How can we trust God's justice when He "breaks the arms of Pharaoh"? Setting the scene in Ezekiel 30 “Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and behold, it has not been bound up to be healed… Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against Pharaoh… I will break his arms, both the strong one and the fractured one” (Ezekiel 30:21-22). The prophet announces that Egypt’s proud ruler will lose all military strength. God Himself takes credit for the blow—an act of judgment that seems harsh at first glance. Yet this very passage invites us to trust the justice behind it. Why God’s judgments are always right • Deuteronomy 32:4—“His work is perfect; all His ways are just.” • Psalm 9:7-8—He “judges the world with justice.” • Nahum 1:2-3—Slow to anger, yet He “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” God’s character is flawless, consistent, and righteous. Whatever He does—including “breaking the arms of Pharaoh”—springs from that unchanging nature. What made the judgment necessary • Pharaoh’s arrogance (Ezekiel 29:3)—“I am the Nile; I made it myself.” • Centuries of oppression against Israel (Exodus 1; 14). • Repeated warnings ignored—Egypt had witnessed the Exodus plagues and continued in idolatry. James 4:6 affirms, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Divine opposition to persistent pride is not arbitrary; it is morally compelled. God’s patience before the blow fell • Ezekiel 33:11—He “takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” • Romans 2:5-6—Wrath comes only after stubborn, unrepentant hardness. Egypt enjoyed generations of prosperity and constant prophetic warnings. Breaking Pharaoh’s arms was a last resort, not a first impulse. Judgment that protects and liberates • By toppling Egypt’s military might, God shielded smaller nations and His covenant people from future oppression. • His justice is never merely punitive; it safeguards the vulnerable (Psalm 72:4). Judgment that reveals His sovereignty “I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put My sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh… Then they will know that I am the LORD” (Ezekiel 30:24-26). The contrast between Pharaoh’s broken arm and Babylon’s strengthened arm underscores that world events are not random; they unfold under God’s direct rule. The ultimate display of justice and mercy Romans 3:25-26—God “demonstrated His righteousness… so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” At the cross, the same holy Judge who struck Egypt allowed the sword of justice to fall on His own Son, satisfying righteousness while extending mercy to all who believe. Living in confidence of God’s justice today • Humble yourself—acknowledge His rightful rule. • Worship with awe—revere the God whose judgments are pure. • Rest in hope—because He is just, evil will not triumph forever. • Proclaim the gospel—inviting others to flee judgment by trusting Christ. The God who once “broke the arms of Pharaoh” still reigns with perfect justice, unwavering patience, and redeeming love. |
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