Ezekiel 29:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 29:19
19 Therefore 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.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 29 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, truth, sacrifice. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 29:19
19 Therefore 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.
Analysis
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon—As compensation for Tyre, God promises Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar. הִנְנִי נֹתֵן לִנְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּר (hinnĕnî nōthēn linĕbûkadreʾṣar, 'behold, I am giving to Nebuchadnezzar') shows God's sovereign distribution of nations.
And he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey—Three verbs emphasize total plunder: נָשָׂא הֲמוֹנָהּ (nāsāʾ hămônāh, 'carry away her wealth'), שָׁלַל שְׁלָלָהּ (shālal shĕlālāh, 'plunder her plunder'), and בָּזַז בִּזָּהּ (bāzaz bizzāh, 'seize her spoil'). And it shall be the wages for his army—שָׂכָר לְחֵילוֹ (śākār lĕḥêlô, 'wages for his army'). God compensates Babylon's service against Tyre with Egyptian plunder. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty: He directs pagan kings, compensates their labor, and accomplishes His purposes through unwitting agents (Isaiah 10:5-7, 45:1-7).
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar invaded Egypt in 568/567 BC (confirmed by Babylonian chronicles), about five years after this prophecy. While he didn't conquer all Egypt permanently, he did campaign successfully, plunder cities, and install a vassal king—exactly as prophesied. Egyptian power never fully recovered, fulfilling Ezekiel's prediction that Egypt would become 'the basest of kingdoms' (29:14-15).
Reflection
- How does God's compensation of pagan Babylon demonstrate His sovereignty over all nations?
- What does this teach about God's justice in rewarding even unwitting service?
- How should we understand God using 'wages' language with pagan kings?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Kingdom: Ezekiel 32:11