Lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 32:1-16

 

Isaiah 36:6

Look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.

(NKJV)

 

When we are in challenging times, we need someone, or something, in which we can place our trust. For those having a belief in Jesus Christ, the someone of trust is the Lord and the promise of eternal life (John 3:16). The something of trust for Christians is the word of God which provides guidance (Psalm 119:105). Those without a trusting relationship in Christ, place their trust in things of the world that come and go, providing little stability in one’s life. At the end of this post, I will tell you how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, giving you something stable in which to place your trust.

 

Ezekiel receives another word from the Lord, this time it is a word of lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt beginning with a reminder to Pharaoh of the greatness of Egypt among the nations (Ezekiel 32:1-2). The lamentation is at how the great nation of Egypt is destined to fall at the hand of the Lord with Him spreading His net over them (Ezekiel 32:3). God will leave the people of Egypt on the land, casting them out on the land and into open fields with the birds and beasts feeding on their carcasses (Ezekiel 32:4-5).

 

The land will also be watered by their blood even to the mountains with the rivers full of it (Ezekiel 32:6). The Lord will put out the light of Egypt, covering the heavens with the stars going dark, the sun covered with a cloud, and the moon not reflecting any light (Ezekiel 32:7). This will result in the Lord bringing darkness upon Egypt (Ezekiel 32:8).

 

The hearts of many are troubled when the Lord brings destruction to Egypt even among countries they do not know (Ezekiel 32:9). These people will be astonished and horribly afraid with trembling on the day of Egypt’s fall (Ezekiel 32:10). The Lord declares that at the of the sword of the king of Babylon, Egypt shall fall (Ezekiel 32:11). The swords of the mighty warriors, the most terrible of the nations will plunder the pomp of Egypt with all its multitude destroyed (Ezekiel 32:12).

 

All the animals of Egypt will also be destroyed from beside its great waters with no foot of man or hoof of animal muddying it anymore (Ezekiel 32:13). After this, the waters of the rivers will be clear and run like oil (Ezekiel 32:14). When Egypt becomes desolate and destitute and all are struck who dwell in it, they will know the Lord is the Lord (Ezekiel 32:15). The Lord declares that the daughters of the nations shall lament for Egypt and all her multitude (Ezekiel 32:16).

 

This lamentation illustrates the impact of the fall of Egypt (Ezekiel 32:9-10). Egypt was a great and powerful nation with many, including Israel, seeking refuge under the protection of Egypt’s great army (Isaiah 31:1). However, when Egypt fell to the armies of Babylon, This image of invincibility was tarnished causing many to tremble in fear (Isaiah 32:10). This lamentation is more than a lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt for it is a lamentation of people placing their trust in chariots and horses and not the Lord (Psalm 20:7).

 

Many in the world live in fear, depression, and despair when they see events occurring in the world today. Destructive hurricanes cause many to doubt if God even cares by allowing such storms occur. The political divisiveness causes many to fear the eruption of violence or despair, believing the entire system of government will collapse. The woke culture threatens to destroy traditional institutions like the family and Church as well as any hope of racial equality. Legalized abortion leads to the question, if the law permits the killing of an unborn child, who will the law permit killing next?

 

Unfortunately, a lukewarm Church caught up in its wealth and prosperity (Revelation 3:17), a Church seeking new members and contributions through acceptance of sin (Romans 12:2), Or a silent Church (Acts 1:8) cannot be an instrument of change or revival. It is an election year in the United States with Christians having the opportunity to speak out at the ballot box by Voting for candidates supporting Christian values, keeping in mind no candidate is perfect for they all are human. While there is no perfect candidate, some are closer to supporting Christian values with those the ones Christians should vote for. I urge all Christians in the United States to get out and vote on November 5, 2024, election day in the United States.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins making Jesus the Lord of your life, or have drifted away from your relationship with Christ, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.