Why is Nebuchadnezzar's service to God significant in Ezekiel 29:18? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 29:18 “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made his army labor strenuously against Tyre; every head was shaved and every shoulder rubbed bare. Yet neither he nor his army received wages from Tyre for the labor he had performed against it.” Why God Describes Nebuchadnezzar’s Campaign as “Service” • God had previously pronounced judgment on Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-6). Nebuchadnezzar became the chosen instrument to carry out that word. • Though a pagan ruler, he unknowingly fulfilled the Lord’s purpose—illustrating that “the Most High is ruler over the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He wishes” (Daniel 4:17). • Because Tyre withheld material reward, God Himself assumed the role of paymaster, promising Egypt as “wages” (Ezekiel 29:19-20). Key Reasons This Service Is Significant 1. Sovereignty Displayed – God directs even unbelieving nations (cf. Jeremiah 25:9). – His promises of judgment are literal and timely. 2. Faithfulness to His Word – Tyre’s fall proved the accuracy of earlier prophecies. – Rewarding Nebuchadnezzar showed God keeps every detail—down to compensating labor (Proverbs 13:22b). 3. Principle of Divine Compensation – “The worker is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7); God applies the principle universally. – Egypt’s wealth becomes literal payment, prefiguring final justice when all accounts are settled (Romans 2:6). 4. Warning and Comfort – Nations that oppose God’s purposes cannot escape; those He chooses, even unwittingly, will prosper for a season (Habakkuk 1:6-11). – Israel, then in exile, could rest in God’s control over world powers and eventual restoration (Ezekiel 37). Takeaways for Today • Trust God’s absolute rule—He still steers governments to accomplish His plan (Acts 17:26-27). • Expect His word to be fulfilled precisely; past accuracy guarantees future certainty. • Recognize that service to God, voluntary or not, never goes unnoticed; He repays with perfect justice. |
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