Ezekiel 29:1-2
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What seems like a simple date actually pinpoints a moment when Jerusalem's hope in Egypt was about to be dashed. This specific day falls precisely during the temporary lifting of the siege of Jerusalem, just before the Egyptians' failed attempt at relief, making God's word to Ezekiel a stark contrast to the false hope of his people.
In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem has been underway for a year, and though it's been temporarily lifted by the approach of the Egyptian army, the city is still in dire straits. This prophecy arrives as Jerusalem's hopes are pinned on Egypt, a reliance Ezekiel has already warned is like leaning on a "broken reed." The word of the Lord is given to Ezekiel here to denounce Egypt, revealing its impending downfall at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, and setting the stage for judgment on powerful nations that meddled in God's dealings with His people.
Have you ever noticed how specific dates in the Bible can feel like ancient history? But what if those dates are crucial clues to God's unfolding plan?
Ezekiel's prophecy against Egypt arrives with an almost jarring level of detail: 'In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month.' This isn't just flavor text; it's a signpost.
Historical Context is Key
This date places the prophecy squarely within the intense period of Jerusalem's siege and impending fall. It was a time when Judah, against God's clear warnings, had sought an alliance with Egypt, hoping for deliverance from Babylon. The scholars point out that this was a 'broken reed' alliance, just as Ezekiel had prophesied earlier.
God's Word in Real-Time
The precise timing highlights that God's word wasn't delivered in a vacuum. It was a direct response to current political events and Judah's misplaced trust. The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel precisely when it was needed, speaking into a desperate situation and warning against a false hope found in Egypt.
Why would God send a message about Egypt specifically now? It wasn't just to condemn, but to reveal something about His covenant faithfulness and justice.
This prophecy against Egypt, arriving during the siege of Jerusalem, serves multiple crucial purposes:
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Divine Judgment and Sovereignty
Egypt, a powerful nation, was about to face God's judgment through Nebuchadnezzar. This demonstrated that no nation, however mighty, was beyond God's sovereign control. Even the nations that meddled with God's people would face consequences.
Correcting Judah's Course
For Judah, the prophecy was a stark reminder of their foolishness in relying on Egypt instead of the LORD. It exposed their diplomatic errors and reinforced the need for repentance and trust in God alone. The detailed date emphasizes that God was actively intervening and speaking truth into their political entanglements.
A Glimpse of Future Restoration
Interestingly, while judgment is pronounced, the commentary hints at a future restoration for Egypt after a period of desolation. This reveals God's heart – His judgment is purposeful, often followed by a path toward healing, even for nations.
Understand the original words
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, revealing His faithfulness, holiness, and self-existence to His people. It is the name by which He makes Himself known through revelation and action in history.
ben 'adam · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A title often used for the prophet Ezekiel, highlighting his humanity and frailty in contrast to the majesty and holiness of God. It emphasizes the prophet's role as a representative of mankind before God and God's messenger to man.
Par'oh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A title for the monarch of Egypt, symbolizing pride, worldly power, and often opposition to God’s people. In prophetic literature, it represents the arrogance of human empires that exalt themselves against the sovereignty of the Creator.
naba' · Hebrew Verb
To declare a message from God to humanity, acting as His spokesperson. It involves announcing God’s will, calling for repentance, or declaring coming judgment and deliverance.
This prophecy against Egypt was delivered during the critical final months of Jerusalem's siege, at a moment when Egypt's intervention offered a flicker of hope, only to prove a 'broken reed' for Judah.
605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar decisively defeats the Egyptian army under Pharaoh Necho II, ending Egypt's influence in the region.
