They that uphold Egypt . The words include the allies named in Ezekiel 30:5 ; but also embrace the rulers, generals, perhaps the idols, of Egypt itself. From the tower of Syene . As before, in Ezekiel 29:10 , "from Migdol to Syene." read more
Desolation. Egypt is to be desolate in the midst of countries that are desolate, and her cities laid waste in the midst of other ruined cities. A picture of widespread and general desolation. I. THERE IS A DESOLATION OF LANDS AND CITIES . Having lived free from the ravages of an invader ever since the Norman conquest, we find it impossible to imagine the agonies of war among the people who suffer from them. The excitement of battle may drown those horrors for a season.... read more
In that day shall messengers , etc. The whole passage seems an echo of Isaiah 18:2 . The ships are those that bear the tidings of the conquest of Lower Egypt to the upper valley of the Nile. The careless Ethiopians are so named as confiding in their remoteness from the scene of action. They thought themselves safe, and were lulled into a false security (comp. Isaiah 32:9-11 and Zephaniah 2:15 , for a like rendering of the verb). As in the day of Egypt. As Isaiah ( Isaiah 9:4 )... read more
The careless Ethiopians. These people who were heedless of the coming danger that threatened them in common with great Egypt may serve as a type of the careless generally. I. THE PREVALENCE OF CARELESSNESS . These "careless Ethiopians" are not rare specimens of an obscure class. We have not to go to Africa, nor to antiquity, for the like of them. The genus to which they belong is far from extinct even in this age of anxiety and energy. Note the various forms which carelessness... read more
See the marginal reference note. read more
Careless Ethiopians - The Ethiopians, who were dwelling in fancied security Zephaniah 2:15, shall tremble at Egypt’s ruin. read more
Ezekiel 30:6-9. They also that uphold Egypt shall fall By this seems to be meant the governors of the several provinces, those who are called the stay of the tribes thereof, Isaiah 19:13; that is, of the several Nomi, or districts of Egypt. From the tower of Syene shall they fall This should rather be rendered, from Migdol to Syene. See note on Ezekiel 29:10. When I have set a fire in Egypt When I shall have kindled up the flame of war in Egypt. God’s judgments are often compared... read more
Desolation of Egypt (30:1-26)God’s coming judgment on Egypt will be a day of terror for other nations besides Egypt (30:1-3), because when Egypt falls many of its neighbouring allies will suffer also (4-5). These allies will be terrified as news reaches them of the calamities in Egypt. The invading army will overrun Egypt from north to south, killing the people and burning their cities (6-8). The people in neighbouring Ethiopia (NIV: Cush; GNB: Sudan) will be terror-stricken, knowing that they... read more
the tower , &c. See note on Ezekiel 29:10 . saith the Lord GOD = [is] Adonai Jehovah's oracle. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 30:5-8
The fate of the allies. Egypt was not alone in her forgetfulness of the principles of righteousness, in her defiance of God; and she was not alone in her chastisement and desolation. She had allies, who were included by the prophet in the denunciation he was directed to utter against Pharaoh and his people. I. POLITICAL AND NATIONAL ALLIANCES ARE OFTEN BASED UPON INTEREST RATHER THAN UPON MORAL PRINCIPLES . The weak seek the support of the strong; the strong... read more