Ezekiel 29:20

KJV

I have given him the land of Egypt [for] his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have given {H5414} him the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} for his labour {H6468} wherewith he served {H5647} against it, because they wrought {H6213} for me, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am giving him the land of Egypt as his wages for which he worked, because they were working for me,' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

I have given him the land of Egypt as the reward for his labor, because it was done for Me, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

I have given him the land of Egypt as his recompense for which he served, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:20 concludes a divine oracle concerning Egypt, revealing God's sovereign justice and meticulous providence in rewarding King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Despite Nebuchadnezzar's arduous and ultimately unrewarded thirteen-year siege against the wealthy city of Tyre, the Lord God declares that He will compensate the Babylonian king by giving him the land of Egypt as spoil. This pronouncement underscores God's absolute control over all nations and His capacity to use even pagan rulers as instruments for His purposes, ensuring that all labor, even that unknowingly rendered for His divine plan, receives its due recompense.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement to a series of prophecies against Egypt, initiated in [Ezekiel 29:1](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Egypt"). The immediate preceding verses, [Ezekiel 29:18-19](/ezekiel/29-18 "Ezekiel 29:18-19 - Nebuchadnezzar's Labor Against Tyre"), set the stage by describing Nebuchadnezzar's immense and costly military campaign against Tyre. The siege of Tyre was notoriously difficult, lasting thirteen years, and despite the eventual fall of the city, the Babylonian army gained little to no plunder, as the Tyrians had moved their wealth to offshore islands. Verse 20 directly addresses this lack of spoil, presenting Egypt as God's compensatory reward for the Babylonian king's effort, thereby linking the judgment on Tyre to the subsequent judgment and plunder of Egypt. This highlights a broader theme in Ezekiel where God's judgment extends beyond Israel to surrounding nations, demonstrating His universal sovereignty.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is set against the backdrop of the geopolitical realities of the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE. Nebuchadnezzar II was the powerful king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which had become the dominant force in the Near East, having already conquered Judah and exiled its people. Egypt, under Pharaoh Hophra, was a significant regional power that often interfered in the affairs of Judah, tempting them to rely on Egyptian military support against Babylon, a reliance frequently condemned by prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 37:5-10](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5-10 - Egypt's Failure to Help Judah")). The siege of Tyre (c. 586-573 BCE) was a historical event, and its outcome, as described in the preceding verses, aligns with historical accounts suggesting a less-than-lucrative victory for Babylon. God's promise to give Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar would have been understood as a monumental transfer of wealth and power, asserting divine control over the destinies of empires.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core theological themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; God is not merely the God of Israel but the ultimate ruler over all nations and their kings. He uses even pagan rulers like Nebuchadnezzar as instruments to execute His judgments and achieve His purposes, as seen in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Secondly, the theme of **Divine Justice and Compensation** is prominent. God, in His meticulous justice, ensures that labor, even if unknowingly performed in alignment with His will, is recompensed. Nebuchadnezzar's arduous "labour" against Tyre, though driven by imperial ambition, served God's judgment against that city, and thus God provides a just "reward." This demonstrates God's comprehensive oversight, where no effort expended in the outworking of His plan goes unnoticed or unrewarded by Him. Lastly, **Egypt as a Symbol of Worldly Power and False Hope** is subtly reinforced. By giving Egypt as spoil, God not only punishes Egypt but also demonstrates the futility of trusting in worldly powers, a lesson repeatedly taught to Judah throughout the prophetic books (e.g., [Ezekiel 17:15-18](/ezekiel/17-15 "Ezekiel 17:15-18 - The Folly of Trusting Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is highly versatile, meaning "to give," "to put," "to make," and more, used with a wide latitude of application. In this context, it signifies a divine bestowal or appointment. God is not merely allowing Nebuchadnezzar to take Egypt; He is actively "giving" it, emphasizing His sovereign agency and authority over the transfer of nations and their wealth. It underscores that Nebuchadnezzar's success is not merely a result of his military prowess but a direct grant from the Lord.
* **labour (Hebrew, _pᵉʻullâh'_):** This feminine passive participle refers to "work," "labour," "reward," or "wages." Here, it specifically denotes the arduous effort and toil expended by Nebuchadnezzar's army during the siege of Tyre. The use of "labour" (pᵉʻullâh) implies a recompense is due, framing the divine act as a just payment for a service rendered, even if that service was unknowingly for God's purposes. It highlights God's meticulous attention to the efforts of all, even those outside His covenant people.
* **served (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This primitive root means "to work," "to serve," "to till," or "to enslave." It is used twice in the verse: "wherewith he served against it" (referring to Tyre) and "because they wrought for me" (referring to Nebuchadnezzar's army serving God). While Nebuchadnezzar was not consciously "serving" God in a worshipful sense, his actions against Tyre were "work" or "service" that aligned with God's divine judgment. This demonstrates God's ability to utilize any agent, even those who do not acknowledge Him, to accomplish His global objectives.
* **Egypt (Hebrew, _Mitsrayim'_):** This dual form refers to "Upper and Lower Egypt." It represents a unified, powerful, and wealthy nation, often seen as a symbol of worldly strength and a source of false hope for Israel. Its designation as the "reward" for Nebuchadnezzar's uncompensated labor against Tyre emphasizes the significance of the compensation and the extent of God's power to transfer dominion over even the mightiest nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have given him the land of Egypt":** This declarative statement, spoken by the Lord GOD, establishes divine agency. God is the one actively bestowing Egypt upon Nebuchadnezzar. This is not merely a prediction of a future event but a pronouncement of a divinely ordained transfer of dominion, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their territories.
* **"[for] his labour wherewith he served against it":** This clause explains the reason for God's gift. Nebuchadnezzar's immense and prolonged military effort against Tyre, though not directly for God's conscious service, is recognized by God as a "labour." The phrase "served against it" implies a dedicated and arduous campaign, acknowledging the significant investment of resources and human effort by the Babylonian army.
* **"because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.":** This final clause provides the ultimate theological justification. Nebuchadnezzar's army, in carrying out the siege of Tyre, was unknowingly performing a "work" or "service" for God. Tyre was under divine judgment, and Babylon was God's instrument to execute that judgment. The concluding phrase, "saith the Lord GOD," emphasizes the divine authority and certainty of this pronouncement, affirming that this is a direct word from the sovereign God who governs all things.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:20 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Divine Irony** is prominent, as a pagan king, Nebuchadnezzar, driven by his own imperial ambitions, is revealed to be unknowingly "serving" God's purposes. His actions, though not motivated by piety, align with God's judgment against Tyre, making him an unwitting instrument in the divine plan. This highlights God's ability to orchestrate history through human agents, even those who do not acknowledge Him. The concept of Egypt as a "reward" functions as a form of **Divine Compensation**, where God meticulously accounts for human effort, ensuring that even unrewarded labor in one sphere is compensated in another, demonstrating His precise justice. The entire passage is a **Prophetic Oracle**, a direct pronouncement from God, lending it absolute authority and certainty. The use of the divine title "Lord GOD" (Adonai Yahweh) at the conclusion reinforces the **Authoritative Tone** of the prophecy, underscoring the unchallengeable nature of God's decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:20 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all of creation, including the rise and fall of empires. It reveals a God who is not confined to the affairs of His covenant people but actively directs the course of global history, using both righteous and unrighteous agents to fulfill His overarching purposes. This meticulous divine oversight extends even to compensating the "labour" of those who unknowingly serve His will, demonstrating a comprehensive justice that accounts for all effort. The passage challenges any notion of human autonomy apart from God's ultimate control, affirming that all power and authority ultimately derive from Him and are subject to His divine plan.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - Cyrus, God's Anointed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:20 offers profound comfort and challenge for contemporary believers. In a world that often feels chaotic, driven by human ambition, and seemingly devoid of divine order, this verse reminds us that God remains utterly sovereign. He is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals, orchestrating events to fulfill His ultimate plan, even through those who do not acknowledge Him. This truth provides immense assurance: we can trust that God is in control, even amidst global turmoil, political upheaval, or personal struggles that seem to yield no immediate reward. It encourages us to persevere in our own "labors" for the Lord, knowing that He sees every effort, every sacrifice, and every act of faithfulness, and that His justice ensures a just recompense, whether in this life or the next. We are called to align our lives with His revealed will, confident that our work "for Him" is never in vain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sovereignty of God over nations, as demonstrated in this verse, impact your perspective on current world events?**
* **In what areas of your life do you feel you are "laboring" without immediate reward, and how does God's promise of compensation in this verse encourage you?**
* **How can we discern God's hand at work in circumstances where people are acting without conscious intent to serve Him?**

