Ezekiel 30:4

KJV

And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sword {H2719} shall come {H935} upon Egypt {H4714}, and great pain {H2479} shall be in Ethiopia {H3568}, when the slain {H2491} shall fall {H5307} in Egypt {H4714}, and they shall take away {H3947} her multitude {H1995}, and her foundations {H3247} shall be broken down {H2040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sword will come against Egypt, and Ethiopia will be in anguish, when the slain fall in Egypt, when they take away her wealth, and her foundations are torn down.

Berean Standard Bible

A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, its wealth is taken away, and its foundations are torn down.

American Standard Version

And a sword shall come upon Egypt, and anguish shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt; and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:4 prophesies a devastating divine judgment upon Egypt and its ally, Ethiopia (Cush), foretelling a catastrophic invasion that will bring widespread destruction and suffering. The "sword" symbolizes a violent military conquest, likely by Babylon, which will result in immense loss of life, the removal of Egypt's vast population or wealth, and the complete dismantling of its foundational structures of power and security. This oracle underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations, demonstrating His capacity to humble even the most formidable empires for their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 30:4 is situated within a series of prophetic oracles against foreign nations, specifically those targeting Egypt (chapters 29-32). These prophecies, delivered by Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, serve to demonstrate Yahweh's universal sovereignty, not only over Israel but over all nations. Chapter 29 begins with a prophecy against Pharaoh Hophra, comparing him to a great crocodile or monster in the Nile, destined for judgment. Chapter 30 continues this theme, detailing the specific nature and extent of Egypt's impending downfall, emphasizing its comprehensive nature and the involvement of the "sword of the king of Babylon" (e.g., [Ezekiel 30:10](/ezekiel/30-10 "Ezekiel 30:10 - The Sword of Babylon")). This particular verse sets the stage for the widespread suffering and complete dismantling of Egypt's power, serving as a prelude to further detailed descriptions of its desolation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Judah was caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining, yet still influential, empire of Egypt. Many in Judah looked to Egypt for military and political alliance against the encroaching Babylonian threat, despite divine warnings against such reliance (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). Egypt, known for its immense wealth, military might, and long-standing civilization, was a symbol of worldly power and a source of temptation for Israel to trust in human strength rather than God. Ethiopia (Cush), located south of Egypt, was a close ally and often intertwined with Egypt's military and political affairs, sharing in its fate. The prophecy reflects the geopolitical realities of the era, where Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian empire was the dominant force, poised to exert its power over the region, including Egypt.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, where God actively intervenes in human history to bring justice upon nations for their pride, idolatry, and oppression. It highlights God's **Sovereignty over Nations**, demonstrating that no earthly power, however mighty, can withstand His decree. The prophecy also underscores the **Consequences of False Trust**, as Egypt's downfall serves as a stark warning against relying on human alliances or worldly strength instead of God (as Israel often did, see [Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Egypt's Futile Help")). Furthermore, the comprehensive nature of the destruction—affecting both Egypt and its ally, and dismantling its "foundations"—emphasizes the theme of **Total Devastation** as a result of divine wrath, illustrating that God's judgment is thorough and inescapable when it falls.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This term (H2719) refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a knife, dagger, or sword, but more broadly denotes its destructive effect. In Ezekiel 30:4, "sword" is a powerful **metaphor** for war, military conquest, and the violent destruction that will befall Egypt. It signifies a forceful, external agency of judgment, bringing about death and devastation.
* **Pain (Hebrew, _chalchâlâh'_):** This word (H2479) denotes writhing, particularly the intense anguish of childbirth, and by implication, terror. Its use here suggests a sudden, overwhelming, and unavoidable suffering that will grip Ethiopia, akin to the uncontrollable spasms of labor. It emphasizes the deep, visceral distress that will accompany the invasion and destruction.
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** This term (H1995) can refer to a noise, tumult, crowd, or abundance. In the context of Egypt, it likely refers to its vast population, its numerous army, or its immense wealth and resources. The phrase "they shall take away her multitude" implies a significant depopulation through death or captivity, or the plundering of its riches, signifying a profound weakening of the nation's strength and identity.
* **Broken down (Hebrew, _hâraç'_):** This primitive root (H2040) means to pull down or in pieces, to break, destroy, or overthrow. When applied to "foundations," it vividly describes a complete demolition, indicating that the very basis of Egypt's power, security, and societal structure will be utterly shattered and rendered irreparable. It points to a comprehensive and irreversible collapse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sword shall come upon Egypt":** This opening clause immediately establishes the primary instrument and target of judgment. The "sword" signifies a violent military invasion, likely by the Babylonians, bringing war and destruction directly to the land of Egypt. It indicates an external, forceful act of divine judgment.
