Cush, and Put, and Lud, and all Arabia, and Libya, and the people of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The list of Egypt's allies includes the "men of the land that is in league," which literally means "children of the land of the covenant." This points to Jewish refugees who fled to Egypt after Jerusalem fell, showing that even those who had a special relationship with God weren't safe from this judgment when allied with rebellious nations.
Cush, and Put, and Lud, and all Arabia, and Libya, and the people of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel is prophesying the utter destruction of Egypt, not just its military might but its entire infrastructure. This prophecy lists a comprehensive range of Egypt's allies and foreign troops, emphasizing that none will escape the coming judgment. Following this, the prophet will shift to describe the devastation of Mount Seir and the riches of Egypt being carried off as plunder.
Ezekiel lists a seemingly endless array of peoples falling with Egypt. Who were they, and why were they caught in Egypt's doom?
This verse paints a grim picture of a coalition collapsing. Ezekiel names:
Ezekiel isn't just listing distant lands; he's detailing the broad spectrum of those entangled with Egypt's fate – from long-standing allies to foreign fighters and even those who sought refuge. Their inclusion highlights the comprehensive nature of the impending judgment.
Ask a follow-up
What does it mean for 'the men of the land that is in league' to fall with Egypt, especially if this refers to God's own people?
The phrase 'the men of the land that is in league' is particularly poignant. While 'league' can simply mean alliance, the context strongly suggests a broken covenant. Many commentators believe this refers to the Jewish exiles who fled to Egypt after the fall of Jerusalem. They had made a covenant with God in Jerusalem, but by fleeing to Egypt against His prophet's warning, they broke that covenant.
Ezekiel's prophecy in chapter 30 wasn't just about Egypt's military might, but about the judgment of God on all nations allied with or relying on worldly powers, including the displaced Jews who had fled to Egypt.
c. 610-595 BC— this verse
Reign of Pharaoh Apries (Hophra)
The prophet Ezekiel delivers messages during the Babylonian exile, a time when Egypt, under Pharaoh Apries, was a significant regional power and rival to Babylon. Apries heavily relied on foreign mercenaries.
c. 605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports Jewish leaders and skilled people, including Daniel, to Babylon. This event is a backdrop to Ezekiel's ministry and the exile.
c. 589-582 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Babylon lays siege to Jerusalem, leading to its final destruction and the third major deportation of Judeans. This deeply impacts Ezekiel's prophecies.
c. 570-569 BC
Apries' Defeat by Amasis and subsequent downfall
Pharaoh Apries is defeated by his rival Amasis, who becomes the new pharaoh. This internal strife weakens Egypt significantly and sets the stage for its vulnerability.
c. 570 BC
Babylonian Invasion of Egypt
Following Egypt's internal turmoil, Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, invades and plunders Egypt, fulfilling prophecies of its destruction and the fall of its allies.
This passage mirrors Ezekiel 30:5 by listing several of the same allied nations of Egypt (Cush, Phut, Lud) who are also destined for destruction.
These verses describe a similar fate for various foreign kings and all the mingled people, echoing the broader judgment against Egypt's allies mentioned in Ezekiel.
This passage immediately precedes the mention of judgment on Egypt's allies and speaks of Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Egypt itself, setting the stage for the wider destruction detailed in chapter 30.
Jeremiah 42:16-22This passage is significant because some scholars suggest 'the people of the land that is in league' might refer to the Jewish refugees in Egypt, who were prophetically warned that they, too, would not escape the sword and famine.
bensonEzekiel 30:5: "Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword."
Ezekiel 30:5 . Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia — The names in Hebrew are Cush, Phut, and Lud, which are mentioned together as the Egyptian allies, Jeremiah 46:9 . Cush probably signifies Ethiopia here, being joined with Phut and Lud, which were nations of Africa. And all the mingled people — All their mercenary soldiers, consisting of…
clarkeEzekiel 30:5: "Ethiopia, and Libya, and Lydia, and all the mingled people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword."
Lydia - This place is not well known. The Ludim were contiguous to Egypt, Genesis 11:13 . Chub - The Cubians, placed by Ptolemy in the Mareotis. But probably instead of וכוב vechub, "and Chub," we should read וכל vechol, "and All the men of the land," etc. The Septuagint adds "the Persians and the Cretans."
The list of Egypt's allies includes the "men of the land that is in league," which literally means "children of the land of the covenant." This points to Jewish refugees who fled to Egypt after Jerusalem fell, showing that even those who had a special relationship with God weren't safe from this judgment when allied with rebellious nations.
Ezekiel is prophesying the utter destruction of Egypt, not just its military might but its entire infrastructure. This prophecy lists a comprehensive range of Egypt's allies and foreign troops, emphasizing that none will escape the coming judgment. Following this, the prophet will shift to describe the devastation of Mount Seir and the riches of Egypt being carried off as plunder.
Ezekiel is prophesying the utter destruction of Egypt, not just its military might but its entire infrastructure. This prophecy lists a comprehensive range of Egypt's allies and foreign troops, emphasizing that none will escape the coming judgment. Following this, the prophet will shift to describe the devastation of Mount Seir and the riches of Egypt being carried off as plunder.
"Cush, and Put, and Lud, and all Arabia, and Libya, and the people of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword." — The list of Egypt's allies includes the "men of the land that is in league," which literally means "children of the land of the covenant." This points to Jewish refugees who fled to Egypt after Jerus…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026