The nation of Egypt holds a significant place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning the failure of its internal resources. Throughout the Scriptures, Egypt is often depicted as a powerful nation, yet one that is subject to divine judgment and the eventual depletion of its resources due to its actions and idolatry.

Prophetic Context

The prophecies concerning Egypt's internal collapse are primarily found in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. These prophecies were delivered during times when Egypt was a formidable power in the ancient Near East, often serving as a refuge or a threat to the people of Israel.

Isaiah's Prophecies

Isaiah prophesied about the downfall of Egypt's resources and the ensuing chaos. In Isaiah 19:5-10 , the prophet foretells the drying up of the Nile, Egypt's lifeline: "The waters of the river will dry up, and the riverbed will be parched and empty. The canals will stink; the streams of Egypt will dwindle and dry up. The reeds and rushes will wither." This imagery of the Nile drying up symbolizes the collapse of Egypt's agricultural and economic stability, as the river was central to its prosperity.

Isaiah further describes the confusion and despair that will grip the nation: "The fishermen will groan and lament, all who cast hooks into the Nile; those who spread nets on the water will pine away. The workers in flax will be dejected, and the weavers of fine linen will lose hope. The workers in cloth will be dejected, and all the wage earners will be sick at heart" (Isaiah 19:8-10). This passage highlights the widespread impact on various sectors of Egyptian society, from agriculture to industry.

Jeremiah's Prophecies

Jeremiah also speaks of Egypt's impending judgment and the failure of its resources. In Jeremiah 46:25-26 , the prophet declares, "The LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I will punish Amon of Thebes, Pharaoh, Egypt, her gods and her kings, and those who trust in Pharaoh. I will hand them over to those who seek their lives, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and his officers. But after this, Egypt will be inhabited as in days of old,' declares the LORD."

This prophecy not only predicts the defeat of Egypt by Babylon but also underscores the futility of relying on its gods and leaders. The internal resources, both spiritual and material, are shown to be inadequate in the face of divine judgment.

Ezekiel's Prophecies

Ezekiel provides a detailed account of Egypt's downfall in Ezekiel 29-32. In Ezekiel 29:9-10 , the prophet states, "The land of Egypt will become a desolate wasteland. Then they will know that I am the LORD. Because you said, 'The Nile is mine; I made it,' therefore I am against you and your streams, and I will make the land of Egypt a ruin and a desolation, from Migdol to Syene, as far as the border of Cush."

Ezekiel's prophecy emphasizes the pride of Egypt in its natural resources, particularly the Nile, and the subsequent judgment that leads to desolation. The imagery of a desolate land serves as a stark warning of the consequences of arrogance and self-reliance.

Theological Implications

The prophecies concerning Egypt's failure of internal resources serve as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God over nations. They illustrate the futility of relying on human strength and resources in opposition to divine will. These prophecies also highlight the theme of judgment and restoration, as seen in the eventual promise of Egypt's habitation "as in days of old" (Jeremiah 46:26), pointing to God's ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.Isaiah 19:5-10
And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... inspired writer.' For a like reason the failure of a ... the authorship, as, for example,
that respecting St. ... who maintain that the roll of prophecies is completed ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... or of Egypt, was by no means deficient in resources. ... were drawn round in Pharaoh's
orbit; Egypt had shown ... triumph, and none of his later prophecies have come ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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