Ezekiel 30:2

KJV

Son of man, prophesy and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Howl ye, Woe worth the day!

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, prophesy {H5012} and say {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; Howl {H3213} ye, Woe worth {H1929} the day {H3117}!

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, prophesy; say that Adonai ELOHIM says, 'Wail, "Oh no! It's today!"

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, prophesy and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: Wail, ‘Alas for that day!’

American Standard Version

Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Wail ye, Alas for the day!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:2 initiates a solemn divine oracle against Egypt, a once-dominant ancient power, delivered through the prophet Ezekiel. This verse functions as an urgent, direct command from the Lord GOD to Ezekiel, instructing him to proclaim a message of impending judgment and widespread devastation upon Egypt, characterized by universal lamentation and the advent of a calamitous "day" of divine reckoning. It immediately establishes a tone of unquestionable divine authority and the inescapable nature of doom for those who oppose God's sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 30:2 is an integral part of a larger prophetic section (chapters 29-32) dedicated to God's judgment against Egypt. This oracle follows a specific prophecy against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, in [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh"), which vividly portrays Egypt as a great crocodile to be dragged out of its rivers. These prophecies against Egypt are strategically positioned after oracles concerning Tyre and Sidon, and they precede a broader vision of God's future restoration of Israel. The immediate context of [Ezekiel 30](/ezekiel/30 "Ezekiel 30 - Prophecy Against Egypt") intensifies the imagery of destruction, detailing the specific manner and extensive scope of Egypt's downfall, often employing potent metaphors of war, desolation, and widespread mourning. The imperative command to "prophesy and say" in this verse underscores Ezekiel's consistent role as God's authoritative mouthpiece, tasked with delivering the divine word to a world in turmoil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a time when the kingdom of Judah had been conquered and its people deported. Egypt, a prominent ancient Near Eastern power, had historically been a significant, though often unreliable, player in the geopolitical landscape. It frequently tempted Israel to form alliances against dominant empires like Assyria and later Babylon, often proving to be a "broken reed" (cf. [Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6-7 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")). This verse anticipates the historical reality of Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon's invasion and subjugation of Egypt, which occurred around 568 BCE, fulfilling these very prophecies. Culturally, "howling" (Hebrew: _yâlal_) was a common and profound expression of public grief, lamentation, and despair in response to death, disaster, or national calamity throughout the ancient Near East. The call to "Howl ye" signifies that the coming judgment would be so severe that it would provoke widespread, uncontrollable, and public sorrow across the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it asserts God's **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** over all nations, demonstrating that even powerful empires like Egypt are ultimately subject to His supreme authority and righteous reckoning. The phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" is a hallmark of this theme, emphasizing the divine origin and absolute certainty of the prophecy. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Prophetic Urgency and Divine Mandate**, as Ezekiel is commanded to deliver a severe and immediate warning, underscoring the gravity of the message. His address as "Son of man" emphasizes his human frailty yet divine commission, as seen in his initial call in [Ezekiel 2:1-3](/ezekiel/2-1-3 "Ezekiel 2:1-3 - Ezekiel's Commission"). Thirdly, the exclamation "Woe worth the day!" strongly alludes to the concept of **The Day of the Lord**, a recurring prophetic theme signifying a specific time of divine intervention and judgment, often characterized by darkness, destruction, and mourning for God's adversaries, as also powerfully described in [Joel 1:15](/joel/1-15 "Joel 1:15 - The Day of the Lord is Near"). Finally, the judgment on Egypt serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of **National Pride and Idolatry**, which were central to Egypt's spiritual corruption and its unreliability as an ally to God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This is God's most frequent address to Ezekiel throughout the book, appearing over ninety times. The word **_bên_ (H1121)** means "son" (as a builder of the family name, in the widest sense), and **_ʼâdâm_ (H120)** refers to a "human being" or "mankind." The combined phrase, "son of man," emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality in stark contrast to the divine majesty of the one speaking to him. It underscores that the prophet is a mere mortal, yet chosen by God to be His authoritative messenger, highlighting the divine origin of the message rather than the messenger's inherent power.
* **Howl (Hebrew, _yâlal'_):** From the primitive root **_yâlal_ (H3213)**, meaning "to howl (with a wailing tone) or yell (with a boisterous one)." This imperative command signifies a deep, public, and unrestrained expression of grief, sorrow, and despair. It denotes a lamentation so profound that it cannot be contained, suggesting widespread calamity and suffering that will befall Egypt. The intensity of the verb implies a national mourning of unprecedented scale, an audible manifestation of utter desolation.
* **Woe worth (Hebrew, _hâhh'_):** A shortened form of **_ʼahâh_ (H1929)**, an interjection expressing grief, often translated as "ah!" or "alas!" The archaic English phrase "woe worth" means "woe be to" or "alas for." It is an exclamation of dread and lament, signaling that the day being referenced will be one of immense misfortune, suffering, and divine judgment. It conveys a sense of utter despair and the inevitability of a terrible fate, a cry of deep anguish over impending disaster.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, prophesy and say":** This opening command immediately establishes Ezekiel's prophetic commission and the divine origin of the message. God addresses him by his human designation, "Son of man," emphasizing his mortal nature, yet immediately follows with the imperative to "prophesy" (to speak by divine inspiration) and "say" (to declare publicly). This highlights that the message is not Ezekiel's own insight or opinion, but a direct, authoritative divine revelation that he is obligated to articulate precisely as given, underscoring the authority and source of the upcoming pronouncement.
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD":** This is a foundational and frequently used prophetic formula, a declarative statement that authenticates the message as originating directly from the Almighty. "The Lord" is **_ʼĂdônây_ (H136)**, an emphatic form used as a proper name for God, denoting His absolute sovereignty, mastership, and ultimate authority. "GOD" is **_Yᵉhôvih_ (H3069)**, a variation of YHWH (Yahweh), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, faithfulness, and omnipotent power. Together, "Thus saith the Lord GOD" leaves no doubt that the following words are the undeniable, authoritative, and unchangeable decree of the supreme ruler of the universe.
* **"Howl ye, Woe worth the day!":** This is the core of the prophetic message, a direct command to lament and a powerful exclamation of impending doom. "Howl ye" is an imperative plural, indicating a widespread, national call for lamentation across Egypt. It anticipates the profound sorrow and despair that will grip the entire nation as a result of God's judgment. "Woe worth the day!" is a potent interjection, signifying that the coming "day" will be one of utter calamity, misfortune, and divine retribution. While not explicitly named "the Day of the Lord," this phrase strongly evokes that concept, pointing to a specific, appointed time of divine judgment and devastation that will bring about immense suffering and public mourning.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:2 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful and somber message. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle Formula**, "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the prophecy, leaving no room for human doubt or dispute regarding its source. The pervasive use of the **Imperative Mood** in "prophesy," "say," and "Howl ye" conveys the urgency, directness, and non-negotiable nature of God's command, both to Ezekiel as His messenger and to the nations as the recipients of the judgment. The address "Son of man" functions as a form of **Apostrophe**, directly addressing Ezekiel and emphasizing his human status and mortality in stark contrast to the divine speaker's majesty. The exclamation "Woe worth the day!" serves as a powerful **Interjection** or **Exclamation**, conveying intense grief, dread, and the certainty of impending disaster. This phrase also employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at a specific, calamitous "day" of judgment without fully disclosing its details, thereby building suspense and emphasizing its inevitability. The overall tone is one of profound **Pathos**, designed to evoke strong emotions of fear, sorrow, and despair in response to the impending divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:2 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel. It underscores the biblical truth that no earthly power, regardless of its perceived strength, influence, or historical longevity, is exempt from divine judgment when it stands in opposition to God's righteous standards through pride, idolatry, or oppression. The "day" of woe anticipated for Egypt aligns seamlessly with the broader biblical concept of the "Day of the Lord," a recurring and significant theme in prophetic literature where God intervenes decisively in history to execute judgment upon His enemies and bring about His ultimate purposes. This divine reckoning serves as a stark reminder that all human kingdoms are finite, temporary, and ultimately accountable to the eternal King. The widespread lamentation commanded in the verse highlights the profound sorrow, devastation, and public humiliation that accompany God's judgment, emphasizing the gravity of sin and its inevitable consequences.

