Ezekiel 30:7

KJV

And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries [that are] desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities [that are] wasted.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall be desolate {H8074} in the midst {H8432} of the countries {H776} that are desolate {H8074}, and her cities {H5892} shall be in the midst {H8432} of the cities {H5892} that are wasted {H2717}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"They will be desolate even when compared with other desolate countries, likewise her cities in comparison with other ruined cities.

Berean Standard Bible

They will be desolate among desolate lands, and their cities will lie among ruined cities.

American Standard Version

And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate; and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:7 delivers a chilling prophecy concerning the utter devastation of Egypt, declaring that it will suffer a desolation mirroring that of other already ruined nations. This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of divine judgment, portraying Egypt's once-proud cities and fertile lands reduced to a wasteland, a stark testament to God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and their inevitable fate when they defy His will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of oracles against Egypt, specifically found in [Ezekiel chapters 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel's Oracles Against Egypt"). These prophecies detail the impending destruction of Egypt at the hands of Babylon, led by Nebuchadnezzar, who is explicitly identified as God's instrument for judgment ([Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Instrument")). The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 30](/ezekiel/30 "Ezekiel 30 - The Day of the Lord Against Egypt") describe the "day of the Lord" coming upon Egypt, bringing widespread slaughter and the shattering of its idols. Verse 7 specifically emphasizes the resulting desolation, linking Egypt's fate to that of other nations already laid waste, thereby highlighting the universality of God's judgment and the inescapable consequences of national pride and idolatry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies against Egypt in Ezekiel were delivered during the early 6th century BC, a tumultuous period in the ancient Near East. Judah, having been conquered by Babylon, often looked to Egypt as a potential ally against the burgeoning Babylonian empire. However, Egypt's reliability as an ally was consistently portrayed as deceptive and ultimately futile by the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Reliance on Egypt is Futile") and [Jeremiah 37:5-7](/jeremiah/37-5 "Jeremiah 37:5-7 - Pharaoh's Army Will Retreat")). Egypt, with its ancient civilization, immense wealth, and formidable military, was considered a superpower. Its pharaohs often boasted of their divine status. This prophecy, therefore, served to dismantle any false hope in Egypt's power and to demonstrate Yahweh's supreme authority over even the mightiest nations, revealing that their strength was nothing before His divine decree. The desolation described would have been a shocking and humiliating reversal for a nation accustomed to centuries of prosperity and dominance.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [Ezekiel](/ezekiel/1 "The Book of Ezekiel - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration") include God's **sovereignty** over all nations, the inevitability of **divine judgment** against sin and rebellion, and the concept of **desolation** as a consequence of national pride and idolatry. This verse powerfully contributes to these themes by demonstrating that even a powerful nation like Egypt is not exempt from God's righteous wrath. The repeated imagery of "desolate" and "wasted" emphasizes the **comprehensive nature of God's judgment**, signifying not just a temporary setback but a profound and lasting ruin. Furthermore, the idea of Egypt being "in the midst of the countries that are desolate" highlights a theme of **shared fate**, where nations that defy God ultimately experience a common downfall, serving as a stark warning to all who might trust in human might over divine power.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** From H8074, this word implies being stunned, growing numb, devastated, or stupefied. It conveys a sense of utter emptiness, ruin, and the emotional impact of astonishment or horror at such destruction. In Ezekiel 30:7, it speaks to the profound and shocking state of abandonment and ruin that will befall Egypt, leaving it utterly uninhabited and unproductive.
* **countries (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From H776, this term refers to the earth at large or, more specifically, a land or country. Here, it signifies the various territories or nations that have already experienced God's judgment and have been laid waste. By stating Egypt will be "in the midst of the countries that are desolate," the prophecy emphasizes that Egypt's fate is not unique but part of a universal pattern of divine retribution against rebellious nations.
* **wasted (Hebrew, _chârab'_):** From H2717, this root means to parch, to desolate, destroy, or kill. It speaks to a state of being dried up, ruined, or annihilated. Its use alongside "desolate" (shâmêm) intensifies the imagery of complete and irreversible destruction, suggesting a land and its cities rendered barren and uninhabitable, stripped of all life and prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate":** This clause pronounces a severe judgment upon Egypt ("they" referring to the Egyptians or their land). The use of "desolate" twice underscores the certainty and comprehensiveness of this state. Crucially, it places Egypt's future ruin not in isolation, but "in the midst of" other nations that have already experienced similar divine judgment and have been reduced to desolation. This implies a shared fate for all who oppose God, emphasizing that Egypt, despite its former glory, will join the ranks of the ruined.
* **"and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted":** This second clause reiterates and amplifies the first, focusing specifically on the urban centers of Egypt. "Her cities" refers to the once-mighty and populous cities of Egypt, which will now be reduced to rubble and ruin. They will stand "in the midst of the cities that are wasted," meaning they will become indistinguishable from other urban ruins that bear witness to past destructions. This highlights the total collapse of Egypt's infrastructure, economy, and societal organization, leaving behind only monuments to its former grandeur and current devastation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Repetition** is a primary device, with the terms "desolate" and "wasted" (or variations thereof) appearing multiple times. This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute and comprehensive nature of the destruction, leaving no doubt about the severity of Egypt's fate. The phrase "in the midst of the countries/cities that are desolate/wasted" utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause reinforces the meaning of the first, adding depth and intensity to the prophecy. This also creates a strong sense of **Irony**, as Egypt, a nation once proud and powerful, is reduced to the same state as those it may have once dominated or considered inferior. Furthermore, the verse uses **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme nature of the desolation; while some inhabitants might remain, the prophetic language paints a picture of complete and utter ruin, conveying the severity of God's judgment in the strongest possible terms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:7 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no earthly power, however mighty or ancient, is beyond the reach of His righteous judgment. The desolation of Egypt, a nation long associated with pride, idolatry, and oppression (especially against Israel), illustrates the consequences of national rebellion against divine authority. This prophecy reminds us that God's plan for history encompasses the rise and fall of empires, all orchestrated to bring about His ultimate purposes and to demonstrate His glory. It underscores the universal principle that sin, particularly corporate sin like idolatry and pride, inevitably leads to ruin, whether for individuals or for entire civilizations.

* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Babylon's Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Desolation for Judah")
* [Revelation 18:2-3](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2-3 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:7 stands as a timeless reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring reality of divine judgment. In a world where nations still rise and fall, and where human pride often asserts itself against divine wisdom, this verse calls us to humility and a sober recognition of God's ultimate authority. It challenges us to examine where our trust truly lies: in the fleeting strength of human systems and alliances, or in the unchanging power and faithfulness of the Almighty. For believers, it reinforces the call to live as citizens of an eternal kingdom, not to place ultimate hope in any earthly government or economy, but to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness. This prophecy also serves as a warning against the dangers of national idolatry and self-sufficiency, urging us to advocate for justice, righteousness, and humble submission to God's ways within our own societies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the desolation of Egypt, as described in this verse, challenge our modern assumptions about national security and prosperity?**
* **In what ways might our own society, or even our personal lives, exhibit forms of pride or idolatry that could invite divine judgment?**
* **What does this prophecy teach us about the importance of discerning God's hand in historical events, both past and present?**
* **How should the understanding of God's sovereignty over nations influence our prayers and our engagement with political processes?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific historical fulfillment of this prophecy against Egypt?**

Answer: The prophecy found its primary historical fulfillment through the invasion of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, around 568-567 BC. While the destruction may not have been as absolute as the prophetic language suggests in every detail (prophetic language often uses hyperbole to convey severity), historical records and archaeological findings confirm significant Babylonian incursions and periods of Egyptian subjugation, leading to a decline in its regional power and influence. [Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward") specifically names Nebuchadnezzar as God's instrument for this judgment, indicating the precision of the prophecy.

**Does this verse imply that God desires the destruction of nations?**

Answer: This verse, like many judgment prophecies, highlights God's justice and His intolerance for sin, particularly national pride, idolatry, and oppression. While the outcome is destruction, the underlying desire is for repentance and recognition of His sovereignty. God's ultimate desire is for all nations to acknowledge Him ([Psalm 22:27](/psalm/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord")). However, when nations persistently defy Him and oppress His people, judgment becomes a necessary demonstration of His righteousness and a means to clear the way for His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 30:7 speaks of the physical desolation of Egypt, its deeper theological resonance points to the ultimate judgment that falls upon all who reject God, and conversely, the ultimate restoration found in Christ. The "desolation" described here foreshadows the spiritual desolation that sin brings, separating humanity from God and leaving souls "wasted" by their rebellion. However, Christ enters into this desolate human condition. He willingly became "desolate" on the cross, experiencing the ultimate separation from God the Father ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), bearing the judgment that humanity deserved. Through His sacrifice, He transforms the desolate places of our hearts and lives into places of spiritual flourishing. The judgment against Egypt, like all Old Testament judgments, serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and the gravity of sin, but it also points forward to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a path to reconciliation and eternal life, thereby averting the ultimate and eternal desolation for all who believe ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and God's Gift")). In Christ, the promise is not of desolation, but of abundant life and a new creation where all things are made new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

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 29:12

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.

Jeremiah 25:18

[To wit], Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the kings thereof, and the princes thereof, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, an hissing, and a curse; as [it is] this day;

Jeremiah 25:26

And all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another, and all the kingdoms of the world, which [are] upon the face of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them.

Ezekiel 32:18

Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, [even] her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

Ezekiel 32:32

For I have caused my terror in the land of the living: and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that are] slain with the sword, [even] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 46:1

¶ The word of the LORD which came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles;

Jeremiah 46:28

Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.