Ezekiel 30:24

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will strengthen {H2388} the arms {H2220} of the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}, and put {H5414} my sword {H2719} in his hand {H3027}: but I will break {H7665} Pharaoh's {H6547} arms {H2220}, and he shall groan {H5008} before {H6440} him with the groanings {H5009} of a deadly wounded {H2491} man.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will strengthen the arms of the king of Bavel and put my sword in his hand; but I will break the arms of Pharaoh; he will groan like a man mortally wounded.

Berean Standard Bible

I will strengthen the arms of Babylon’s king and place My sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, who will groan before him like a mortally wounded man.

American Standard Version

And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:24 powerfully declares Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over the nations, specifically detailing His divine empowerment of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of judgment against Egypt, personified by Pharaoh. This verse vividly contrasts the strengthening of Babylon's military might and the placing of God's "sword" in its hand with the simultaneous breaking of Pharaoh's power, leading to Egypt's utter defeat and humiliation, underscored by the imagery of a mortally wounded man. It serves as a stark reminder that the rise and fall of empires are orchestrated by God to fulfill His righteous purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 30:24 is situated within a series of prophetic oracles against foreign nations, specifically targeting Egypt, spanning [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh") through [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament Over Pharaoh"). These chapters detail Egypt's impending downfall and desolation at the hands of Babylon, serving as a divine judgment for its pride, unreliability as an ally to Judah, and its general opposition to God's will. This particular verse, found within a larger prophecy concerning the "day of the Lord" against Egypt, emphasizes the direct, active role of God in orchestrating the military triumph of Babylon over Egypt, reinforcing the theme of divine control over geopolitical events that is prevalent throughout the book of [Ezekiel](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a tumultuous period when Judah had already been conquered and its people deported. During this time, Egypt, under Pharaoh Hophra (Apries), was a significant regional power that Judah often looked to for military and political assistance against the rising threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. However, God consistently warned against such alliances, as seen in [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children") and [Jeremiah 37:5-10](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5-10 - Pharaoh's Army Retreats"). Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, was God's chosen instrument to execute judgment not only on Judah but also on surrounding nations, including Egypt. The imagery of "strengthening arms" and "breaking arms" would have been readily understood in an ancient Near Eastern context as direct references to empowering or debilitating military and political strength.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Yahweh is the ultimate ruler of all nations, empowering and debilitating earthly kings according to His will, as also seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Another key theme is **Judgment on Pride and Rebellion**, as Egypt's downfall is a direct consequence of its arrogant self-reliance and its opposition to God's purposes, a recurring motif for nations that defy the Lord. Finally, the verse highlights **Babylon as God's Instrument**, portraying Nebuchadnezzar not merely as an ambitious conqueror but as a "sword" in God's hand, fulfilling divine judgment, a concept also articulated in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant") where Nebuchadnezzar is called God's "servant."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthen (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This primitive root signifies to fasten upon, to seize, to be strong, courageous, or to cause to strengthen. In this context, it implies God's active empowerment of the king of Babylon, bestowing upon him the necessary might, resolve, and military prowess to accomplish the divine judgment against Egypt. It's not merely a passive allowance but an active infusion of strength.
* **Arms (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This word refers to the arm or foreleg, but figuratively, it represents force, power, strength, or military might. The strengthening of Babylon's "arms" signifies the augmentation of its military capabilities and overall national power, while the breaking of Pharaoh's "arms" denotes the complete incapacitation and destruction of Egypt's military and political strength.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** While literally a cutting instrument, "sword" here is used metaphorically. When God states "put my sword in his hand," it transforms the literal weapon into an instrument of divine justice and wrath. It signifies that Babylon's military campaign is not merely an act of human aggression but a divinely commissioned execution of judgment, making Babylon the agent of God's punitive will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon,"**: This clause explicitly states God's active role in empowering Nebuchadnezzar. It signifies a divine infusion of military and political might into Babylon, ensuring its success in the impending conflict. This is not simply a prediction of Babylon's rise but an affirmation of God's direct involvement in orchestrating it.
* **"and put my sword in his hand:"**: This powerful imagery identifies Babylon's military force as God's own instrument of judgment. The "sword" represents divine wrath and justice. By placing it in Nebuchadnezzar's hand, God designates the Babylonian king as His agent, carrying out His will against Egypt.
* **"but I will break Pharaoh's arms,"**: This is the direct antithesis to the first clause. Just as God strengthens Babylon, He will simultaneously dismantle Egypt's power. "Breaking Pharaoh's arms" symbolizes the utter collapse of Egypt's military strength, its political influence, and its ability to resist. It signifies complete incapacitation and defeat.
* **"and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a deadly wounded [man]."**: This vivid and visceral imagery describes the profound suffering and utter helplessness of Pharaoh and, by extension, Egypt. The "groanings of a deadly wounded man" convey extreme pain, despair, and the realization of imminent death or complete ruin. It emphasizes the severity and finality of Egypt's defeat at the hands of Babylon, a defeat divinely orchestrated and executed.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:24 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the "arms" of Babylon and Pharaoh represent the military and political strength of their respective nations. By strengthening or breaking these "arms," the text vividly depicts the rise and fall of national power. A powerful **Metaphor** is found in "my sword," which transforms a literal weapon into a symbol of divine judgment and the instrument of God's wrath. This indicates that Babylon's military actions are not merely human endeavors but are imbued with divine purpose and authority. The verse also utilizes stark **Contrast** between the empowerment of Babylon and the debilitation of Egypt, highlighting God's absolute control over both. Finally, the phrase "groanings of a deadly wounded man" is a form of **Hyperbole** and vivid **Imagery**, emphasizing the extreme and agonizing nature of Egypt's defeat, evoking a strong emotional response and underscoring the severity of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. It reveals that the rise and fall of nations are not random historical occurrences or merely the result of human ambition, but are meticulously orchestrated by the Lord to fulfill His divine purposes. God actively intervenes in human history, using even pagan rulers as instruments of His justice and judgment. This demonstrates that no nation, however mighty, can stand against the will of Yahweh, and that pride and self-reliance inevitably lead to a divinely ordained downfall. For the exiled Israelites, this prophecy would have been a powerful reminder that their God was not defeated by Babylon, but rather, He was using Babylon to judge both His own people and the nations around them, ultimately working towards His redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men")
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:24 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all global affairs, just as He was in ancient times. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, economic instability, and the rise and fall of powerful nations, this verse calls us to place our ultimate trust not in human leaders, military might, or international alliances, but in the unchanging and all-powerful God. It encourages a posture of humility, recognizing that all earthly power is temporary and ultimately subject to His divine will. For those who may feel overwhelmed by the apparent strength of oppressive regimes or the fragility of their own circumstances, this passage provides a deep well of peace and confidence, knowing that God is actively working out His purposes, even through seemingly chaotic events. It also serves as a sober warning against national pride and self-sufficiency, reminding us that nations, like individuals, are accountable to the Creator. Our call is to seek His kingdom first, to pray for our leaders, and to live as faithful citizens of His eternal kingdom, knowing that His plans will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's absolute sovereignty over nations impact your perspective on current global events?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on human strength or worldly power rather than on God's divine provision and control?**
* **What does Pharaoh's "groaning" teach us about the consequences of resisting God's will, both for nations and for individuals?**

