How does Ezekiel 32:1 illustrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders? Setting the Scene “In the twelfth year, in the twelfth month on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 32:1) Ezekiel is in exile. Egypt, once a global superpower, still looms large. Yet at a precise moment on God’s calendar, the Lord breaks in with a new oracle—this time a lament over Pharaoh that will run through the rest of the chapter. That single verse speaks volumes about who truly holds the reins of history. Key Observations from Ezekiel 32:1 • A fixed date—“the twelfth year…, the twelfth month…, the first day”: God marks time, not human kings. • “the word of the LORD came”: Initiative is entirely divine; Ezekiel doesn’t request a message—he receives one. • A messenger in exile: Even far from Jerusalem, God’s voice is undiminished, underscoring His rule over every latitude and longitude. • Context of the chapter (vv. 2-16): Pharaoh will be dragged from his “rivers” like a captured monster. That judgment, already settled in God’s court, begins with verse 1’s timestamp. What This Tells Us about God’s Sovereignty • God schedules world events. The exact dating shows He has an appointment book for nations. • God addresses rulers directly. Though Pharaoh believes himself semi-divine, the true God summons him to account (32:2). • Prophetic authority originates in heaven. Ezekiel’s words carry weight because they are the Lord’s words. • Exile cannot silence God. Babylon may cage the prophet, but it cannot cage the King of kings. • Judgment is certain and comprehensive. Verse 1 introduces a message that will parade Egypt’s armies, allies, and even the dead before God’s throne (32:17-32). Supporting Witnesses from the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 46:9-10—“I am God… declaring the end from the beginning.” • Daniel 2:21—“He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them.” • Proverbs 21:1—“A king’s heart is like streams of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He will.” • Acts 17:26—God “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” Personal Takeaways • National headlines are ultimately footnotes in God’s narrative. • Leaders rise and fall on God’s schedule, not their own. • Because God’s word governs history, believers can face political upheaval with settled confidence. • If He directs empires, He can certainly direct our individual lives when we submit to His Word. |
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