Ezekiel 30:11
He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.
Original Language Analysis
ה֠וּא
H1931
ה֠וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְעַמּ֤וֹ
He and his people
H5971
וְעַמּ֤וֹ
He and his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִתּוֹ֙
H854
אִתּוֹ֙
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
עָרִיצֵ֣י
with him the terrible
H6184
עָרִיצֵ֣י
with him the terrible
Strong's:
H6184
Word #:
4 of 16
fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical
גוֹיִ֔ם
of the nations
H1471
גוֹיִ֔ם
of the nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
5 of 16
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
מֽוּבָאִ֖ים
shall be brought
H935
מֽוּבָאִ֖ים
shall be brought
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
6 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְשַׁחֵ֣ת
to destroy
H7843
לְשַׁחֵ֣ת
to destroy
Strong's:
H7843
Word #:
7 of 16
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
וְהֵרִ֤יקוּ
and they shall draw
H7324
וְהֵרִ֤יקוּ
and they shall draw
Strong's:
H7324
Word #:
9 of 16
to pour out (literally or figuratively), i.e., empty
חַרְבוֹתָם֙
their swords
H2719
חַרְבוֹתָם֙
their swords
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
10 of 16
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּמָלְא֥וּ
and fill
H4390
וּמָלְא֥וּ
and fill
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
13 of 16
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Babylon's invasion of Egypt (568/567 BC) under Nebuchadnezzar is documented in Babylonian chronicles and classical sources. Egypt's power was broken; she never again dominated the ancient Near East. Archaeological evidence shows destruction layers from this period in Egyptian cities. God's use of 'terrible nations' to judge Egypt fulfilled His long-promised reckoning for oppressing Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of 'terrible nations' demonstrate His sovereignty over international affairs?
- What irony exists in Egypt being conquered after centuries of conquering others?
- How should we understand God using brutal means to accomplish just ends?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land—Nebuchadnezzar and his army, described as עָרִיצֵי גוֹיִם (ʿārîṣê gôyim, 'the ruthless/violent ones of nations'), would devastate Egypt. The term עָרִיץ (ʿārîṣ) describes brutal, terrifying military power without mercy.
And they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain—וְהֵרִיקוּ חַרְבוֹתָם עַל־מִצְרַיִם (wĕhērîqû ḥarbôtām ʿal-miṣrayim, 'and they shall empty their swords upon Egypt'). The verb רוּק (rûq, 'to empty') suggests complete, unreserved violence. Egypt, who trusted in military might and enslaved Israel for 400 years, would experience God's sword through Babylon's ruthless warriors. This ironic reversal—Egypt judged by foreign invaders—mirrors Israel's earlier deliverance from Egyptian bondage.