Ezekiel 29:1-6 - In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt; speak, and say, Thus says the Lord God: 'Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of his streams, that says, 'My Nile is my own; I made it for myself.' I will put hooks in your jaws, and make the fish of your streams stick to your scales; and I will draw you up out of the midst of your streams, with all the fish of your streams that stick to your scales. And I will cast you out into the wilderness, you and all the fish of your streams; you shall fall on the open field, and not be brought together or gathered. To the beasts of the earth and to the birds of the heavens I give you as food. Then all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the Lord.'

In Ezekiel 29:1-6, the prophet Ezekiel receives a word from the Lord concerning the fate of Pharaoh and Egypt. God instructs Ezekiel to set his face against Pharaoh and prophesy against him and all of Egypt. The Lord declares that He is against Pharaoh, who is described as a great dragon lying in the midst of the Nile, claiming the river as his own creation. However, God will put hooks in Pharaoh's jaws and make the fish of the Nile stick to his scales. He will then draw Pharaoh out of the river, along with all the fish, and cast them into the wilderness. Pharaoh and the fish will fall in the open field, not to be gathered or buried, but given as food to the beasts of the earth and birds of the sky. Through this prophecy, God declares that all the inhabitants of Egypt will know that He is the Lord. This passage demonstrates God's sovereignty over the nations and their rulers, as well as His judgment against those who exalt themselves and fail to acknowledge Him as the one true God. It also highlights the importance of God's prophetic word, which reveals His plans and purposes for the world.

The prophecy against Pharaoh and Egypt in Ezekiel 29:1-6 serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of pride and self-exaltation. Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, is depicted as a great dragon lying in the Nile, claiming the river as his own creation. This arrogance and failure to acknowledge God as the true source of all things ultimately leads to Pharaoh's downfall. God's judgment against Pharaoh is severe and humiliating. He will be drawn out of the river like a fish caught on a hook, along with all those who have aligned themselves with him. They will be cast into the wilderness, exposed and vulnerable, to be consumed by wild animals. This vivid imagery illustrates the futility of relying on human power and the devastating consequences of rejecting God. As Christians, we must guard against the temptation to place our trust in earthly rulers, wealth, or our own abilities. We are called to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging Him as the source of all good things and the sovereign ruler over all creation. When we exalt ourselves or place our trust in anything other than God, we set ourselves up for judgment and disappointment. Moreover, this passage highlights the importance of heeding God's prophetic word. Ezekiel, as a prophet, was called to deliver a message of judgment to Pharaoh and Egypt. While the message was difficult and unpopular, it was necessary to reveal God's plans and purposes. As believers, we must be attentive to God's word, even when it challenges us or goes against the prevailing cultural norms. Ultimately, the prophecy against Pharaoh and Egypt points to God's desire to be known and acknowledged by all people. Through His judgment, God declares that the inhabitants of Egypt will know that He is the Lord. This reminds us that God's ultimate purpose is to draw all people to Himself, that they may know and worship Him as the one true God. As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our own hearts and ask ourselves if there are areas where we have exalted ourselves or placed our trust in something other than God. May we humble ourselves before Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking to live in obedience to His word. And may we be faithful in proclaiming the truth of God's word, even when it is difficult, trusting that His purposes will ultimately prevail.

Heavenly Father, we come before You today acknowledging Your sovereignty over all creation. We recognize that You alone are the source of all power, wisdom, and goodness. Forgive us for the times when we have exalted ourselves or placed our trust in earthly things rather than in You. Lord, we pray for humility and a deep reverence for Your word. Help us to be attentive to Your voice and obedient to Your commands, even when they challenge us or go against the prevailing cultural norms. Give us the courage to proclaim Your truth, even in the face of opposition or adversity. We thank You for the gift of Your prophetic word, which reveals Your plans and purposes for the world. May we be faithful stewards of this gift, studying Your word diligently and applying it to our lives. Finally, we pray for those who do not yet know You as Lord and Savior. Just as You desired for the inhabitants of Egypt to know You, we pray that many would come to know and worship You as the one true God. Use us as instruments of Your grace and love, that we may point others to the hope and salvation found in Christ alone. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.