Ezekiel 29:5

KJV

And I will leave thee [thrown] into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will leave {H5203} thee thrown into the wilderness {H4057}, thee and all the fish {H1710} of thy rivers {H2975}: thou shalt fall {H5307} upon the open {H6440} fields {H7704}; thou shalt not be brought together {H622}, nor gathered {H6908}: I have given {H5414} thee for meat {H402} to the beasts {H2416} of the field {H776} and to the fowls {H5775} of the heaven {H8064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and leave you in the desert, you and all your Nile fish. You will fall in the open field and not be gathered or buried; but I will give you as food to wild animals and birds.

Berean Standard Bible

I will leave you in the desert, you and all the fish of your streams. You will fall on the open field and will not be taken away or gathered for burial. I have given you as food to the beasts of the earth and the birds of the air.

American Standard Version

And I will cast thee forth into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open field; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered; I have given thee for food to the beasts of the earth and to the birds of the heavens.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:5 presents a stark and graphic prophecy of divine judgment against Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. It vividly portrays their utter humiliation and desolation, declaring that they will be forcibly removed from their place of perceived strength and security, symbolized by the fertile Nile. Stripped of all dignity, their bodies will be left unburied upon the open fields, becoming carrion for wild beasts and birds. This verse powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations, demonstrating that pride and reliance on worldly power inevitably lead to a devastating and ignominious downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a comprehensive oracle against Egypt, spanning [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Egypt") through [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Further Prophecies Against Egypt"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 29:1-16](/ezekiel/29-1-16 "Ezekiel 29:1-16 - Pharaoh as the Great Dragon of the Nile") focuses on Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, depicted as a "great dragon" (Hebrew: *tannin*) in the midst of his rivers. This imagery emphasizes his immense power and his boastful claim of self-sufficiency and control over the Nile, the very lifeblood of Egypt. God declares His intention to put hooks in Pharaoh's jaws and drag him and all his "fish" (representing his people, armies, and supporters) out of the rivers, a powerful metaphor for their removal from their place of strength and security, as detailed in [Ezekiel 29:4](/ezekiel/29-4 "Ezekiel 29:4 - God's Judgment on Pharaoh"). Verse 5 then grimly details the horrific fate awaiting them once they are removed from their perceived sanctuary, emphasizing their complete lack of dignity in defeat and the profound nature of divine judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy against Egypt was delivered during a highly tumultuous period in Judah's history, specifically in the tenth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity (circa 587 BC). At this time, Judah was precariously positioned between the ascendant power of Babylon and the declining, yet still influential, Egypt. Many in Judah harbored hopes of an alliance with Egypt to resist Babylonian dominance, despite God's repeated warnings through prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel not to trust in human alliances. Egypt, under Pharaoh Hophra, was renowned for its immense wealth, military might, and the life-sustaining Nile River, which was central to its identity, prosperity, and religious beliefs. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a proper burial was of paramount importance for a person's dignity, honor, and the well-being of their family. To be left unburied, exposed to scavengers, was considered the ultimate curse and a profound disgrace, signifying complete annihilation, divine rejection, and the absence of any hope for an afterlife or remembrance.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Egypt") and the broader book that this verse significantly contributes to include **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, illustrating God's absolute control over all nations and their destinies, irrespective of their perceived power or human alliances. The vivid imagery of Pharaoh as a "dragon" and his "fish" being dragged out highlights the theme of **Pride and Humiliation**, as God brings low those who exalt themselves against Him and claim self-sufficiency. The fate described in [Ezekiel 29:5](/ezekiel/29-5 "Ezekiel 29:5 - Egypt's Ignominious End") also powerfully conveys the theme of **Consequences of Unfaithfulness and False Trust**, serving as a stark warning to Judah and all who would rely on worldly strength rather than on the Lord. The desecration of bodies left unburied profoundly emphasizes **Utter Desolation and Dishonor**, a common biblical motif for extreme divine wrath and a profound curse, signifying a complete and irreversible end.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wilderness (Hebrew, _midbâr'_):** From H4057, meaning "a pasture (i.e. open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert." This word creates a stark contrast with the fertile, life-giving Nile region that defined Egypt's prosperity and power. To be thrown into the *midbâr* signifies a complete removal from their natural habitat of security and abundance, into a place of desolation, vulnerability, and abandonment, devoid of the resources that sustained their perceived strength. It represents a total reversal of their fortunes.
