That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
'That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!' Ethiopia sends ambassadors in papyrus reed boats (Egyptian/Cushite watercraft) seeking alliances. The 'swift messengers' carry diplomatic overtures. But to whom? The descriptions—'scattered and peeled' (tall and smooth-skinned), 'terrible from their beginning' (feared), 'meted out and trodden down' (measured and trampled)—likely describe Ethiopia itself, creating interpretive complexity. God may be commanding messengers to go TO Ethiopia with His message, or describing Ethiopian messengers' frantic diplomacy. Either way, human diplomatic maneuvering proves futile compared to divine sovereignty.
Historical Context
Papyrus reed boats were distinctive Egyptian/Cushite watercraft, light and fast for river travel. Ethiopian diplomacy during this period actively sought anti-Assyrian coalitions throughout the Levant. The descriptions fit Ethiopian/Cushite people: tall stature, smooth skin, fearsome reputation as warriors, and the Nile's annual flooding ('rivers have spoiled') defining their land. Historically, Ethiopia's anti-Assyrian efforts failed—Assyria defeated Egypt and Ethiopia at Eltekeh (701 BCE) and later campaigns. Despite fierce reputation and diplomatic efforts, Ethiopia couldn't prevent Assyrian dominance. Only God's direct intervention (701 BCE deliverance of Jerusalem) accomplished what Ethiopian military power couldn't.
Questions for Reflection
What does Ethiopian diplomatic activity teach about human efforts to secure safety apart from God?
How do the descriptions emphasize Ethiopia's impressive yet insufficient human qualities?
Why did Ethiopian military power fail while God's direct intervention succeeded?
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Analysis & Commentary
'That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!' Ethiopia sends ambassadors in papyrus reed boats (Egyptian/Cushite watercraft) seeking alliances. The 'swift messengers' carry diplomatic overtures. But to whom? The descriptions—'scattered and peeled' (tall and smooth-skinned), 'terrible from their beginning' (feared), 'meted out and trodden down' (measured and trampled)—likely describe Ethiopia itself, creating interpretive complexity. God may be commanding messengers to go TO Ethiopia with His message, or describing Ethiopian messengers' frantic diplomacy. Either way, human diplomatic maneuvering proves futile compared to divine sovereignty.