Ezekiel 29:15

KJV

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

KJV (with Strong's)

It shall be the basest {H8217} of the kingdoms {H4467}; neither shall it exalt {H5375} itself any more above the nations {H1471}: for I will diminish {H4591} them, that they shall no more rule {H7287} over the nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the humblest of kingdoms. It will never again dominate other nations; I will reduce them, so that they never again rule other nations.

Berean Standard Bible

Egypt will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the nations. For I will diminish Egypt so that it will never again rule over the nations.

American Standard Version

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it any more lift itself up above the nations: and I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:15 delivers a profound prophecy concerning the future of Egypt, declaring its permanent reduction from a dominant world power to the "basest of the kingdoms." This verse underscores God's sovereign judgment against Egypt's pride and self-exaltation, ensuring it would never again rise to its former imperial glory or rule over other nations, thereby demonstrating the Lord's absolute control over the rise and fall of earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 29:15 is situated within a series of oracles against foreign nations found in [Ezekiel chapters 25-32](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Prophecies Against Foreign Nations"). Specifically, chapters 29-32 are dedicated to prophecies against Egypt. This particular oracle, spanning [Ezekiel 29:1-16](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1-16 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh and Egypt"), begins with a direct indictment of Pharaoh's immense pride, as he boasts, "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself" ([Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Arrogance")). The preceding verses detail Egypt's unreliability as an ally to Israel, likened to a "staff of reed" that would pierce the hand of anyone leaning on it ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")). Thus, verse 15 serves as a summary statement of the long-term, irreversible consequences of God's judgment on Egypt's arrogance and its historical role.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (during the Babylonian exile, 6th century BCE), Egypt was one of the ancient world's most formidable empires, renowned for its wealth, military strength, and the life-giving Nile River. Its Pharaohs were considered divine or semi-divine rulers, contributing to the nation's immense pride and self-sufficiency. Israel, particularly the southern kingdom of Judah, had a long and complex relationship with Egypt, often looking to it for political and military support against encroaching Mesopotamian powers like Assyria and Babylon. However, Egypt frequently proved to be a deceptive and ultimately ineffective ally, leading to Israel's downfall. God's judgment against Egypt, therefore, served not only as a punishment for its hubris but also as a demonstration to Israel that reliance on human power, even a mighty one like Egypt, was futile compared to trusting in the Lord.

* **Key Themes:** The central themes in [Ezekiel 29:15](/ezekiel/29-15 "Ezekiel 29:15 - Egypt's Abasement") resonate throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations**, powerfully asserting that God alone determines the rise and fall of kingdoms. Pharaoh's boast in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Claim of Self-Sufficiency") directly challenges God's ultimate authority, and this verse is God's decisive response, emphasizing His active role: "I will diminish them." This echoes the truth found in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules Over Kingdoms of Men") that "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." Another key theme is the **Consequences of Pride and Self-Exaltation**. Egypt's downfall is directly attributed to its desire to "exalt itself... above the nations," a consistent biblical principle that God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Finally, the **Reliability of God's Word** is demonstrated, as this prophecy, like many others in Ezekiel, proved to be historically accurate, solidifying the prophet's divine commission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **basest (Hebrew, _shâphâl'_):** This term (H8217) signifies being "depressed," "humble," or "low." In the context of Ezekiel 29:15, it conveys a profound and comprehensive abasement. It's not merely a reduction in power but a complete demotion in status, from a preeminent empire to a nation of minimal influence. This word emphasizes the depth of Egypt's humiliation, a stark contrast to its former imperial glory and the Pharaoh's self-proclaimed divinity.
* **exalt (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** Derived from H5375, this verb means "to lift," "raise," or "exalt oneself." Here, it directly addresses Egypt's hubris and ambition to dominate. The prophecy declares that Egypt will no longer be able to lift itself up in pride or assert its superiority over other nations. This speaks to the permanent crushing of its arrogant spirit and its capacity for global influence, directly countering Pharaoh's self-aggrandizing claims.
* **diminish (Hebrew, _mâʻaṭ'_):** This primitive root (H4591) means "to pare off," "lessen," "make small," or "make few." When God declares, "I will diminish them," it highlights His active, intentional, and sovereign role in reducing Egypt's power, population, and overall effectiveness. It's a divine act of constriction, ensuring that Egypt's resources, military might, and political influence would be perpetually curtailed, preventing any resurgence to its former position of dominance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It shall be the basest of the kingdoms":** This clause pronounces the ultimate outcome of God's judgment on Egypt. "It" refers to Egypt, which will be reduced to the lowest rank among the nations. This signifies a dramatic and permanent fall from its once-exalted status as a leading world power, emphasizing its utter humiliation and loss of prestige.
* **"neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations":** This explains the practical consequence of Egypt's abasement. The nation will lose its capacity for prideful self-assertion and its ability to dominate or even significantly influence other nations. This is a direct reversal of its historical role and Pharaoh's arrogant claims, ensuring that its aspirations for supremacy are forever thwarted.
* **"for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations":** This final clause reveals the divine agency and purpose behind Egypt's downfall. The phrase "for I will diminish them" explicitly states that God Himself is the active agent in reducing Egypt's power and influence. The purpose ("that they shall no more rule over the nations") reinforces the permanence of its subjugation and its inability to regain its former dominion, ensuring its perpetual subservience among the world's powers.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "the basest of the kingdoms," which, while indicating a profound reduction, emphasizes the extreme nature of Egypt's humiliation from its former imperial glory. This strong language underscores the severity and finality of God's decree. **Personification** is used by treating Egypt as an entity capable of "exalting itself," attributing human-like pride and ambition to the nation. This allows for a direct moral indictment of the national character. The repeated mention of "nations" functions as a form of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, highlighting Egypt's relationship to other powers and underscoring that its diminished status is in relation to the global stage. Finally, the declaration "for I will diminish them" serves as a powerful **Divine Fiat** or **Declaration of Intent**, showcasing God's absolute sovereignty and active involvement in shaping geopolitical destinies, leaving no doubt as to the source and certainty of this judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:15 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and His unwavering opposition to human pride. It reveals that no nation, however mighty or self-sufficient, can stand against the will of the Almighty. Egypt's reduction from a dominant empire to a subservient state serves as a vivid object lesson that worldly power, when divorced from humility and reliance on God, is ultimately fleeting and subject to divine judgment. This prophecy underscores the theological truth that God alone "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")), and He will humble those who exalt themselves, ensuring that His glory alone is supreme.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction"): "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
* [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "The Haughtiness of Man Humbled"): "The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day."
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Nebuchadnezzar's Confession of God's Sovereignty"): "At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:15 offers profound lessons for both individuals and nations in every era. It serves as a stark warning against the insidious dangers of pride, self-sufficiency, and the relentless pursuit of worldly power and glory. Just as ancient Egypt's downfall was rooted in its arrogance and its belief in its own might, so too can individuals and societies today fall when they exalt themselves above God or seek to build their security on anything other than His unchanging truth and provision. This verse calls us to a posture of radical humility, recognizing that all strength, wisdom, and authority ultimately reside in God alone. It encourages us to examine our own hearts for any areas where we might be relying on our own abilities, achievements, or resources rather than trusting in the Lord. Furthermore, it reminds us that God remains sovereign over all geopolitical affairs, offering comfort and perspective in a world often characterized by the rise and fall of human empires and ideologies. Our ultimate hope and allegiance should be placed in His eternal kingdom, not in the fleeting powers of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to self-exaltation or relying on my own strength instead of God's?**
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over nations, as demonstrated in this verse, impact my perspective on current global events and political leaders?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was Egypt singled out for such a severe prophecy?**

