Ezekiel 30:12

KJV

And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will make {H5414} the rivers {H2975} dry {H2724}, and sell {H4376} the land {H776} into the hand {H3027} of the wicked {H7451}: and I will make the land {H776} waste {H8074}, and all that is therein {H4393}, by the hand {H3027} of strangers {H2114}: I the LORD {H3068} have spoken {H1696} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will dry up the streams of the Nile and sell the land to the wicked. Through the power of foreigners I will make the land and all that is in it desolate. I, ADONAI, have spoken.'

Berean Standard Bible

I will make the streams dry up and sell the land to the wicked. By the hands of foreigners I will bring desolation upon the land and everything in it. I, the LORD, have spoken.

American Standard Version

And I will make the rivers dry, and will sell the land into the hand of evil men; and I will make the land desolate, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I, Jehovah, have spoken it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:12 pronounces a severe divine judgment against Egypt, foretelling its utter desolation through the drying of its life-giving rivers and its subjugation by foreign invaders. This prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations, His unwavering justice against pride and idolatry, and the inevitable consequences for those who trust in worldly power rather than in Him. The verse culminates with the powerful declaration that these devastating events are the direct and certain word of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 30:12 is embedded within a series of prophetic oracles against Egypt, spanning chapters 29-32 of the book of Ezekiel. These prophecies are strategically placed after oracles against other nations (Tyre, Sidon, Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia) and before the final prophecies concerning Israel's restoration. The judgments against Egypt specifically target its pride, its idolatry, and its unreliability as an ally to Judah, which often looked to Egypt for help instead of trusting in the Lord. This particular verse deepens the imagery of destruction, moving from a general pronouncement of judgment to specific, devastating consequences for Egypt's vital resources and national sovereignty, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's wrath against a nation that had become a "broken reed" to Israel ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt, a Broken Reed")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies against Egypt were delivered during the Babylonian exile (circa 587-571 BCE), a period when Judah had already fallen to Babylon. Egypt, with its ancient civilization and formidable power, had long been a dominant force in the Near East, its prosperity inextricably linked to the annual flooding of the Nile River. The Nile was not merely an agricultural lifeline but also a symbol of Egypt's self-sufficiency and divine favor in their polytheistic worldview. The "drying of the rivers" would have been understood as an existential threat, a direct assault on the very foundation of Egyptian life and a sign of divine disfavor. The "strangers" refer primarily to the Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar, who historically conquered Egypt in the mid-6th century BCE, fulfilling these very prophecies and demonstrating God's use of even pagan empires as instruments of His judgment ([Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward")).
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that God is actively involved in bringing about the downfall of nations that oppose His will or lead His people astray. The repeated "I will" underscores His direct agency. Secondly, it illustrates **Economic and Environmental Ruin** as a consequence of spiritual rebellion, showing how God can strike at the very source of a nation's perceived strength and wealth. The drying of the Nile symbolizes complete collapse. Thirdly, the theme of **Foreign Conquest and Desolation** is prominent, depicting the humiliation of a proud nation subjected to "wicked" and "stranger" hands. Finally, the concluding phrase, "I the LORD have spoken [it]," reinforces **God's Absolute Sovereignty and the Infallibility of His Word**, asserting that His declarations are not mere predictions but certain decrees that will inevitably come to pass, demonstrating His ultimate control over all of human history and the destiny of nations ([Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God Forms Light and Creates Darkness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dry (Hebrew, _chârâbâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be dry, waste, desolate," this word signifies a desert or parched land. In the context of Egypt, a nation whose very existence depended on the Nile, the concept of its rivers becoming "dry" speaks to an absolute and existential catastrophe. It implies not merely a reduction in water flow but a complete desiccation, leading to agricultural collapse, famine, and the destruction of the nation's economic and social fabric.
