Ezekiel 30:9

KJV

In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.

KJV (with Strong's)

In that day {H3117} shall messengers {H4397} go forth {H3318} from me {H6440} in ships {H6716} to make the careless {H983} Ethiopians {H3568} afraid {H2729}, and great pain {H2479} shall come upon them, as in the day {H3117} of Egypt {H4714}: for, lo, it cometh {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, I will send out messengers in ships to terrify the unsuspecting Ethiopians; and anguish will overcome them on the day of Egypt. Yes, here it comes!

Berean Standard Bible

On that day messengers will go out from Me in ships to frighten Cush out of complacency. Anguish will come upon them on the day of Egypt’s doom. For it is indeed coming.

American Standard Version

In that day shall messengers go forth from before me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid; and there shall be anguish upon them, as in the day of Egypt; for, lo, it cometh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 30:9 serves as a potent prophetic declaration, detailing the far-reaching and terrifying impact of God's impending judgment upon Egypt. It specifically highlights how the news of Egypt's utter devastation would be swiftly carried by divine messengers in ships to the seemingly secure nation of Ethiopia (Cush). This verse underscores the expansive scope of divine sovereignty, revealing that even distant allies and those living in complacency would not escape the ripple effects of God's righteous wrath, experiencing a profound terror akin to the ancient plagues and judgments upon Egypt, thereby affirming the absolute certainty and inevitability of God's prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a series of divine oracles delivered by the prophet Ezekiel against foreign nations, with a particular focus on Egypt in chapters 29-32. These prophecies are not isolated but serve as a crucial theological complement to the judgments pronounced upon Judah and Jerusalem, demonstrating that Yahweh's sovereignty is universal, extending over all empires and holding them accountable for their pride, idolatry, and opposition to His purposes. Ezekiel 30 specifically details the comprehensive devastation of Egypt and the scattering of its inhabitants. Verse 9 functions as a pivotal point, illustrating how the news of Egypt's catastrophic collapse would not be contained within its borders but would spread rapidly, impacting its allies and those who had relied on its perceived strength. This outward ripple effect magnifies the scope, severity, and inescapable nature of God's judgment, showing that the desolation of Egypt, described in the preceding verses, would inevitably lead to fear gripping even distant Cush.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, Egypt was a formidable regional power, often serving as a strategic ally or a source of reliance for smaller nations, including Ethiopia (Cush), located to its south. Cush itself was a significant kingdom, renowned for its military prowess, and historically, it had periods of intertwined relations with Egypt, even ruling Egypt during the 25th Dynasty. The description of the Ethiopians as "careless" (or "secure") suggests a nation living in a false sense of invulnerability, perhaps due to their geographical distance from the direct conflict zone with Babylon or their historically strong position. The prophecy anticipates Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, as the divinely appointed instrument of judgment against Egypt. The mention of "ships" indicates the probable use of maritime routes, likely via the Nile River or the Red Sea, for swift communication or even the movement of forces, emphasizing the comprehensive and unavoidable nature of the impending terror that would reach even seemingly remote areas.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 30:9 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that God's authority transcends all national boundaries and that He meticulously orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, holding them accountable for their arrogance, sin, and defiance. This is a recurring motif, also evident in prophecies against Tyre in [Ezekiel 26](/ezekiel/26 "Ezekiel 26 - Prophecy Against Tyre") and Babylon in [Jeremiah 50](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Widespread Impact of Judgment**, illustrating that the downfall of a major power like Egypt would not be an isolated event but would send shockwaves through its network of allies and dependencies, such as Cush, underscoring the interconnectedness and comprehensive nature of God's justice. Thirdly, the declarative phrase "for, lo, it cometh" emphasizes the **Certainty and Imminence of Prophecy**, affirming that God's declared word will undoubtedly come to pass, regardless of human complacency or perceived security. This certainty is a hallmark of prophetic literature, designed to elicit repentance or demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His word. Lastly, the "careless Ethiopians" serve as a cautionary example of the **Consequences of Complacency**, particularly when nations or individuals place their trust in worldly strength or alliances rather than acknowledging the ultimate power of God, a theme echoed in warnings found in [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Ruin of the Complacent") regarding the destruction that awaits those who are at ease.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Careless (Hebrew, _beṭach'_):** This word (H983) conveys a sense of security, confidence, or trust, often implying a state of being at ease or unconcerned. In this context, it suggests a false or misplaced security on the part of the Ethiopians, who might have felt immune to the consequences of Egypt's downfall dueating to their distance, perceived strength, or historical influence. Their "carelessness" highlights their spiritual blindness and lack of preparedness for God's impending judgment.
* **Messengers (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** The term (H4397) literally means "messenger" or "angel," and can also refer to a prophet, priest, or teacher. Here, it refers to human envoys dispatched by God (through the events He orchestrates) to spread the news of Egypt's devastation. The choice of this word emphasizes that the propagation of fear is not accidental but divinely purposed, as these "messengers" are instruments in God's hand to fulfill His judgment.
* **Great pain (Hebrew, _chalchâlâh'_):** This word (H2479) denotes writhing, as in childbirth, or intense terror and anguish. It signifies a profound, visceral suffering and fear. The addition of "great" (gedolah) intensifies the magnitude of this pain, indicating that the Ethiopians would experience a terror so overwhelming it would be comparable to the suffering inflicted upon Egypt during the Exodus, a historical benchmark of divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships":** This clause precisely establishes the timing ("that day" refers to the day of Egypt's judgment) and unequivocally declares the divine initiative behind the spread of news. The "messengers" are implicitly God's agents, and their travel "in ships" suggests swift, likely maritime, communication, emphasizing the rapid and far-reaching dissemination of the news of Egypt's catastrophic collapse. The phrase "from me" underscores God's direct involvement and orchestration of these events, highlighting His absolute control.
* **"to make the careless Ethiopians afraid":** This specifies the precise purpose and target of the messengers' mission. The news of Egypt's fall is intended to instill profound fear in Ethiopia (Cush), a nation previously characterized by "carelessness" or a false sense of security. This divinely induced fear is a direct consequence of their alliance with or reliance on Egypt, and it serves to shatter their dangerous complacency.
* **"and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt":** This describes the nature and intense severity of the impact on Ethiopia. The "great pain" signifies deep anguish, terror, and distress, directly linking their future suffering to the historical precedent of God's devastating judgments upon Egypt, particularly during the Exodus. This comparison highlights the overwhelming severity and undeniable divine origin of the impending distress, underscoring its historical and theological weight.
* **"for, lo, it cometh.":** This concluding declaration serves as a powerful, terse affirmation of the prophecy's absolute certainty and imminent fulfillment. It leaves no room for doubt or negotiation, emphasizing that what God has decreed will undeniably and inevitably come to pass. This phrase acts as a divine seal on the entire pronouncement, reinforcing its authoritative and unchangeable nature.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 30:9 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with maximum impact. The phrase "as in the day of Egypt" is a powerful **Allusion**, specifically referencing the Exodus event and the devastating plagues God brought upon Egypt, culminating in the destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea. This allusion immediately establishes the magnitude and divine origin of the impending judgment, invoking a historical precedent of unparalleled divine intervention and devastation. The characterization of the Ethiopians as "careless" creates a stark **Contrast** with the "great pain" and terror that will suddenly afflict them, highlighting the ironic and tragic reversal of their perceived security. This contrast also functions as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience understands the impending doom that the complacent Ethiopians do not. The "messengers" can be seen as a form of **Personification** of the news itself, or as symbolic agents of God's sovereign will, emphasizing that the spread of terror is not accidental but divinely orchestrated. Finally, the emphatic declaration "for, lo, it cometh" serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the inevitable fulfillment of the prophecy, building suspense and reinforcing the absolute certainty and reliability of God's prophetic word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 30:9 profoundly illustrates God's unassailable sovereignty over all nations and His meticulous orchestration of history to fulfill His divine purposes. It reveals that no nation, however powerful, geographically distant, or seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of His judgment when it aligns itself with those who defy Him or lives in complacent disregard of His ultimate authority. The "great pain" that comes upon the "careless Ethiopians" is not merely a political consequence of Egypt's fall but a divinely appointed terror, demonstrating that God's justice is comprehensive and extends even to those who are indirectly involved through alliance or influence. This passage serves as a potent reminder that true security is found not in worldly power, strategic alliances, or geographical isolation, but in humble submission to the Lord of Hosts, who brings down the proud and exalts the humble. The certainty of "it cometh" underscores the reliability of God's prophetic word and His unwavering commitment to executing His righteous decrees, serving as both a warning to the complacent and an affirmation of His faithfulness to His covenant people.

* [Isaiah 18:1-7](/isaiah/18-1-7 "Prophecy Concerning Cush and God's Future Work")
* [Jeremiah 46:1-26](/jeremiah/46-1-26 "Prophecy Against Egypt and Its Allies")
* [Nahum 3:8-10](/nahum/3-8-10 "The Fall of Thebes and the Scattering of Its Allies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 30:9 offers a timeless and profound spiritual lesson: complacency in the face of divine warnings is perilous and ultimately leads to ruin. The "careless Ethiopians" serve as a stark reminder that a false sense of security, whether based on geographical distance, political alliances, material prosperity, or a perceived immunity from global events, offers no true refuge from the consequences of aligning with ungodliness or ignoring God's sovereign hand in history. This verse challenges us to deeply examine where we place our trust and security. Do we primarily rely on our own strength, our financial stability, our social connections, or our perceived safety from worldly troubles? Or do we acknowledge God's ultimate control over all things and seek our security and refuge in Him alone, recognizing that He is the true source of peace and stability? The "great pain" that came upon Ethiopia, mirroring the historical judgment on Egypt, should prompt us to take God's warnings seriously and to live with a healthy, reverent fear of the Lord, which is indeed the beginning of wisdom. It calls us to be spiritually alert, discerning the signs of the times, and ensuring that our lives are built on the unshakeable foundation of God's truth and righteousness, rather than the shifting sands of worldly confidence and self-reliance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting "carelessness" or a false sense of security, trusting in earthly things rather than in God's provision and protection?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment, as expressed in "for, lo, it cometh," impact my urgency to live a life pleasing to Him and to share His truth with others?**
* **What alliances, influences, or comforts in my life, whether personal or societal, might be subtly leading me away from God's purposes, similar to Ethiopia's reliance on Egypt?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and events, and allow that truth to profoundly shape my perspective, prayers, and daily decisions?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "ships" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of "ships" (H6716, _tsîy_) suggests the use of maritime routes for the swift dissemination of news or even military movements. Given that Ethiopia (Cush) was south of Egypt, and both nations had access to the Nile River and the Red Sea, ships would have been the most efficient means to carry messengers and the news of Egypt's devastating defeat to distant lands. This detail emphasizes the speed, comprehensiveness, and unavoidable reach of God's judgment, ensuring that even remote allies would quickly learn of Egypt's downfall and experience its terrifying repercussions. It highlights the inescapable nature of God's decree and how He uses various means, both natural and supernatural, to accomplish His divine purposes, as seen in the broader narrative of God's control over creation and human affairs (e.g., [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalm/107-23 "God's Control Over the Seas")).