Answer: Egypt was a prominent world power at the time of Ezekiel's prophecy, symbolizing worldly strength, pride, and self-sufficiency. Its Pharaoh even claimed to have made the Nile River for himself ([Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Arrogant Claim")). God's judgment against Egypt served multiple purposes: it directly countered Egypt's hubris, demonstrating that even the mightiest human empire is subject to divine authority. Furthermore, Egypt had historically been an unreliable and often deceptive ally to Israel, tempting God's people to trust in human power rather than in the Lord ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")). By diminishing Egypt, God not only punished its pride but also removed a source of false hope for Israel, compelling them to rely solely on Him. This prophecy also reinforced God's message that He is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel.

**Has this prophecy been fulfilled historically?**

Answer: Yes, historical evidence strongly supports the fulfillment of this prophecy. After the Babylonian conquest of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar (around 568-567 BCE), Egypt never regained its status as a dominant world empire. While it experienced periods of regional influence and prosperity, it consistently fell under the dominion of successive foreign powers—Persian, Greek (Ptolemaic dynasty), Roman, Arab, Ottoman, and eventually British rule. It never again "exalted itself any more above the nations" as a preeminent global power, fulfilling the divine decree that it would be "the basest of the kingdoms" and "no more rule over the nations." This long-term historical trajectory stands as a testament to the accuracy and authority of God's prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 29:15, with its declaration of Egypt becoming "the basest of the kingdoms" and no longer exalting itself, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound reversal of divine and human values inaugurated by Jesus. While earthly kingdoms strive for exaltation and dominion, Christ's kingdom is founded on humility and self-abasement. The Son of God, who was truly "above the nations" as their Creator and Lord, willingly "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He became "the basest" in human eyes, suffering the ignominy of the cross, yet through this ultimate act of humility, He achieved the greatest exaltation, being given "the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). The diminishing of Egypt's worldly power foreshadows the ultimate dismantling of all human systems and kingdoms built on pride and self-sufficiency, which will one day bow before the humble King of kings. Christ's kingdom, though not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), is the one that will truly "rule over the nations" eternally ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")). Thus, the judgment on Egypt serves as a prophetic type, pointing to the spiritual truth that true power and lasting dominion are found not in human might or pride, but in the humble, self-sacrificing reign of the Lamb of God.

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

Zechariah 10:11

And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.

Ezekiel 30:13

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause [their] images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.

Nahum 3:8

¶ Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, [that had] the waters round about it, whose rampart [was] the sea, [and] her wall [was] from the sea?

Nahum 3:9

Ethiopia and Egypt [were] her strength, and [it was] infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

Ezekiel 31:2

Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?

Ezekiel 32:2

Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou [art] as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

Ezekiel 17:14

That the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, [but] that by keeping of his covenant it might stand.