Ezekiel 30:5

KJV

Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ethiopia {H3568}, and Libya {H6316}, and Lydia {H3865}, and all the mingled {H6153} people, and Chub {H3552}, and the men {H1121} of the land {H776} that is in league {H1285}, shall fall {H5307} with them by the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ethiopia, Put and Lud, all the mixed population and Kuv, and the people of allied lands will die by the sword with them.'

Berean Standard Bible

Cush, Put, and Lud, and all the various peoples, as well as Libya and the men of the covenant land, will fall with Egypt by the sword.

American Standard Version

Ethiopia, and Put, and Lud, and all the mingled people, and Cub, and the children of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:5 is a powerful prophetic declaration detailing God's comprehensive judgment against Egypt and its extensive network of allies. It foretells that all nations and peoples who had formed alliances and confederacies with Egypt would inevitably share in its impending devastation by the sword. This verse underscores the universal reach of divine justice, demonstrating that no nation, however mighty or extensive its confederations, is beyond the sovereign decree of the Lord, who orchestrates the rise and fall of empires according to His righteous will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 30:5 is situated within a sustained prophetic oracle against Egypt, spanning chapters 29-32 of the book of Ezekiel. These chapters constitute a distinct literary unit, meticulously detailing the Lord's impending judgment upon Egypt, which is often depicted metaphorically as a "great dragon" (as seen in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh, the Great Dragon")) or a proud cedar (as described in [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - Pharaoh as a Cedar in Lebanon")). The immediate context of Ezekiel 30 focuses on the "Day of the Lord" against Egypt, portraying a widespread desolation that will transform the land into a desolate wasteland. Verse 5 specifically broadens the scope of this judgment from Egypt itself to include its confederates, highlighting the far-reaching and inescapable consequences of aligning with a nation destined for divine wrath. This expansion serves to emphasize the totality of God's destructive work against those who oppose His will or offer false security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Ezekiel's ministry, which spanned from approximately 593 to 571 BC, the kingdom of Judah was precariously positioned between the competing imperial powers of Babylon and Egypt. Egypt, with its ancient history, formidable military, and perceived strength, frequently served as a tempting yet ultimately unreliable ally for smaller nations seeking to resist the burgeoning hegemony of Babylon. Historically, Egypt extensively employed foreign mercenaries and forged numerous alliances with surrounding peoples to bolster its military and economic influence. The nations listed in Ezekiel 30:5—Ethiopia (Cush), Libya (Put), Lydia (Lud), Chub, and the "mingled people"—represent a broad spectrum of Egypt's allies, extending from regions in Africa to Asia Minor. Ethiopia and Libya were well-known sources of mercenary forces, while Lydia was a significant economic and military power in its own right. The phrase "men of the land that is in league" further underscores the extensive network of treaties and military pacts Egypt had forged. The prophecy foretells Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army as the divinely appointed instrument of this judgment, bringing to fruition God's declaration that He would break the arm of Pharaoh and lay waste to his land, as prophesied earlier in [Ezekiel 30:2-4](/ezekiel/30-2-4 "Ezekiel 30:2-4 - The Day of the Lord Against Egypt").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Ezekiel and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it profoundly reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that God's justice is not confined to Israel but extends universally to all nations, holding them accountable for their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His sovereign purposes. Secondly, it highlights the severe **Consequences of False Alliances**, illustrating the profound peril of placing trust in human power and political maneuvering rather than in the Lord. Nations that relied on Egypt's strength would inevitably share in its downfall, a solemn warning echoed in other prophetic books, such as when Isaiah warns against going down to Egypt for help, stating that "the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses are flesh, and not spirit" in [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help"). Finally, the verse powerfully asserts God's **Absolute Sovereignty** over all earthly kingdoms. Despite the apparent might of these empires, God declares His absolute control over their destinies, using even pagan nations like Babylon as instruments of His judgment, thereby demonstrating that no power is beyond His reach or can thwart His divine plan for history, as seen in His declaration that He "removes kings and sets up kings" in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From a root meaning "to build," referring to a son as a builder of the family name, but in a wider sense, it denotes a member of a group or a quality. Here, "men" (`bên`) is used in the phrase "men of the land," signifying the inhabitants or those belonging to a particular territory. Its usage emphasizes the collective identity of those who are part of the "land that is in league" with Egypt, marking them as participants in Egypt's fate.
* **league (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From a root meaning "to cut," referring to a compact or covenant often made by passing between pieces of flesh (as in a blood covenant). In this context, it signifies a formal agreement, alliance, or confederacy between nations. The mention of those "in league" emphasizes that the judgment extends beyond Egypt's direct populace to all who had formally bound themselves to its fate through treaties and agreements, highlighting the contractual nature of their shared destiny.
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fall" in a wide variety of applications, including to be cast down, to cease, to die, or to perish. Here, it denotes a violent and complete collapse, signifying the utter destruction and overthrow of these nations alongside Egypt. It implies a loss of power, life, and national existence, a direct and devastating consequence of divine judgment.
* **sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From a root meaning "drought," but also referring to a cutting instrument due to its destructive effect, specifically a knife, dagger, or sword. In prophetic literature, the "sword" frequently symbolizes war, violent death, and divine judgment. Its mention here indicates that the downfall of Egypt and its allies will be a result of military conquest and bloodshed, orchestrated by God as the instrument of His wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub,"**: This opening clause meticulously enumerates the diverse range of nations and peoples allied with Egypt. "Ethiopia" (Cush) refers to the region south of Egypt, "Libya" (Put) to its west, and "Lydia" (Lud) to a powerful kingdom in Asia Minor. "Chub" is a more obscure location, likely in North Africa, possibly related to Libya. The phrase "all the mingled people" (Hebrew: `ʻereb`) refers to a diverse collection of foreign peoples, likely mercenary soldiers or various ethnic groups residing within or associated with Egypt, highlighting the extensive and varied nature of Egypt's confederation. The detailed listing emphasizes the breadth of Egypt's influence and the comprehensive scope of the impending judgment.
* **"and the men of the land that is in league,"**: This phrase acts as a summarizing and encompassing category, including all other unnamed nations or groups that had entered into formal alliances or treaties (a "league" or `bᵉrîyth`) with Egypt. It underscores that the judgment is not arbitrary but specifically targets those who had chosen to align themselves with a power that stood in opposition to God's ultimate plan, rather than seeking divine guidance or protection. This highlights the deliberate choice of these nations to cast their lot with Egypt.
* **"shall fall with them by the sword."**: This concluding declaration pronounces the shared and inevitable fate of Egypt and its confederates. The verb "fall" (`nâphal`) signifies a violent and decisive collapse, implying military defeat, widespread death, and national ruin. The instrument of this downfall, "the sword" (`chereb`), explicitly points to warfare and bloodshed as the divinely appointed means of God's judgment. The phrase "with them" definitively confirms that these allies will suffer the same devastating fate as Egypt, emphasizing the perilous and inescapable consequences of their unholy alliances and misplaced trust.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of comprehensive and inescapable judgment. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the prophet meticulously lists the various nations and peoples—Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, the mingled people, and Chub—to underscore the vast geographical and demographic reach of Egypt's alliances and, consequently, the wide scope of God's impending wrath. This detailed listing serves to emphasize the totality and inevitability of the judgment. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as the verse foretells a future event with divine certainty, declaring God's sovereign intent to bring about the downfall of these powers. The phrase "shall fall... by the sword" is a powerful instance of **Metonymy**, where "sword" stands in for the violent warfare, military conquest, and destruction it brings, symbolizing the instrument of divine judgment. Furthermore, the comprehensive nature of the list and the declaration that *all* "shall fall" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the complete and inescapable nature of the judgment that will spare none of Egypt's allies, reinforcing the absolute sovereignty of God over all earthly kingdoms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:5 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that God's sovereignty extends over all nations, not just Israel. It reveals His universal justice, which holds all peoples accountable for their actions, particularly their pride, their reliance on human strength, and their opposition to His divine will. The comprehensive downfall of Egypt's allies serves as a stark reminder that alliances forged on human power and self-sufficiency, rather than on humble trust in the Lord, are ultimately futile and lead to shared destruction. This prophecy underscores God's absolute control over the course of history, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan empires (like Babylon) as instruments of His righteous judgment against those who defy Him, thereby affirming that no earthly power can thwart His ultimate purposes.

* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")
* [Jeremiah 25:15-26](/jeremiah/25-15-26 "Jeremiah 25:15-26 - The Cup of God's Wrath for All Nations")
* [Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:5 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, transcending its historical context to speak to the timeless human tendency to place trust in fleeting powers rather than in the eternal God. In a world characterized by shifting political landscapes, economic uncertainties, and the alluring promise of human ingenuity, this verse serves as a timeless warning against relying on anything other than the Lord for true security and lasting peace. It challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate confidence lies—whether in financial stability, political systems, influential connections, or even our own abilities and self-sufficiency. The comprehensive downfall of Egypt's allies reminds us that all earthly foundations are ultimately impermanent and subject to God's sovereign will. Our true security is found not in the strength of our alliances or the vastness of our resources, but in humble dependence on the One who "frustrates the plans of the nations" ([Psalm 33:10](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")) and whose kingdom alone is unshakable. It calls us to cultivate a posture of unwavering faith, recognizing that true wisdom involves aligning our lives, our hopes, and our trust with God's unchanging character and unfailing promises, seeking His kingdom first above all else.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust for security and stability in life, and how might this passage challenge those dependencies?**
* **In what ways might I be forming "alliances" (dependencies or sources of confidence) in my life that are not rooted in reliance on God alone?**
* **What does this passage teach me about God's character, particularly His justice and sovereignty, and how does this understanding impact my worldview and daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "mingled people" and "Chub" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "mingled people" (Hebrew: `ʻereb`) generally refers to a diverse collection of foreign peoples, often mercenary soldiers or various ethnic groups residing within or associated with Egypt. This term appears elsewhere in the Old Testament (e.g., [Exodus 12:38](/exodus/12-38 "Exodus 12:38 - The Mixed Multitude Leaving Egypt")) to describe a mixed multitude that accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt. Its inclusion here highlights the extensive and varied nature of Egypt's confederation, drawing forces and allegiances from many different backgrounds. "Chub" (Hebrew: `Kûwb`) is a more obscure geographical reference. While its exact location is uncertain, scholarly consensus generally places it as another region in North Africa, possibly related to Libya or other peoples west of Egypt. Its mention further emphasizes the widespread network of alliances Egypt had formed, extending its influence across the region, and thus the comprehensive scope of the impending divine judgment.

