Ezekiel 30:26

KJV

And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will scatter {H6327} the Egyptians {H4714} among the nations {H1471}, and disperse {H2219} them among the countries {H776}; and they shall know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them throughout the countries; and they will know that I am ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

American Standard Version

And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them through the countries; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:26 is a solemn declaration of divine judgment against Egypt, foretelling its complete scattering and dispersion among the nations and countries. This prophetic act, executed by the sovereign hand of the LORD, serves not only as a severe punishment for Egypt's pride and unfaithfulness but also as a profound revelation of God's absolute authority over all earthly powers. The ultimate purpose of this judgment is that both Egypt and the surrounding world will be compelled to acknowledge the unique and unparalleled identity of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 30:26 is situated within a series of detailed prophecies against Egypt, spanning [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Pharaoh") through [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament Over Pharaoh and Egypt"). These chapters form a significant portion of Ezekiel's oracles against foreign nations, which begin in [Ezekiel 25](/ezekiel/25 "Ezekiel 25 - Prophecies Against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia") and culminate with Egypt. The prophecies against Egypt specifically detail its impending downfall at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, portraying Egypt as a broken reed that failed to provide reliable support to Judah (cf. [Ezekiel 29:6-7](/ezekiel/29-6 "Ezekiel 29:6-7 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")). This particular verse reinforces the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, moving beyond mere defeat to a complete dismantling of Egypt's national identity through dispersion, a fate often reserved for rebellious Israel itself (e.g., [Ezekiel 12:15](/ezekiel/12-15 "Ezekiel 12:15 - Dispersion of Israel")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a dominant regional power, renowned for its wealth, military strength, and ancient civilization. Throughout the Old Testament, Egypt often represented worldly power and a source of temptation for Israel to trust in human alliances rather than God (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Judah was caught between the rising Babylonian empire and the declining, yet still formidable, Egyptian power. Many in Judah looked to Egypt for deliverance from Babylon, a trust that God repeatedly condemned. The judgment of scattering and dispersion was a severe form of punishment in the ancient Near East, designed to dismantle a nation's social, political, and religious structures, stripping it of its identity and power. This fate was particularly humiliating for a proud nation like Egypt, which believed itself to be divinely protected by its pantheon of gods.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes woven throughout this verse and the broader prophecies against Egypt include **Divine Judgment** and **Sovereignty**. God's declaration, "I will scatter the Egyptians," unequivocally asserts His active role and absolute control over the destinies of nations, demonstrating that no earthly power can withstand His will. Another crucial theme is **Dispersion as Punishment**, which signifies a profound loss of national cohesion, identity, and security, echoing the judgment experienced by Israel (cf. [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion as a Curse")). Finally, the recurring phrase, "and they shall know that I [am] the LORD," highlights the overarching theme of **God's Self-Revelation**. This judgment, though severe, serves a redemptive purpose: to compel both the Egyptians and the watching nations to acknowledge the unique power, identity, and holiness of Yahweh, the true God (cf. [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scatter (Hebrew, _pûwts'_):** This primitive root signifies to "dash in pieces," "break," or "disperse." It conveys a violent and complete breaking apart, not merely a gentle spreading. In the context of nations, it implies the destruction of their unity and cohesion, leading to a forced disintegration and wide distribution of its people. The use of this strong verb emphasizes the decisive and destructive nature of God's judgment upon Egypt.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term refers to a foreign nation, often used in contrast to Israel. While it can simply mean "people" or "country," in prophetic contexts, especially when associated with judgment, it often carries the connotation of "Gentile" or "heathen," highlighting their status outside of God's covenant people. The Egyptians are to be scattered among these foreign entities, losing their distinct national identity and becoming indistinguishable from other peoples.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb is a primitive root meaning "to know," but it extends far beyond mere intellectual understanding. It implies an experiential, relational, and often compelled recognition. In Ezekiel, "to know that I am the LORD" means to experientially acknowledge God's unique deity, power, and sovereignty through His mighty acts, whether of judgment or salvation. This "knowing" is not optional; it is the inevitable outcome of God's intervention in history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes God as the active agent of judgment. The divine "I will" underscores His sovereign initiative. The scattering of the Egyptians signifies a complete dismantling of their national unity and presence within their own land, forcing them into foreign territories. This is a direct consequence of their pride and opposition to God's purposes.
* **"and disperse them among the countries;"**: This second clause functions as a synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and intensifying the meaning of the first. "Disperse" (from H2219 _zârâh_) carries a similar meaning to "scatter" but can also imply a winnowing or spreading out, suggesting a thorough and widespread distribution. The repetition emphasizes the totality and irreversibility of the judgment, ensuring no remnant of their former national power or identity remains centralized.
* **"and they shall know that I [am] the LORD."**: This concluding phrase is the theological climax and ultimate purpose of the judgment. It is a recurring refrain throughout Ezekiel, signifying that God's actions, however devastating, are ultimately revelatory. Through the experience of dispersion and the loss of their perceived security, the Egyptians (and by extension, other nations and even Israel) would be forced to acknowledge the unique, self-existent, and sovereign identity of Yahweh, the God of Israel, who alone controls the destinies of all peoples.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses describing the dispersion: "I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries." This synonymous parallelism intensifies the message, emphasizing the thoroughness and totality of the judgment. The verse also functions as a **Divine Oracle**, a direct declaration from God, marked by the authoritative "I will," which highlights God's absolute sovereignty and agency in history. Finally, the concluding phrase, "and they shall know that I [am] the LORD," serves as a profound statement of **Theophany** or **Self-Revelation**. This recurring motif in Ezekiel transforms the act of judgment into a means of divine disclosure, revealing God's character and power not just to Egypt, but to all who witness His mighty acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:26 powerfully articulates God's unwavering sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to revealing His identity through both judgment and salvation. It underscores that no earthly power, however mighty or self-assured, stands outside the purview of divine accountability. The dispersion of Egypt serves as a stark reminder that God's justice will prevail, and His ultimate purpose is to ensure that His unique identity as the LORD (Yahweh) is acknowledged by all. This "knowing" is not merely intellectual assent but an experiential recognition compelled by His mighty acts in history, demonstrating that even in the midst of severe punishment, God's ultimate aim is self-disclosure and the vindication of His holy name.