* [Isaiah 13:6](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6 - The Day of the Lord is at Hand")
* [Joel 1:15](/joel/1-15 "Joel 1:15 - A Day of Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 46:1-26](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:2, though addressed to an ancient nation in a specific historical context, carries profound and timeless implications for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God remains sovereign over all human affairs, including the intricate rise and fall of nations, empires, and political systems. In a world often characterized by political instability, economic uncertainty, and the shifting sands of global power, this verse calls us to place our ultimate trust not in human institutions, military might, or economic prowess, but in the unchanging character and unwavering authority of the Lord GOD. It challenges us to critically examine where our true allegiances lie and to recognize that pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry—whether manifested in the worship of wealth, power, national identity, or personal ambition—will ultimately lead to a "day" of reckoning. For the church, it underscores the enduring call to prophetic witness, speaking truth to power and proclaiming God's justice and mercy to a world desperately in need of both. It also invites personal introspection, prompting us to consider what "days of woe" might be approaching in our own lives or communities if we fail to heed God's warnings and respond with humility, repentance, and faithful obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's judgment on ancient Egypt, as proclaimed in this verse, inform our understanding of His sovereignty over nations and global events today?**
* **In what specific ways might we, as individuals or as a society, be tempted to place our trust in human strength, alliances, or resources rather than in the Lord GOD alone?**
* **What "day of reckoning" might this passage prompt us to consider in our own lives, and how should we respond with humility, repentance, and faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God addressing Ezekiel as "Son of man"?**

