1 In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:

3 Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.

4 But I will put hooks in thy jaws, and I will cause the fish of thy rivers to stick unto thy scales, and I will bring thee up out of the midst of thy rivers, and all the fish of thy rivers shall stick unto thy scales.

5 And I will leave thee thrown into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven.

6 And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the Lord, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.

7 When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand.

8 Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee.

9 And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the Lord: because he hath said, The river is mine, and I have made it.

10 Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.

11 No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.

12 And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

13 Yet thus saith the Lord God; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered:

14 And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

15 It shall be the basest of the kingdoms; neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

16 And it shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, which bringeth their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them: but they shall know that I am the Lord God.

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: 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.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The tenth year - Of Jeconiah's captivity.
McArther Bible Commentary
the tenth year. 587 B.C. is the tenth year after Jehoiachin's deportation. It is a year and two days after Nebuchadnezzar had come to Jerusalem (Eze 24:1-2; 2Ki 25:1) and seven months before its destruction (2Ki 25:3-8). This is the first of seven oracles against Egypt (cf. Eze 29:17; Eze 30:1; Eze 32:1; Eze 32:17).
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 9:2 Jeremiah 46:2 Ezekiel 26:1 Ezekiel 29:17 Ezekiel 30:20

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
McArther Bible Commentary
against all Egypt. Cf. Isaiah 19; Jer 46:1-26. Egypt was to fall, even though it could be pictured as a water monster (Eze 29:3-5), a towering tree like Assyria (Eze 31:3), a young lion (Eze 32:2), and a sea monster (Eze 32:2-8). The judgment looks ahead to 570 B.C. when the Greeks of Cyrene defeated Pharaoh (Apries) Hophra and 568/67 B.C. when Babylon conquered Egypt.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 19:1 Jeremiah 44:30 Jeremiah 46:2

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The great dragon - The crocodile; our prophet, as well as Isaiah, compares the Egyptian king to that devouring serpent, or dragon. That lieth - Not only at rest, but waiting for prey. My river - My kingdom, power, riches, and forces, all the strength and glory of Egypt.
McArther Bible Commentary
great monster. Most likely, the crocodile is the figure used for the king. Crocodiles were worshiped by the Egyptians, and lived in their rivers. Rahab is a general term used for a monster which often symbolized Egypt. See notes on Psa 87:4; Psa 89:10; Isa 30:7.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 68:30 Isaiah 27:1 Jeremiah 44:30 Ezekiel 29:9 Ezekiel 29:10 Ezekiel 30:12 Ezekiel 30:22 Ezekiel 32:2

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Put hooks - The Allegory is continued. The fish - The people of Egypt. To stick - To adhere to their king.
McArther Bible Commentary
fish of your rivers. This figuratively represents the people who followed Pharaoh and who were a part of God's judgment on Egypt as a whole (Eze 29:5-6).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 19:28 Isaiah 37:29 Ezekiel 38:4 Amos 4:2

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Leave thee - When thus brought out, I will leave thee. The wilderness - The deserts of Libya and Syene. All the fish - The whole army of the Egyptians. The open fields - There was this king and his army ruined. Gathered - These were not buried, but left in the wilderness, a prey to wild beasts, and birds.
Bible Cross References
Revelation 6:8 Jeremiah 7:33 Jeremiah 8:2 Jeremiah 25:33 Jeremiah 34:20 Ezekiel 31:13 Ezekiel 32:4 Ezekiel 39:4 Ezekiel 39:18

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
McArther Bible Commentary
a staff of reed. The Israelites had depended on Egyptians in military alliances in the same manner as people lean on a staff that gives way, failing them. Egypt had betrayed the confidence of Israel as God said they would (cf. Jer 17:5, Jer 17:7). Because Israel never should have trusted Egypt, it does not lessen Egypt's judgment.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 18:21 Isaiah 20:5 Isaiah 36:6 Lamentations 4:17 Ezekiel 17:17 Ezekiel 29:16 Ezekiel 30:8

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Rent - Didst them much mischief instead of benefiting them, as thou hast promised, (Jeremiah 37:7) .
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 18:21 Isaiah 20:5 Isaiah 36:6 Jeremiah 17:5 Lamentations 4:17 Ezekiel 17:15 Ezekiel 17:17 Ezekiel 29:16

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 46:13 Jeremiah 46:26 Ezekiel 14:17 Ezekiel 25:13

