Ezekiel 30:18

KJV

At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.

KJV (with Strong's)

At Tehaphnehes {H8471} also the day {H3117} shall be darkened {H2821}{H2820}, when I shall break {H7665} there the yokes {H4133} of Egypt {H4714}: and the pomp {H1347} of her strength {H5797} shall cease {H7673} in her {H1931}: as for her, a cloud {H6051} shall cover {H3680} her, and her daughters {H1323} shall go {H3212} into captivity {H7628}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At T'chafn'ches the day will grow dark when I break the yokes of Egypt there, and the pride she takes in her power ceases. A cloud will cover her, and her daughters will go into captivity.

Berean Standard Bible

The day will be darkened in Tahpanhes when I break the yoke of Egypt and her proud strength comes to an end. A cloud will cover her, and her daughters will go into captivity.

American Standard Version

At Tehaphnehes also the day shall withdraw itself, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt, and the pride of her power shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:18 pronounces a specific judgment against Tehaphnehes, a significant Egyptian city, as part of God's broader indictment against Egypt. The verse vividly depicts a catastrophic "darkening" of its day, signifying profound national sorrow and the cessation of its former glory. God declares His direct intervention to "break the yokes" of Egypt, dismantling its oppressive power and pride, symbolized by the ceasing of its "pomp of her strength." This divine act results in a "cloud" covering the nation, indicating divine judgment and obscuring its brilliance, leading to the widespread captivity of its "daughters," or dependent towns and regions, underscoring the comprehensive nature of Egypt's humiliation and subjugation under God's sovereign hand.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 30:18 is situated within a larger prophetic oracle against Egypt, spanning chapters 29-32 of the book of Ezekiel. This extended section immediately follows prophecies against Tyre and other nations, emphasizing God's universal sovereignty over all earthly powers. Specifically, chapter 30 details the "day of the Lord" against Egypt, portraying a comprehensive and devastating judgment. Verses 1-19 describe the utter desolation of Egypt, linking the judgment to the drying up of the Nile and the destruction of its cities. Verse 18 specifically targets Tehaphnehes, a prominent border city, indicating that no part of Egypt, however strategic or seemingly secure, would escape the divine wrath. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 30:13-17) list other key Egyptian cities destined for destruction, setting the stage for Tehaphnehes's inclusion in this sweeping judgment. The overall narrative flow underscores God's commitment to humbling the proud and liberating those oppressed by powerful nations, a recurring theme throughout Ezekiel's prophecies concerning the nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tehaphnehes (also known as Tahpanhes or Tahapanes) was a strategically important city located in the eastern Nile Delta, near the border with the Sinai Peninsula. It served as a significant administrative and military outpost, often mentioned in connection with Judah's interactions with Egypt (cf. [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - Jeremiah and the Remnant Go to Tahpanhes")). Culturally, ancient Egypt was renowned for its immense wealth, military might, and deeply entrenched polytheistic religion, which fostered a sense of national pride and self-sufficiency, often bordering on arrogance. The "yokes of Egypt" likely refer to its oppressive control over vassal states and its own populace, as well as its perceived invincibility as a regional superpower. The phrase "pomp of her strength" captures Egypt's self-glorification, its elaborate displays of power, and its reliance on its own military and economic might. The "daughters" of Egypt refer to its dependent towns, villages, or smaller regions, indicating that the judgment would not be confined to major centers but would extend throughout the entire nation, leading to widespread disruption and captivity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. First, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Yahweh, the God of Israel, holds ultimate authority over all nations, even those as mighty as Egypt. Second, it underscores the theme of **Judgment Against Pride and Arrogance**, showing that God actively opposes and humbles those who exalt themselves against Him, as seen in the broader context of God's dealings with nations like Babylon and Tyre (e.g., [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre")). Third, the "breaking of yokes" speaks to **Liberation and Justice**, as God dismantles oppressive systems and frees those under their dominion, aligning with His character as a God who hears the cry of the oppressed (cf. [Exodus 3:7-8](/exodus/3-7 "Exodus 3:7-8 - God Hears the Cry of His People")). Finally, the widespread desolation and captivity reinforce the theme of **Consequences of Rebellion**, illustrating the inevitable outcome for nations that defy God's will and refuse to acknowledge His supremacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be hot," this word refers to a day, either literally (from sunrise to sunset or one sunset to the next) or figuratively (a space of time defined by an associated term). In Ezekiel 30:18, "the day shall be darkened" uses _yôwm_ to denote a specific period of time, emphasizing a profound and pervasive state of gloom, sorrow, and judgment, where the metaphorical "light" of Egypt's prosperity and power is extinguished.
* **Pomp (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "exalted," _gâʼôwn_ signifies arrogance, majesty, excellency, or pride. It often carries a negative connotation, referring to haughty self-exaltation. Here, "the pomp of her strength" refers to Egypt's proud display of its military might, its self-glorification, and its arrogant reliance on its own power, which God declares will cease.
