How does Ezekiel 29:17 connect with God's promises in other Scriptures? Setting the Scene “ In the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first day, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 29:17) Why the Date Matters • God anchors His word to a specific day. He is describing real history, not vague myth. • The timestamp comes sixteen years after Ezekiel 26, where God first spoke of Nebuchadnezzar’s campaign against Tyre. By returning to the subject years later, the Lord shows He never forgets a single promise. • The accuracy of the chronology underlines Numbers 23:19: “Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” Promise in View • Verses 18-20 immediately follow the timestamp and reveal the promise God is keeping: Egypt will become Nebuchadnezzar’s “wages.” • Earlier pledge: Ezekiel 26:7-12 predicted Babylon’s long siege of Tyre; when those efforts gained little spoil, God assured payment elsewhere (Ezekiel 29:18-20). • God’s principle emerges: He rewards even a pagan king who unwittingly serves His purposes—exactly what He foretold in Jeremiah 25:9 and 27:6 (“Nebuchadnezzar My servant”). Connections to God’s Larger Promises • Faithfulness over time – Habakkuk 2:3 “Though it lingers, wait for it… it will surely come.” – Isaiah 46:11 “Truly I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass.” – Joshua 21:45 “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises… failed.” • Just wages for labor rendered – 1 Timothy 5:18 echoes the principle, “The laborer is worthy of his wages,” mirroring God’s treatment of Babylon’s armies. • Judgment on prideful nations – Exodus 15:9-12; Proverbs 3:34; Ezekiel 29:3-4 show God opposing Egypt’s pride, fulfilling His pledge to humble the lofty. • Assurance for His people – Hebrews 10:23 “He who promised is faithful.” – 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise,” encouraging believers when fulfillment seems delayed. Takeaways for Today • God timestamps His work so we can verify it; He invites trust in the literal record of Scripture. • Delayed fulfillment is not forgotten fulfillment—divine timing is perfect. • The Lord keeps promises to judge evil and to reward obedience, whether in kings or in everyday disciples. • Because every prior word has come true, we can rest in yet-unfulfilled promises—Christ’s return (John 14:3), resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:52), and a new creation (Revelation 21:1). God’s word on the first day of the month in Ezekiel 29:17 still testifies: what He says, He does—always, and exactly on time. |
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