In Ezek. 29–32 we read prophecies against Egypt which, uttered (with the exception of Ezekiel 29:17 to the end) in regular succession, predict the downfall of Pharaoh Hophra and the desolation of Egypt. Ezekiel 29:1: the first prophecy against Egypt delivered some months before the preceding prophe... [ Continue Reading ]
THE TENTH YEAR - Jerusalem had been besieged, but not taken. Jeremiah delivered his prophecy against Egypt, about the time when the approach of Pharaoh Hophra’s army caused the Chaldaeans for the time to raise the siege Jeremiah 37:5. This was the solitary instance of Egypt meddling with the affairs... [ Continue Reading ]
The king is addressed as the embodiment of the state. DRAGON - Here the crocodile, the great monster of the Nile, which was regarded very differently in different parts of Egypt. By some it was worshipped and embalmed after death, and cities were named after it (e. g., in the Arsinoite nome). Other... [ Continue Reading ]
HOOKS IN THY JAWS - Compare Job 41:2. The crocodile is thus rendered an easy prey. FISH OF THY RIVERS - i. e., the allies of Egypt shall be involved in her ruin.... [ Continue Reading ]
STAFF OF REED - The “reed” was especially appropriate to Egypt as the natural product of its river.... [ Continue Reading ]
So Egypt was continually proving to Israel, to Jehoiakim and to Zedekiah. The tenses are present not past. TO BE AT A STAND - Others, “to totter.”... [ Continue Reading ]
FROM THE TOWER OF SYENE - Or, as in the margin, “Migdol” (“tower”) was about two miles from Suez. “Syene” was the most southern town in Egypt, on the borders of Ethiopia, in the Thebaid, on the eastern bank of the Nile. The modern Assvan lies a little to the northeast of the ancient Syene. We have n... [ Continue Reading ]
A similar respite was promised to Moab Jeremiah 48:47, to Ammon Jeremiah 49:6, and to Tyre Isaiah 23:15.... [ Continue Reading ]
PATHROS - The Thebaid or Upper Egypt, the original seat of the kingdom. THE LAND OF THEIR HABITATION - Rather, as margin, i. e., the home of the restored exiles.... [ Continue Reading ]
The false confidence of the Israelites “brought to remembrance,” i. e., discovered in the sight of God and man their “iniquity,” i. e., their treachery and perjury to the Chaldaeans; their falsehood being made evident when they “look after” (turn to) the Egyptians and seek their aid in rebellion. Th... [ Continue Reading ]
The prophet places this prediction out of chronological order, that he may point out what had not been stated in the foregoing prophecy, namely, that the agent who should strike the first blow on Egypt should be the Chaldaean king, Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel 29:18 YET HAD HE NO WAGES - It is not impr... [ Continue Reading ]