Chapter 30: The Day of Egypt’s Collapse and Pharaoh’s Broken Arm

1. The Coming Day of Calamity for Egypt (Verses 1–4)

G‑d commands Yechezkel to prophesy and wail over “the day,” a day near at hand—one of darkness, judgment, and upheaval among the nations. A sword will come upon Egypt, and even Cush will tremble when Egypt’s slain fall and her foundations collapse.

2. The Fall of Egypt’s Allies (Verses 5–7)

Cush, Put, Lud, and other allied peoples will fall by the sword along with Egypt. From Migdol in the north to Syene in the south, Egypt’s supporters will collapse. Its cities will lie desolate amid a ruined land.

3. Egypt’s Destruction Announced (Verses 8–12)

G‑d will set fire upon Egypt and crush all who help her. Messengers will terrify Cush, warning them that Egypt’s downfall is imminent. Nebuchadnezzar and his mighty forces will invade, slay multitudes, and fill the land with corpses.
G‑d will make Egypt’s rivers run dry, deliver the land to wicked conquerors, and leave it utterly desolate.

4. The Overthrow of Egypt’s Idolatry (Verses 13–19)

G‑d promises to destroy Egypt’s idols and eliminate its rulers. He will bring fear and devastation to major Egyptian cities:

• Nof (Memphis) will experience terror.
• Pathros will be desolated.
• Zoan will be set aflame.
• No (Thebes) will suffer severe punishment.
• Sin (Pelusium), Egypt’s stronghold, will face fury.
• Aven, Pi‑Beseth, and Tehaphnehes will fall; their inhabitants will be slain or taken into captivity.
  Egypt’s pride will be shattered, and a thick cloud of judgment will cover the land.

5. Pharaoh’s Broken Arm (Verses 20–22)

In the eleventh year, G‑d reveals that He has broken Pharaoh’s arm—a symbol of military defeat. It was not bandaged or healed, preventing Pharaoh from holding a sword.

6. G‑d Weakens Egypt and Strengthens Babylon (Verses 23–26)

G‑d will break Pharaoh’s remaining arm, causing the sword to fall from his grasp. The Egyptians will be scattered among the nations. In contrast, G‑d will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, placing His sword into Babylon’s hand. Pharaoh will groan in helpless defeat before Babylon, and Egypt’s scattering will be a sign that G‑d alone rules over history.

Key Themes

• Egypt’s downfall is certain and will be widespread and devastating.
• The downfall of allies illustrates the collapse of a political system built on arrogance and illusion.
• G‑d directly controls world powers, strengthening Babylon and weakening Egypt.
• The scattering of Egypt serves as testimony that G‑d alone is sovereign.
• Judgment and restoration continue to unfold within G‑d’s larger plan for Israel and the nations.