597 BC
First Deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar deports King Jehoiachin and many people of Judah to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel.
c. 589 BC
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Nebuchadnezzar lays siege to Jerusalem. This marks the beginning of a prolonged and devastating period for the city.
c. early 588 BC
Pharaoh Hophra's Army Approaches
Pharaoh Hophra of Egypt marches to relieve Jerusalem, causing the Babylonian siege to temporarily lift.
c. early 588 BC— this verse
Ezekiel Prophesies Against Egypt
The word of the LORD comes to Ezekiel, delivering a prophecy against Egypt. This occurs shortly after news of Pharaoh Hophra's military movement reaches the exiles.
c. August 587 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
After a long siege, Nebuchadnezzar breaches Jerusalem's walls, destroying the city and its Temple.
c. 570s BC
Nebuchadnezzar Invades Egypt
Nebuchadnezzar eventually invades and conquers Egypt, fulfilling prophecies against it and fulfilling a promise of restoration after 40 years of desolation.
This passage describes the Egyptian army's approach, which temporarily raised the siege of Jerusalem, a significant political event that directly influenced the timing and context of Ezekiel's prophecy against Egypt.
Ezekiel 24:1-2This passage provides the starting point for Ezekiel's dating system, referencing the exact day the siege of Jerusalem began, which helps anchor the specific date given in Ezekiel 29:1 within the unfolding crisis of Judah.
Ezekiel 17:11-18This earlier prophecy directly warned Judah against relying on Egypt for help, making Ezekiel 29:1 a prophetic follow-up to a promise of deliverance that proved to be a 'broken reed'.
Ezekiel 30:20This verse, like Ezekiel 29:1, marks a specific date for a prophecy against Egypt, illustrating how God used precise timing to communicate His judgment and plans concerning Egypt throughout Ezekiel's ministry.
2 Kings 24:7This verse mentions Egypt's prior involvement in the affairs of the region, highlighting a pattern of Egypt meddling in Judah's fate that ultimately led to divine judgment, as further detailed in Ezekiel's prophecy.
barnesEzekiel 29:1: "In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
The tenth year - Jerusalem had been besieged, but not taken. Jeremiah delivered his prophecy against Egypt, about the time when the approach of Pharaoh Hophra's army caused the Chaldaeans for the time to raise the siege Jeremiah 37:5 . This was the solitary instance of Egypt meddling with the affairs of Palestine or Syria after the battle of Carchemish (compare 2 Ki…
bensonEzekiel 29:1: "In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 29:1 . In the tenth year, &c. — The prophecies of Ezekiel, in regard to foreign nations, are not placed according to the order of time in which they were delivered, but according to the respective distances of the nations from Judea, beginning with those which lay nearest to it. And with respect to the prophecies against Egypt, it is justly remarked by Dathi…
What seems like a simple date actually pinpoints a moment when Jerusalem's hope in Egypt was about to be dashed. This specific day falls precisely during the temporary lifting of the siege of Jerusalem, just before the Egyptians' failed attempt at relief, making God's word to Ezekiel a stark contrast to the false hope of his people.
The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem has been underway for a year, and though it's been temporarily lifted by the approach of the Egyptian army, the city is still in dire straits. This prophecy arrives as Jerusalem's hopes are pinned on Egypt, a reliance Ezekiel has already warned is like leaning on a "broken reed." The word of the Lord is given to Ezekiel here to denounce Egypt, revealing its impending downfall at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, and setting the stage for judgment on powerful nations that meddled in God's dealings with His people.
The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem has been underway for a year, and though it's been temporarily lifted by the approach of the Egyptian army, the city is still in dire straits. This prophecy arrives as Jerusalem's hopes are pinned on Egypt, a reliance Ezekiel has already warned is like leaning on a "broken reed." The word of the Lord is given to Ezekiel here to denounce Egypt, revealing its impending downfall at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, and setting the stage for judgment on powerful nations that meddled in God's dealings with His people.
"In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt;" — What seems like a simple date actually pinpoints a moment when Jerusalem's hope in Egypt was about to be dashed. This specific day falls precisely during the temporary lifting of the siege of Jerusal…
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Last reviewed October 2026
