Ezekiel 29:5
And I will leave thee thrown into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open fields; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the field and to the fowls of the heaven.
Ezekiel 29:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible (Ezekiel 29:5) speaks of a prophecy against the nation of Egypt. The metaphorical language used here describes how Egypt, symbolized by its rivers and the fish in them, will be cast into the wilderness and left desolate. The imagery of falling upon the open fields conveys a sense of abandonment and vulnerability. The prophecy further states that Egypt will not be brought back together or gathered, indicating a permanent state of disarray and destruction. The declaration that Egypt will be given as meat to the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven serves as a grim continuation of the theme of desolation and punishment. Overall, this verse foretells a fate of devastation and ruin for Egypt as a consequence of its actions, serving as a warning to heed the consequences of disobedience.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, God is delivering a message of judgment to a city that has turned away from Him. The imagery used in this passage paints a vivid picture of the consequences of disobedience. The city, represented as fish in the rivers, will be left desolate in the wilderness, exposed and vulnerable. This depiction of being scattered and left to the mercy of wild animals conveys the severity of God's judgment. By not being brought together or gathered, the city will suffer a complete loss of unity and community. The mention of being given as food to the beasts of the field and birds of the air emphasizes the harsh and final nature of the punishment. Overall, this verse serves as a warning of the consequences of straying from God's ways and the importance of remaining faithful to Him.
Ezekiel 29:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I will cast thee forth into the wilderness, thee and all the fish of thy rivers: thou shalt fall upon the open field; thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered; I have given thee for food to the beasts of the earth and to the birds of the heavens.
World English Bible
I’ll cast you out into the wilderness, you and all the fish of your rivers. You’ll fall on the open field. You won’t be brought together, nor gathered. I have given you for food to the animals of the earth and to the birds of the sky.
Douay-Rheims
And I will cast thee forth into the desert, and all the fish of thy river: thou shalt fall upon the face of the earth, thou shalt not be taken up, nor gathered together: I have given thee for meat to the beasts of the earth, and to the fowls of the air.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I will leaue thee in the wildernes, both thee and al the fish of thy riuers: thou shalt fal vpon ye open field: thou shalt not be brought together, nor gathered: for I haue giue thee for meat to the beasts of the field, and to the foules of heauen.