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The Desolation of Egypt
In this prophecy, the Lord Yahweh speaks against Egypt. The passage announces judgement, explains why it is coming, and shows that even after restoration Egypt will no longer hold the power and influence it once had.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
These verses are a prophetic message about Egypt spoken as the words of the Lord Yahweh. The passage itself focuses on Egypt’s coming desolation, the reason for that judgement, the scattering of its people, and a later return in a reduced condition.
Ezekiel 29:8–16Main takeaway
This passage teaches that the Lord Yahweh judges proud claims to power and can both humble a nation and set limits on its future place.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Judgement announced against EgyptThe message begins with the Lord Yahweh bringing a sword on Egypt and cutting off both people and animals.
Explanation
The message begins with the Lord Yahweh bringing a sword on Egypt and cutting off both people and animals. The result will be desolation and waste. The phrase "Then they will know that I am Yahweh" shows that this judgement is meant to reveal the Lord’s authority.
02The reason for judgementA reason is given clearly. Egypt said, "The river is mine, and I have made it." Because of this claim, the Lord says, "I am against you and against your rivers."
Explanation
A reason is given clearly. Egypt said, "The river is mine, and I have made it." Because of this claim, the Lord says, "I am against you and against your rivers." The passage presents Egypt’s pride and self-claiming language as central to why judgement is coming.
03A land emptied and scatteredThe desolation is described in strong terms. The land will become an utter waste, stretching from Seveneh to the border of Ethiopia.
Explanation
The desolation is described in strong terms. The land will become an utter waste, stretching from Seveneh to the border of Ethiopia. No human or animal will pass through it, and it will remain uninhabited for forty years. Egyptians will also be scattered among the nations.
04Return, but not former greatnessAfter forty years, the Lord says he will gather the Egyptians and bring them back to Pathros, called the land of their birth.
Explanation
After forty years, the Lord says he will gather the Egyptians and bring them back to Pathros, called the land of their birth. Yet this return will not restore former strength. Egypt will be a lowly kingdom, the lowest of the kingdoms, and will no longer rule over nations.
05No longer Israel’s misplaced confidenceThe passage ends by saying Egypt will no longer be the confidence of the house of Israel. Looking to Egypt had brought iniquity to memory.
Explanation
The passage ends by saying Egypt will no longer be the confidence of the house of Israel. Looking to Egypt had brought iniquity to memory. With Egypt humbled, that false dependence will end. Again the conclusion is that people will know that the Lord Yahweh is truly the Lord.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reason does this passage give for the judgement on Egypt?
Look for the direct statement introduced by "Because" and notice what Egypt claimed about the river and itself.
02How does the passage describe the extent and length of Egypt’s desolation?
Gather the details about the land’s boundaries, the absence of people and animals, and the repeated mention of forty years.
03What kind of future does Egypt have after the forty years end?
Notice both parts of the answer: Egypt is gathered back, but it returns as a lowly kingdom that will not rule over nations.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Ezekiel 29:8–16
8“ ‘Therefore the Lord Yahweh says: “Behold, I will bring a sword on you, and will cut off man and animal from you.
9The land of Egypt will be a desolation and a waste. Then they will know that I am Yahweh. “ ‘ “Because he has said, ‘The river is mine, and I have made it,’
10therefore, behold, I am against you and against your rivers. I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation, from the tower of Seveneh even to the border of Ethiopia.
11No foot of man will pass through it, nor will any animal foot pass through it. It won’t be inhabited for forty years.
12I will make the land of Egypt a desolation in the middle of the countries that are desolate. Her cities among the cities that are laid waste will be a desolation forty years. I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.”
13“ ‘For the Lord Yahweh says: “At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the peoples where they were scattered.
14I will reverse the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth. There they will be a lowly kingdom.
15It will be the lowest of the kingdoms. It won’t lift itself up above the nations any more. I will diminish them so that they will no longer rule over the nations.
16It will no longer be the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to memory, when they turn to look after them. Then they will know that I am the Lord Yahweh.” ’ ”