Answer: The address "Son of man" (Hebrew: _ben 'adam_) is used over ninety times in the Book of Ezekiel. It serves to emphasize Ezekiel's humanity and frailty in stark contrast to the divine majesty of the Lord GOD who is speaking to him. While in later biblical literature (e.g., [Daniel 7:13](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13 - Son of Man in Daniel")) "Son of man" can refer to a messianic or divine figure, in Ezekiel, it consistently highlights the prophet's mortal, earthly nature. This underscores that the powerful and authoritative messages he delivers are not of his own wisdom or power, but are direct revelations from God, given through a humble human vessel. It sets Ezekiel apart from the divine source of the prophecy, ensuring that the focus remains on God's word and authority, as seen in his initial commission in [Ezekiel 2:1-3](/ezekiel/2-1-3 "Ezekiel 2:1-3 - Ezekiel's Commission").

**Is "Woe worth the day!" the same as "the Day of the Lord"?**

Answer: While "Woe worth the day!" (Hebrew: _hoy la-yom_) is not explicitly named "the Day of the Lord," it carries the same thematic weight and implications. The phrase is an exclamation of lament and dread, signifying a specific time of immense calamity and divine judgment. This concept is a pervasive theme throughout prophetic literature, where "the Day of the Lord" consistently refers to a period when God intervenes decisively in human history, often bringing judgment upon His enemies and vindication for His people. Passages like [Amos 5:18](/amos/5-18 "Amos 5:18 - Woe to Those Who Desire the Day of the Lord") and [Zephaniah 1:7](/zephaniah/1-7 "Zephaniah 1:7 - The Day of the Lord is Near") use similar language to describe a day of darkness, destruction, and mourning. Therefore, "Woe worth the day!" in Ezekiel 30:2 is a strong echo and specific application of the broader "Day of the Lord" motif, signaling a time of divine reckoning for Egypt.

**Why is God judging Egypt?**

Answer: God's judgment on Egypt, as detailed throughout Ezekiel 29-32, stems from several key reasons. Primarily, Egypt was characterized by **pride and arrogance**, particularly personified in Pharaoh, who saw himself as a god and boasted of his self-sufficiency, as described in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Pride"). Secondly, Egypt was a source of **idolatry**, worshipping numerous gods and goddesses, which stood in direct opposition to the one true God. Thirdly, Egypt had been an **unreliable and deceptive ally** to Israel, often acting as a "staff of reed" that pierced the hand of those who leaned on it ([Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6-7 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")). This unreliability led Israel astray from trusting in God alone. God's judgment, therefore, was a multifaceted demonstration of His sovereignty over all nations, His justice against pride and idolatry, and His faithfulness to His covenant people by removing a stumbling block and a false hope.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 30:2, with its declaration of impending judgment and a "day of woe," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely in a literal judgment on a specific ancient nation, but in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's ultimate judgment and salvation. While Ezekiel, addressed as "Son of man," was a human prophet delivering God's word, Jesus is the ultimate "Son of Man," not merely a human messenger but the divine Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom God has spoken His final and complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). The "howling" and "woe" anticipated for Egypt point to the universal reality of sin's consequence and the coming "Day of the Lord" for all humanity. However, through Christ, this day of judgment is transformed for those who believe. On the cross, Jesus became the recipient of God's wrath, taking upon Himself the "woe" and judgment due to humanity's sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His suffering and death fulfilled the ultimate lament, turning the "day of woe" into a day of salvation for those who trust in Him. Furthermore, the final "Day of the Lord" will be the day of Christ's glorious return, where He will execute final judgment on all unrighteousness and establish His eternal kingdom ([1 Thessalonians 5:2-3](/1_thessalonians/5-2-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 - The Day of the Lord Will Come Like a Thief"), [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")). For believers, this day is not one of "woe" but of ultimate redemption, vindication, and joy, as all who mourn over sin and turn to Christ find comfort and eternal life ([Matthew 5:4](/matthew/5-4 "Matthew 5:4 - Blessed Are Those Who Mourn")). Thus, the prophecy in Ezekiel foreshadows the comprehensive judgment and the ultimate hope found only in Christ, the true and reliable King, unlike any fleeting earthly power ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")).

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 13:6

¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Joel 1:5

Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.

Joel 1:11

Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.

Isaiah 15:2

He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.

Ezekiel 21:12

Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it [shall be] upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon [thy] thigh.

Zechariah 11:2

Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.