* **Yokes (Hebrew, _môwṭâh'_):** Feminine of a word meaning "pole," _môwṭâh_ literally refers to a wooden bar, specifically an ox-bow, and by implication, a yoke. It symbolizes control, burden, or oppressive power. In this verse, "I shall break there the yokes of Egypt" signifies God's direct action to shatter Egypt's dominion, its ability to exert control and oppression over others, and its own internal structures of power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened,"**: This clause specifies the location of a significant aspect of God's judgment. Tehaphnehes, a key Egyptian city, will experience a "darkened day," a powerful metaphor for a time of profound national mourning, despair, and the extinguishing of its former glory and prosperity. It signifies a period of intense calamity and the absence of hope.
* **"when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt:"**: This declares God's direct, active intervention. The "yokes of Egypt" symbolize its oppressive power, its dominion over other nations, and its internal systems of control. God's act of "breaking" these yokes signifies a complete dismantling of Egypt's ability to exert its will, both externally and internally, demonstrating His superior might and His commitment to justice.
* **"and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her:"**: This clause highlights the humiliation of Egypt's pride. "The pomp of her strength" refers to Egypt's arrogant display of its military, economic, and political might. God's judgment will cause this self-glorifying power to "cease," meaning it will come to an end, be removed, or be rendered ineffective, stripping Egypt of its boasted grandeur and demonstrating the transience of earthly power.
* **"as for her, a cloud shall cover her,"**: This further emphasizes the nature of the divine judgment. The "cloud" here is a symbol of divine judgment, gloom, and obscurity, rather than a protective presence. It signifies that Egypt's former brilliance and clarity will be overshadowed by divine wrath, leading to a state of desolation and a loss of its identity as a powerful, shining nation.
* **"and her daughters shall go into captivity."**: This final clause describes the widespread impact of the judgment. "Her daughters" refer to the dependent towns, villages, or smaller regions under Egypt's sway. Their going into "captivity" indicates that the judgment will not be confined to the major cities but will affect the entire nation, leading to widespread subjugation, displacement, and the loss of freedom for its people.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "the day shall be darkened" symbolizing a period of profound sorrow, despair, and the end of national prosperity. The "cloud" covering Egypt further reinforces this, symbolizing divine judgment, gloom, and the obscuring of its former glory. The "yokes of Egypt" are a powerful **metaphor** for oppressive control and dominion, which God promises to shatter. The phrase "pomp of her strength" uses **personification** to attribute human-like qualities to an abstract concept, suggesting that Egypt's prideful power will actively "cease." The mention of "her daughters" going into captivity is a form of **synecdoche**, where a part (dependent towns) represents the whole (the entire nation of Egypt), emphasizing the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the impending desolation and subjugation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:18 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty or arrogant, can stand against His divine will. It underscores the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, as God actively humbles those who exalt themselves and rely on their own strength rather than acknowledging His supremacy. This judgment on Egypt also serves as a testament to God's justice, as He intervenes to break oppressive yokes and bring liberation, even if it means the subjugation of the oppressor. The prophecy reminds us that all human empires are transient and ultimately accountable to the unchanging, eternal God, whose plans for history will invariably unfold.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun and Moon Darkened Before the Day of the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 50:11-13](/jeremiah/50-11 "Jeremiah 50:11-13 - Judgment Against Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:18 serves as a timeless reminder that all human strength, pride, and perceived invincibility are fleeting before the ultimate authority of God. For individuals, this verse calls us to humility, urging us not to place our trust in our own accomplishments, wealth, or power, but rather to rely solely on God. It challenges us to examine areas in our lives where we might exhibit "pomp of strength"—arrogance, self-sufficiency, or a desire for control—and to surrender these to divine authority. For communities and nations, it's a stark warning against oppressive systems, nationalistic pride, and the pursuit of power at the expense of justice. God's breaking of Egypt's yokes reminds us that He is a God who cares deeply about the oppressed and will ultimately bring down systems that perpetuate injustice. This should inspire us to advocate for justice, to stand against oppression, and to recognize that true security and lasting peace are found only in submission to God's righteous reign, not in human might or worldly glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own "strength" or "pomp" rather than on God?**
* **How does the transient nature of Egypt's power challenge my own pursuit of worldly success or security?**
* **What "yokes" of oppression or injustice in the world today might God be calling His people to pray against or actively work to break?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Tehaphnehes in this prophecy?**

