Ezekiel 30:23
And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.
Original Language Analysis
וַהֲפִצוֹתִ֥י
And I will scatter
H6327
וַהֲפִצוֹתִ֥י
And I will scatter
Strong's:
H6327
Word #:
1 of 6
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם
among the nations
H1471
בַּגּוֹיִ֑ם
among the nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
4 of 6
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
Historical Context
Babylon practiced mass deportation (Israel experienced it in 586 BC). When Nebuchadnezzar conquered Egypt (568/567 BC), many Egyptians were exiled. Later, under Persian, Greek, and Roman rule, Jewish and Egyptian populations were scattered throughout empires. Egypt's ancient population was diluted, displaced, and eventually Arabized, fulfilling the 'scattering' prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Egypt experiencing scattering (like Israel) demonstrate impartial divine justice?
- What is significant about scattering being permanent for Egypt but temporary for Israel?
- How do covenant curses applied to pagan nations reveal God's universal moral standards?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them among the countries—הֲפִיצוֹתִי (hăphîṣôtî, 'I will scatter') and זֵרִיתִי (zērîtî, 'I will disperse/winnow') describe exile and deportation. Egypt would experience what she once inflicted on others—population displacement.
This threat echoes Israel's covenant curses (Deuteronomy 28:64), but applied to Egypt. Where Israel's scattering was discipline with promise of regathering (Ezekiel 36-37), Egypt's was judgment without restoration promise. Babylon deported populations as policy; Egypt would taste this bitter cup.