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
McArther Bible Commentary
The River. The Nile River was the water supply for all Egypt's crops. See note on verse Eze 29:19.
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 16:18 Proverbs 18:12 Ezekiel 29:3 Ezekiel 29:10 Ezekiel 30:7 Ezekiel 30:8 Ezekiel 30:12

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Syene - Boundary between Ethiopia and Egypt; that is, all Egypt from north - east to south - west.
McArther Bible Commentary
from Migdol to Syene. This distance covered the entirety of Egypt, since Migdol (Exo 14:2) was in the north and Syene in the southern border of Ethiopia.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 13:8 Ezekiel 21:3 Ezekiel 26:3 Ezekiel 29:3 Ezekiel 29:9

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Forty years - These forty years began about the thirtieth year of Jeconiah's captivity, and end with the seventieth year of the captivity, which was the first of Cyrus.
McArther Bible Commentary
uninhabited forty years. Although difficult to pinpoint this time reference, one possibility is that this period was when Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, reigned supreme in Egypt (Eze 29:19-20), from c. 568/67 B.C. to c. 527 B.C. after Cyrus gained Persian control.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 34:10 Jeremiah 9:10 Jeremiah 43:11 Jeremiah 43:12 Jeremiah 46:19 Ezekiel 32:13

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 25:15 Jeremiah 27:6 Jeremiah 46:19 Ezekiel 30:7 Ezekiel 30:23 Ezekiel 30:26 Ezekiel 32:15

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
McArther Bible Commentary
I will gather the Egyptians. Egypt eventually regained normalcy, but never again reached the pinnacle of international prominence she once enjoyed.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 19:22 Jeremiah 46:26

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Pathros - The southern part of Egypt, in which was the famous city Thebae, known for its hundred gates. Their habitation - The ancient habitation of their fathers. A base - A low, tributary, dependent kingdom.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 11:11 Jeremiah 44:1 Jeremiah 44:15 Ezekiel 17:14 Ezekiel 30:14

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
No more rule - Though in the times of the Ptolemeys, it was considerable, yet then, even then it did not rule the nations about her.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 107:39 Ezekiel 17:6 Ezekiel 17:14 Ezekiel 30:13 Ezekiel 31:2 Ezekiel 32:2 Nahum 3:8 Zechariah 10:11

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The desolation of Egypt.
Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property, forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and should use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol which all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men's pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those who do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them into sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean, that they may be no more our confidence.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Which - Which sinful reliance on the arm of flesh provoked God to call to mind their other iniquities. When - When they forgot God, and respected Egypt. They - The house of Israel.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 5:15 Isaiah 20:5 Isaiah 30:1 Isaiah 31:1 Isaiah 36:6 Isaiah 64:9 Jeremiah 14:10 Ezekiel 17:15 Ezekiel 21:23 Ezekiel 29:6 Ezekiel 29:7 Hosea 8:13

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also a promise of mercy to Israel.
The besiegers of Tyre obtained little plunder. But when God employs ambitious or covetous men, he will recompense them according to the desires of their hearts; for every man shall have his reward. God had mercy in store for the house of Israel soon after. The history of nations best explains ancient prophecies. All events fulfil the Scriptures. Thus, in the deepest scenes of adversity, the Lord sows the seed of our future prosperity. Happy are those who desire his favour, grace, and image; they will delight in his service, and not covet any earthly recompence; and the blessings they have chosen shall be sure to them for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In the seven and twentieth year - Of Jeconiah's captivity, the year after the conquest of Tyre.
McArther Bible Commentary
the twenty-seventh year. This is 571/70 B.C. as counted from the captivity of Jehoiachin in 597 B.C., about seventeen years after the prophecy in verses Eze 29:1-16.
Bible Cross References
Ezekiel 24:1 Ezekiel 26:1 Ezekiel 29:1 Ezekiel 30:1 Ezekiel 30:20

