King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 29:20 Mean?
“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. for his: or, for his hire”
Ezekiel 29:20 · KJV
Context
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: 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. take her spoil: Heb. spoil her spoil, and prey her prey
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. for his: or, for his hire
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryI have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it—The verb נָתַתִּי (nātattî, 'I have given') is prophetic perfect: future event spoken as accomplished fact because God's decree is certain. פְּעֻלָּתוֹ אֲשֶׁר עָבַד בָּהּ (pĕʿullātô ăsher ʿābad bāh, 'his labor which he served in it') refers to the Tyre siege.
Because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD—The stunning declaration: עָשׂוּ לִי (ʿāsû lî, 'they worked for me'). Nebuchadnezzar didn't know he served YHWH (he worshiped Marduk/Bel), but God sovereignly directed his campaigns to accomplish divine purposes: judging proud Tyre and Egypt, disciplining Israel, and demonstrating that YHWH alone controls history. This echoes Cyrus being called God's 'shepherd' and 'anointed' without knowing YHWH (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1-4). God works His will through all rulers, willing or unwitting (Proverbs 21:1).
Because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD—The stunning declaration: עָשׂוּ לִי (ʿāsû lî, 'they worked for me'). Nebuchadnezzar didn't know he served YHWH (he worshiped Marduk/Bel), but God sovereignly directed his campaigns to accomplish divine purposes: judging proud Tyre and Egypt, disciplining Israel, and demonstrating that YHWH alone controls history. This echoes Cyrus being called God's 'shepherd' and 'anointed' without knowing YHWH (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1-4). God works His will through all rulers, willing or unwitting (Proverbs 21:1).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This principle—pagan rulers serving God's purposes unknowingly—appears throughout Scripture: Pharaoh in Exodus, Assyria (Isaiah 10), Cyrus (Isaiah 45), Rome crucifying Jesus (Acts 2:23). God's sovereignty doesn't negate human responsibility but demonstrates His comprehensive control of history. Nebuchadnezzar's campaigns against Tyre and Egypt fulfilled divine purposes though motivated by imperial ambition.
Reflection Questions
- How can God righteously claim pagan rulers 'worked for me' without their knowledge?
- What does this teach about God's sovereignty over world history?
- How should Christians view secular governments in light of God's absolute control?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsאֲשֶׁר2 of 15
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָ֣בַד3 of 15
“wherewith he served”
H5647to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
בָּ֔הּ4 of 15
H0נָתַ֥תִּי5 of 15
“I have given”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
ל֖וֹ6 of 15
H0אֶת7 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר֙10 of 15
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָ֣שׂוּ11 of 15
“against it because they wrought”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִ֔י12 of 15
H0Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ezekiel 29:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ezekiel 29:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge