Ezekiel 29

The series of prophecies against Egypt comprises six several predictions delivered at different times, extending over a period of seventeen years. In ch. xxix., God threatens Pharaoh for his self-sufficient pride, with destruction to himself, and all the horrors of a desolating war through his country (2-12); yet a promise is given of some relief after forty years, though the kingdom shall then be enfeebled and debased (13-16). The prophecy was in part fulfilled by the revolt against Hophra, who was dethroned and put to death (see Jer. xliv. 30), and by the subsequent civil war, which led to the invasion of Nebuchadrezzar, who overran the country.

3. The great dragon. See note on Psa. lxxiv. 13. In the midst of his rivers. The Nile, with its numerous channels.

7 and madest all their loins to be at a stand. Or, “and madest all their loins to shake.”

10. From the tower of Syene, etc. Or, “from Migdol even to Syene, even to the border of Ethiopia”: the former being at the northern, the latter at the southern boundary of Egypt: see R.V. marg.

11 forty years. Some regard “forty years” as a symbolic number for a period of chastisement and affliction.

12. I will scatter the Egyptians. According to Josephus (Ant. x. 9, § 7; Cont. Apion. i. 19), Nebuchadrezzar slew the king of Egypt (Pharaoh-Hophra), and carried many of his subjects to Babylon. Others would find refuge in Lybia, Ethiopia, and other regions.

14. Pathros. Upper Egypt. habitation. Rather “birth,” as R.V. a base kingdom. Reduced to vassalage. 16 And it shall be no more the confidence. Or, “And they shall no more be to the house of Israel for a confidence, bringing to mind [their] iniquity in their turning after them (the Egyptians),” etc. Egypt, once so powerful, shall be so weak that the Israelites shall no more look to it for assistance.

VER. 17-XXX. 19. This prophecy, although standing second in order, is the latest in date of the series, being more than sixteen years after the preceding section. It announces Nebuchadrezzar’s renewed invasion of Egypt (see Sayce: Primer of Assyriology, 1925, p. 72); and it adds a promise of Israel’s restoration (17-21). It then more fully describes the fear and desolation caused by the Chaldean invasion through all the cities of Egypt, and even in Ethiopia (xxx. 1-19).

18 every head was made bald. This description shows the severity as well as the length of the service. The “bald” heads and the “peeled” shoulders describe the result of much carrying of burdens (Oxford Heb. Lex.). It is believed that Nebuchadrezzar began the mole which Alexander afterwards completed (see note on xxvi. 12). The siege of Tyre lasted for thirteen years: see xxvi. 5.

yet had he no wages, nor his army. Or, “There were not wages to him and his army from Tyre,” etc. The words do not imply complete failure, but only that the booty was not proportioned to the time and labour expended. Jerome says that Nebuchadrezzar took Tyre, but found that the inhabitants had fled with all their wealth.

21. I will give thee the opening of the mouth. See note on xxiv. 27.