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, a primitive root meaning "to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)." Here, it denotes a catastrophic, undignified collapse. It is not a strategic retreat or an honorable defeat, but a complete, uncontrolled, and humiliating downfall, emphasizing the irreversible nature of God's judgment upon Egypt's power and pride. The imagery suggests a sudden and violent overthrow, leaving no room for recovery.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** From H6908, meaning "to grasp, i.e. collect." This word, paired with `ʼâçaph` ("brought together," H622), emphasizes the ultimate indignity of being left unburied. In ancient cultures, a proper burial was essential for honor and peace, allowing the deceased to join their ancestors and receive proper mourning rites. The double negative, "thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered," powerfully underscores the absolute nature of this curse, signifying complete annihilation and eternal disgrace, denying the very possibility of remembrance or dignity in death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will leave thee [thrown] into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers:"** This clause declares God's active and decisive role in Egypt's downfall. Pharaoh, and by extension, all his people and military might (symbolized by "the fish of thy rivers," a vivid reference to the Nile's teeming life and Egypt's vast population and resources), will be forcibly removed from their place of strength and prosperity (the rivers/Nile). They will be cast into a desolate, uninhabited land, the "wilderness" (H4057 *midbâr*). The verb "leave" (H5203 *nâṭash*), which can imply casting off or letting fall, suggests a violent, undignified expulsion, stripping them of their natural environment and support.
* **"thou shalt fall upon the open fields;"** This further elaborates on the ignominious end awaiting Egypt. Instead of a proper burial or even a contained defeat, the bodies will be scattered and exposed on "open fields" (H6440 *pânîym* and H7704 *sâdeh*). This signifies a complete lack of reverence, dignity, or order in their demise, painting a gruesome picture of widespread slaughter and abandonment. It underscores the public and humiliating nature of their defeat, visible for all to see.
* **"thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered:"** This is the most potent expression of the curse and dishonor. The repetition of two verbs for "gathering" (H622 *ʼâçaph* and H6908 *qâbats*) emphatically highlights the absolute nature of the indignity. There will be no collection of bodies for burial, no mourning rites, no proper interment. In the ancient world, this was the ultimate shame, signifying a complete loss of identity, dignity, and a profound divine curse, ensuring that the deceased would not find rest or honor.
* **"I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven."** The final clause reveals the horrific consequence of being left unburied. The bodies of Pharaoh and his people will become carrion, food for wild animals (H2416 *chay* of the H776 *ʼerets*) and birds (H5775 *ʻôwph* of the H8064 *shâmayim*). This imagery is a common biblical motif for extreme divine judgment and utter desecration, underscoring the complete, irreversible, and humiliating nature of Egypt's downfall. It signifies a total loss of humanity and dignity, reduced to mere sustenance for scavengers.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment with maximum impact. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "fish of thy rivers" symbolizing the vast population, military, and strength of Egypt, intrinsically linked to the life-giving Nile. The "wilderness" and "open fields" symbolize utter desolation, vulnerability, and a stark contrast to Egypt's fertile homeland, representing a complete reversal of their fortunes. The entire passage is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and gruesome picture of unburied bodies scattered across the land, becoming food for scavengers—an image designed to evoke horror, disgust, and underscore the profound dishonor. This grotesque imagery serves as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of destruction and desecration to emphasize the totality and severity of God's judgment. The repeated "I will leave thee," and "I have given thee" demonstrates **Divine Fiat** and **Anthropomorphism**, attributing direct, active judgment to God, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and control over the fate of nations and His direct execution of justice. The use of **Repetition** in "not be brought together, nor gathered" intensifies the sense of ultimate dishonor and the irreversible nature of the curse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:5 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It serves as a profound warning against national pride, self-sufficiency, and the folly of trusting in human power or alliances rather than in the Almighty. Egypt's ignominious downfall, from a proud "dragon" to unburied carrion, illustrates that defiance of God's purposes and reliance on worldly strength inevitably lead to humiliation and desolation. This passage underscores that true security and blessing come only from humble submission to God's will and faithful reliance on His divine power, rather than the fleeting strength of human empires. The judgment against Egypt is a testament to God's righteous character, demonstrating that He will not tolerate the arrogance of those who oppose His divine plan or oppress His people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Curse of Unburied Bodies")
* [Jeremiah 8:2](/jeremiah/8-2 "Jeremiah 8:2 - Desecration of the Dead")
* [Psalm 79:1-3](/psalm/79-1-3 "Psalm 79:1-3 - Lament over Desecrated Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:5, while a prophecy of ancient judgment, holds timeless lessons for us today. It calls us to sober reflection on the nature of pride and the ultimate futility of placing our trust in anything other than God. In a world that often values self-reliance, material wealth, political power, and human ingenuity, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly strength is fleeting and ultimately subject to divine will. It challenges us to examine where our true security lies: is it in our accomplishments, our possessions, our influence, our national prowess, or in the steadfast faithfulness of God? For nations and individuals alike, the message is clear: humility before God is the path to true flourishing and enduring peace, while arrogance, defiance, and self-exaltation lead to a desolate and dishonorable end. It encourages us to live with a profound awareness of God's sovereignty, trusting Him completely, and avoiding the temptation to rely on our own strength or the shifting sands of human alliances and worldly systems.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in my society do I see examples of pride or self-sufficiency that might invite God's judgment?**
* **What "rivers" or sources of security do I tend to trust in, apart from God, that might ultimately prove to be a "wilderness"?**
* **How does the imagery of being "not brought together, nor gathered" challenge my understanding of dignity, honor, and the importance of a life lived in alignment with God's purposes?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and consistent reliance on God in my daily life and decision-making?**