* **strangers (Hebrew, _zûwr'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to turn aside" or "to be a foreigner," refers to foreign invaders or aliens. Its use here emphasizes the external, hostile, and alien nature of the forces that would bring desolation to Egypt. It highlights the humiliation of a proud nation being subjected to the will and hand of those outside its own people, underscoring the completeness of its subjugation and the loss of its national identity and autonomy.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to arrange" or, more commonly, "to speak." In this context, it carries the weight of a divine decree. When the Lord "speaks," it is not merely an utterance but an authoritative declaration that brings about what it proclaims. This final phrase, "I the LORD have spoken it," serves as a powerful divine signature, affirming the certainty and unchangeable nature of the preceding judgment. It asserts God's ultimate control and the guaranteed fulfillment of His prophetic word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will make the rivers dry":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine agent ("I will") and the primary target of judgment – Egypt's lifeblood, the Nile and its network of canals. The drying up of these rivers signifies a catastrophic blow to Egypt's agricultural prosperity, economic stability, and very means of sustenance. It's a direct attack on the source of their national pride and self-sufficiency, demonstrating God's power to dismantle the foundations of any nation.
* **"and sell the land into the hand of the wicked":** The imagery of "selling" the land emphasizes God's sovereign disposal of nations. It's not a mere conquest but a divine transaction, where God delivers Egypt into the control of a morally corrupt or unrighteous power, specifically referring to the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. This highlights God's use of even wicked nations as instruments of His righteous judgment, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all earthly powers.
* **"and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers":** This clause reiterates and expands upon the desolation. The land will be made "waste," implying utter ruin, emptiness, and uninhabitable conditions. The phrase "all that is therein" signifies a comprehensive destruction affecting its people, resources, and infrastructure. The agency, "by the hand of strangers," reinforces the foreign invasion and occupation, emphasizing the complete loss of national sovereignty and the imposition of alien rule, leading to widespread devastation and suffering.
* **"I the LORD have spoken [it]":** This concluding divine declaration serves as an emphatic seal on the prophecy. It removes any doubt about the source or certainty of the judgment. It is the sovereign, covenant-keeping God, Yahweh, who has pronounced this word, guaranteeing its fulfillment. This phrase underscores God's omnipotence, His faithfulness to His word, and His ultimate control over the course of human history and the destiny of nations.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Personification** is evident in God's direct and active role, as He declares, "I will make the rivers dry" and "I will sell the land." This attributes human-like actions (making, selling) to God, emphasizing His personal and intentional involvement in the destruction of Egypt. **Hyperbole** is present in the phrase "make the rivers dry," as a complete desiccation of the Nile would be an extraordinary and almost unimaginable event, underscoring the severity and comprehensiveness of the impending judgment. The imagery of a once-fertile land becoming "waste" also contributes to this exaggeration, highlighting the utter ruin. The final declaration, "I the LORD have spoken [it]," functions as a **Divine Speech Formula** or **Divine Oath**, a common prophetic device that authenticates the message as coming directly from God and guarantees its fulfillment, leaving no room for doubt about the certainty of the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:12 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His absolute sovereignty over all nations. It reveals that no power, however mighty or self-sufficient, is beyond the reach of divine judgment when it succumbs to pride, idolatry, or acts as an unreliable and ungodly influence. The drying of Egypt's rivers and its subjugation by "wicked" strangers serve as a stark reminder that worldly security and human alliances are ultimately futile when God's decree is against them. This passage underscores that God uses even the most unlikely instruments—like pagan empires—to accomplish His righteous purposes, demonstrating that He orchestrates history to fulfill His word and uphold His glory. It challenges any nation or individual to recognize that true security and prosperity come only from aligning with the Lord's will, not from trusting in material wealth or military strength.