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also a promise of mercy to Israel.
The besiegers of Tyre obtained little plunder. But when God employs ambitious or covetous men, he will recompense them according to the desires of their hearts; for every man shall have his reward. God had mercy in store for the house of Israel soon after. The history of nations best explains ancient prophecies. All events fulfil the Scriptures. Thus, in the deepest scenes of adversity, the Lord sows the seed of our future prosperity. Happy are those who desire his favour, grace, and image; they will delight in his service, and not covet any earthly recompence; and the blessings they have chosen shall be sure to them for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Caused - The army, and commanders were weary of the siege, but the immovable resolution of the king kept them on. A great service - It was service to the justice of God. It was great service both for hardness of work, heaviness of burdens, and length of the siege, thirteen years together. Made bald - Through age, or sicknesses, or continued wearing of helmets. Peeled - Galled with carrying burdens. No wages - For though Tyre was very rich, when first besieged, much wealth was carried away during the siege, much spent and wasted in the siege, and what was left, preserved by articles of surrender.
McArther Bible Commentary
labor … against Tyre. In c. 585-573 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre for thirteen years before subduing the city (cf. Eze. 26:1-28:19). Tyrians retreated to an island bastion out in the sea and survived, not giving Babylon full satisfaction in their acquired spoils ("wages"), which would be expected after such a long struggle.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 25:9 Jeremiah 27:6 Jeremiah 48:37 Ezekiel 26:7 Ezekiel 27:31

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also a promise of mercy to Israel.
The besiegers of Tyre obtained little plunder. But when God employs ambitious or covetous men, he will recompense them according to the desires of their hearts; for every man shall have his reward. God had mercy in store for the house of Israel soon after. The history of nations best explains ancient prophecies. All events fulfil the Scriptures. Thus, in the deepest scenes of adversity, the Lord sows the seed of our future prosperity. Happy are those who desire his favour, grace, and image; they will delight in his service, and not covet any earthly recompence; and the blessings they have chosen shall be sure to them for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Her multitude - Common people, who shall be made captives, and servants or slaves. Her prey - What she had before taken from others. The wages - God will be behind - hand with none, who do any service for him; one way or other he will recompence them. None shall kindle a fire at his altar for nought.
McArther Bible Commentary
I will give the land of Egypt. To make up for Babylon's lack of sufficient reward from Tyre, God allowed a Babylonian conquest of Egypt in 568/67 B.C. Babylon's army had worked as an instrument which God used to bring down Egypt.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 19:4 Jeremiah 43:10 Jeremiah 43:11 Ezekiel 26:5 Ezekiel 30:4 Ezekiel 30:10 Ezekiel 30:14 Ezekiel 30:24 Ezekiel 31:2 Ezekiel 32:11 Ezekiel 32:15 Ezekiel 38:12

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also a promise of mercy to Israel.
The besiegers of Tyre obtained little plunder. But when God employs ambitious or covetous men, he will recompense them according to the desires of their hearts; for every man shall have his reward. God had mercy in store for the house of Israel soon after. The history of nations best explains ancient prophecies. All events fulfil the Scriptures. Thus, in the deepest scenes of adversity, the Lord sows the seed of our future prosperity. Happy are those who desire his favour, grace, and image; they will delight in his service, and not covet any earthly recompence; and the blessings they have chosen shall be sure to them for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They - The Babylonians. For me - God's work was doing by them, tho' they thought nothing less.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 10:6 Isaiah 10:7 Isaiah 45:1 Jeremiah 25:9 Jeremiah 43:11

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Also a promise of mercy to Israel.
The besiegers of Tyre obtained little plunder. But when God employs ambitious or covetous men, he will recompense them according to the desires of their hearts; for every man shall have his reward. God had mercy in store for the house of Israel soon after. The history of nations best explains ancient prophecies. All events fulfil the Scriptures. Thus, in the deepest scenes of adversity, the Lord sows the seed of our future prosperity. Happy are those who desire his favour, grace, and image; they will delight in his service, and not covet any earthly recompence; and the blessings they have chosen shall be sure to them for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The horn - Jehoiakim, who was then advanced by Evil - Merodach. The opening of the mouth - Thou shalt have liberty, to open thy mouth in comforting the good among them, and to give praise to God.
McArther Bible Commentary
I will cause the horn … to spring forth. Cf. Eze 23:25-26. God caused Israel's power to return and restored her authority as the power in an animal's horn (cf. 1Sa 2:1). Though other nations subdued her, Israel's latter end in messianic times will be blessed. I will open your mouth. Most likely, this refers to the day when Ezekiel's writings would be understood by looking back at their fulfillment. His muteness had already ceased in 586/585 B.C. when Jerusalem fell (cf. Eze 33:21-22).
Bible Cross References
Luke 1:69 Luke 21:15 1 Samuel 2:10 Psalm 92:10 Psalm 132:17 Ezekiel 3:27 Ezekiel 24:27 Ezekiel 30:1 Ezekiel 33:22 Amos 3:7 Amos 3:8