Ezekiel 29:10

KJV

Behold, therefore I [am] against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste [and] desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers {H2975}, and I will make {H5414} the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} utterly {H2721} waste {H2723} and desolate {H8077}, from the tower {H4024} of Syene {H5482} even unto the border {H1366} of Ethiopia {H3568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I am against you and your Nile; and I will make the land of Egypt a totally desolate waste from Migdol to S'venah, all the way to the border of Ethiopia.

Berean Standard Bible

therefore I am against you and against your rivers. I will turn the land of Egypt into a ruin, a desolate wasteland from Migdol to Syene, and as far as the border of Cush.

American Standard Version

therefore, behold, I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation, from the tower of Seveneh even unto the border of Ethiopia.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:10 delivers a stark divine declaration of comprehensive judgment against ancient Egypt, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His resolve to humble their pride. The verse specifically targets Egypt's vital "rivers" and pronounces an "utterly waste and desolate" state spanning the entire land, from its southern border at Syene to its northern reaches near Ethiopia, underscoring the completeness and inevitability of the Lord's punitive action against a nation that had become a snare and a false hope for Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 29 initiates a series of seven prophecies against Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32), delivered by the prophet Ezekiel during his ministry to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. These oracles, dated between 587 and 585 BC, immediately precede and follow the final fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 29:1-9) introduce the primary target of God's wrath: Pharaoh Hophra, depicted as a great "dragon" or "monster" (Hebrew: *tannin*) in the midst of his rivers, boasting of his self-made power and claiming the Nile as his own creation. God declares His intention to put hooks in Pharaoh's jaws and drag him and all his fish (symbolizing his people and allies) out of the rivers. This sets the stage for the comprehensive desolation described in verse 10, which details the extent and severity of the impending judgment, directly linking it to Pharaoh's arrogance and Egypt's unreliable support for Israel, which was like a "staff of reed" that pierced the hand of those who leaned on it ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt, a Broken Reed")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a dominant geopolitical power in the Near East, renowned for its agricultural wealth, military might, and sophisticated civilization, all largely dependent on the annual flooding of the Nile River. The Nile was not merely a geographical feature but was deified by Egyptians as the source of their life and prosperity, fostering a deep sense of self-sufficiency and pride in their own strength and resources. Historically, Judah had often looked to Egypt for political and military alliances against encroaching powers like Assyria and Babylon, despite divine warnings against such reliance (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt")). At the time of this prophecy, Judah was caught between Babylon's rising power and Egypt's waning influence, with many in Jerusalem still hoping for Egyptian intervention against Nebuchadnezzar. God's judgment against Egypt, therefore, served to dismantle false hopes, demonstrate His universal sovereignty, and vindicate His warnings to His people. The geographical markers "Syene" (modern Aswan) and "Ethiopia" (ancient Cush) were well-known as the southernmost and northernmost traditional boundaries of Egyptian influence, emphasizing the total scope of the coming devastation.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in Ezekiel 29, and specifically in verse 10, is **Divine Judgment** and **Sovereignty**. God's declaration, "Behold, therefore I am against thee," unequivocally establishes Him as the active agent of judgment, not merely a passive observer of geopolitical shifts. This judgment is a direct response to Egypt's **Pride and Arrogance**, particularly Pharaoh's boast concerning the Nile, which represents a usurpation of divine prerogative. The comprehensive nature of the desolation, "utterly waste and desolate," highlights the **Completeness of God's Retribution**, leaving no aspect of Egypt's power or prosperity untouched. Furthermore, the prophecy underscores God's **Universal Dominion**, demonstrating that His authority extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations, holding even the most formidable empires accountable for their actions and pride, as seen in other prophetic declarations against nations (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:15-38](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15-38 - The Cup of God's Wrath")). The targeting of "thy rivers" is particularly significant, symbolizing an attack on the very **Source of Egypt's Life and Pride**, dismantling their false sense of security and self-sufficiency.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **rivers (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** This term, of Egyptian origin, specifically refers to a channel or canal, and preeminently to the Nile River, which was the lifeblood of Egypt. In this context, "rivers" (plural) can encompass the Nile and its extensive network of canals and irrigation systems that sustained Egyptian agriculture and prosperity. God's declaration against "thy rivers" signifies a direct assault on the very source of Egypt's wealth, power, and self-sufficiency, which Pharaoh had arrogantly claimed as his own creation. It implies a disruption of the natural order that Egypt depended upon, leading to widespread famine and economic collapse.
* **utterly (Hebrew, _chôreb'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "drought," denotes a state of desolation, dryness, or waste. When used with "waste" (chorbah), it intensifies the meaning, indicating a complete and severe destruction. The repetition of similar concepts ("utterly waste and desolate") emphasizes the totality of the judgment, leaving no room for recovery or partial survival. It paints a picture of a land stripped bare of its vitality and productivity.
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** This feminine noun signifies devastation, ruin, or astonishment. It describes the state of a place that has been laid waste, often implying a sense of shock or horror at the extent of the destruction. Coupled with "utterly waste," it reinforces the idea that Egypt will be reduced to an uninhabitable and unproductive wasteland, a stark contrast to its former fertility and grandeur. This desolation is not merely physical but also carries a sense of abandonment and divine curse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, therefore I [am] against thee, and against thy rivers":** This opening clause serves as a dramatic, emphatic declaration of divine opposition. "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the pronouncement. The phrase "I am against thee" reveals God as the direct and active agent of judgment, targeting both the nation of Egypt (represented by "thee," referring to Pharaoh and by extension, the entire kingdom) and its life-sustaining "rivers," primarily the Nile. This signifies a direct assault on the very foundation of Egypt's power, prosperity, and pride.
* **"and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste [and] desolate":** This segment specifies the nature and severity of the judgment. God declares His intention to actively bring about a state of complete ruin and emptiness upon the entire land of Egypt. The combination of "utterly waste" and "desolate" (using cognate Hebrew terms) emphasizes the comprehensive and severe nature of the destruction, implying a land stripped of its inhabitants, productivity, and former glory, reduced to a barren and uninhabitable state.
* **"from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia":** This final clause provides the geographical scope of the judgment, indicating its vast and all-encompassing reach. "Syene" (modern Aswan) was a city at the southernmost frontier of ancient Egypt, marking its traditional boundary with Nubia. "The border of Ethiopia" (ancient Cush) refers to the region immediately south of Syene, extending into what is now Sudan. This phrase acts as a merism, signifying the entire length of Egypt, from its southern extreme to its northernmost point (implied by the inclusion of the southern border and the exclusion of any northern limit, meaning the judgment would sweep across the whole land). It underscores that no part of Egypt would escape the divine wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Personification** is evident in God's declaration "I am against thee," treating the nation of Egypt as a personal adversary, emphasizing the direct and intentional nature of divine opposition. The phrase "against thy rivers" uses **Metonymy**, where "rivers" (primarily the Nile) stand for the entire source of Egypt's wealth, power, and national identity. By targeting the rivers, God targets the very foundation of Egypt's existence and pride. The use of the terms "utterly waste" and "desolate" together creates a powerful instance of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, intensifying the pronouncement of complete destruction and leaving no doubt about the severity and totality of the judgment. Finally, the geographical markers "from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia" constitute a **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent the whole, effectively stating that the judgment will span the entire length and breadth of Egypt, leaving no region untouched.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:10 powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that even the most formidable empires are subject to His righteous judgment. Egypt's fall serves as a stark reminder that national pride, self-sufficiency, and reliance on material wealth or military might are ultimately futile when pitted against the divine will. The theological message is clear: God alone is the source of all prosperity and power, and He will humble those who boast in their own strength or claim His gifts as their own creation. This judgment also underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant people, as He removes the false hopes (Egypt) that might tempt Israel away from trusting in Him alone.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Isaiah 31:1-3](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1-3 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Dominion Endures Through All Generations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:10, though a prophecy against an ancient nation, carries profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to examine the foundations of our own security and pride. Are we, like ancient Egypt, prone to boasting in our achievements, our resources, or our perceived self-sufficiency, forgetting that all good things come from the Lord? This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep sense of humility, recognizing that our lives, our abilities, and our possessions are gifts from God, not products of our own making. It warns against placing our ultimate trust in human systems, political powers, or material wealth, which are inherently unstable and subject to divine judgment. Instead, we are called to place our unwavering faith and hope in God alone, whose sovereignty is absolute and whose justice will ultimately prevail. The desolation of Egypt serves as a powerful reminder that God holds all nations and individuals accountable for their actions, particularly their pride and their treatment of His people. Therefore, our lives should be characterized by a humble reliance on God, a commitment to justice, and a recognition that true security is found only in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "rivers" or sources of pride and security in my life or society might be hindering a full reliance on God?**
* **How does this passage challenge my tendency to trust in human strength or material possessions rather than divine provision?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and acknowledge God's sovereignty in all areas of my life?**
* **How should the knowledge of God's ultimate judgment on nations influence my prayers and actions regarding current global events?**

