Ezekiel 32:15

KJV

When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate, and the country shall be destitute of that whereof it was full, when I shall smite all them that dwell therein, then shall they know that I [am] the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

When I shall make {H5414} the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} desolate {H8077}, and the country {H776} shall be destitute {H8074} of that whereof it was full {H4393}, when I shall smite {H5221} all them that dwell {H3427} therein, then shall they know {H3045} that I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'When I make the land of Egypt a ruined waste, a land stripped of all that filled it; when I strike all those who live there; they will know that I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

‘When I make the land of Egypt a desolation and empty it of all that filled it, when I strike down all who live there, then they will know that I am the LORD.’

American Standard Version

When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate and waste, a land destitute of that whereof it was full, when I shall smite all them that dwell therein, then shall they know that I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:15 is a potent prophetic declaration from the Lord concerning the impending and utter devastation of Egypt. It foretells a complete stripping away of Egypt's abundance and power, brought about by divine judgment. The ultimate purpose of this desolation and the smiting of its inhabitants is explicitly stated: to compel all, even the proudest of nations, to acknowledge the supreme sovereignty and identity of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This verse underscores God's absolute control over earthly kingdoms and His unwavering commitment to revealing His glory through both judgment and salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of oracles against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), specifically targeting Egypt in chapters 29-32. Ezekiel 32 opens with a lamentation, or funeral dirge, over Pharaoh and Egypt, comparing the proud nation to a great sea monster, a "dragon in the seas" (`tannin`, often translated "leviathan" or "crocodile"), that God will capture and cast out. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 32:1-14) graphically describe the violent overthrow of Egypt by the king of Babylon, presented as God's instrument. Verse 15, therefore, serves as a concluding statement to this particular lament, reiterating the comprehensive nature of the judgment and, crucially, stating its theological purpose. It moves from the description of the *act* of judgment to its *aim*: the revelation of God's identity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Egypt was a formidable power, though its influence was waning. It had historically been a dominant force in the Near East, known for its wealth, agricultural fertility (due to the Nile), and military strength. Judah often looked to Egypt for political and military alliances against rising powers like Assyria and Babylon, a reliance frequently condemned by the prophets as a lack of faith in Yahweh (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help")). Ezekiel's prophecies against Egypt, delivered from Babylonian exile, were intended to dismantle any false hope in human alliances and to demonstrate that even a nation as mighty and ancient as Egypt was subject to the divine will of Yahweh. The desolation described would have been particularly shocking given Egypt's reputation for enduring prosperity.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. First, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Desolation**, portraying the severe consequences of national pride and opposition to God's purposes. The imagery of Egypt being made "desolate" and "destitute of that whereof it was full" emphasizes a complete reversal of its famed prosperity. Second, it underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that no earthly power, regardless of its might or perceived invincibility, can withstand the decree of the Almighty. This theme resonates throughout prophetic literature, asserting God's ultimate dominion over all kingdoms, as seen in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty over Kingdoms"). Third, and most significantly for Ezekiel, the verse articulates the **Revelation of God's Identity**. The recurring phrase, "then shall they know that I am the LORD," is a central theological motif in Ezekiel, appearing dozens of times (e.g., [Ezekiel 30:19](/ezekiel/30-19 "Ezekiel 30:19 - They shall know I am the LORD")). It signifies that God's actions, whether in judgment or restoration, are ultimately designed to vindicate His holiness, power, and covenant faithfulness, forcing even His enemies to acknowledge His supremacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desolate (Hebrew, _shᵉmâmâh'_):** From H8077, this noun describes a state of devastation, ruin, or astonishing emptiness. It conveys not merely a physical void but a sense of shock and horror at the utter destruction. In Ezekiel 32:15, it emphasizes the complete stripping away of Egypt's former glory and abundance, leaving it a wasteland that evokes astonishment and dread.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root is rich in meaning, signifying to ascertain by seeing, to comprehend, to recognize, or to experience. It implies a deep, experiential knowledge, not just intellectual assent. When God declares, "then shall they know that I am the LORD," it means that through the devastating judgment, Egypt and other nations will come to an undeniable, experiential understanding of Yahweh's true nature, power, and authority, whether they acknowledge it willingly or by force.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, covenant name of God, `YHWH` (Yahweh), derived from the verb "to be." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God, the one who is absolutely sovereign and faithful to His promises. The declaration "I am the LORD" is a divine self-attestation, asserting His unique identity and supreme authority over all creation and all nations, which the judgment on Egypt is designed to underscore.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate":** This clause initiates the divine action, emphasizing God's direct agency ("I shall make"). The term "desolate" (H8077, `shᵉmâmâh`) signifies a state of utter ruin and emptiness, a stark contrast to Egypt's renowned fertility and prosperity. It speaks to a comprehensive destruction, not merely a temporary setback.
* **"and the country shall be destitute of that whereof it was full":** This expands on the nature of the desolation. The phrase "destitute of that whereof it was full" (using H4393, `mᵉlôʼ`, for "fullness") vividly portrays a complete emptying out, a stripping away of all its abundant resources, wealth, and population. It implies a reversal of its former glory and a profound loss of its very essence as a thriving nation.
* **"when I shall smite all them that dwell therein":** This clause specifies the means of desolation – a divine "smiting" (H5221, `nâkâh`), which implies a violent and decisive blow, leading to the destruction of its inhabitants (H3427, `yâshab`, "dwell"). This confirms that the judgment is not merely environmental or economic but extends to the people themselves, underscoring the severity and comprehensive nature of God's wrath.
* **"then shall they know that I [am] the LORD":** This is the climactic and teleological statement, revealing the ultimate purpose of the judgment. The "knowing" (H3045, `yâdaʻ`) is an experiential recognition of God's true identity as `YHWH` (H3068, `Yᵉhôvâh`). It means that through these devastating acts, both the survivors in Egypt and the surrounding nations will be forced to acknowledge the unparalleled power, sovereignty, and faithfulness of the God of Israel. The judgment serves as a profound revelation of His unique and supreme deity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a divine declaration of future events, emphasizing God's foreknowledge and control over history. The description of Egypt being made "desolate" and "destitute of that whereof it was full" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme and comprehensive nature of the impending judgment, contrasting sharply with Egypt's historical image of abundance. The phrase "I shall make... I shall smite" demonstrates **Divine Agency**, highlighting God as the primary actor and orchestrator of these events, leaving no doubt about the source of the judgment. The concluding declaration, "then shall they know that I [am] the LORD," is a powerful **Divine Self-Attestation**, a recurring motif in Ezekiel, where God reveals His identity and vindicates His name through His actions. This also establishes a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: the divine judgment (cause) leads directly to the experiential knowledge of God's sovereignty (effect).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:15 is a profound statement on divine sovereignty, justice, and self-revelation. It asserts that God's judgments are not arbitrary but purposeful, designed to bring about an undeniable recognition of His unique identity and absolute authority. This "knowing" of the Lord is a central theme in Ezekiel, indicating that all of history, including the rise and fall of nations, serves to demonstrate that Yahweh alone is God. The desolation of Egypt, a symbol of human power and pride, serves as a stark reminder that no earthly kingdom can stand against the will of the Almighty. This theological truth extends beyond ancient Egypt, serving as a timeless principle that God's ultimate aim in all His dealings with humanity is to make Himself known, whether through acts of judgment or acts of salvation.

