What connections exist between Ezekiel 29:18 and God's sovereignty over nations? Verse in Focus “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon led his army in a hard campaign against Tyre; every head was rubbed bare and every shoulder made raw. Yet he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the campaign he led against it.” (Ezekiel 29:18) Setting the Scene • The siege of Tyre lasted about thirteen years (c. 585–572 BC). • Babylon’s troops endured exhausting labor (“every head was rubbed bare”). • Tyre’s wealth had largely been moved to its island fortress, so Babylon left empty-handed. • In the next two verses (vv. 19-20) God promises Egypt’s riches to Nebuchadnezzar as payment. How the Verse Reveals God’s Sovereignty over Nations • God tracks the exploits of pagan rulers—He knows Nebuchadnezzar’s “hard campaign.” • He declares that unpaid service will be compensated, showing He alone settles accounts among nations. • By reallocating Egypt’s wealth (v. 19), the LORD demonstrates the right to redistribute territories and treasures at will (cf. Daniel 2:21). • Nebuchadnezzar is an unwitting servant: “I have given him the land of Egypt as his reward for which he labored” (v. 20). God employs even unbelieving kings to achieve His purposes (cf. Isaiah 45:1-6). Supporting Passages Underscoring Sovereignty • Isaiah 10:5-15—Assyria is God’s “rod,” yet will be judged for its arrogance. • Jeremiah 27:5—“I have made the earth… and I give it to whomever is pleasing to Me.” • Daniel 4:34-35—No one can restrain God’s hand. • Romans 13:1—“There is no authority except from God.” • Proverbs 21:1—A king’s heart is “a stream of water in the hand of the LORD.” Divine Accounting Principles Displayed • No labor goes unnoticed by the Creator—even that of a pagan army. • God alone calculates reward; human expectations of gain (Tyre’s riches) mean nothing without His decree. • Sovereignty means authority not only to judge but also to compensate, shift, or withhold national wealth. Key Takeaways for Today • Nations rise, strive, and fall under God’s management, not by chance. • Earthly power is temporary stewardship; ultimate ownership rests with the LORD. • Trust the God who sees every toil and settles every account—He governs history with precision. |
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