Topical Encyclopedia The number forty holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often representing periods of testing, trial, and judgment. One notable instance of this is the prophecy concerning Egypt's desolation for forty years, as recorded in the book of Ezekiel.Biblical Context The prophecy of Egypt's desolation is found in Ezekiel 29:1-16. This passage is part of a series of oracles against foreign nations, delivered by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. The specific prophecy against Egypt was given in the tenth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, around 587 BC. Prophecy Against Egypt Ezekiel 29:10-12 states: "Therefore, behold, I am against you and against your streams, and I will make the land of Egypt a ruin and a desolate waste, from Migdol to Syene, as far as the border of Cush. No foot of man or beast will pass through, and it will be uninhabited for forty years. I will make the land of Egypt a desolation among devastated lands, and her cities will lie desolate for forty years among ruined cities. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them throughout the lands." This prophecy foretells a period of desolation for Egypt, during which the land would be uninhabited and its people scattered among the nations. The mention of "forty years" is significant, as it echoes other biblical instances where forty symbolizes a time of judgment and purification. Historical and Theological Significance Historically, the prophecy against Egypt can be understood within the context of the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East. Egypt, a powerful nation, had often been a source of temptation and false security for Israel and Judah. The prophecy served as a divine warning against reliance on Egypt instead of trusting in the Lord. Theologically, the forty-year desolation of Egypt underscores God's sovereignty over the nations. It demonstrates that no nation, regardless of its power or influence, is beyond the reach of God's judgment. The scattering of the Egyptians symbolizes the dispersion of a people who had placed their trust in their own strength and gods rather than acknowledging the one true God. Symbolism of Forty The number forty is recurrent in Scripture, often associated with periods of trial and transformation. For example, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 14:33-34), Moses spent forty days on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18), and Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). In each case, the period of forty signifies a time of testing, preparation, and eventual renewal. In the case of Egypt, the forty-year desolation serves as a period of divine judgment, intended to humble the nation and turn its people back to God. The prophecy concludes with a promise of restoration, as God declares in Ezekiel 29:13-14 : "Yet this is what the Lord GOD says: At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations to which they were scattered. I will restore Egypt from captivity and bring them back to the land of Pathros, the land of their origin. There they will be a lowly kingdom." Conclusion The prophecy of Egypt's forty-year desolation is a powerful reminder of God's justice and mercy. It illustrates the consequences of pride and idolatry while also offering hope for restoration and redemption. Through this prophecy, believers are encouraged to place their trust in God alone, recognizing His ultimate authority over all nations and history. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 29:11No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years. Nave's Topical Index Library The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign. The Old Testament and Archeology The Reaction against Egypt The Counsel of Gamaliel. The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... The Greater Prophets. General Index. What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ... Resources Are the Ten Commandments taken from the forty-two precepts of Ma'at? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Israel cursed with forty years of wilderness wandering? | GotQuestions.org How old was Moses when he died? How long did Moses live? | GotQuestions.org Forty: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Forty: Days by Spies in the Land of Promise Forty: Days of Flood, Before Sending Forth the Raven Forty: Days of Probation, Given to the Ninevites Forty: Days of Rain, at the Time of the Flood Forty: Days: Christ's Stay After the Resurrection Forty: Stripes: Administered in Punishing Criminals Forty: Years: Egypt to be Desolated Forty: Years: To be Restored After Forty: Years: Wanderings of the Israelites in the Wilderness Related Terms |
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