* [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations")
* [Psalm 46:10](/psalms/46-10 "Psalm 46:10 - Be Still, and Know That I Am God")
* [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The Haughtiness of Man Shall Be Humbled")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:15, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, holds enduring relevance for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is inescapable and that human pride, whether individual or national, will ultimately be humbled before His sovereign power. In a world that often places its trust in economic prosperity, military might, or political alliances, this verse calls us to examine where our ultimate security and hope truly lie. It teaches us that God can, and often does, use challenging circumstances, even calamities, to strip away our false securities and reveal His true identity and authority. The purpose of such humbling experiences is not merely punishment, but ultimately, revelation—that we might "know that I am the LORD." This compels us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing God's sovereignty in all circumstances, and to seek a deeper, experiential knowledge of Him, not just intellectually, but through surrender and trust. When our earthly foundations are shaken, it is an invitation to build our lives on the unshakable rock of His character and promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fullness" or sources of security in my life might God be calling me to re-evaluate in light of His ultimate sovereignty?**
* **How do I respond when God's hand brings about difficult or "desolate" circumstances in my life or in the world? Do I seek to "know" Him more deeply through them?**
* **In what ways does my life demonstrate that I truly "know that I am the LORD," acknowledging His absolute authority over all things?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "then shall they know that I [am] the LORD" in Ezekiel?**

Answer: This phrase is a foundational theological statement in the book of Ezekiel, appearing over 70 times. It signifies that all of God's actions, whether in judgment (as in [Ezekiel 32:15](/ezekiel/32-15 "Ezekiel 32:15 - Egypt's Desolation and God's Revelation")) or in restoration (e.g., [Ezekiel 37:13](/ezekiel/37-13 "Ezekiel 37:13 - Resurrection and Knowing the Lord")), are ultimately aimed at revealing His unique identity, power, and faithfulness to all people, both Israel and the nations. It's an experiential knowledge, often brought about through dramatic displays of His sovereignty, forcing recognition of His supreme deity.

**How does this prophecy against Egypt relate to God's covenant with Israel?**

Answer: While directed at Egypt, the prophecy indirectly serves God's covenant purposes with Israel. By judging the nations that either oppressed Israel or served as unreliable allies, God demonstrated His faithfulness to His covenant people and vindicated His name before them. The judgment on Egypt would have shattered Israel's reliance on human power and reinforced their understanding that Yahweh alone was their true deliverer and protector, fulfilling promises found in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:15, with its emphasis on divine judgment leading to the experiential "knowing" of the Lord, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While this verse speaks of judgment on a nation, Christ's coming inaugurated the ultimate judgment upon sin and the ultimate revelation of God's identity. The "desolation" and "smiting" of Egypt prefigure the cosmic judgment that will culminate in Christ's return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Furthermore, the "knowing that I am the LORD" is most fully realized through Christ. Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). To know Christ is to know the Father, for He is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The judgment on Egypt revealed God's power over earthly kingdoms; Christ's death and resurrection revealed God's power over sin and death, establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never be made desolate, and through which all who believe will truly know the Lord in saving faith ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")).

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 6:7

And the slain shall fall in the midst of you, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Exodus 7:5

And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

Exodus 14:18

And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Exodus 14:4

And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I [am] the LORD. And they did so.

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 29:20

I have given him the land of Egypt [for] his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 30:26

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