Scripture Text: Ezekiel 29:1-32:32
Memory Verse: “In that day I will cause the horn of the house of Israel to spring forth, and I will open your mouth to speak in their midst. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 29:21
Introduction:
The seventh and final judgment oracle is pronounced upon Egypt. It actually contains seven sub-oracles in itself, and threatens judgment on both the land of Egypt and its ruler, Pharaoh Hophra, who ruled Egypt from 589 to 570 B.C. Each part was introduced by “the word of the Lord came,” or a similar statement denoted each part. Each message painted a descriptive picture of God’s coming judgment of Egypt.
Egypt had been a major player in world events throughout Israel’s history. In Egyptian bondage, God’s chosen people had suffered greatly as working slaves. After the division of the Jewish kingdom, Judah found Egypt to be a constant thorn in the flesh, and an undependable ally. Yet, whenever facing a crisis, Judah looked to Egypt for assistance. They seemed to forget the hardships their forefathers had experienced under the demanding hands of the Egyptians, and were prone to idealize their experiences there.
King Solomon married an Egyptian princess and went on to conduct a lot of business with Egypt. After the king died, those strong bonds began to fail. Isaiah had warned: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord! Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; And their horses are flesh, and not spirit. When the Lord stretches out His hand, both he who helps will fall, and he who is helped will fall down; they all will perish together.” (Isaiah 31:1, 3)
What would the oracles to Egypt mean to the exiles? Hopefully, that Judah would never again look to them for political or military assistance. They were to rely entirely on God.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Why was Egypt’s pharaoh compared to a sea monster? (Ezekiel 29:3) What kind of future would Egypt have after their regathering? (Ezekiel 29:13-16)
- Why did God demand wages from Egypt in the second judgment oracle against them? (Ezekiel 29:17-21)
- Identify the four parts of the storm oracle in Ezekiel 30:1-19.
- Explain the significance of the breaking of Egypt’s arms. (Ezekiel 30:20-26)
- How would Ezekiel’s fifth oracle against Egypt have shaken their self-confidence? (Ezekiel 31:1-18)
- What kind of statement would Egypt’s entrapment be to the other nations of the world, according to Ezekiel’s sixth oracle to Egypt? (Ezekiel 32:10) How would the nations react to Egypt’s punishment? (Ezekiel 32:16)
- Describe the scene envisioned in Ezekiel’s seventh oracle against Egypt. (Ezekiel 32:17-32) Is there any kind of social or political hierarchy alluded to in the grave?
- Contrast what is revealed about Egypt in these oracles with the people who God selects and utilizes. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)