Ezekiel 29:19

KJV

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Behold, I will give {H5414} the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} unto Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}; and he shall take {H5375} her multitude {H1995}, and take {H7997} her spoil {H7998}, and take {H962} her prey {H957}; and it shall be the wages {H7939} for his army {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore Adonai ELOHIM says, 'I will give the land of Egypt to N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel. He will carry off its riches, take its spoil and its prey; and these will be the wages for his army.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, who will carry off its wealth, seize its spoil, and remove its plunder. This will be the wages for his army.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall carry off her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:19 presents a profound divine decree from the Lord GOD, announcing His sovereign decision to deliver the prosperous land of Egypt into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. This transfer of power encompasses Egypt's vast population, immense wealth, and abundant resources, explicitly designated as "wages" or compensation for Nebuchadnezzar and his army. This recompense is specifically for their arduous and unrewarded thirteen-year siege against the formidable city of Tyre. The verse powerfully underscores God's absolute control over the destinies of nations and His meticulous justice, even in His dealings with pagan rulers who unwittingly serve His overarching purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prophecy against Egypt's subjugation by Babylon is situated within a larger collection of oracles against foreign nations found in Ezekiel 25-32. Specifically, Ezekiel 29:17-21 forms a distinct, self-contained prophetic unit. What makes this particular oracle unique is its precise dating to the twenty-seventh year of Jehoiachin's exile (Ezekiel 29:17), making it the latest dated prophecy recorded in the entire book of Ezekiel. The verses immediately preceding, [Ezekiel 29:17-18](/ezekiel/29-17-18 "Ezekiel 29:17-18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Unrewarded Labor at Tyre"), provide the crucial divine rationale for Egypt's impending fate: Nebuchadnezzar's immense and unrewarded efforts during his protracted siege of Tyre. Earlier in the chapter, God had already pronounced judgment on Egypt for its pervasive pride and its consistent unreliability as an ally for Israel, famously likening it to a "staff of reed" that would pierce the hand of anyone who leaned upon it [Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6-7 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Treacherous Staff"). Therefore, [Ezekiel 29:19](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19 - Egypt as Wages for Babylon") functions as God's sovereign solution to Nebuchadnezzar's lack of spoil from Tyre, vividly demonstrating God's direct and active hand in orchestrating the geopolitical events of the ancient world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for this prophecy is the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Babylon, under the formidable leadership of Nebuchadnezzar II, had rapidly ascended to become the dominant imperial power, having already conquered Judah and initiated the Babylonian exile. Egypt, a long-standing and influential regional power, often referred to as [Mitsrayim](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19 - The Land of Egypt"), frequently served as a rival or an untrustworthy ally to smaller nations like Judah, whose leaders often looked to Egypt for help against Babylon, only to be disappointed. The city of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician maritime hub, was renowned for its immense wealth and seemingly impregnable island defenses. Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Tyre was an extraordinary undertaking, lasting an astonishing thirteen years (c. 586-573 BCE), as explicitly referenced in [Ezekiel 29:18](/ezekiel/29-18 "Ezekiel 29:18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Hard Service against Tyre"). Despite the monumental human and material cost of this prolonged campaign, Tyre's inhabitants, foreseeing its eventual fall, had largely evacuated their most valuable possessions by sea, leaving minimal plunder for the victorious Babylonian army. This precise historical detail provides the essential context for God's declaration that Egypt would serve as just compensation, powerfully highlighting God's direct involvement in the affairs of nations and His strategic use of even pagan rulers to fulfill His divine purposes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**. God is not a passive observer but the active, supreme orchestrator of history, meticulously controlling the rise and fall of empires [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). He employs Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, as an instrument of His judgment and, remarkably, as a recipient of His divine recompense, thereby demonstrating that even those outside His covenant people are subject to His will and righteous justice. Secondly, the theme of **Recompense and Reward** is prominently displayed. God, in His perfect justice, ensures that labor is duly rewarded. Since Nebuchadnezzar's army toiled exhaustively against Tyre without receiving their deserved "wages" [Ezekiel 29:18](/ezekiel/29-18 "Ezekiel 29:18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Unrewarded Labor"), God sovereignly designates Egypt as their compensation. This principle extends even to those who unwittingly serve His purposes, revealing a universal aspect of His justice. Thirdly, the verse powerfully reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment and God's Faithfulness to His Word**. This prophecy, delivered well in advance of its historical realization, serves as irrefutable evidence of God's omniscience and the absolute reliability of His declared word [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound divine title (H136 and H3069) is highly significant, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. `ʼĂdônây` (H136) is an emphatic form of "Lord" or "Master," denoting supreme authority and ownership. `Yᵉhôvih` (H3069) is a vocalization of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh), signifying God's self-existent, eternal nature and His covenant relationship with His people. Together, these terms underscore the supreme authority and unwavering reliability of the one speaking this prophecy, affirming that the declaration originates from the ultimate ruler of all creation, whose word is immutable.
* **give (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** (H5414) This primitive root is remarkable for its vast latitude of application in Hebrew, meaning "to give," "put," or "make." In this context, it highlights God's active, intentional, and sovereign act of bestowing the land of Egypt upon Nebuchadnezzar. It signifies not a passive allowance or a mere prediction of an event, but a deliberate, purposeful divine transfer of power and resources, emphasizing God's direct and decisive involvement in the affairs of nations and His meticulous orchestration of history.
