Ezekiel 29:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the inhabitants {H3427} of Egypt {H4714} shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}, because they have been a staff {H4938} of reed {H7070} to the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then all who live in Egypt will know that I am ADONAI, because they have been a support made of straw for the house of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

Then all the people of Egypt will know that I am the LORD. For you were only a staff of reeds to the house of Israel.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 29:6 declares God's judgment upon Egypt, asserting that its inhabitants will come to "know" the LORD through the consequences of their unreliability. This verse specifically condemns Egypt for its deceptive and ultimately harmful role as a "staff of reed" to the nation of Israel, a metaphor highlighting its weakness and treachery as an unreliable ally, which ultimately led to Israel's downfall and demonstrated God's sovereign hand in history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 29:6 is situated within a significant block of prophecies (chapters 29-32) specifically directed against Egypt, one of the most powerful nations of Ezekiel's day. These oracles, delivered between 587 and 571 BC, follow the prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem (chapters 1-24) and immediately precede the prophecies of Israel's restoration (chapters 33-48). This particular oracle begins in [Ezekiel 29:1](/ezekiel/29-1 "Ezekiel 29:1 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh") and focuses on Pharaoh as a great "dragon" or "monster" (Hebrew: _tannin_) in the Nile, symbolizing Egypt's immense power and pride. The judgment against Egypt serves as a crucial theological bridge, demonstrating that God's sovereignty extends not only over His covenant people but over all nations, ensuring that His plan for Israel's discipline and eventual restoration will not be thwarted by human powers or alliances. The recurring phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" acts as a refrain throughout these prophecies, emphasizing the revelatory nature of God's judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, Judah found itself caught between the two formidable empires of Babylon to the north and Egypt to the south. Despite repeated warnings from prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, the kings of Judah (e.g., Zedekiah) consistently looked to Egypt for military and political assistance against the rising Babylonian threat. This alliance was seen as a pragmatic solution to their geopolitical vulnerability, yet it represented a profound lack of faith in God's ability to protect His people. Culturally, a "staff" was a common and essential item for support, guidance, and defense, especially for shepherds and travelers. The imagery of a "staff of reed" (a hollow, fragile stalk) would have immediately conveyed a sense of utter unreliability and even danger, as leaning on such a staff would cause it to splinter and pierce the hand, offering no support but only injury. This vivid metaphor underscores the historical reality of Egypt's broken promises and its ultimate failure to deliver Judah from Babylonian conquest, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, as foretold in [Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Egypt's Failure to Help Judah").

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes embedded in [Ezekiel 29:6](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6 - Egypt, a Staff of Reed") are multifaceted. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. The declaration "all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD" is a definitive statement of God's ultimate authority over all nations, not just Israel. His judgments are not arbitrary but are designed to reveal His unique identity and unchallengeable power, ensuring that even the most formidable earthly powers recognize His dominion. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Unreliability and Danger of Human Alliances**. The metaphor of Egypt as a "staff of reed" vividly portrays the futility and harm of trusting in human strength or political maneuvering over divine provision. This theme is echoed elsewhere in Scripture, notably in [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a Broken Reed"), where the Assyrian field commander taunts Hezekiah for relying on Egypt, calling it a "broken reed" that would pierce the hand of anyone who leaned on it. Finally, the verse underscores the **Consequences of Misplaced Trust**. Israel's repeated reliance on Egypt demonstrated a profound lack of faith in Yahweh. This misplaced trust not only led to their political downfall but also served as a spiritual lesson, emphasizing that true security and deliverance come only from God, and seeking help from worldly powers ultimately results in disappointment and divine discipline, as seen in [Jeremiah 17:5](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5 - Cursed is the one who trusts in man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies more than mere intellectual assent; it implies a deep, experiential, and often relational understanding. In the context of divine judgment, for Egypt to "know" the LORD means for them to recognize His power, sovereignty, and unique identity through His decisive actions. It is a forced acknowledgment of His supremacy, not necessarily a saving knowledge, but a profound realization of His absolute control over human affairs and nations.
* **Staff (Hebrew, _mishʻênâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lean upon" or "support," _mishʻênâh_ refers to a walking-stick or support. It denotes something intended to provide stability and aid. Its presence in the metaphor highlights the expectation of support that Egypt was supposed to offer, setting up a stark contrast with the reality of its fragility.
* **Reed (Hebrew, _qâneh'_):** This word refers to a hollow stalk, cane, or reed. It emphasizes weakness, hollowness, and lack of structural integrity. When combined with "staff," it creates a powerful oxymoron, as a reed is the antithesis of a reliable support. It underscores the inherent flimsiness and unsuitability of Egypt as a source of strength or security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD":** This clause serves as a divine declaration of purpose and a statement of God's ultimate sovereignty. The judgment enacted upon Egypt is not merely punitive but revelatory. Through the unfolding events, every person in Egypt, from the highest Pharaoh to the lowest commoner, will be forced to acknowledge the unique and unchallengeable identity of Yahweh, the God of Israel, as the supreme ruler over all creation and nations. This "knowing" is a forced recognition of His power and authority, often brought about through His acts of judgment.
* **"because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel":** This clause provides the divine rationale for the impending judgment. Egypt's sin is not just its pride or idolatry, but its specific treachery against Israel. By offering a deceptive promise of support—like a fragile reed that splinters and pierces the hand that leans on it—Egypt caused harm and disappointment to Israel. This imagery powerfully conveys Egypt's unreliability and the futility of Israel's misplaced trust, justifying God's intervention to demonstrate His own faithfulness and the consequences of relying on worldly powers.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 29:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Egypt is directly equated with a "staff of reed." This vivid image immediately communicates Egypt's inherent weakness and unreliability, contrasting sharply with the expectation of a sturdy staff. The metaphor extends to **Symbolism**, where the "staff of reed" symbolizes false hope, misplaced trust, and ultimately, betrayal and harm. Leaning on such a staff leads not to support but to injury, reflecting the pain and destruction Israel experienced by relying on Egypt. Furthermore, the phrase "all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD" is a powerful **Divine Oracle** or pronouncement, characteristic of prophetic literature. It emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and His intent to reveal Himself through His actions, turning judgment into a form of divine self-disclosure. There's also an element of **Irony**, as a staff is meant for support, but this particular "staff" offers none, only injury, highlighting the deceptive nature of Egypt's promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 29:6 profoundly underscores the theological truth that God alone is the ultimate and reliable source of strength and security. It serves as a stark warning against placing trust in human institutions, political alliances, or worldly powers, which, like a "staff of reed," are inherently fragile and prone to failure, ultimately leading to disappointment and harm. The verse emphasizes God's active involvement in human history, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to revealing His identity through His judgments, ensuring that all will acknowledge His supreme authority. For Israel, this was a painful lesson in idolatry and misplaced faith; for us, it's a timeless reminder to anchor our hope solely in the unshakeable character and power of the LORD.

* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help") warns against relying on Egypt's horses and chariots rather than the Holy One of Israel.
* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to trust in the LORD") declares that it is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man or in princes.
* [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Asa's reliance on Aram") recounts how King Asa was rebuked for relying on the king of Aram instead of the LORD, demonstrating God's desire for wholehearted trust.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 29:6 offers a profound and enduring lesson for contemporary believers. In a world that constantly encourages us to place our confidence in tangible securities—be it financial stability, political leaders, powerful nations, personal achievements, or even influential relationships—this verse serves as a powerful corrective. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust truly lies. Are we leaning on "staffs of reed" that promise support but are destined to splinter and pierce our hands, leaving us wounded and disillusioned? Or are we placing our unwavering faith in the one true God, who is eternally steadfast, omnipotent, and utterly reliable? God often allows our earthly supports to fail, not out of malice, but out of a profound love, to draw us back to Himself, to reveal His unmatched faithfulness, and to teach us that true security is found only in Him. This process can be painful, but it is ultimately redemptive, leading us to a deeper, more experiential knowledge of who He truly is.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "staffs of reed" might I be unconsciously leaning on in my life today, instead of fully trusting God?**
* **How have past disappointments or failures, perhaps stemming from misplaced trust, ultimately led me to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and reliability?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a greater dependence on God in my daily decisions and long-term plans?**
* **How does my understanding of God's judgment on Egypt inform my prayer life for current global powers and their leaders?**

### FAQ
**Why did Israel repeatedly trust Egypt despite prophetic warnings?**

Answer: Israel's repeated reliance on Egypt, despite clear warnings from prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, stemmed from a combination of geopolitical pressure and a spiritual failure to fully trust God. Faced with the formidable power of Assyria and later Babylon, Israel's leaders often sought pragmatic political alliances, believing that the military might of Egypt offered a tangible solution to their security concerns. This was a pattern of seeking human strength over divine provision, demonstrating a lack of faith in God's covenant promises to protect them. It reflected a human tendency to lean on what is seen and felt, rather than on the invisible, sovereign hand of God, as highlighted in [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to rebellious children").

**What does the "staff of reed" metaphor mean for believers today?**

Answer: The "staff of reed" metaphor in [Ezekiel 29:6](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6 - Egypt, a Staff of Reed") serves as a timeless warning against placing ultimate trust in anything other than God. For believers today, it signifies any earthly resource, relationship, institution, or personal ability that we rely on more than we rely on the Lord. This could include financial security, political systems, human wisdom, personal strength, or even the approval of others. While these things are not inherently bad, when they become our primary source of hope, security, or identity, they become "staffs of reed"—fragile, unreliable, and ultimately capable of causing us harm and disillusionment. The metaphor calls us to radical dependence on God alone, who is the only truly unshakeable foundation, as affirmed in [Psalm 62:5-7](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5-7 - My soul waits only for God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 29:6, with its declaration of God's judgment on unreliable human powers and His self-revelation through such acts, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The "staff of reed" metaphor powerfully illustrates the futility of human efforts and alliances to provide true salvation or security. Israel's reliance on Egypt was a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem: a failure to trust God fully. In Christ, we find the perfect and utterly reliable "staff" upon whom we can lean without fear of betrayal or splintering. He is not a fragile reed but the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")) and the "chief cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Chief Cornerstone"))—the unshakeable foundation upon which God's people are built. Furthermore, the declaration "all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD" foreshadows the universal revelation of God's sovereignty, which culminates in Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, God's identity as the sovereign, loving, and just Lord is most fully revealed, not merely through judgment, but through redemptive grace that extends to all nations ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). In Christ, the broken staff of human reliance is replaced by the steadfast Shepherd's rod and staff, which comfort and guide His flock ([Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - The Lord is my Shepherd")). He is the true and faithful King, whose kingdom will never be shaken, offering a security that no earthly power could ever provide ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")).

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

Isaiah 36:6

Lo, thou trustest in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt; whereon if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt to all that trust in him.

2 Kings 18:21

Now, behold, thou trustest upon the staff of this bruised reed, [even] upon Egypt, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it: so [is] Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust on him.

Ezekiel 28:22

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of thee: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.

Ezekiel 28:24

And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor [any] grieving thorn of all [that are] round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.

Isaiah 30:2

That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!

Isaiah 30:7

For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength [is] to sit still.

Exodus 9:14

For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that [there is] none like me in all the earth.