The nation of Egypt holds a significant place in biblical prophecy, particularly concerning its foretold desolation. The prophet Ezekiel, in his divinely inspired writings, provides a detailed account of the impending judgment upon Egypt, predicting a period of utter desolation lasting forty years.

Ezekiel's Prophecy

Ezekiel 29:10-12 states: "therefore 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. The foot of neither man nor beast will pass through it; no one will live there for forty years. I will make the land of Egypt a desolation among devastated lands, and her cities will lie among ruined cities for forty years. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them throughout the lands."

This prophecy, delivered during the Babylonian exile, underscores the severity of God's judgment against Egypt. The imagery of desolation "from Migdol to Syene" emphasizes the totality of the devastation, covering the entire length of the nation. The absence of human and animal presence signifies a complete and profound desolation, unparalleled in its severity.

Historical Context

The historical context of this prophecy is crucial for understanding its implications. Egypt, a powerful and influential nation in the ancient Near East, often found itself at odds with the people of Israel. Throughout biblical history, Egypt is depicted as both a place of refuge and a source of oppression for the Israelites. The prophecy of desolation serves as a divine response to Egypt's pride and its role in opposing God's chosen people.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the prophecy against Egypt highlights several key themes. First, it underscores the sovereignty of God over all nations. Despite Egypt's might and influence, it is subject to the divine will and judgment. Second, the prophecy serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride and opposition to God's purposes. Egypt's desolation is a direct result of its arrogance and defiance.

Fulfillment and Interpretation

The fulfillment of this prophecy has been a subject of considerable discussion among scholars and theologians. Some suggest that the prophecy was fulfilled during the Babylonian conquest and subsequent periods of decline in Egypt's history. Others view it as a symbolic representation of Egypt's diminished status in the world, rather than a literal forty-year desolation.

Regardless of the specific historical fulfillment, the prophecy against Egypt remains a powerful testament to the authority of God's word and the certainty of His judgments. It serves as a sobering reminder of the fate that befalls nations and individuals who stand in opposition to the divine will.Ezekiel 29:8-12
Therefore thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword on you, and cut off man and beast out of you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 30:12
And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 32:15
When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate, and the country shall be destitute of that whereof it was full, when I shall smite all them that dwell therein, then shall they know that I am the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Greater Prophets.
... As the superscription is silent respecting any prophecies uttered in ... The next series
of prophecies (chaps.28-35) was ... for the sin of making Egypt instead of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... But, recollecting that for Egypt this can be no ... In the classes of prophecies that
have been ... There are two questions, especially, respecting which interpreters ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... (4.) In regard to those prophecies which relate ... regard as only the vehicle of certain
ideas respecting deity ... years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and Ethiopia ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day ... dictated a summary of all
the prophecies delivered by ... last eddies dying away on the frontiers of Egypt. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart ... by their antipathy to any
Messianic prophecies in the ... 2.regulations are laid down respecting the order ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Footnotes
... The collection of prophecies that goes under his name ... from this Life the preceding
particulars respecting the learned ... was to be followed by utter annihilation. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

What is the significance of Egypt in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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