Ezekiel 30 9

Ezekiel 30:9 kjv

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.

Ezekiel 30:9 nkjv

On that day messengers shall go forth from Me in ships To make the careless Ethiopians afraid, And great anguish shall come upon them, As on the day of Egypt; For indeed it is coming!"

Ezekiel 30:9 niv

"?'On that day messengers will go out from me in ships to frighten Cush out of her complacency. Anguish will take hold of them on the day of Egypt's doom, for it is sure to come.

Ezekiel 30:9 esv

"On that day messengers shall go out from me in ships to terrify the unsuspecting people of Cush, and anguish shall come upon them on the day of Egypt's doom; for, behold, it comes!

Ezekiel 30:9 nlt

At that time I will send swift messengers in ships
to terrify the complacent Ethiopians.
Great panic will come upon them
on that day of Egypt's certain destruction.
Watch for it!
It is sure to come!

Ezekiel 30 verses

Ezekiel 30 9 Meaning

This verse declares that many shall come from different nations and regions to witness the desolation and judgment brought upon Egypt. They will see the ruin God has inflicted as a consequence of Egypt's pride and defiance.

Ezekiel 30 9 Context

Chapter 30 of Ezekiel details the judgment of God against Egypt for its pride and its interference with His people, Israel. The preceding verses (1-8) prophesy the utter devastation of Egypt, likening it to a time of invasion and plundering. This verse 9 explains the effect of this divine judgment: it will be a spectacle observed by many nations. This aligns with the consistent theme in prophetic literature where the downfall of a proud and oppressive nation serves as a public display of God's power and sovereignty to all peoples. The historical context is the period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile, when nations, including Egypt, often acted contrary to God's plan for Israel.

Ezekiel 30 9 Word Analysis

• וּבְעֵ֧ת (uv'et): "And at that time." This phrase signifies a specific moment within the unfolding divine judgment prophesied by Ezekiel. It connects this verse to the preceding pronouncements of doom upon Egypt.

• יֵֽצְאוּ (yetz'u): "shall go out" or "will go forth." This verb, in the third person masculine plural, indicates movement or departure. It refers to messengers, as specified later in the verse.

• מְלָאכִ֥ים (melakhim): "messengers." This plural noun refers to agents or envoys sent by God. In this context, it emphasizes that the judgment and its witness are divinely orchestrated.

• מִלְּפָנַ֖י (mil'panai): "from before me" or "from my presence." This prepositional phrase strongly attributes the action to God. The messengers are dispatched by divine authority, making the event a clear act of God.

• לַגּוֹיִ֖ם (lagoyim): "to the nations." This is the direct object of the messengers' journey. The word "goyim" refers to nations or peoples, often Gentile nations, distinct from Israel. This highlights the international impact of God's judgment.

• לְרֹעֵ֥ה (leroeh): "to careless watchers" or "to shepherds of nations." The exact nuance here is debated. "Roeh" can mean "shepherd" or "watcher." When paired with "goyim" (nations), it can imply leaders or overseers of nations. Another interpretation suggests "careless watchers," implying nations that are idly observing rather than acting justly. The context leans towards observers.

• בַּטֻּח֔וֹת (battukhot): "carelessly trusting" or "insecurity." This participle modifies the watchers, suggesting they are complacent, self-assured, or living without regard for divine justice, even as judgment falls elsewhere.

• לִנְהֹֽג (linhog): "to drive" or "to lead." This verb, in the infinitive construct form, suggests the action the messengers will undertake or the purpose of their going.

• אֶ֠ת־מִצְרַ֟יִם (et-Mitzrayim): "Egypt." The direct object of the "driving" or "leading." This signifies that Egypt is the subject of this collective, perhaps bewildered, observation by the nations.

• בָּאֵ֣שׁ (ba'esh): "with burning" or "in a burning." This prepositional phrase indicates the manner or intensity of Egypt's judgment – fiery destruction, or the aftermath of destructive fire.

• בִּמְשֹׁ֖חִת (bimshokhith): "in ruin" or "in destruction." This further describes the state of Egypt. It signifies utter devastation and complete ruin brought about by God's judgment.

• Group of words "לְרֹעֵ֥ה בַּטֻּח֔וֹת לִנְהֹֽג אֶ֠ת־מִצְרַ֟יִם בָּאֵ֣שׁ בִּמְשֹׁ֖חִת": This complex phrase describes the effect of God's action: messengers are sent from God to the nations, and these nations, characterized as "carelessly trusting watchers" or "shepherds of nations," will witness or perhaps even indirectly contribute to Egypt's downfall through their complacent observation as Egypt is led (driven) into ruin by fire. The "driving" could be metaphorical, showing how all nations will witness Egypt being propelled into this state of ruin.

Ezekiel 30 9 Bonus Section

The idea of messengers being sent from God to cause nations to observe a particular event is seen in other parts of Scripture, particularly in prophetic pronouncements. The scattering of nations and their subsequent witnessing of divine acts are common motifs used by prophets to declare God's dominion over history and all peoples. The specific language used here, particularly the term "goyim," emphasizes the universal reach of God's judgment and justice, moving beyond merely localized or national conflicts. It asserts that God's actions against one nation are meant to be understood and feared by all others.

Ezekiel 30 9 Commentary

This verse underscores that God's judgments are not solitary events but have broad implications for the international community. The destruction of Egypt serves as a stark warning and a public spectacle. The description of the nations as "carelessly trusting" highlights their own spiritual danger; their complacency makes them blind to the true source of power and the inevitability of divine reckoning. They are like passive observers who will be startled by the overwhelming display of God's might as Egypt faces its fiery ruin. This verse illustrates the interconnectedness of global affairs under God's ultimate authority. The consequence of Egypt's pride and defiance is not only its own destruction but also the revelation of God's power to all people, leading them to acknowledge His sovereignty, or at least to fear it.