Ezekiel 30:5
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)
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It's easy to gloss over the list of nations here, but notice "the men of the land that is in league." This phrase likely refers to Jewish refugees who fled to Egypt, bringing Jeremiah with them, and who would also face God's judgment alongside Egypt's other allies. It highlights that even those who seem to have escaped one disaster might not escape God's reckoning.
In this chapter, Ezekiel is delivering a prophecy against Egypt, specifically detailing its coming destruction. The preceding verses describe Egypt as a powerful but ultimately doomed nation, filled with boastful allies and mercenary soldiers. This verse continues that theme by listing various nations and peoples who are allied with Egypt and will share in its downfall.
Ezekiel lists a diverse group of nations and peoples allied with Egypt. What does this extensive list tell us about God's perspective on alliances?
A World Against God
The prophet Ezekiel names a wide array of peoples and lands in league with Egypt: Cush (Ethiopia), Put (Libya), Lud (Lydia), all of Arabia, Libya, Chub, and 'the people of the land that is in league.' This isn't just a regional squabble; it paints a picture of Egypt drawing in allies from across Africa, the Middle East, and possibly even further afield.
One of the most striking mentions is 'the people of the land that is in league.' Who are these people, and why is their inclusion so significant?
A Covenant Broken
The phrase 'the people of the land that is in league' (or 'sons of the land of the covenant' in some translations) is particularly poignant. While commentators debate the exact identity, a strong case can be made that this refers to Jewish refugees who had fled to Egypt, particularly after the fall of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel prophesies the downfall of Egypt and its diverse allies, including mercenary troops and Jewish refugees, during a period of intense political instability and foreign invasion.
c. 600 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Conquest of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon conquered Judah, destroyed Jerusalem, and deported many of its people.
c. 586 BC
Jewish Refugees Flee to Egypt
After the fall of Jerusalem, many Jews, including the prophet Jeremiah, fled to Egypt, settling there despite God's warnings.
c. 586 BC - 570 BC— this verse
Hophra's Reign and Ambitions
Pharaoh Hophra (Apries) of Egypt reigned, ambitious and known for employing many foreign mercenaries in his army.
c. 570 BC
Egyptian Civil War and Hophra's Downfall
Hophra faced a civil war against Amasis, who eventually defeated and killed him, leading to significant political upheaval in Egypt.
c. 568 BC
This verse lists Cush (Ethiopia) and Put (Libya) alongside other nations as military allies of Egypt, mirroring the foreign contingents mentioned in Ezekiel 30:5 and highlighting the widespread nature of Egypt's military partnerships.
Jeremiah 42:16-18This passage directly addresses Jewish refugees in Egypt who fled after Jerusalem's fall, prophesying that the sword and famine they sought to escape would indeed find them there, which aligns with the interpretation of 'men of the land that is in league' as potentially referring to these very people who will not escape judgment.
Ezekiel 27:10Here, Ezekiel also lists foreign nations that traded with or served Tyre, including Lud (Lydia) and Put (Libya), showing a pattern of Ezekiel naming diverse foreign peoples connected to the region's powers.
Ezekiel 29:19This verse mentions that Nebuchadnezzar will conquer Egypt and give its spoils and plunder to his army, providing a broader context of judgment falling upon Egypt and its allies, which Ezekiel 30:5 details more specifically by naming those nations.
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."
It's easy to gloss over the list of nations here, but notice "the men of the land that is in league." This phrase likely refers to Jewish refugees who fled to Egypt, bringing Jeremiah with them, and who would also face God's judgment alongside Egypt's other allies. It highlights that even those who seem to have escaped one disaster might not escape God's reckoning.
In this chapter, Ezekiel is delivering a prophecy against Egypt, specifically detailing its coming destruction. The preceding verses describe Egypt as a powerful but ultimately doomed nation, filled with boastful allies and mercenary soldiers. This verse continues that theme by listing various nations and peoples who are allied with Egypt and will share in its downfall.
In this chapter, Ezekiel is delivering a prophecy against Egypt, specifically detailing its coming destruction. The preceding verses describe Egypt as a powerful but ultimately doomed nation, filled with boastful allies and mercenary soldiers. This verse continues that theme by listing various nations and peoples who are allied with Egypt and will share in its downfall.
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Babylonian Invasion of Egypt
Nebuchadnezzar II invaded Egypt, likely in response to Hophra's interference in Babylonian affairs.
"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." — It's easy to gloss over the list of nations here, but notice "the men of the land that is in league." This phrase likely refers to Jewish refugees who fled to Egypt, bringing Jeremiah with them, and…