### FAQ
**Why was God so "against" Egypt and its rivers?**

Answer: God was "against" Egypt primarily because of its pervasive pride and arrogance, particularly exemplified by Pharaoh's boast that the Nile River, the lifeblood of Egypt, was his own creation and property ([Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Boast")). This claim was a direct affront to God's sovereignty as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Furthermore, Egypt had consistently acted as an unreliable and deceptive ally to Israel, luring them away from trusting in God alone and becoming a "staff of reed" that broke and pierced the hand of those who leaned on it ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt, a Broken Reed")). God's judgment was therefore a demonstration of His justice against national hubris and a vindication of His warnings to His people to trust in Him alone. The targeting of "rivers" symbolized an attack on the very source of Egypt's self-sufficiency, wealth, and false security, dismantling the foundation of their pride.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 29:10 speaks of a temporal judgment on ancient Egypt, its deeper theological currents flow toward the ultimate and comprehensive judgment executed by Christ, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The pride of Pharaoh, who boasted of his self-made dominion over the Nile, foreshadows the pride of humanity that seeks to establish its own kingdom apart from God. Just as God put "hooks in Pharaoh's jaws" ([Ezekiel 29:4](/ezekiel/29-4 "Ezekiel 29:4 - God's Judgment on Pharaoh")), Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, decisively triumphed over the spiritual powers of darkness that hold humanity captive, disarming principalities and powers and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The desolation pronounced upon Egypt, spanning its entire length, points to the universal scope of Christ's ultimate judgment, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")). Moreover, the "rivers" of Egypt, the source of its false life and pride, stand in stark contrast to the living water that Christ offers, which springs up to eternal life ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). Ultimately, the judgment on Egypt serves as a prophetic type of the final judgment of all nations and the establishment of God's righteous reign through Christ, where every earthly kingdom and source of human pride will be made utterly waste before the glory of the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy of all honor and praise ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 30:12

And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken [it].

Exodus 14:2

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea.

Ezekiel 30:6

Thus saith the LORD; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.

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.

Jeremiah 44:1

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

Ezekiel 29:11

No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.

Jeremiah 46:14

Declare ye in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Noph and in Tahpanhes: say ye, Stand fast, and prepare thee; for the sword shall devour round about thee.