* **"and great pain shall be in Ethiopia":** This clause highlights the widespread impact of the judgment, extending beyond Egypt to its close ally, Ethiopia (Cush). The "great pain" emphasizes the severe, agonizing suffering that will afflict this allied nation, underscoring the comprehensive reach of the impending catastrophe.
* **"when the slain shall fall in Egypt":** This phrase describes the immediate and horrific consequence of the "sword"—mass casualties. The "slain" refers to those killed in battle, indicating a bloody conflict and a significant loss of life within Egypt, a direct result of the invasion.
* **"and they shall take away her multitude":** This part of the verse points to the depopulation or plundering of Egypt. "Her multitude" refers to its vast population (soldiers or civilians) or its abundant wealth. "Take away" implies either the killing of many, their deportation into captivity, or the seizure of their resources, all contributing to the nation's severe weakening.
* **"and her foundations shall be broken down":** This final clause depicts the ultimate and most profound aspect of Egypt's demise. "Her foundations" refers to the very basis of its power, stability, and societal structure. "Broken down" signifies a complete and utter demolition, implying that Egypt's strength, security, and established order will be entirely shattered, leaving it in ruins.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the severity and certainty of God's judgment. **Metaphor** is central, with "the sword" serving as a vivid representation of war, military conquest, and divine judgment. This imagery immediately conjures scenes of violence and destruction. The phrase "great pain shall be in Ethiopia" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and widespread nature of the suffering, suggesting an overwhelming anguish that will grip the allied nation. Furthermore, the description of "foundations shall be broken down" is a powerful **Synecdoche**, where "foundations" represents the entire structure of Egypt's power, security, and societal order. Its breaking down signifies the complete collapse of the nation. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a declarative statement of future events delivered by divine inspiration, emphasizing the inevitability and divine agency behind Egypt's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:4 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations, even the most formidable empires of the ancient world. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not confined to Israel but extends to those who oppose God's purposes, practice idolatry, or lead His people astray through false alliances. The comprehensive nature of Egypt's destruction—affecting its population, wealth, and very foundations—underscores the thoroughness and inescapable reality of God's justice. This serves as a timeless reminder that reliance on human power, wealth, or political maneuvering is ultimately futile when set against the will of the Almighty. God's judgment, though severe, is always righteous, serving to vindicate His holiness and establish His universal dominion.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 31:1-3](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1-3 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")
* [Daniel 4:34-35](/daniel/4-34 "Daniel 4:34-35 - God's Dominion Over All Kingdoms")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:4, while a prophecy of ancient judgment, offers profound contemporary relevance for believers. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust and security lie. Just as ancient Israel was tempted to rely on the formidable power of Egypt rather than the Lord, we too can be prone to placing our confidence in worldly systems, financial stability, political leaders, or personal accomplishments. This verse serves as a stark reminder that all human "foundations" are ultimately fragile and subject to collapse. True and lasting security is found only in the unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness of God. It calls us to cultivate a radical dependence on Him, recognizing that His justice will prevail, and His purposes will be accomplished, regardless of earthly powers. Furthermore, it encourages us to live with an awareness of God's righteous judgment, fostering humility and a commitment to living in accordance with His divine will, rather than the fleeting promises of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to place my trust in "Egypt" (worldly power, wealth, or human systems) instead of God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on nations inform my perspective on current global events and political landscapes?**
* **What "foundations" in my own life or community might be built on shifting sand, and how can I re-align them with God's eternal truth?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent reliance on God's sovereignty in both prosperous times and times of uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**Why was Egypt a frequent target of prophetic judgment in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Egypt was a frequent target of prophetic judgment primarily because of its historical role as a powerful, idolatrous nation that often oppressed God's people (as seen in the Exodus narrative) and later served as a deceptive, unreliable ally for Israel. Prophets like Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah consistently warned Israel against trusting in Egypt's military might or political influence, urging them instead to rely solely on Yahweh. Egypt's pride, its worship of false gods, and its role in leading Israel astray from divine trust made it a prime example of a nation deserving of God's righteous judgment, demonstrating His universal sovereignty over all earthly powers, as highlighted in [Isaiah 30:7](/isaiah/30-7 "Isaiah 30:7 - Egypt's Help is Worthless").

