Topical Encyclopedia Ethiopia, known in biblical times as Cush, is a region frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. It is located to the south of Egypt and is often associated with the lands surrounding the upper Nile River. The Bible references Ethiopia in various contexts, including its people, its interactions with Israel, and prophetic declarations concerning its future.The desolation of Ethiopia is a theme found in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophets, under divine inspiration, often pronounced judgments against nations surrounding Israel, including Ethiopia. These judgments were typically a response to the nations' actions against God's people or their idolatrous practices. One of the key passages concerning the desolation of Ethiopia is found in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 18 speaks of a "land of whirring wings" beyond the rivers of Cush, which many scholars identify as Ethiopia. The chapter describes a message sent to this distant nation, warning of impending judgment. Isaiah 18:5-6 states, "For before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, He will cut off the shoots with a pruning knife and remove and discard the branches. They will all be left to the mountain birds of prey and to the beasts of the land. The birds will feed on them all summer, and the beasts of the land all winter." The prophet Ezekiel also speaks of Ethiopia's desolation in the context of God's judgment against Egypt. In Ezekiel 30:4-5 , the prophecy extends to Ethiopia, stating, "A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, and her wealth is carried away, and her foundations are torn down. Cush, Put, Lud, all the mixed people, and Libya, and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with them." The book of Zephaniah further emphasizes the theme of desolation for Ethiopia. Zephaniah 2:12 succinctly declares, "You too, O Cushites, will be slain by My sword." This prophecy is part of a broader declaration of judgment against various nations, underscoring the comprehensive nature of God's justice. These prophetic declarations serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations and His righteous judgment against sin and rebellion. The desolation of Ethiopia, as foretold by the prophets, illustrates the broader biblical theme of divine retribution against nations that oppose God's purposes or engage in idolatry. Throughout the Scriptures, Ethiopia is also depicted in more positive lights, such as in the account of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, who becomes a follower of Christ. This duality highlights the complexity of Ethiopia's role in biblical history, serving as both a recipient of judgment and a participant in the unfolding plan of redemption. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 18:1-6Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia: Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 20:2-6 Isaiah 43:3 Ezekiel 30:4-9 Habakkuk 3:7 Zephaniah 2:12 Library The Fall of Jerusalem. The Rebuilding of the Temple. On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ... Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Christ's Finished and Unfinished Work The Gospel According to St. Matthew Laymen Called to the Field of Missions. Isaiah Nineveh. Palestine under Pagan Kings. Resources Who was the Queen of Sheba? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do some cultures practice female genital mutilation (FGM)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Vashti in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Ethiopia: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ethiopia was Called the Land of Cush, Mentioned In Ethiopia: A Eunuch From, Becomes a Disciple Beause of the Preaching of Philip Ethiopia: Bordered Egypt on the South Ethiopia: Moses Marries a Woman of Ethiopia: Prophecies Concerning the Conversion of Ethiopia: The Inhabitants of, Black Ethiopia: Treats Jeremiah Kindly Ethiopia: Within the Babylonian Empire Related Terms |
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