S) "7 When they took hold of you with the hand,
You broke and tore all their hands;
And when they leaned on you,
You broke and made all their loins quake."
Ezekiel 29:7 (NASB)
O) There are three main things to take into consideration about this verse. First, is that this concept is not original with Ezekiel. When Jerusalem was besieged by Rabshakeh while Hezekiah reigned, he said that Judah should have no confidence in Egypt, calling them a staff of crushed reed, that if they leaned on Egypt they'd be pierced in the hand. Now, the literal recording from above suggests it might say "shoulder" but the point is the same. The significance between these two analogies, is that the earlier were the words of an Assyrian commander, while the words recorded above were given to Ezekiel by the LORD. We could take this to mean that the words of Rabshakeh informed the opinion of God (i.e., Assyria said it and God was confirming it as true). Or, more likely, God had informed the opinion of Assyria regarding Egypt. After all, Assyria had conquered Israel (the northern kingdom) before coming against Jerusalem; they were used as God's agent of purging the northern kingdom, who had rebelled against Him. Rabshakeh even claimed that the LORD actually told him to go conquer (see Isaiah 36:10). Although he obviously could have been lying, we know God spoke to Nebuchadnezzar, but he simply exalted himself beyond God's purposes. The same could have happened with Sennacherib sending Rabshakeh against Jerusalem. The second notable thing between these two analogies, are that in the earlier case, it was a warning to Judah (and likely a warning from God through an unlikely vessel). However, this later warning is directed at Egypt, who is the subject of this unflattering verse. God's people were still likely to hear of God's judgment against Egypt, as Ezekiel was a prophet sent to them, but this is still God humbling a country that thought more highly of themselves than they ought to have. The last notable difference, is the addition of the second portion, "And when they leaned..." Because the reality is, a lot of countries did rely on Egypt for support in conquests, in defense, and for food in times of famine, and even for shelter when they were fleeing political oppression or even assassination. But, how the world viewed Egypt didn't matter, because God knew them better. He saw through their reputation, and saw how weak, splintered, and vulnerable they really were. Lastly, there is a peculiarity with the last word. It is literally translated "stand" and it makes for a somewhat ambiguous sentence. Some of the older translations (KJV, ASV) say, "... loins to be at a stand." But the general idea seems to be the same, that it shocks, wrenches, quakes... it's not good.
A) These kinds of warnings must always be seen two ways. First, I must not be the Egypt in this judgment. God knows me better than the people who see me. They might have a very high opinion of my abilities, qualities, or character. But, they only have their perception. I also may think highly of myself, which might even be informed by te praises of others, to some degree. However, God knows my weaknesses. God knows my limitations, my shortcomings, my failures. As much as I value genuine and loving encouragement, which is good in itself, I must always humble myself before my God, and ask Him for a reality check. Second, I must also not be fooled by the Egypts around me. I must only look to Jesus for my help, for my support, for my security. Obviously, God will use Christians in my life to support, love, and care for me - He'll even use some unbelievers for His glory in this - but that's just it, always His glory must be central to this all.
P) Father God, thank You for direct discipline. Thank You for admonishing Your children, and loving me enough to warn me about dangers I can't see. Thank You for being utterly reliable, and stronger than I can ever fully know. You are holy and good to Your servant. I confess that I have mistaking let placed my trust in broken reeds. I have foolishly looked elsewhere for help and support. But, I know the truth now. I know that there is no other support but You, God. There is no other, on whom I can lean, except You. You are my Rock, my sure foundation. Thank You for grace and love. Let Your glory be plain by my complete trust in You, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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