What is the meaning of Ezekiel 29:7? When Israel took hold of you with their hands Israel, facing the threat of Babylon, reached out to Egypt for help much like someone grabbing a walking stick for balance (see Isaiah 30:1-3; 31:1; 2 Kings 18:21; Ezekiel 17:15). The northern kingdom had already fallen, and Judah’s leaders hoped Egypt’s army and wealth would steady them. you splintered Instead of offering solid support, Egypt shattered like dry cane, proving unreliable (Isaiah 36:6; Jeremiah 37:5-7). A promise of aid was made, but no decisive rescue came when Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem. tearing all their shoulders The broken reed gashed those who grasped it. Egypt’s false hope added pain to Judah’s struggle, intensifying national and personal wounds (Ezekiel 17:17; Jeremiah 46:17). Trust misplaced can wound deeply. when they leaned on you Judah leaned harder, expecting Egypt to push Babylon back. Leaning pictures full dependence—Judah staked survival on Pharaoh’s strength (2 Kings 24:7; Jeremiah 37:7-8). Spiritual lesson: leaning on anything other than the Lord invites collapse. you broke Egypt’s power crumbled. After an initial show of force, Pharaoh Hophra retreated, leaving Jerusalem exposed (Jeremiah 37:5-10). History confirms Egypt never regained superpower status after Babylon’s rise (Jeremiah 46:2; Ezekiel 30:6). and their backs were wrenched With no ally, Judah bore the full weight of Babylonian conquest—exile, destruction, and back-breaking labor (Lamentations 4:17; Ezekiel 21:7). The picture is of a spine twisted under sudden strain, symbolizing national ruin. summary Ezekiel 29:7 paints Egypt as a fragile, hollow support. Judah’s leaders clasped Egypt’s hand in desperation, but the alliance only cut deeper wounds and left their backs broken under Babylon’s yoke. The verse warns against trusting human power over God’s sure word: false props fail, but the Lord never splinters. |
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