Ezekiel 30:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; I will also make the multitude {H1995} of Egypt {H4714} to cease {H7673} by the hand {H3027} of Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Adonai ELOHIM says: 'I will destroy the hordes of Egypt through N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says: I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease, by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:10 is a definitive prophetic declaration from the Lord GOD, foretelling the severe judgment upon Egypt, specifically stating that its vast population, wealth, and military strength—its "multitude"—would be brought to an end. This divine decree identifies Nebuchadrezzar, the king of Babylon, as the chosen instrument for executing this judgment, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over nations and their rulers in shaping historical events according to His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant block of prophecies against Egypt, spanning [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh") through [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament Over Pharaoh"). These oracles follow a series of judgments against other surrounding nations (Tyre, Sidon, Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia) in [Ezekiel 25-28](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25-28 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). The prophecies against Egypt are particularly extensive, reflecting its historical prominence and its frequent, yet ultimately unreliable, role as an ally for Judah. [Ezekiel 30:10](/ezekiel/30-10 "Ezekiel 30:10 - Judgment on Egypt by Nebuchadrezzar") specifically details the agent of Egypt's downfall, providing a concrete historical link within the broader prophetic pronouncements of divine judgment and restoration that characterize the book of Ezekiel. The immediate context of [Ezekiel 30](/ezekiel/30 "Ezekiel 30 - Further Prophecies Against Egypt") focuses on the "day of the Lord" for Egypt, describing a widespread desolation that will leave the land desolate and its strength broken.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense national trauma for Judah. Egypt, a long-standing regional power, had historically exerted influence over Judah, sometimes serving as a nominal protector against Mesopotamian empires, but often proving to be a "broken reed" ([Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt, a Broken Reed")). At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy, Nebuchadrezzar II of Babylon was the dominant power in the Near East, having already conquered Judah and destroyed Jerusalem. Egypt, under Pharaoh Hophra (Apries), still represented a significant, albeit declining, force. The cultural context includes Egypt's deeply entrenched polytheism, its worship of numerous gods and goddesses, and its immense pride in its ancient civilization, military prowess, and economic prosperity, particularly its control over the Nile River. God's judgment through Nebuchadrezzar was not merely a political shift but a theological statement, demonstrating the supremacy of Yahweh over the gods of Egypt and the futility of trusting in human power.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 30:10](/ezekiel/30-10 "Ezekiel 30:10 - God's Judgment on Egypt") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that the Lord GOD is the ultimate orchestrator of history, using even pagan kings like Nebuchadrezzar as instruments of His will, as seen elsewhere in prophetic books like [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Judgment on National Pride and Idolatry**. While not explicitly detailed in this single verse, the broader prophecies against Egypt ([Ezekiel 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29-32 - Oracles Against Egypt")) consistently condemn Egypt's arrogance, its self-reliance, and its false gods, asserting that no nation, regardless of its perceived strength, is immune to divine accountability. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Prophecy and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and His commitment to executing His declared word, thereby validating the authority of His prophets and the reliability of His divine pronouncements.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This term is an emphatic form of "Lord," often used as a proper name for God. When paired with "GOD" (YHWH, from H3069), as it is here, it emphasizes God's absolute mastery and sovereign authority, particularly over the nations. It signals that the following declaration is a direct, authoritative pronouncement from the supreme ruler of the universe.
* **multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to make a noise" or "to be in commotion," this word encompasses a wide range of meanings including a crowd, tumult, abundance, wealth, or military company. In the context of Egypt, it refers to its vast population, its numerous armies, and its accumulated riches. The prophecy indicates that this entire collective strength and prosperity of Egypt will be "made to cease."
* **cease (Hebrew, _shâbath'_):** A primitive root meaning "to repose" or "to desist from exertion," but in a causative sense, it means "to cause to cease," "to bring to an end," or "to put away." Here, it signifies a complete cessation or termination of Egypt's power, prosperity, and dominance, indicating a profound and destructive judgment rather than a temporary setback.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word, referring to the open hand, is used with immense latitude, both literally and figuratively. In this context, "by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar" is a powerful idiom indicating agency, means, power, and authority. It signifies that Nebuchadrezzar will be the instrument or agent through whom God's judgment will be executed, emphasizing God's use of human means to accomplish His divine purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD":** This opening formula is a common prophetic declaration, asserting the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It immediately establishes that the subsequent words are not human conjecture but a direct revelation from God, emphasizing His sovereign power and covenant faithfulness.
* **"I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease":** This clause reveals the divine intention and the nature of the judgment. God Himself declares His active role in bringing an end to Egypt's "multitude," which encompasses its vast population, military strength, and economic prosperity. This signifies a comprehensive dismantling of Egypt's power and influence.
* **"by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon":** This final phrase precisely identifies the human instrument God will use to accomplish His purpose. Nebuchadrezzar, the powerful Babylonian king who had already devastated Judah, is named as the agent of divine judgment against Egypt, underscoring God's ability to orchestrate geopolitical events and use even pagan rulers to fulfill His sovereign will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Pronouncement** is evident in the opening "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the prophecy, leaving no doubt about its source or inevitability. **Metonymy** is present in "the multitude of Egypt," where "multitude" stands in for the entire nation's power, wealth, and population, representing its collective strength that will be diminished. The phrase "by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar" is a clear example of **Figurative Language** for agency, signifying Nebuchadrezzar's instrumental role and power as God's chosen tool. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a direct foretelling of a future historical event, serving to demonstrate God's omniscience and His active involvement in human history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:10 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and human affairs. It reveals that even the most powerful empires and their formidable rulers are mere instruments in the hands of the Almighty, serving His ultimate purposes, whether they acknowledge Him or not. This divine control ensures that justice will ultimately prevail and that no nation can defy God's will indefinitely. The specific naming of Nebuchadrezzar highlights God's meticulous planning and His ability to precisely execute His judgments through chosen agents, even those who are seemingly outside His covenant people. This truth provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, reminding them that God is on His throne, orchestrating history toward His redemptive ends.

* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by political instability, the rise and fall of nations, and the apparent chaos of global events, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate headlines and human machinations to the divine hand that ultimately guides history. For nations today, it stands as a solemn warning against pride, self-sufficiency, and the rejection of divine truth, underscoring that accountability to God is universal. For individuals, it fosters a deep trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or unjust. We are called to live with confidence in His ultimate control, to pray for our leaders, and to seek His kingdom first, knowing that He uses all things, even the actions of powerful rulers, to accomplish His righteous and redemptive purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific naming of Nebuchadrezzar in this prophecy reinforce your understanding of God's sovereignty over world leaders and geopolitical events?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the ultimate accountability of nations before God, and how might this truth influence our prayers and engagement with societal issues today?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God uses even "unwitting" instruments to fulfill His purposes bring you comfort or challenge your perspective on current global affairs?**

### FAQ
**Why was Nebuchadrezzar chosen by God to execute judgment on Egypt?**

Answer: Nebuchadrezzar, though a pagan king, was the most dominant military and political power in the ancient Near East at the time of Ezekiel's prophecy. God frequently uses powerful earthly rulers and empires, even those who do not acknowledge Him, as instruments to accomplish His divine purposes, whether for judgment or for the protection of His people. This is clearly seen in other prophecies, such as God referring to Nebuchadrezzar as "My servant" in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant") and [Jeremiah 27:6](/jeremiah/27-6 "Jeremiah 27:6 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant for All Nations"). By using the most formidable power of the day, God demonstrated His absolute supremacy over all nations and their gods, proving that no earthly strength could withstand His decreed will.

**Did Nebuchadrezzar fully conquer Egypt as prophesied?**

Answer: Historical records indicate that Nebuchadrezzar did invade Egypt, particularly in 568/567 BC, as documented in Babylonian chronicles. While the extent of his conquest and whether he fully "destroyed" Egypt in the sense of complete annihilation is debated among historians, the prophecy's intent was not necessarily total obliteration but a significant humbling and cessation of Egypt's power and pride. [Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19-20 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward for Tyre") even speaks of Nebuchadrezzar being given Egypt as "wages" for his service in conquering Tyre, implying a substantial victory and subjugation. The prophecy's primary message is the divine judgment and the instrumental role of Babylon, which history confirms occurred to a significant degree, leading to Egypt's decline as a dominant regional power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 30:10 directly concerns the historical judgment of Egypt through Nebuchadrezzar, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader theological principle of God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers, culminating in the reign of Christ. The temporary reign of Nebuchadrezzar, a pagan king used by God, foreshadows the eternal and righteous reign of Jesus Christ, who is the true King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Just as God used an earthly ruler to bring judgment and establish His purposes in the Old Testament, so too does Christ, through His death and resurrection, exercise all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The "multitude" of Egypt, representing worldly strength and pride, is ultimately brought to nothing before the Lamb of God, who conquers not with earthly armies but through sacrificial love and divine power ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb's Worthiness")). The judgment on Egypt, a symbol of the world's opposition to God, points forward to the final judgment where all earthly kingdoms and their pride will cease, and only the kingdom of God, established by Christ, will endure forever ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Endures Forever")). Thus, this Old Testament prophecy, while specific to its historical context, powerfully illustrates the divine prerogative to judge and rule, a prerogative fully vested in Jesus Christ, who will ultimately bring all things under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")).

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

Ezekiel 29:19

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.

Ezekiel 32:11

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

Ezekiel 32:16

This [is] the lamentation wherewith they shall lament her: the daughters of the nations shall lament her: they shall lament for her, [even] for Egypt, and for all her multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

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 29:4

But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.

Ezekiel 29:5

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.