Ezekiel 30:11

KJV

He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.

KJV (with Strong's)

He and his people {H5971} with him, the terrible {H6184} of the nations {H1471}, shall be brought {H935} to destroy {H7843} the land {H776}: and they shall draw {H7324} their swords {H2719} against Egypt {H4714}, and fill {H4390} the land {H776} with the slain {H2491}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He and his people, the most barbarous of the nations, will be brought in to ravage the land. They will unsheathe their swords against Egypt and fill the land with corpses.

Berean Standard Bible

He and his people with him, the most ruthless of the nations, will be brought in to destroy the land. They will draw their swords against Egypt and fill the land with the slain.

American Standard Version

He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought in to destroy the land; and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:11 delivers a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Egypt, announcing the imminent invasion by a formidable foreign power, identified as Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar. This verse details the destructive force of the invading army, emphasizing their ruthlessness and the complete desolation they will bring upon the land, culminating in widespread slaughter. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations, using even powerful, "terrible" empires as instruments of His righteous wrath to fulfill His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 30:11 is situated within a series of prophecies against Egypt, spanning chapters 29-32 of the book of Ezekiel. These oracles immediately follow prophecies against Tyre (Ezekiel 26-28) and precede a final lament over Egypt (Ezekiel 32). This specific verse falls within a section (Ezekiel 30:1-19) that elaborates on the "Day of the Lord" for Egypt, detailing the specific agents and devastating effects of its downfall. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 30:1-10) speak of a "day of clouds" and the cutting off of Egypt's strength, setting the stage for the arrival of the "terrible of the nations" who will execute this judgment. The verses that follow (Ezekiel 30:12-19) continue to describe the specific cities and aspects of Egypt that will be laid waste, reinforcing the totality of the promised destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies against Egypt in Ezekiel were delivered during the early 6th century BCE, a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East. Judah, where Ezekiel was exiled, was caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining, yet still formidable, influence of Egypt. Many in Judah looked to Egypt as a potential ally against Babylon, a reliance often condemned by prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel as a misplaced trust in human strength over divine provision (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Trusting in Egypt's Strength")). Egypt, known for its ancient civilization, military might, and the Nile's fertility, was a symbol of strength and self-sufficiency. The "terrible of the nations" refers specifically to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his army, who served as God's instrument of judgment against various nations, including Egypt, as recorded in historical texts and other prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 46:13-26](/jeremiah/46-13 "Jeremiah 46:13-26 - Prophecy Against Egypt and Nebuchadnezzar")). The prophecy underscores that even a nation as culturally and militarily significant as Egypt was not exempt from God's sovereign decree.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His righteous wrath against pride, idolatry, and reliance on human power. Egypt's downfall serves as a stark example of the consequences of national arrogance and rebellion against God, echoing warnings found in passages like [Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's Absolute Sovereignty** over all earthly kingdoms. Even the mightiest empires, like Egypt and Babylon, are ultimately tools in the hand of the Lord, used to accomplish His purposes and demonstrate His universal dominion, a truth echoed in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdoms of Men"). Finally, the detailed nature of the prophecy reinforces the **Reliability of God's Word**, as the predicted invasion and devastation came to pass historically, serving as a testament to the accuracy and authority of Ezekiel's prophetic message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **terrible (Hebrew, _ʻârîyts'_):** This word (H6184) derives from a root meaning "to dread" or "to cause to tremble." It describes someone or something that is fearful, powerful, tyrannical, or oppressive. In this context, it vividly portrays the Babylonian army as a ruthless, overwhelming force, inspiring terror and demonstrating their destructive capacity. It emphasizes not just their strength, but their brutal and merciless nature as agents of divine judgment.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâchath'_):** The verb (H7843) means to decay, ruin, corrupt, or spoil. It signifies a complete and utter devastation, not merely a defeat. When applied to the land, it implies a comprehensive laying waste, rendering it uninhabitable or unproductive. This term underscores the severity and totality of the judgment, indicating that the land itself will suffer profound and lasting damage.
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** This noun (H2491) refers to those who are pierced, especially to death; figuratively, it can also mean polluted. In the context of warfare, it specifically denotes the dead bodies of those killed in battle. The phrase "fill the land with the slain" paints a gruesome picture of widespread carnage, emphasizing the immense loss of life and the overwhelming scale of the slaughter that will accompany the invasion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations,"**: This clause identifies the agent of God's judgment. "He" refers to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and "his people" are the Babylonian army. They are described as "the terrible of the nations," highlighting their fearsome reputation, military prowess, and the ruthless manner in which they conduct warfare. This phrase emphasizes that their power is not merely human, but divinely ordained for a specific, destructive purpose.
* **"shall be brought to destroy the land:"**: This segment reveals the divine orchestration of the invasion and its primary objective. The passive voice "shall be brought" implies that God Himself is bringing this formidable force against Egypt. Their mission is explicitly "to destroy the land," signifying a comprehensive desolation that goes beyond mere conquest, aiming for ruin and devastation.
* **"and they shall draw their swords against Egypt,"**: This clause specifies the method of destruction: military action. "Drawing their swords" is a direct reference to engaging in battle, signifying the use of lethal force. It indicates a direct, violent confrontation between the Babylonian army and the people of Egypt.
* **"and fill the land with the slain."**: This final clause describes the horrific outcome of the invasion. The land will be "filled with the slain," a vivid and gruesome image of widespread death and carnage. It underscores the immense loss of life and the complete triumph of the invaders, leaving behind a landscape littered with dead bodies, a testament to the severity of God's judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending doom. The phrase "the terrible of the nations" is a striking example of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the overwhelming and fearsome nature of the invading Babylonian army beyond mere description. It also functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "terrible" stands for the terror and destruction they bring. The declaration that they "shall be brought to destroy the land" and "fill the land with the slain" utilizes **Graphic Imagery**, painting a vivid and horrifying picture of the devastation. This imagery is designed to evoke a strong emotional response and underscore the totality of the judgment. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired pronouncement of future events, characterized by its declarative tone and certainty of fulfillment. The repetition of "the land" (referring to Egypt) emphasizes the scope of the destruction, affecting the entire nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:11 is a profound declaration of God's sovereign control over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that even the most powerful nations are accountable to the divine will, and that God uses various means, including ruthless empires, to execute His righteous judgments against pride, idolatry, and unfaithfulness. The prophecy serves as a stark reminder that reliance on human strength or alliances, rather than on the Lord, ultimately leads to ruin. It underscores the principle that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to sin, demonstrating His holiness and power to humble the proud.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Thwarts the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:11, while a historical prophecy of judgment against ancient Egypt, carries profound timeless lessons for individuals and nations today. It calls us to recognize that God remains utterly sovereign over all earthly powers and circumstances. No empire, no political system, no economic might, and no individual strength is beyond His ultimate control or accountability. This truth should humble us, reminding us that true security and lasting peace are found not in human achievements or alliances, but in humble submission to God's will and trust in His unfailing power. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies – is it in the fleeting strength of this world, or in the eternal, unchanging God? Furthermore, the severity of the judgment against Egypt serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of pride, self-sufficiency, and rebellion against divine truth. It compels us to live lives of humility, righteousness, and dependence on God, knowing that He is just and will ultimately bring all things to account.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in my nation do I tend to place trust in human strength or resources rather than in God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the concept of God using "terrible nations" as instruments of His judgment challenge or affirm my understanding of His character?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God and a greater humility before Him?**