### FAQ
**Who is "thee" referring to in this verse?**

Answer: The pronoun "thee" primarily refers to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who is depicted as the "great dragon" in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh as the Great Dragon"). However, the judgment extends beyond him to include "all the fish of thy rivers," which symbolizes the entire nation of Egypt—its people, its armies, its supporters, and its vast resources that thrived because of the Nile. Thus, "thee" encompasses both the arrogant leader and the nation he represents, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against their collective pride and rebellion.

**What is the significance of "fish of thy rivers" in this context?**

Answer: The "fish of thy rivers" (H1710 *dâgâh* and H2975 *yᵉʼôr*) is a powerful and evocative metaphor for the teeming life and prosperity intrinsically associated with the Nile River, which was the literal and symbolic lifeblood of ancient Egypt. It symbolizes the vast population, the military might, and all the resources and people that Pharaoh believed he controlled and that made Egypt powerful and self-sufficient. By declaring His intent to drag Pharaoh and his "fish" out of the rivers, God signifies the complete removal of Egypt's strength, security, and very existence from its natural, fertile environment, leading to its utter desolation and vulnerability.

**Why is being "not brought together, nor gathered" so significant as a form of judgment?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a proper burial was of immense cultural, social, and religious importance. It was essential for the dignity of the deceased, for the honor of their family, and for the proper rites of mourning and remembrance. To be left "not brought together, nor gathered" (H622 *ʼâçaph* and H6908 *qâbats*) meant that bodies would remain unburied, exposed to the elements and to scavengers. This was considered the ultimate curse, a profound disgrace, and a sign of utter divine rejection and complete annihilation. It signified that the individual or nation had fallen so low that they were denied even the most basic human dignity in death, becoming mere carrion. This motif appears elsewhere in scripture, such as in [Jeremiah 8:2](/jeremiah/8-2 "Jeremiah 8:2 - Desecration of the Dead") and [Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Curse of Unburied Bodies"), highlighting its extreme severity and the depth of the divine curse.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 29:5, with its vivid depiction of divine judgment against a proud and self-reliant nation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, the judgment against Egypt foreshadows the universal judgment of sin and rebellion against God, a judgment that all humanity would face were it not for Christ. Just as Pharaoh and his "fish" were dragged from their perceived security to face desolation, so too are all who trust in their own strength or worldly systems destined for an ignominious end, as warned by Jesus in the parable of the foolish builder ([Matthew 7:26-27](/matthew/7-26-27 "Matthew 7:26-27 - The Foolish Builder")). However, Christ, the true Lamb of God, willingly "fell" upon the open fields of Calvary, not as one judged for His own sin, but as the sinless sacrifice who "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His body, though laid in a tomb, was not left ungathered or dishonored by decay, but was gloriously raised, conquering death and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides the ultimate escape from the judgment described in Ezekiel, offering spiritual life and eternal security to all who trust in Him, rescuing them from the "wilderness" of sin and the "open fields" of spiritual death, and gathering them into His eternal kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). He is the one who ultimately triumphs over every "dragon" and every worldly power that opposes God, establishing a kingdom that will never "fall" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")).

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 34:20

I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of them that seek their life: and their dead bodies shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and to the beasts of the earth.

Jeremiah 8:2

And they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served, and after whom they have walked, and whom they have sought, and whom they have worshipped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried; they shall be for dung upon the face of the earth.

Jeremiah 7:33

And the carcases of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth; and none shall fray [them] away.

Ezekiel 32:4

Then will I leave thee upon the land, I will cast thee forth upon the open field, and will cause all the fowls of the heaven to remain upon thee, and I will fill the beasts of the whole earth with thee.

Ezekiel 32:6

I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, [even] to the mountains; and the rivers shall be full of thee.

Jeremiah 25:33

And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from [one] end of the earth even unto the [other] end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.

Psalms 110:5

¶ The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.