Ezekiel 29:3

"“Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt."

Key Reflection

Ezekiel 29:3 challenges Ezekiel to confront Pharaoh, the powerful king of Egypt, directly. In the ancient Near East, prophets often spoke on behalf of the gods, delivering messages that could have dire consequences for their audience. For the original audience, this command from God was a significant act, emphasizing the severity and importance of the prophecy against Egypt's hubris. The prophet’s task highlighted the divine judgment impending upon Pharaoh and all of Egypt, underscoring the idea that no nation is beyond the reach of God’s justice, even one as mighty as Egypt.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The king is addressed as the embodiment of the state. Dragon -Here the crocodile, the great monster of the Nile, which was regarded very differently in different parts of Egypt. By some it was worshipped and embalmed after death, and cities were named after it (e. g., in the Arsinoite nome). Others viewed it with the utmost abhorrence. An animal so terrible, so venerated, or so abhorred, was an apt image of the proud Egyptian monarch - the more so, perhaps, because it was in truth less formidable than it appeared, and often became an easy prey to such as assailed it with skill and courage.

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