Ezekiel 29:20 - I have given him the land of Egypt as his payment for which he served, because they worked for me,’ says the Lord Yahweh.

Generated Verse: Ezekiel 29:20

What does "Ezekiel 29:20" mean?


This verse from Ezekiel 29:20 is part of a prophecy against Egypt. To understand it, we need to look at the broader context. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

Who is "him"? "Him" refers to King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon.
What "service" is being referenced? Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian army had besieged Tyre (a powerful Phoenician city) for many years (Ezekiel 29:18). The siege was extremely difficult and costly, yet they didn't achieve their goal of plundering the city's wealth, as Tyre's inhabitants managed to move their treasures elsewhere. The Babylonians put in tremendous effort but gained little material reward.
Why Egypt as "payment"? God is essentially stating that Nebuchadnezzar's labor against Tyre served God's purposes, even though Nebuchadnezzar may not have realized it. God used Nebuchadnezzar's actions (the siege) as a tool in His divine plan. Since Nebuchadnear didn't reap the expected spoils from Tyre, God promises to give him the land of Egypt as compensation for his efforts. Egypt was a rich and powerful nation at the time.
"Because they worked for me" This is the key to the verse. God's sovereignty is emphasized. Even though Nebuchadnezzar acted on his own ambition, God declares that the Babylonians were ultimately working for Him, fulfilling His plans. God used the siege of Tyre, and will use the conquest of Egypt, to enact his judgment on those nations.
"Says the Lord Yahweh" This reinforces the divine authority and certainty of the promise. It's not just a suggestion; it's a declaration from God.

In summary, the verse means:

God acknowledges that King Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian army put in hard work besieging Tyre but didn't receive the desired reward. Because their actions ultimately served God's purposes (even if unintentionally), God promises to give them the land of Egypt as compensation for their service. This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and his ability to use even the actions of pagan rulers to accomplish His will. It also serves as a warning to Egypt, indicating that God's judgment is coming upon them.

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