**Why does God's judgment extend to these allied nations, and not just Egypt?**

Answer: God's judgment extends to these allied nations for several profound theological and practical reasons. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates the universal scope of God's sovereignty and justice. He is not just the God of Israel, but the God of all nations, holding them accountable for their actions and alliances. Secondly, these nations had willingly entered into "league" (a formal covenant or `bᵉrîyth`) with Egypt, a nation characterized by pride, idolatry, and a history of deceiving God's people (e.g., [Isaiah 30:7](/isaiah/30-7 "Isaiah 30:7 - Egypt's Help is Worthless")). By aligning with Egypt, they implicitly shared in its spiritual and political rebellion against the true God. Their fate serves as a powerful object lesson: those who place their trust in human strength and ungodly alliances rather than in the Lord will inevitably share in the downfall of their chosen protectors. This principle is consistent throughout prophetic literature, where God declares His judgment against numerous nations for their wickedness and opposition to His purposes, as seen in the broader "oracles against the nations" sections in books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, such as [Jeremiah 46](/jeremiah/46 "Jeremiah 46 - Prophecy Against Egypt").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 30:5, with its stark portrayal of the comprehensive judgment against nations allied with a proud earthly power, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context is a historical judgment against Egypt and its confederates, the underlying principle points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers that oppose Him. The "fall by the sword" foreshadows the spiritual battle that Christ wages against the principalities and powers of darkness, and His ultimate, decisive victory over all forms of human rebellion and self-reliance. Just as these nations fell due to their alliance with a doomed earthly kingdom, so too will all who align themselves with the "prince of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Judgment of This World's Ruler")) ultimately face judgment. Christ, the true King of kings and Lord of lords, is the only unshakable foundation, establishing a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")) that will never fall or be destroyed. The final judgment, where all nations will stand before Him to be separated as sheep from goats ([Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31-32 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Judging the Nations")), echoes this comprehensive divine accountability. Moreover, the "sword" of judgment in Ezekiel finds its ultimate spiritual counterpart in the "sharp sword" that comes from Christ's mouth, by which He will strike down the nations and rule them with a rod of iron ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Rider on the White Horse and the Sword of His Mouth")). Thus, Ezekiel 30:5 points forward to the absolute sovereignty of Christ, who alone holds the destiny of all nations in His hands, ensuring that every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")).

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

Jeremiah 25:20

And all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Azzah, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod,

Ezekiel 27:10

They of Persia and of Lud and of Phut were in thine army, thy men of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in thee; they set forth thy comeliness.

Jeremiah 25:24

And all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mingled people that dwell in the desert,

Isaiah 20:4

So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

Nahum 3:8

¶ Art thou better than populous No, that was situate among the rivers, [that had] the waters round about it, whose rampart [was] the sea, [and] her wall [was] from the sea?

Nahum 3:9

Ethiopia and Egypt [were] her strength, and [it was] infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

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.