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Ezekiel 29:12

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Ezekiel 29:12 · King James Version

Meaning

When examining the verse "And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries," it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. This prophecy, attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, was a warning to the people of Egypt for their transgressions and disobedience to God. The desolation of Egypt and the scattering of its people among the nations was seen as a punishment for their sins. The forty-year period of desolation symbolized a time of purification and repentance for the Egyptians. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful to His teachings.

Theological Overview

This verse from Ezekiel 29:12 serves as a prophetic warning of judgment against the land of Egypt. The mention of making the land desolate in the midst of other desolate countries highlights the severity of the destruction that will come upon Egypt. The forty years of desolation symbolize a period of complete devastation and exile for the Egyptians. God's declaration to scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them through various countries signifies a punishment that involves not only physical destruction but also the breaking apart of the nation and its people. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice in dealing with nations that have turned away from Him. The word "desolate" is repeated to emphasize the extent of the devastation that will befall Egypt, underlining the severity of the judgment that is to come.

Ezekiel 29:12 in other translations

American Standard Version

And I will make the land of Egypt a desolation in the midst of the countries that are desolate; and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be a desolation forty years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

World English Bible

I will make the land of Egypt a desolation in the midst of the countries that are desolate; and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be a desolation forty years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.”

Douay-Rheims

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the lands that are desolate, and the cities thereof in the midst of the cites that are destroyed, and they shall be desolate for forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And I wil make the land of Egypt desolate in the middes of the countries, that are desolate, and her cities shall be desolate among the cities that are desolate, for fourtie yeeres: and I wil scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and wil disperse them through the countreis.