Biblical Context:

The concept of Egypt as the reward for Nebuchadnezzar is rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Ezekiel. This theme is primarily found in Ezekiel 29:17-20, where God declares that He will give Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as compensation for his efforts against Tyre.

Scriptural Reference:

Ezekiel 29:17-20 states: "In the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first day, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, '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 any reward for the campaign he waged against Tyre. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will carry off its wealth, seizing its spoil and taking its plunder. And it will be the wages for his army. I have given him the land of Egypt as his recompense for which he labored, because they worked for Me,' declares the Lord GOD."

Historical Background:

Nebuchadnezzar II, the king of Babylon, reigned from 605 to 562 BC and is one of the most prominent figures in the ancient Near East. His military campaigns expanded the Babylonian Empire, and he is well-known for the conquest of Jerusalem and the subsequent Babylonian Exile of the Jewish people. The siege of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city, was a prolonged and arduous campaign that lasted for 13 years (circa 585-572 BC). Despite the effort, the Babylonians did not gain significant material wealth from Tyre, as much of its riches were transported away by sea.

Theological Significance:

The prophecy in Ezekiel highlights several key theological themes. First, it underscores the sovereignty of God over nations and rulers. God uses Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of His judgment, not only against Tyre but also against Egypt. The passage reveals that God orchestrates the affairs of nations to fulfill His divine purposes.

Second, the prophecy serves as a reminder of divine justice and recompense. Although Nebuchadnezzar's campaign against Tyre did not yield the expected material rewards, God promises to compensate him with the wealth of Egypt. This reflects the biblical principle that God is just and will ensure that His servants receive their due reward, even if it comes from unexpected sources.

Prophetic Fulfillment:

The historical fulfillment of this prophecy is debated among scholars. Some suggest that Nebuchadnezzar's campaign against Egypt occurred around 568-567 BC, during which he may have gained control over parts of Egypt and acquired its wealth. However, the extent of his conquest and the precise details remain uncertain due to limited historical records.

Symbolic Interpretation:

From a symbolic perspective, Egypt often represents worldly power and opposition to God's people throughout the Bible. By giving Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar, God demonstrates His power to subdue even the mightiest of nations and use them for His purposes. This serves as a warning to those who trust in worldly strength rather than in the sovereignty of God.

Conclusion:

The narrative of Egypt as the reward for Nebuchadnezzar is a profound illustration of God's control over history and His ability to use even pagan kings to accomplish His divine will. It serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in rewarding those who serve His purposes, even when the path to that reward is not immediately apparent.