King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 30:10 Mean?

Ezekiel 30:10 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon. — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.

Ezekiel 30:10 · KJV


Context

8

And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed. destroyed: Heb. broken

9

In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.

10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.

11

He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land: and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.

12

And I will make the rivers dry, and sell the land into the hand of the wicked: and I will make the land waste, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I the LORD have spoken it. dry: Heb. drought all: Heb. the fulness thereof


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God will 'make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.' This explicitly identifies Babylon as God's instrument. Though Nebuchadnezzar acted from his own ambitions, God sovereignly directed his campaigns to accomplish divine purposes. This reveals God's absolute control over history, using even pagan rulers to execute His will.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nebuchadnezzar (605-562 BC) was ancient history's most successful conqueror. His Egyptian campaign fulfilled multiple prophetic oracles (Jeremiah 46, Ezekiel 29-32). Historical records confirm Babylonian military operations against Egypt.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's use of pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes demonstrate His absolute sovereignty?
  2. What comfort does God's control over history provide when circumstances seem chaotic or threatening?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כֹּ֥ה1 of 12
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֖ר2 of 12

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 12

the Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֑ה4 of 12

GOD

H3069

god

וְהִשְׁבַּתִּי֙5 of 12

to cease

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

אֶת6 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הֲמ֣וֹן7 of 12

I will also make the multitude

H1995

a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth

מִצְרַ֔יִם8 of 12

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בְּיַ֖ד9 of 12

by the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

נְבוּכַדְרֶאצַּ֥ר10 of 12

of Nebuchadrezzar

H5019

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מֶלֶךְ11 of 12

king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶֽל׃12 of 12

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire


Study 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 30:10 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 30:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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