Ezekiel 29:12

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries [that are] desolate, and her cities among the cities [that are] laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

And I will make {H5414} the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} desolate {H8077} in the midst {H8432} of the countries {H776} that are desolate {H8074}, and her cities {H5892} among {H8432} the cities {H5892} that are laid waste {H2717} shall be desolate {H8077} forty {H705} years {H8141}: and I will scatter {H6327} the Egyptians {H4714} among the nations {H1471}, and will disperse {H2219} them through the countries {H776}.

Yes, I will make the land of Egypt desolate, even when compared with other desolate countries, likewise her cities in comparison with other ruined cities; they will be desolate forty years. I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them through the countries.'

I will make the land of Egypt a desolation among desolate lands, and her cities will lie desolate for forty years among the ruined cities. And I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them throughout the countries.

And I will make the land of Egypt a desolation in the midst of the countries that are desolate; and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be a desolation forty years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Ezekiel 29:12 (KJV) prophesies a specific period of desolation and dispersion for the ancient kingdom of Egypt, delivered by God through the prophet Ezekiel.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies against Egypt found in Ezekiel chapters 29-32. These prophecies were delivered during a time when Judah, having been conquered by Babylon, often looked to Egypt for military aid, despite God's warnings. God condemns Egypt's pride, particularly that of its Pharaoh, and its unreliability as an ally, referring to it as a "staff of reed" (Ezekiel 29:6-7) that would break and pierce the hand of anyone who leaned on it. The judgment described here is a direct consequence of Egypt's arrogance and its opposition to God's plans, particularly its failure to acknowledge the Lord as God. The specific period of desolation and scattering mentioned here would precede a later, partial restoration (Ezekiel 29:13-16).

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His willingness to execute judgment upon those who defy Him or lead His people astray. This judgment is precise and measured.
  • Desolation and Ruin: The term "desolate" (Hebrew: shamem) signifies utter ruin and emptiness, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the destruction that would befall Egypt's land and cities. It would become a wasteland among other desolate regions.
  • Forty Years of Punishment: The specific period of "forty years" is significant in biblical typology, often representing a generation, a time of testing, or a period of divine judgment, much like the forty years of Israel's wandering in the wilderness. This fixed duration highlights God's predetermined plan.
  • Scattering and Dispersion: The prophecy foretells the "scattering" (Hebrew: puwts) of Egyptians among other nations and countries. This dispersion was a common form of divine punishment, often seen in the fate of Israel, but here applied to a gentile nation, demonstrating God's universal reach.

Linguistic Insights

The repetition of "desolate" (or "laid waste") underscores the severity and extent of the judgment. The Hebrew word for "desolate" (shamem) conveys a sense of astonishment, horror, and utter emptiness. The term "scatter" (puwts) implies a violent breaking up and dispersal, not a gentle migration, highlighting the punitive nature of their exile.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 29:12 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • God's Sovereignty: No nation or ruler, however powerful, is beyond God's reach or judgment. He raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His divine will (Daniel 2:21).
  • Consequences of Pride: Egypt's downfall was largely attributed to its pride and self-sufficiency. This warns against national or personal arrogance that ignores God's authority.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The precise nature of this prophecy, including the specific duration of desolation, speaks to the reliability and faithfulness of God's Word. History confirms that Egypt indeed experienced a period of significant decline and foreign domination, particularly under Babylonian rule, which aligns with the spirit of this prophecy.

This verse encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate control over world events and to humble themselves before Him, rather than relying on human strength or alliances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 46:19

    O thou daughter dwelling in Egypt, furnish thyself to go into captivity: for Noph shall be waste and desolate without an inhabitant.

  • Ezekiel 30:7

    And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries [that are] desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities [that are] wasted.

  • Ezekiel 30:23

    And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

  • Jeremiah 25:15

    ¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

  • Jeremiah 25:19

    Pharaoh king of Egypt, and his servants, and his princes, and all his people;

  • Ezekiel 30:26

    And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 27:6

    And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

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