And they shall be desolated in the midst of desolated countries, and their cities shall be in the midst of cities that are laid waste.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just saying Egypt will be destroyed; it emphasizes that Egypt's devastation will be proportional to the destruction already inflicted on other nations. It highlights a terrifying leveling effect: Egypt's cities, once glorious, will be reduced to the same state of ruin as those already sacked, like Jerusalem.
And they shall be desolated in the midst of desolated countries, and their cities shall be in the midst of cities that are laid waste.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel is prophesying the utter devastation of Egypt, emphasizing that its fate will be no better than that of other nations already ruined by the Babylonians. This verse, which echoes earlier pronouncements, declares that Egypt itself and all its cities will become as desolate and wasted as the lands and cities already destroyed, like Jerusalem. The focus is on Egypt's complete ruin, a stark warning that its might will be reduced to rubble amidst widespread destruction.
Imagine looking at a world completely in ruins, and knowing that your own home is now part of that same landscape of destruction. That's the stark reality Ezekiel paints.
Ezekiel 30:7 emphasizes a profound principle: when nations or peoples align themselves with God's enemies or rebel against Him, they don't just experience isolated destruction. Instead, their ruin becomes intrinsically linked to the ruin of others who have also rejected God.
A Common Lot
The verse states Egypt will be "desolate in the midst of desolated countries, and her cities shall be in the midst of cities that are laid waste." This isn't just bad luck; it's a declaration that Egypt's fate will mirror the fate of other nations already judged. Their own cities will be leveled, just like Jerusalem or Tyre before them. It’s a visual representation of judgment sharing a common, devastating path.
Has the sheer scale of world events ever made you feel like leaders and nations are just stumbling around in the dark? Ezekiel 30:7 reminds us there's a divine hand at work.
This verse isn't just about Egypt's downfall; it’s a powerful declaration of God's absolute authority over all the nations of the earth. The prophecy against Egypt, a mighty empire, demonstrates that no nation, no matter how powerful or secure it seems, is beyond God's reach or judgment.
The Instruments of Judgment
Commentaries often point out that God uses human instruments, like the Babylonian army, to carry out His purposes. This doesn't excuse the actions of the invaders, but it highlights that even through wicked means, God is sovereignly orchestrating history. Egypt’s desolation serves as a testament to His power and His justice, making it clear that He is indeed 'known by the judgments He executes.'
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Understand the original words
shamam · Hebrew Verb
A state of being rendered empty, ruined, or uninhabitable, often as a direct result of divine judgment for sin or rebellion against God.
This verse highlights that Egypt's impending doom, prophesied by Ezekiel, will be so complete that its devastated cities and lands will be indistinguishable from those already ravaged by the Babylonians, like Jerusalem.
c. 605 BC
Babylonian Captivity Begins
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon initiates the first major deportation of Judeans to Babylon after his victory over Egypt at Carchemish. This marks the beginning of the exile for many, including the prophet Ezekiel.
587/586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its temple, scattering the remaining population into exile. This event profoundly shapes the prophetic messages of Ezekiel and Jeremiah, emphasizing judgment and future restoration.
c. 587 BC— this verse
Ezekiel Prophesies Against Egypt
In the midst of the Babylonian conquest and exile, Ezekiel delivers prophecies against Egypt, foretelling its desolation and judgment by Nebuchadnezzar's forces. This serves as a message of both judgment and a warning to those who might look to Egypt for help.
c. 568 BC
Nebuchadnezzar Invades Egypt
Historical accounts suggest Nebuchadnezzar led a military campaign into Egypt, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecies of its devastation and the scattering of its people.
This passage presents the exact same prophetic statement about Egypt's desolation, highlighting the consistency and severity of God's judgment on the nation.
Jeremiah 49:2This verse speaks of the desolation of Ammon, showing a similar pattern of judgment where a nation is left desolate among other desolate lands.
Isaiah 13:22This passage describes the fate of Babylon, prophesying that its palaces will be filled with desolate creatures, reflecting the theme of widespread ruin and desolation.
Lamentations 1:1This verse dramatically illustrates the theme of desolation, describing Jerusalem as sitting alone after being greatly afflicted, echoing the profound emptiness and ruin spoken of in Ezekiel.
clarkeEzekiel 30:7: "And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted."
Shall be desolate - All these countries shall be desolated, and the places named shall be chief in these desolations.
pooleEzekiel 30:7: "And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted."
They, all those before mentioned, shall be desolate; as much wasted as any of them that are most wasted. Her cities, of Egypt, equally wasted with other cities that have been sacked, as Jerusalem, Tyre, Zidon, Rabbath, &c.
This verse isn't just saying Egypt will be destroyed; it emphasizes that Egypt's devastation will be proportional to the destruction already inflicted on other nations. It highlights a terrifying leveling effect: Egypt's cities, once glorious, will be reduced to the same state of ruin as those already sacked, like Jerusalem.
Ezekiel is prophesying the utter devastation of Egypt, emphasizing that its fate will be no better than that of other nations already ruined by the Babylonians. This verse, which echoes earlier pronouncements, declares that Egypt itself and all its cities will become as desolate and wasted as the lands and cities already destroyed, like Jerusalem. The focus is on Egypt's complete ruin, a stark warning that its might will be reduced to rubble amidst widespread destruction.
Ezekiel is prophesying the utter devastation of Egypt, emphasizing that its fate will be no better than that of other nations already ruined by the Babylonians. This verse, which echoes earlier pronouncements, declares that Egypt itself and all its cities will become as desolate and wasted as the lands and cities already destroyed, like Jerusalem. The focus is on Egypt's complete ruin, a stark warning that its might will be reduced to rubble amidst widespread destruction.
"And they shall be desolated in the midst of desolated countries, and their cities shall be in the midst of cities that are laid waste." — This verse isn't just saying Egypt will be destroyed; it emphasizes that Egypt's devastation will be proportional to the destruction already inflicted on other nations. It highlights a terrifying l…
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Last reviewed October 2026