Breakdown of Ezekiel 29:17-20

"In the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made his army labor hard against Tyre. Every head was made bald, and every shoulder…" — This verse is placed out of chronological order with the prophecy that precedes it. Ezekiel is shifting the focus to highlight Nebuchadnezzar's future role in striking Egypt, even though the siege of…

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Ezekiel 29:17-20

What does Ezekiel 29:17-20 mean?

This verse is placed out of chronological order with the prophecy that precedes it. Ezekiel is shifting the focus to highlight Nebuchadnezzar's future role in striking Egypt, even though the siege of Tyre, a lengthy and costly endeavor for him, had just concluded. This deliberate reordering emphasizes God's sovereign hand in using earthly powers for His judgment.

In the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made his army labor hard against Tyre. Every head was made bald, and every shoulder was rubbed bare, yet neither he nor his army got anything from Tyre to pay for the labor that he had performed against her. Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and he shall carry off its wealth and despoil it and plunder it; and it shall be the wages for his army. I have given him the land of Egypt as his payment for which he labored, because they worked for me, declares the Lord GOD.

English Standard Version (ESV)

What Ezekiel 29:17-20 means

This passage marks a significant shift in Ezekiel's prophecy, coming sixteen years after the previous message about Egypt. Although placed chronologically out of order, this revelation is given after Nebuchadnezzar's lengthy siege of Tyre, directly addressing the king of Babylon's eventual conquest of Egypt and the spoils his army would gain there as compensation for their unrewarded efforts against the Phoenician city.

A Deliberate Delay in Revelation

Why wait sixteen years to deliver this message? This verse marks a significant gap, but it's a gap with purpose.

This verse tells us that the "word of the LORD" came to Ezekiel in the twenty-seventh year of his captivity. What's striking is that the previous prophecy concerning Egypt, found earlier in chapter 29, was given sixteen years before this one. This isn't a mistake; God often orchestrates timing with profound intention.

A Season of Judgment: During those sixteen years, Egypt was likely experiencing internal turmoil, and Nebuchadnezzar was engaged in his lengthy siege of Tyre. God allowed this period of waiting, perhaps for the full weight of Egypt's pride to be revealed and for Nebuchadnezzar's military might to be demonstrated.
Setting the Stage: This later date, after the fall of Jerusalem and the lengthy siege of Tyre, sets the stage for a more direct confrontation with Egypt's power. Nebuchadnezzar, the mighty conqueror, is now positioned to strike Egypt, a blow that God will use.

The Unforeseen Agent of Judgment

Nebuchadnezzar's army served a 'great service' against Tyre, yet received no reward. This verse clarifies who will be God's agent against Egypt.

This prophecy is placed out of chronological order. While it details God's word to Ezekiel in the 27th year, it connects to events and pronouncements about Egypt. The commentary highlights that Nebuchadnezzar, after a grueling and largely unrewarded thirteen-year siege of Tyre, would be the one to strike Egypt.

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What Ezekiel 29:17-20 means

What does Ezekiel 29:17-20 mean?

What Ezekiel 29:17-20 means

A Deliberate Delay in Revelation

The Unforeseen Agent of Judgment

Ask Sola about this verse

What Ezekiel 29:17-20 means

A Deliberate Delay in Revelation

The Unforeseen Agent of Judgment

Ask Sola about this verse

The original words in Ezekiel 29:17-20

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