I particularly enjoy the Lessons that give me the leisure of discussing a few verses, rather than many! Although I delight in the “chapter surveys” as well. And since Ezekiel preaches a total of seven sermons against Egypt, we’re going to slow down a bit and notice the second of that series.
Ezekiel 29:17-21 … 17 And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 18 Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled (made raw): yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it: 19 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. 20 I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD. 21 In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Lots of Truth in just a few words!
Notice this first. The date of the message … “the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month …”
Now here’s the date of his last message, the previous 16 verses of our chapter: “In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me …”
Over 16 years later!
Our Text today versus the Material we studied yesterday!
Why does the Holy Spirit “link” so closely two sermons that were preached that far apart? The only answer I can give is this: their subject material! The downfall of Egypt! Which certainly means at least this, God gave that Nation plenty of warning before judgment came!
Wow!
Next we see that Nebuchadnezzar, whose army attacked and decimated Egypt, is merely a “servant” of the Lord! He (if you remember) had already sacked and pretty much destroyed Phoenicia (Tyre and Sidon) … yet he did not “receive” enough pay (loot) for His service to the Lord!
So … God throws Egypt in for “boot!”
God speaking: “Son of man (Ezekiel), Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he (Nebuchadnezzar) no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus (Tyre in Phoenicia), for the service that he had served against it. 19 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon (God giving nations); and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army. 20 I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour (reward) wherewith he served against it, because they (the Babylonian army) wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.” Verses 18-20
God DOES have his Hand in world politics!
“Paying” nations for services rendered!
In Isaiah 45:1 God calls another gentile King, Cyrus of Persia, His “anointed!”
Wow again!
But Ezekiel can’t close this sermon (or God can’t, really) without enclosing a word of GRACE for Israel, though she is sinning prolifically at the moment! (Repentance is in her future.)
Verse 21, chapter’s end: “In that day (yet future, maybe all the way to Armageddon) will I (the Lord) cause the horn (power) of the house of Israel to bud forth (sprout, grow), and I will give thee (Ezekiel) the opening of the mouth in the midst of them (finally listening to the Prophet); and they shall know that I am the LORD (be saved).
What a wonderful God we serve!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Now you see why I couldn’t omit this little sermon!
Please permit me one more … Wow!