Bible Commentaries

In the tenth year, &c.: i.e. a year and two days after the siege of Jerusalem began (Jeremiah 39:1), and six months, less three days, before its fall. See notes on p. 1105.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Son of man. See note on Ezekiel 2:1.

Pharaoh. Namely, Pharaoh Hophra, called Apries by the Greeks. Compare Jeremiah 44:30. He besieged and captured Gaza (Jeremiah 47:1); attacked Zidon and encountered the prince of Tyre on the sea (Herodotus, ii. 161: compare 2 Kings 24:7. Jeremiah 46:2); and said, "no god could deprive him of his kingdom" (Herodotus, H. 169). Zedekiah relied on him. See Jeremiah 37:5-8. Egypt was thus the cause of Jerusalem's destruction. See Jeremiah 44:30; and compare Jeremiah 46:25, Jeremiah 46:26.

the Lord God. Hebrew. Adonai Jehovah. See note on Ezekiel 2:4.

Behold. Figure of speech Asterismos. App-6.

the great dragon = the great crocodile, to which Egypt was likened on Roman coins. Compare Isaiah 51:9, where "Rehab" is used of Egypt (Isaiah 30:7).

My river = the Nile.

I have made it. Referring probably to the artificial system of canals and water-ways.

fish. Symbols of Pharaoh's subjects

shall know. See note on Ezekiel 6:7.

a staff of reed. This was by inciting Israel to resist and rebel against Assyria by promises of help which failed. See 2 Kings 18:21. Isaiah 20:5, Isaiah 20:6; Isaiah 30:6, Isaiah 30:7; Isaiah 31:3. Jeremiah 2:36; Jeremiah 37:7.

the house of Israel. See note on Exodus 16:3.

to be at a stand = to come to a stand, or to halt. Ginsburg thinks, to shake" (Isaiah 69:2).

I Will bring a sword. This phrase is peculiar to Ezekiel. See Ezekiel 5:17; Ezekiel 6:3; Ezekiel 11:8; Ezekiel 14:17; Ezekiel 29:8; Ezekiel 33:2; In Leviticus it is: "I will draw out the sword after you". Compare Leviticus 26:33.

man. Hebrew, "adam. App-14.

from the tower of Syene = from Migdol to Syene. Compare Ezekiel 30:6.

the tower = Migdol. See note on Exodus 14:2 for "Migdol", and compare Jeremiah 44:1. In the north of Egypt.

of Syene = to Syene. Hebrew. Seveneh. Now Assouan, in the south.

will I gather. Therefore they could not be the people known as gipsies.

people = peoples.

bring again, &c = turn the fortunes, &c. See note on Deuteronomy 30:3,

the captivity of Egypt or, the Egyptian captives. Note the discrimination shown in these prophecies. Some were never to be restored; others were to be resuscitated.

Pathros = Upper, or Southern Egypt.

habitation = nativity.

base = low.

basest = lowest.

iniquity. Hebrew `avah. App-44.

they shall know, &c. See note on Ezekiel 6:10.

the seven and twentieth year. See the table, p. 1105.

Nebuebadrezzar. caused his army, &c. That this was fulfilled is shown by Prof. Sayre, The Egypt of the Hebrews (1896), p. 130, who quotes an inscription which describes this campaign, which took place (it says) in the thirty = seventh year of his reign. He defeated Pharaoh Amasis. For this spelling ("Nebuchadrezzar ") see note on Ezekiel 26:4.

head was made bald. Probably from the helmet worn in so long a war.

shoulder was peeled. From bearing arms so long.

I will give. See note on Ezekiel 29:18, above. it shall be the wages. See the Structure on p. 1147.

saith the Lord GOD [is) Adonai Jehovah's oracle.

in the midst. Compare Ezekiel 3:26, Ezekiel 3:27; Ezekiel 24:27.