In what ways does Ezekiel 29:18 encourage perseverance in serving God's purposes? Setting the Scene Ezekiel delivers God’s word to a weary, displaced people. In chapter 29 the prophet turns his attention to Egypt, yet verse 18 pauses to describe the exhausting campaign of Nebuchadnezzar against Tyre. Though the Babylonian army was pagan, the Lord had employed them as His instrument of judgment (Ezekiel 26:7). The verse exposes both the cost of such service and God’s awareness of it. Ezekiel 29:18—The Text “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon drove his army in a hard campaign against Tyre; every head was rubbed bare and every shoulder made raw. Yet neither he nor his army received wages for the labor he expended on Tyre.” Why This Verse Speaks to Perseverance • God notices the strain – “Every head was rubbed bare… every shoulder made raw.” Nothing escapes His eye (Psalm 33:13–15). • God acknowledges unrecognized effort – “Yet neither he nor his army received wages.” The Lord records labor that seems unrewarded, just as He keeps “a book of remembrance” for those who fear Him (Malachi 3:16). • God intends ultimate compensation – Although verse 18 highlights lack of pay, verse 19 follows with God’s promise to give Egypt as wages. The pattern teaches that divine reward may be delayed but is never denied (Hebrews 6:10). • God can use imperfect people to accomplish perfect purposes – If He credits a pagan king, how much more will He honor His own children (Romans 8:17; Matthew 10:42). God Sees Faithful Labor • Scripture repeatedly affirms that unseen service is never wasted: – “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… You will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward.” (Colossians 3:23–24) God Rewards Faithful Service • Payday may not arrive when or how we expect, but it is certain: – “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) God Redirects and Reassigns • Nebuchadnezzar’s fruitless siege of Tyre led to divine reassignment: Egypt became his pay. • When one avenue of service seems to yield nothing, God can open another, ensuring His servants receive full reward (Revelation 22:12). Examples of Perseverance in Scripture • Noah—preached 120 years with no converts, yet God vindicated him (Genesis 6–8; Hebrews 11:7). • Joseph—served faithfully in slavery and prison before promotion (Genesis 39–41). • Paul—endured beatings, shipwrecks, and rejection, confident that “the Lord will rescue me… and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Ezekiel 29:18 quietly but powerfully reminds believers that God tallies every sacrifice, intends just recompense, and therefore calls us to persevere in serving His purposes, confident that His reward will arrive right on time. |
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