* **wages (Hebrew, _sâkâr'_):** (H7939) Derived from the root `sâkar` (to hire), `sâkâr` specifically refers to payment for a contract, salary, or compensation for labor. Its explicit use here frames God's action as a just recompense for Nebuchadnezzar's arduous and unrewarded labor against Tyre. This term reveals God's meticulous and impartial justice, ensuring that even pagan rulers who unwittingly serve His purposes receive their due compensation, thereby demonstrating a universal divine principle of recompense for expended effort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This authoritative opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute certainty of the ensuing prophecy. The introductory "Therefore" directly links this declaration to the preceding explanation of Nebuchadnezzar's unrewarded efforts against Tyre, signaling that what follows is God's just and sovereign response to that specific situation. It unequivocally communicates that the subsequent pronouncement is not mere human speculation but a direct, infallible word from the sovereign Master, Yahweh.
* **"Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;":** This is the core declarative statement, revealing God's sovereign and deliberate decision to transfer control of Egypt (H4714, _Mitsrayim_), a historically powerful and wealthy nation, to Nebuchadnezzar (H5019, _Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar_), the mighty king of Babylon (H894, _Bâbel_). This declaration powerfully underscores God's ultimate control over the rise and fall of empires, demonstrating His absolute ability to use any ruler, regardless of their allegiance, to accomplish His divine purposes.
* **"and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey;":** This tripartite phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and thorough nature of Nebuchadnezzar's impending conquest and the extent of the plunder. "Multitude" (H1995, _hâmôwn_) refers to the vast population, indicating not only subjugation but also the potential for forced labor or tribute. "Spoil" (H7998, _shâlâl_) denotes the general plunder and valuable possessions, representing the accumulated wealth of the land. "Prey" (H957, _baz_) refers to what is seized, often from living things or in battle, emphasizing the complete subjugation and appropriation of all of Egypt's resources. The repetition of the verb "take" (H5375, _nâsâʼ_, H7997, _shâlal_, H962, _bâzaz_) underscores the certainty, completeness, and thoroughness of Babylon's appropriation.
* **"and it shall be the wages for his army.":** This concluding clause precisely clarifies the divine rationale behind the conquest. Egypt's wealth, resources, and its very people are explicitly designated as "wages" (H7939, _sâkâr_) or just compensation for Nebuchadnezzar's army (H2428, _chayil_) for their arduous, unrewarded siege of Tyre. This highlights God's meticulous and universal justice in ensuring recompense, even for those who are not His covenant people, thereby demonstrating His impartiality in matters of justice and reward for diligent labor.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:19 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Oracle**, immediately signaled by the authoritative and formulaic phrase "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD," which unequivocally establishes the absolute truth, certainty, and divine origin of the prophecy as a direct revelation from God Himself. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the threefold use of the verb "take" ("take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey"). This rhetorical device, a form of **Anaphora** (though here it's more general repetition of the verb within a sequence), builds intensity and powerfully underscores the completeness, certainty, and thoroughness of Babylon's appropriation of Egypt's resources. Furthermore, the concept of Egypt serving as "wages" for Nebuchadnezzar's army functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or **Analogy**. It likens a nation's wealth and people to a payment for services rendered, highlighting God's role as the ultimate dispenser of justice and recompense, even to those who are not His direct covenant servants. This also contains an element of **Foreshadowing**, pointing with divine certainty to the historical fulfillment of Egypt's subjugation by Babylon, thereby validating the prophetic word and demonstrating God's sovereign control over history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:19 stands as a powerful testament to the absolute and unassailable sovereignty of God over all nations and the meticulous nature of His justice. It reveals a profound truth: God is not confined to working solely through His covenant people, Israel; rather, He actively orchestrates the affairs of the entire world, using even pagan rulers and empires as instruments to achieve His divine purposes. Nebuchadnezzar, despite being a ruthless conqueror and an oppressor of God's people, is paradoxically portrayed as God's unwitting "servant" [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"), who is justly compensated for his arduous labor. This demonstrates that God's justice extends beyond the covenant community, encompassing a universal principle of recompense for effort, even if the one performing the labor does not acknowledge Him. The prophecy's precise historical fulfillment further underscores the unwavering reliability of God's word and His steadfast commitment to bringing His declared will to pass, regardless of human plans, resistance, or understanding. It reinforces the biblical doctrine that God is the ultimate ruler, and all earthly powers are ultimately subservient to His divine will.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - God Uses Assyria as a Rod of Judgment")
* [Jeremiah 27:6-7](/jeremiah/27-6-7 "Jeremiah 27:6-7 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")
* [Proverbs 16:33](/proverbs/16-33 "Proverbs 16:33 - The Lord Directs All Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:19 offers profound encouragement and a compelling call to unwavering trust in God's ultimate control. In a world frequently characterized by chaos, injustice, and the seemingly arbitrary rise and fall of powers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God remains enthroned, actively governing all affairs with perfect wisdom and righteousness. We are invited to find deep rest and assurance in the knowledge that His sovereign purposes will ultimately prevail, and His justice will be meticulously meted out, even if His methods and timing unfold in ways we do not immediately comprehend. This passage challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and the visible actions of human actors, recognizing that behind every event, God is diligently working His perfect and redemptive plan. It fosters a deeper trust in His meticulous care and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, knowing that He sees and accounts for all labor, even that which goes unrewarded by human standards. For believers, this means we can confidently commit our work, our aspirations, and our very lives to Him, knowing that He is a God who justly repays and faithfully fulfills every one of His declared words.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's use of a pagan king like Nebuchadnezzar challenge or deepen your understanding of divine sovereignty and His methods of working in the world?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's overarching control, especially when circumstances seem chaotic, unjust, or beyond your understanding?**
* **What does God's act of providing "wages" for Nebuchadnezzar's army teach us about God's universal justice, His character, and His economy of recompense?**