### FAQ
**Was Nebuchadnezzar aware that he was an instrument of God's judgment?**

Answer: While the Bible doesn't explicitly state that Nebuchadnezzar initially understood his role as God's "sword" or "servant" (as he is called in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")), his later experiences, particularly the dream in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream") and his period of madness and restoration in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation"), led him to acknowledge the sovereignty of the Most High God. Initially, his motivations were likely purely imperial ambition, but God used his actions to fulfill divine prophecy and judgment.

**What was the significance of "breaking Pharaoh's arms"?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "arm" was a powerful symbol of strength, military might, and governing authority. To "break Pharaoh's arms" was a vivid metaphor for the complete and utter dismantling of Egypt's military power, its political influence, and its ability to resist or project force. It signified a total defeat and humiliation, rendering the nation helpless and unable to recover its former glory. This imagery emphasized the severity and finality of God's judgment upon Egypt.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 30:24, with its depiction of God empowering one earthly king to break another, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets often spoke of God raising up and casting down earthly kingdoms, these served as shadows pointing to a greater spiritual reality. Christ is the true King of kings, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the divine instrument, not merely a "sword" in God's hand, but the very Word of God, who came to break the "arms" of spiritual powers and principalities that hold humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Through His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus utterly defeated the spiritual Pharaoh—Satan—and all his dominion, leading captivity captive ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Leads Captivity Captive")). The "groanings of a deadly wounded man" that afflicted Pharaoh foreshadow the spiritual defeat of evil, culminating in the final judgment where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Thus, the temporary triumph of Babylon over Egypt points to the eternal and decisive victory of Christ over all spiritual enemies, establishing His everlasting kingdom where His people find true strength and freedom.

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 30:25

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.

Zephaniah 2:12

¶ Ye Ethiopians also, ye [shall be] slain by my sword.

Nehemiah 6:9

For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.

Isaiah 45:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

Isaiah 45:5

¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

Isaiah 10:5

¶ O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.

Isaiah 10:6

I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.