### FAQ
**Was Nebuchadnezzar aware he was an instrument of God's judgment?**
Answer: While the biblical text, particularly through prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah, clearly identifies Nebuchadnezzar as God's instrument for judging nations like Egypt (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")), it is unlikely that Nebuchadnezzar himself fully understood or acknowledged this divine role in the way the prophets did. Historical accounts and his own inscriptions reveal him as a powerful, ambitious ruler driven by imperial expansion and the glory of Babylon. He would have perceived his conquests as a result of his own military prowess and the favor of his Babylonian gods. However, God's sovereignty operates independently of human awareness or intention, using even the unrighteous to accomplish His purposes, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 30:11, with its pronouncement of judgment executed by a "terrible" foreign power, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a physical invasion but in the spiritual triumph of Christ over the powers of sin and death. While this Old Testament passage speaks of the historical destruction of a proud nation, it foreshadows the greater judgment that Christ, the true "terrible" and mighty one, will execute against all forms of evil and rebellion. Jesus, described as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world, also comes as the [Lion of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), the King who will ultimately [crush all opposition](/psalm/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord's Anointed King"). The "filling the land with the slain" points to the pervasive nature of sin's consequence, but Christ's sacrifice on the cross became the ultimate "slain" offering, providing a way for humanity to be delivered from the judgment due to sin. His resurrection demonstrates His complete victory over death, ensuring that while earthly empires rise and fall, His kingdom will endure forever, ultimately bringing all things under His righteous rule, as prophesied in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord"). Thus, the judgment seen in Ezekiel 30:11 ultimately points to the comprehensive and final victory of Christ, who will establish a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells and there will be no more "slain" by sin and death.

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 28:7

Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.

Ezekiel 32:12

By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall, the terrible of the nations, all of them: and they shall spoil the pomp of Egypt, and all the multitude thereof shall be destroyed.

Jeremiah 51:20

Thou [art] my battle axe [and] weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;

Jeremiah 51:23

I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.

Deuteronomy 28:50

A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young:

Ezekiel 35:8

And I will fill his mountains with his slain [men]: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword.

Zephaniah 1:17

And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.