Ezekiel 29:16

And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth [their] iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

And it shall be no more the confidence {H4009} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, which bringeth {H2142} their iniquity {H5771} to remembrance {H2142}, when they shall look {H6437} after {H310} them: but they shall know {H3045} that I am the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Moreover, they will no longer be a source of confidence for Isra'el to turn to; rather, it will only bring to mind their guilt in having turned to them before. Then they will know that I am Adonai ELOHIM.'"

Egypt will never again be an object of trust for the house of Israel, but will remind them of their iniquity in turning to the Egyptians. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”

And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to remembrance, when they turn to look after them: and they shall know that I am the Lord Jehovah.

Context

Ezekiel 29:16 is part of a series of prophecies against various nations, specifically focusing on Egypt, which spans Ezekiel chapters 29-32. These prophecies were delivered during a time when the kingdom of Judah was in exile, having been conquered by Babylon. Historically, Judah had a long-standing tendency to seek political and military alliances with powerful nations like Egypt rather than trusting solely in the Lord for their protection. This verse specifically looks forward to a time when Egypt's power will be so diminished that it will no longer be a source of false hope or reliance for the scattered Israelites, thereby exposing their past unfaithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Egypt: The verse is set within the larger context of God's severe judgment against Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt, stripping them of their former glory and power.
  • Israel's Misplaced Trust: It highlights Israel's recurring sin of placing their confidence in human alliances and worldly powers, specifically Egypt, instead of in God. This reliance was a spiritual betrayal.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Their dependence on Egypt served as a constant reminder of their "iniquity," or spiritual unfaithfulness, as it demonstrated a lack of faith in God's ability or willingness to protect them.
  • God's Sovereignty and Revelation: The ultimate purpose of Egypt's downfall and Israel's humbling is for both nations to "know that I am the Lord GOD." This phrase emphasizes God's absolute control over history and His determination to reveal His true identity and power.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "confidence" in the KJV comes from the Hebrew mivtach (מִבְטָח), which implies a sense of security, trust, or refuge. Israel sought their refuge in Egypt rather than in their covenant God. The phrase "bringeth [their] iniquity to remembrance" underscores that their reliance on Egypt was not merely a pragmatic political choice but a profound spiritual failing, serving as a constant testimony to their unfaithfulness to the Lord.

Related Scriptures

Israel's misplaced trust in foreign alliances, particularly Egypt, was a recurring theme among the prophets, as seen in Isaiah 31:1, where the prophet warns against going down to Egypt for help. The idea that God's judgments serve to reveal His sovereignty and nature is a cornerstone of Ezekiel's prophecies; ultimately, the purpose of these judgments was for both Israel and the nations to know that I am the Lord, a recurring phrase throughout the book.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 29:16 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today to examine where our true confidence lies. Do we place our hope and security in worldly systems, financial stability, political leaders, or human strength? Or do we, like Israel was called to, place our complete trust in the Lord God alone? Our reliance on anything other than God can expose our spiritual "iniquity" – our lack of faith. God often allows circumstances to strip away our false securities so that we might truly "know that I am the Lord GOD" and learn to depend solely on Him. This verse encourages a steadfast faith that looks to God as the ultimate source of security and refuge.

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.

  • Hosea 8:13

    They sacrifice flesh [for] the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat [it; but] the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

  • Ezekiel 29:6

    And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I [am] the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 29:7

    When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.

  • Isaiah 20:5

    And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

  • Ezekiel 21:23

    And it shall be unto them as a false divination in their sight, to them that have sworn oaths: but he will call to remembrance the iniquity, that they may be taken.

  • Isaiah 64:9

    Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we [are] all thy people.

  • Lamentations 4:17

    As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation [that] could not save [us].

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