### FAQ
**Was Nebuchadnezzar a believer or serving God intentionally?**

Answer: No, Nebuchadnezzar was not a believer in the God of Israel in the covenantal sense, nor was he intentionally serving God when he besieged Tyre. He was a pagan king driven by imperial ambition and the desire to expand his Babylonian empire. However, [Ezekiel 29:20](/ezekiel/29-20 "Ezekiel 29:20 - God's Reward to Nebuchadnezzar") explicitly states that his labor against Tyre was "wrought for me," meaning it aligned with God's divine will and judgment against Tyre. God, in His absolute sovereignty, often uses unrighteous individuals and nations as instruments to accomplish His purposes, as seen with Assyria in [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod") or Cyrus in [Isaiah 45:1-7](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-7 - Cyrus, God's Anointed"). Nebuchadnezzar was an unwitting agent in God's plan, and God, in His justice, compensated him for the arduous task he performed, even if he did not know he was serving the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 29:20, while speaking of a pagan king and ancient empires, points forward to the ultimate sovereignty of God revealed perfectly in Jesus Christ. Just as God used Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument for His purposes, so too does He orchestrate all of human history, culminating in the person and work of Christ. The idea of "labor" and "reward" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial work on the cross. He perfectly "wrought for" the Father, fulfilling all righteousness and bearing the full weight of sin, a labor that earned Him the ultimate "reward"—resurrection, exaltation, and dominion over all things ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Furthermore, the transfer of dominion from one earthly power to another, as seen with Egypt given to Babylon, foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all earthly and spiritual powers and His establishment of an eternal kingdom that will never be destroyed ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")). Through Christ, believers are invited into a kingdom that is not of this world, a spiritual inheritance far greater than any earthly spoil, secured by the perfect labor of the true Lamb of God ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World"); [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope, An Incorruptible Inheritance")). The justice of God, which compensates even unwitting service, finds its deepest expression in His grace, where those who believe in Christ receive not merely compensation for their own meager efforts, but the full, unmerited reward of Christ's perfect work, leading to eternal life and glory.

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 25:9

Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Isaiah 10:7

Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but [it is] in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Isaiah 45:3

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel.

2 Kings 10:30

And the LORD said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing [that which is] right in mine eyes, [and] hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that [was] in mine heart, thy children of the fourth [generation] shall sit on the throne of Israel.