Answer: Tehaphnehes (also known as Tahpanhes) was a strategically important border city in the eastern Nile Delta of Egypt. Its specific mention in Ezekiel 30:18 underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against Egypt. It signifies that no part of the nation, however fortified or significant, would escape the divine wrath. It was a place where Jewish exiles had sought refuge (as seen in [Jeremiah 43:7](/jeremiah/43-7 "Jeremiah 43:7 - Jeremiah and the Remnant Go to Tahpanhes")), making its judgment particularly poignant as it represented a false hope or refuge outside of God's will.

**Why is God judging Egypt so severely?**

Answer: God's severe judgment on Egypt, as detailed throughout Ezekiel 29-32, stems from its long history of pride, arrogance, and its role as a deceptive and often oppressive power. Egypt had frequently been a source of false hope and a "broken reed" for Israel (cf. [Isaiah 36:6](/isaiah/36-6 "Isaiah 36:6 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")), leading them astray from trusting in God alone. Furthermore, Egypt's self-exaltation and reliance on its own strength, rather than acknowledging the true God, incurred divine wrath. This judgment demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to humbling the proud and bringing justice to the oppressed.

**What does "breaking the yokes of Egypt" mean for us today?**

Answer: "Breaking the yokes of Egypt" in Ezekiel 30:18 primarily refers to God dismantling Egypt's oppressive power and dominion over other nations and its own people. For us today, this phrase serves as a powerful theological metaphor. It illustrates God's ongoing commitment to breaking all forms of spiritual, social, and personal oppression. It reminds us that God is actively at work to liberate those who are enslaved by sin, injustice, or any system that holds people in bondage. It encourages believers to trust in God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and to participate in His work of liberation and justice in the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 30:18 directly prophesies God's judgment upon ancient Egypt, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The "darkened day" and the "cloud" covering Egypt foreshadow the ultimate "darkening" that occurred at the crucifixion of Jesus, when darkness covered the land from the sixth to the ninth hour ([Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - Darkness at the Crucifixion")). This darkness, however, was not merely a sign of judgment but also of the cosmic significance of Christ's atoning work, where He bore the judgment for humanity's sin. Furthermore, the breaking of "the yokes of Egypt" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's triumph over sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus broke the spiritual yokes that bind humanity to sin and Satan ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He proclaimed freedom for the captives and released the oppressed ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), offering true liberation from the bondage of sin and the law. The "pomp of her strength" ceasing in Egypt points to the humbling of all earthly and spiritual pride before the majesty of Christ, who, though God, humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), thereby demonstrating true power in humility and ushering in a kingdom where all earthly pride is brought low before His glorious reign ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 30:3

For the day [is] near, even the day of the LORD [is] near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.

Jeremiah 2:16

Also the children of Noph and Tahapanes have broken the crown of thy head.

Isaiah 10:27

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

Ezekiel 29:15

It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

Ezekiel 31:18

To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword. This [is] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Exodus 10:15

For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.

Isaiah 14:11

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.