For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near; it will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy highlights that this "day of the Lord" isn't just a general period of trouble, but specifically a "cloudy day"—a metaphor for divine wrath that was unusual for Egypt's normally clear skies. This judgment on Egypt is presented as the beginning of God reckoning with all the nations who oppose Him, not just a singular event.
For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near; it will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God has just declared that Egypt's might will be brought low, with its rulers scattered and its cities ruined. Ezekiel is now told that this judgment on Egypt isn't just an isolated event; it's a preview of the "day of the LORD," a time of divine wrath and reckoning that is rapidly approaching for all the nations who oppose Him. This day will be marked by darkness and disaster, specifically targeting the Gentile nations who have historically oppressed God's people.
Ezekiel paints a picture of impending doom, describing it as a 'cloudy day.' What does this vivid imagery tell us about God's judgment?
The phrase 'a day of clouds' wasn't just poetic language for Ezekiel; it was a potent symbol deeply understood by his audience.
Darkening Skies
In the ancient Near East, especially in a place like Egypt known for its clear skies and infrequent rain, a cloudy day signaled something unnatural and ominous. It wasn't just overcast; it was a sign of divine displeasure, a gathering storm of wrath.
God's Wrath Gathering
This imagery signifies that God's judgment is not a distant, abstract concept. It's an approaching reality, visible in the darkening skies of international turmoil and impending conquest. The clouds represent the tangible, overwhelming force of God's reckoning against nations that oppose Him.
The verse states this will be 'a time of doom for the nations.' What does this reveal about God's sovereignty over all peoples?
This declaration is a powerful assertion of God's ultimate authority, not just over Israel, but over every nation on earth.
God's Appointed Time
The 'day of the Lord' is a recurring theme in the prophets, signifying a time when God steps into history to assert His rule, bring His people deliverance, and execute judgment. Here, that judgment falls specifically on the 'nations,' particularly those who stood against God and His people.
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Judgment's Universal Reach
This isn't just about one nation's fall; it's a precursor to a wider reckoning. The judgment on Egypt, and other surrounding nations, serves as a dramatic demonstration that no political power or earthly empire is beyond God's reach or accountability. He is the sovereign Lord of all history, and He will hold all nations responsible.
Understand the original words
yôm YHWH · Hebrew Noun phrase
A term denoting a period of divine reckoning, judgment, or dramatic intervention in history. It signifies the time when God acts decisively to humble the proud and vindicate His holiness.
‘ānān · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for judgment, confusion, and the covering of divine light. In prophetic literature, it signifies the impending darkness of God's wrath descending upon the wicked.
This prophecy from Ezekiel vividly paints the 'Day of the Lord' not just as a future event, but as a present reality of divine judgment unfolding through historical events like the Babylonian conquest of nations, starting with Egypt.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins his campaigns against the Levant, resulting in the first deportation of Jewish exiles, including Daniel, to Babylon.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans and King Jehoiachin to Babylon following a rebellion, intensifying the pressure on Jerusalem.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining significant population of Judah to Babylon. Ezekiel is already among the exiles.
c. 585-570 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophecies Against Egypt
Ezekiel delivers prophecies denouncing Egypt's pride and predicting its downfall at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting the 'Day of the Lord' as a judgment against nations.
568-567 BC
Nebuchadnezzar Invades Egypt
Nebuchadnezzar launches a lengthy invasion of Egypt, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecy of doom and devastation upon the nation.
This passage echoes Ezekiel's description of the 'day of the LORD' as a 'day of clouds,' emphasizing its darkness and foreboding nature as a time of divine judgment.
Zephaniah 1:14Zephaniah describes the 'day of the LORD' as 'near and hastening greatly,' similar to Ezekiel's urgency, and a 'day of trumpet blast and battle cry.'
Isaiah 13:6This passage connects the 'day of the LORD' to a coming judgment upon nations, describing it as 'destruction from the Almighty,' mirroring Ezekiel's focus on the doom of nations.
Jeremiah 46:10Jeremiah prophesies against Egypt using language similar to Ezekiel, speaking of the 'day of the Lord GOD of hosts,' a day of vengeance against His enemies.
barnesEzekiel 30:3: "For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen."
The time of the pagan - The time when the pagan (Egyptians) shall be judged.
pulpitEzekiel 30:3: "For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen."
Verse 3. - The day of the Lord. Here, as everywhere (see note on Ezekiel 13:5), the words stand for any time in which the Divine judgments manifest themselves in the world's history. Of it Ezekiel says, following in the footsteps of Joel (Joel 2:2), that it shall be a day of cloud, i.e. of darkness and trouble; a day of the heathen, i.e. a time in which the heathen who had e…
The prophecy highlights that this "day of the Lord" isn't just a general period of trouble, but specifically a "cloudy day"—a metaphor for divine wrath that was unusual for Egypt's normally clear skies. This judgment on Egypt is presented as the beginning of God reckoning with all the nations who oppose Him, not just a singular event.
God has just declared that Egypt's might will be brought low, with its rulers scattered and its cities ruined. Ezekiel is now told that this judgment on Egypt isn't just an isolated event; it's a preview of the "day of the LORD," a time of divine wrath and reckoning that is rapidly approaching for all the nations who oppose Him. This day will be marked by darkness and disaster, specifically targeting the Gentile nations who have historically oppressed God's people.
God has just declared that Egypt's might will be brought low, with its rulers scattered and its cities ruined. Ezekiel is now told that this judgment on Egypt isn't just an isolated event; it's a preview of the "day of the LORD," a time of divine wrath and reckoning that is rapidly approaching for all the nations who oppose Him. This day will be marked by darkness and disaster, specifically targeting the Gentile nations who have historically oppressed God's people.
"For the day is near, the day of the LORD is near; it will be a day of clouds, a time of doom for the nations." — The prophecy highlights that this "day of the Lord" isn't just a general period of trouble, but specifically a "cloudy day"—a metaphor for divine wrath that was unusual for Egypt's normally clear ski…
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Last reviewed October 2026