* [Isaiah 19:5-6](/isaiah/19-5 "Isaiah 19:5-6 - The Drying of the Nile and Egypt's Distress")
* [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant Against Nations")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:12 serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers and that His justice will ultimately prevail. For us today, this verse challenges us to examine where our trust truly lies. Are we, like ancient Egypt, relying on our own resources, our wealth, our influence, or our perceived security, rather than on the Almighty God? The drying of the rivers symbolizes the collapse of anything we place our ultimate faith in apart from God – be it financial stability, career success, political systems, or even human relationships. When God "sells the land into the hand of the wicked," it reminds us that He can use unexpected and even unpleasant circumstances to humble us, expose our misplaced trust, and draw us back to Himself. This prophecy encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that true and lasting security is found only in the Lord, whose word is final and whose plans cannot be thwarted. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that all worldly kingdoms and their glories are transient, but God's kingdom endures forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "rivers" or sources of security in my life do I tend to rely on more than God?**
* **How does the idea of God using "wicked" or "stranger" hands to accomplish His will challenge or comfort me?**
* **In what ways might I be prone to the same pride and self-sufficiency that led to Egypt's downfall?**
* **How does the certainty of God's spoken word ("I the LORD have spoken it") impact my faith and obedience today?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "wicked" and "strangers" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "wicked" and "strangers" primarily refer to the Babylonian forces under King Nebuchadnezzar. Historically, Nebuchadnezzar's empire was the dominant power in the Near East during Ezekiel's time, and God explicitly states in other parts of Ezekiel's prophecy that He would use Nebuchadnezzar as His instrument to judge Egypt ([Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant")). While they were politically and morally "wicked" from a divine perspective, God sovereignly employed them to execute His righteous judgment against Egypt's pride and idolatry.

**Why is the drying of the rivers such a significant part of the judgment against Egypt?**

Answer: The drying of the rivers, particularly the Nile, was a catastrophic judgment for Egypt because its entire civilization, economy, and way of life were utterly dependent on the river's annual floods. The Nile provided fertile soil for agriculture, water for drinking and irrigation, and served as a primary transportation route. To "make the rivers dry" was to strike at the very heart of Egypt's prosperity and its perceived self-sufficiency. It signified a complete collapse of their agricultural system, leading to famine, economic ruin, and the desolation of the land, demonstrating God's power over the natural world and the foundations of human civilization.

**Does this prophecy mean God actively causes natural disasters or uses evil people?**

Answer: This prophecy, along with many others in the Bible, indicates that God is sovereign over all creation and human history. He can and does use both natural phenomena (like drying rivers) and human agents (even "wicked" ones) to accomplish His divine purposes, which include judgment, correction, and the fulfillment of His word. It does not imply that God is the author of evil, but rather that He is able to perfectly orchestrate all events, even those involving human sin or natural calamities, to serve His ultimate righteous will and demonstrate His glory ([Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Raising Pharaoh")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 30:12, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment, desolation, and the drying of life-giving waters, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The judgment pronounced against Egypt, a nation symbolizing worldly power and self-reliance, foreshadows the cosmic judgment that Christ, as the ultimate Judge, will execute against all unrighteousness and rebellion ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). The drying of the rivers, representing the cessation of all earthly sources of life and prosperity, points to the futility of seeking ultimate satisfaction and security apart from Christ. He is the true "living water" who quenches spiritual thirst, in contrast to the transient and ultimately failing waters of this world ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). The "selling" of the land into the hand of "strangers" and its desolation speaks to the brokenness of a world under the curse of sin, awaiting the complete restoration found only in Christ's redemptive work. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus has conquered the "wicked" one, Satan, and established a new kingdom where there will be no more curse, no more desolation, and no more need for the sun or moon, for the Lamb himself will be its light ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is the Light of the New Jerusalem")). Ultimately, the declaration "I the LORD have spoken it" finds its most resounding echo in Christ, the Word made flesh, through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). His word is the final, authoritative, and life-giving decree that brings about both judgment and ultimate redemption.

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 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

1 Corinthians 10:26

For the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

Nahum 1:4

He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

Jeremiah 51:36

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea, and make her springs dry.

Jeremiah 50:38

A drought [is] upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it [is] the land of graven images, and they are mad upon [their] idols.

Ezekiel 29:9

And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD: because he hath said, The river [is] mine, and I have made [it].

Ezekiel 29:10

Behold, therefore I [am] against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste [and] desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.