**Why are the Ethiopians described as "careless"?**

Answer: The term "careless" (H983, _beṭach_) implies a state of security, ease, or complacency, often with a nuance of being unconcerned or unprepared for impending danger. In this context, it suggests that the Ethiopians, perhaps due to their geographical distance from the primary conflict zone in Egypt or their historical military strength, felt immune to the consequences of Egypt's impending fall. They were living in a false sense of security, unaware of the "great pain" that would soon come upon them as a direct result of their alliance with or reliance on a nation under God's judgment. This highlights the spiritual blindness that often accompanies worldly confidence, failing to recognize God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and His capacity to bring down the proud, as seen in [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10 "God's Counsel Stands Forever").

**How does "as in the day of Egypt" relate to the judgment on Ethiopia?**

Answer: The phrase "as in the day of Egypt" (H3117, _yôwm_ of H4714, _Mitsrayim_) is a powerful historical allusion, specifically referencing the unparalleled judgments God brought upon ancient Egypt during the Exodus, culminating in the destruction of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea (e.g., [Exodus 14:28](/exodus/14-28 "Destruction of Pharaoh's Army")). By comparing the impending "great pain" upon Ethiopia to this historical event, Ezekiel emphasizes the severity, divine origin, and terrifying nature of the judgment. It signifies that the fear and anguish Ethiopia would experience would be on par with one of history's most dramatic demonstrations of God's wrath, leaving no doubt about the overwhelming impact of Egypt's collapse on its allies. This allusion serves to magnify the prophetic warning and underscore the absolute certainty of God's word and His consistent character in executing justice against those who oppose Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 30:9 speaks of a historical judgment on ancient nations, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "messengers" who go forth to make the "careless Ethiopians afraid" foreshadow the ultimate divine message that goes forth to all humanity: the gospel of Jesus Christ, which brings both conviction and salvation. Just as the news of Egypt's fall shattered the false security of Ethiopia, the message of Christ's cross and resurrection shatters humanity's complacency, revealing the depth of sin and the certainty of God's coming judgment (e.g., [Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30 "God Commands All People Everywhere to Repent")). The "great pain" that comes upon those who reject God's warnings in the Old Testament points to the ultimate and eternal separation from God for those who remain "careless" in their sin and refuse to trust in Christ as Lord and Savior (e.g., [Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Eternal Punishment and Eternal Life")).

Conversely, for those who respond to the gospel, the fear of judgment is replaced by the peace of reconciliation through Christ's atoning sacrifice. The "day of Egypt" represents a historical act of God's judgment and deliverance; in Christ, we see the ultimate deliverance from the bondage of sin and the ultimate judgment borne by the Lamb of God on the cross (e.g., [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The sovereignty of God over nations, so clearly displayed in Ezekiel, culminates in Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission")). Thus, the judgment foreshadowed in Ezekiel 30:9 ultimately points to the comprehensive and universal reign of Christ, who will return to judge the living and the dead, bringing both righteous wrath upon the unrepentant and eternal salvation to those who place their trust in Him (e.g., [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "The Great White Throne Judgment")).

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

Isaiah 18:1

¶ Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which [is] beyond the rivers of Ethiopia:

Isaiah 18:2

That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, [saying], Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!

Isaiah 23:5

As at the report concerning Egypt, [so] shall they be sorely pained at the report of Tyre.

Ezekiel 32:9

I will also vex the hearts of many people, when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known.

Ezekiel 32:10

Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at [every] moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall.

Isaiah 20:3

And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years [for] a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;

Zephaniah 2:15

This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.