Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

The final two oracles against Egypt describe its destruction and descent (vv. 1–16; 17–32). They are both dated to after the fall of Jerusalem. 

The first oracle begins with how Egypt sees itself: as a lion among the nations (v. 2). But the reality is that it is like a sea monster, an adversary of God. The creature is caught in a net by God, along with a whole throng, then hurled into an open field (vv. 3–4; cf. 29:5). The cosmic picture language underlines the cataclysmic effects of the destruction of Egypt on other nations (vv. 5–10). Babylon will be the instrument of God’s judgment (vv. 11–16). 

The second oracle is a dirge over Egypt (vv. 17–32). The self-exalting nation is sent down to the underworld, the realm of the dead. Seven nations are mentioned as inhabitants of the underworld, including Assyria (vv. 22–30). These nations had spread terror while in the land of the living (vv. 23–26, 30, 32), but will now bear their shame in the place of the dead (vv. 24–25, 30). Along with these nations, Egypt will now share the shame of the uncircumcised, unburied, and those slain by the sword (cf. 31:18). Egypt is not alone in the pit, bringing some cold comfort – her fate is the same as the other nations (v. 31). 

It is disturbing that God strikes terror in the land of the living (v. 32). Sheol is depicted as the realm of the dead in the Old Testament, but a clearer picture is revealed in the New Testament. When Christ returns again, there will be a final judgment, after which those who do not recognize Jesus as King will be cast into hell, a place of eternal punishment. This is a truly terrifying place, one that must be avoided at all costs (e.g. Mark 9:42–48). 

Reflection

Praise God for Jesus, who took the punishment for sin that we deserved, saving us from hell (e.g. 2 Cor. 5:21). Instead, we look forward to eternal life in a new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1).