Ezekiel 30:4
And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.
Original Language Analysis
וּבָאָ֥ה
shall come
H935
וּבָאָ֥ה
shall come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
חֶ֙רֶב֙
And the sword
H2719
חֶ֙רֶב֙
And the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
2 of 13
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְהָיְתָ֤ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
חַלְחָלָה֙
and great pain
H2479
חַלְחָלָה֙
and great pain
Strong's:
H2479
Word #:
5 of 13
writhing (in childbirth); by implication, terror
בְּכ֔וּשׁ
shall be in Ethiopia
H3568
בְּכ֔וּשׁ
shall be in Ethiopia
Strong's:
H3568
Word #:
6 of 13
cush (or ethiopia), the name of an israelite
בִּנְפֹ֥ל
shall fall
H5307
בִּנְפֹ֥ל
shall fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
7 of 13
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
חָלָ֖ל
when the slain
H2491
חָלָ֖ל
when the slain
Strong's:
H2491
Word #:
8 of 13
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
וְלָקְח֣וּ
and they shall take away
H3947
וְלָקְח֣וּ
and they shall take away
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
10 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
הֲמוֹנָ֔הּ
her multitude
H1995
הֲמוֹנָ֔הּ
her multitude
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
11 of 13
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
Cross References
Ezekiel 29:19Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.Ezekiel 29:8Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns brought destruction throughout the region. Egypt and her allies (including Ethiopia/Cush) experienced military defeat and economic devastation, fulfilling these prophecies within decades.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you recognize God's sovereign hand in historical events that appear to be merely political or military?
- What does it mean that God accomplishes His purposes through both believers and unbelievers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'sword' represents military conquest, specifically Babylon's invasion. Egypt's 'pain' and Ethiopia's 'great pain' indicate widespread suffering. The phrase 'they shall take away her multitude' depicts deportation and plundering. God's judgments often come through secondary causes (pagan armies) while remaining sovereignly directed by Him.