* [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations"): "And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes."
* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion as a Curse for Disobedience"): "And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, even wood and stone."
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Judgments"): "The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:26 offers profound insights for believers navigating a world often characterized by geopolitical instability, the rise and fall of empires, and the allure of worldly power. It serves as a timeless reminder that God remains absolutely sovereign over all human affairs, orchestrating the destinies of nations according to His divine plan. This truth should instill a deep sense of peace and trust, knowing that our ultimate security rests not in political alliances, economic strength, or military might, but in the unshakeable power and faithfulness of the LORD. Furthermore, the verse challenges us to recognize God's redemptive purpose even in seemingly destructive events; His judgments are not merely punitive but are designed to bring about a deeper, experiential knowledge of His identity. As we witness global events, we are called to discern God's hand at work, trusting that He is continually unfolding His purposes and drawing all creation to acknowledge Him as the one true God. This perspective encourages us to pray for nations, to live as ambassadors of His kingdom, and to place our ultimate hope in His eternal reign, rather than in the shifting sands of human power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations impact your trust in Him amidst global uncertainties?**
* **In what ways might God be revealing Himself to the world today through current events, even those that seem chaotic or destructive?**
* **How can believers cultivate a deeper "knowing" of the LORD in their daily lives, beyond mere intellectual understanding?**

### FAQ

**Why does God scatter nations, and what is the purpose of such a severe judgment?**

Answer: God scatters nations as a severe form of judgment, as seen with Egypt in Ezekiel 30:26 and also with Israel (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Dispersion as a Curse")). The primary purpose is to dismantle their national identity, power, and cohesion, often as a consequence of their pride, idolatry, or opposition to God's will. For nations like Egypt, it was a judgment for their arrogance and for leading God's people astray. However, beyond punishment, a crucial redemptive purpose underpins these acts: "and they shall know that I am the LORD." God uses these events to reveal His absolute sovereignty, power, and unique identity to the nations, compelling them to acknowledge Him as the one true God. It is a demonstration that no earthly power can stand against His ultimate authority.

**What does the phrase "they shall know that I am the LORD" signify in Ezekiel?**

Answer: This phrase, appearing over 60 times in Ezekiel, is a cornerstone of the prophet's message. It signifies an experiential and compelled recognition of God's unique identity and authority, rather than just intellectual understanding. Through His mighty acts of judgment or restoration, God forces both His people and the surrounding nations to acknowledge that He alone is Yahweh, the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. For Egypt, their scattering would be a undeniable demonstration of His power, proving that their own gods were powerless and that the God of Israel was supreme. It's a declaration of divine vindication and a call to acknowledge His singular deity (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 30:26 directly concerns God's judgment and self-revelation to ancient Egypt, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The ultimate "knowing" of God, which was the purpose of His judgments in the Old Testament, is fully realized in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect and final revelation of God, for "no one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known" ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). In Christ, the scattered peoples of the earth, both Jew and Gentile, are brought together, not through judgment and dispersion, but through reconciliation and unity in His body, the Church (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-18](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-18 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, the absolute sovereignty of God, so powerfully demonstrated in the scattering of Egypt, is fully vested in Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). Ultimately, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philip/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the Old Testament prophecies of God's self-revelation through judgment foreshadow the ultimate and gracious revelation of His glory and power through the person and work of His Son, Jesus, who gathers rather than scatters those who believe.

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

Daniel 11:42

He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

Ezekiel 29:12

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries [that are] desolate, and her cities among the cities [that are] laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Ezekiel 30:17

The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth shall fall by the sword: and these [cities] shall go into captivity.

Ezekiel 30:18

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.

Ezekiel 30:23

And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Ezekiel 6:13

Then shall ye know that I [am] the LORD, when their slain [men] shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.