Ezekiel 30:9
In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.
Original Language Analysis
בְּי֣וֹם
In that day
H3117
בְּי֣וֹם
In that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 18
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֗וּא
H1931
הַה֗וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 18
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
יֵצְא֨וּ
go forth
H3318
יֵצְא֨וּ
go forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 18
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מַלְאָכִ֤ים
shall messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֤ים
shall messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 18
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
מִלְּפָנַי֙
from me
H6440
מִלְּפָנַי֙
from me
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לְהַחֲרִ֖יד
afraid
H2729
לְהַחֲרִ֖יד
afraid
Strong's:
H2729
Word #:
7 of 18
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּ֑טַח
to make the careless
H983
בֶּ֑טַח
to make the careless
Strong's:
H983
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely
וְהָיְתָ֨ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
חַלְחָלָ֤ה
and great pain
H2479
חַלְחָלָ֤ה
and great pain
Strong's:
H2479
Word #:
12 of 18
writhing (in childbirth); by implication, terror
בְּי֣וֹם
In that day
H3117
בְּי֣וֹם
In that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
14 of 18
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Historical Context
Ethiopia (Cush) bordered Egypt to the south, sometimes ruling Egypt (25th Dynasty). Their close relationship made Egypt's fate particularly relevant. Babylon's Egyptian campaign brought terror throughout the region.
Questions for Reflection
- How should you respond to God's judgments in others' lives—with fear and self-examination or with complacent presumption?
- What warnings is God providing through current events for those willing to pay attention?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God would send 'messengers' in ships to terrify 'the careless Ethiopians,' bringing 'great pain' as in Egypt's day. Ethiopia's false security ('carelessness') would be shattered by witnessing Egypt's judgment. This reveals that God's judgments serve warning purposes for others. Events in history teach spiritual lessons for those who have eyes to see.