What is the meaning of Ezekiel 30:21? Son of man - God repeatedly calls Ezekiel “son of man” (Ezekiel 2:1; 3:1), underscoring the prophet’s humanity in contrast to the Lord’s sovereign authority. - The address reminds readers that this message is not Ezekiel’s opinion; it is God’s own word, delivered through a faithful servant (2 Peter 1:21). I have broken the arm - The imagery of a broken arm speaks of decisive, disabling judgment. God personally acts against Egypt’s power, just as He “shattered the staff of the wicked” (Isaiah 14:5) and “breaks the arm of the wicked” (Psalm 10:15). - The tense is past—God’s verdict is already set, even if the historical downfall is still unfolding (Isaiah 46:10). of Pharaoh king of Egypt - Pharaoh represents the entire nation and its pride, echoing earlier confrontations with God’s supremacy (Exodus 5:2; 9:16). - Egypt had relied on military might and political alliances, but God declares that human strength cannot stand against Him (Jeremiah 46:25–26). See, it has not been bound up for healing - Unlike a compassionate physician who bandages wounds, God withholds restorative mercy here. Egypt’s wound will fester (Jeremiah 30:13). - The lack of bandaging signifies no possibility of recovery until God’s purpose is complete (Psalm 147:6; Nahum 3:19). or splinted for strength to hold the sword - Without splints, the arm cannot regain stability; Pharaoh will be unable to wield his sword, symbolizing military impotence (Ezekiel 30:22; Psalm 37:15). - God decrees that Egypt’s armies will fail, fulfilling earlier prophecies that “the sword will devour” (Jeremiah 46:14–16) and “Egypt’s warriors will stumble and fall” (Isaiah 19:16). summary Ezekiel 30:21 pictures the Lord as the sovereign breaker of Egypt’s power. By addressing Ezekiel as “son of man,” God highlights the divine origin of the message. The broken arm shows Pharaoh’s strength decisively crushed; the absence of bandages or splints means no recovery, rendering Egypt unable to fight back. The verse assures believers that God’s judgments are certain and His sovereignty absolute—nations that exalt themselves against Him will inevitably find their strength shattered. |
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