Bible Commentaries

The sixth prophecy followed the fifth after an interval of nearly two years, but was closely associated with it, in that it consisted of a lamentation for Pharaoh whose doom was first described as the taking of a dragon in the seas and casting him forth on the land. The effect of this downfall would be widespread, bringing desolation to his own land, supplying booty to other lands, and making men everywhere tremble in the presence of the judgment of Jehovah.

This prophecy was uttered almost immediately after the fall of Jerusalem, just when certain of the people of God were turning their faces toward Egypt in the hope of help. It is quite evident that the intention of the prophet was not merely to foretell the doom of Egypt, but preeminently to warn those people of God who in the day of His judgment of them were hoping for succor and relief from Egypt.

The seventh and final prophecy against Egypt was uttered about two weeks after the sixth, and consisted of a wail for the multitudes of Egypt, in which the descent to death was portrayed, and all the companies of the dead from among the nations were represented as companions of Pharaoh and his hosts in the underworld. This was a terrible and awe-inspiring message, being, in effect, a funeral song in which the prophet in imagination watched the descent of Pharaoh and his hosts to the underworld. The proud head of the ancient enemy of the people of God is described as going out through death into corruption. As he passes into the dark and awful underworld he finds himself in the company of the slain multitudes of Asshur, and Elam, of Meshech and Tubal, of Edom and Sidon.

The prophet's declaration that "Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted," is appalling, as it reveals that the only comfort that can come to him is the profound sense of the operation of infinite justice in the punishment of all, himself included, who have been guilty of the abominations which have issued in the judgment of Jehovah.