### FAQ
**Why did God reward Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, with Egypt?**

Answer: God rewarded Nebuchadnezzar because he had served as God's unwitting instrument in carrying out divine judgment against the city of Tyre, as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 29:18](/ezekiel/29-18 "Ezekiel 29:18 - Nebuchadnezzar's Hard Service"). Despite his immense efforts and the grueling thirteen-year siege, Nebuchadnezzar and his army received no significant spoil or plunder from Tyre, as its inhabitants had largely evacuated their valuables. God, in His meticulous and universal justice, deemed it right to compensate their arduous labor. This demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His consistent principle of recompense, extending even to those who do not explicitly serve Him or acknowledge Him. He uses all people and nations, even those hostile to Him, to accomplish His purposes, and He ensures that even unwitting service is acknowledged and rewarded according to His divine economy and righteous standards.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history, so vividly displayed in Ezekiel 29:19, finds its ultimate expression and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as God sovereignly used Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument to execute His judgment and fulfill His specific purposes, so too does Christ now reign as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of kings"), to whom [all authority in heaven and on earth has been given](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). The "wages" given to Nebuchadnezzar for his arduous labor against Tyre powerfully foreshadow the ultimate recompense and unparalleled reward that Christ receives for His perfect obedience and sacrificial work on the cross. Through His triumphant death and glorious resurrection, Christ achieved a victory far greater and more enduring than any earthly conquest, utterly [spoiling principalities and powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers") and decisively conquering sin, death, and the grave itself. His triumph is the ultimate "spoil" that secures eternal life, an imperishable inheritance, and complete reconciliation with God for all who believe in Him, a reward infinitely surpassing any earthly plunder. The prophetic certainty of Ezekiel's word about Egypt's fate points to the even greater and more glorious certainty of God's promises fulfilled in Christ, who is the [Yes and Amen](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ") to all God's promises, ensuring that His eternal kingdom will ultimately prevail over all earthly powers and His perfect justice will be fully established for all eternity.

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

Jeremiah 43:10

And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.

Jeremiah 43:13

He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

Ezekiel 30:24

And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh's arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded [man].

Ezekiel 30:25

But I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall stretch it out upon the land of Egypt.

Ezekiel 32:11

For thus saith the Lord GOD; The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon thee.

Ezekiel 30:10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.

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].