I have made it.' Attributing God's provision to human achievement is the essence of idolatry—making self the ultimate source and authority. Such pride necessitates divine correction through humbling circumstances. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).