**Who is "Ethiopia" (Cush) in this verse, and why is it mentioned alongside Egypt?**

Answer: "Ethiopia" in this context refers to Cush (H3568), a region south of Egypt, encompassing parts of modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia. Historically, Cush was often closely allied with Egypt, sharing cultural and political ties, and at times even ruling Egypt (e.g., the 25th Dynasty). Its mention alongside Egypt in Ezekiel 30:4 indicates that the judgment would not be confined to Egypt alone but would extend to its allies, underscoring the widespread and comprehensive nature of the impending catastrophe. This highlights that those who align themselves with nations under divine judgment will also share in their fate, as described in [Ezekiel 30:9](/ezekiel/30-9 "Ezekiel 30:9 - Messengers to Terrify Cush").

**What does "her foundations shall be broken down" imply about the nature of Egypt's destruction?**

Answer: The phrase "her foundations shall be broken down" (H3247, H2040) implies a complete and utter demolition of Egypt's core structures of power, security, and societal stability. It's not merely a weakening or a temporary setback, but a fundamental collapse from within and without. This refers to the destruction of its military strength, its economic prosperity, its governmental institutions, and even its cultural identity and religious systems. It signifies that the very basis upon which Egypt built its greatness and security would be dismantled, leaving it utterly ruined and unable to recover its former glory, as also envisioned in [Ezekiel 29:15](/ezekiel/29-15 "Ezekiel 29:15 - Egypt to be the Lowliest of Kingdoms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 30:4 directly prophesies a historical judgment against ancient Egypt, its themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and the establishment of His perfect justice. The "sword" of judgment that falls upon Egypt foreshadows the divine judgment that will ultimately be executed by Christ, not just on nations, but on all sin and rebellion. Jesus, as the rightful King and Judge of all the earth, will ultimately "break down" the foundations of all systems and powers that oppose God's rule, whether they be political, economic, or spiritual (see [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The "great pain" and "slain" in Egypt point to the consequences of rejecting God's sovereignty, a reality that finds its ultimate expression in the final judgment where those who refuse Christ's saving grace will face eternal separation from God's presence (as described in [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Conversely, Christ's work on the cross broke down the foundations of sin and death, offering redemption and a new, unshakable foundation for humanity in Him (see [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation")). Thus, Ezekiel's prophecy, while grim for Egypt, ultimately points to the comprehensive victory of the Lamb of God, who alone establishes a kingdom whose foundations can never be broken down ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

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 29:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

Ezekiel 29:8

¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee.

Isaiah 16:7

Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely [they are] stricken.

Jeremiah 50:35

A sword [is] upon the Chaldeans, saith the LORD, and upon the inhabitants of Babylon, and upon her princes, and upon her wise [men].

Jeremiah 50:37

A sword [is] upon their horses, and upon their chariots, and upon all the mingled people that [are] in the midst of her; and they shall become as women: a sword [is] upon her treasures; and they shall be robbed.

Revelation 18:9

¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

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.