This verse shows that even a great nation like Egypt is under God’s authority.
“For thus says the Lord GOD, ‘At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the peoples among whom they were scattered.’” (v.13) In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel proclaims a future promise to Egypt, declaring that after a designated span of forty years, the Lord will bring back the Egyptians from the nations where they have been dispersed. This prophecy occurs in the mid-sixth century B.C., during a time of turmoil for many regions in the ancient Near East. Egypt, with its long history on the banks of the Nile and status as a powerful kingdom, had faced the rising might of Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar II. Despite its proud heritage, God used these adversities to demonstrate that He alone holds ultimate authority over all nations—including mighty Egypt.
By stating “I will gather the Egyptians…” (v.13), the Sovereign Lord makes clear that even foreign nations lie within His providential care. In the Scriptures, exile and subsequent restoration often reflect both judgment and mercy. Judgment befalls those who elevate themselves in pride and disobedience, such as Pharaoh and his people who trusted in their own strength. Yet mercy shows through God’s plan to bring them back from their plight. It reveals that God’s purposes stretch beyond Israel’s borders, involving every nation under the sun (Isaiah 19:21-22). The Egyptians’ return, like the restoration of Israel after exile, demonstrates that the Lord’s redemptive purposes extend to all peoples who will humble themselves before Him.
The mention of “forty years” mirrors other biblical periods of testing or trial, as with Israel’s forty years in the wilderness. Following that, Israel received the Promised Land. In a parallel way, Egypt’s experience under a forty-year judgment highlights God’s intention to purify them from reliance on false gods and political alliances. Once that time expires, He promises to gather them back, underscoring His sovereignty and grace toward those who have been humbled and refined through hardship.
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Ezekiel 29:13 meaning
“For thus says the Lord GOD, ‘At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the peoples among whom they were scattered.’” (v.13) In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel proclaims a future promise to Egypt, declaring that after a designated span of forty years, the Lord will bring back the Egyptians from the nations where they have been dispersed. This prophecy occurs in the mid-sixth century B.C., during a time of turmoil for many regions in the ancient Near East. Egypt, with its long history on the banks of the Nile and status as a powerful kingdom, had faced the rising might of Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar II. Despite its proud heritage, God used these adversities to demonstrate that He alone holds ultimate authority over all nations—including mighty Egypt.
By stating “I will gather the Egyptians…” (v.13), the Sovereign Lord makes clear that even foreign nations lie within His providential care. In the Scriptures, exile and subsequent restoration often reflect both judgment and mercy. Judgment befalls those who elevate themselves in pride and disobedience, such as Pharaoh and his people who trusted in their own strength. Yet mercy shows through God’s plan to bring them back from their plight. It reveals that God’s purposes stretch beyond Israel’s borders, involving every nation under the sun (Isaiah 19:21-22). The Egyptians’ return, like the restoration of Israel after exile, demonstrates that the Lord’s redemptive purposes extend to all peoples who will humble themselves before Him.
The mention of “forty years” mirrors other biblical periods of testing or trial, as with Israel’s forty years in the wilderness. Following that, Israel received the Promised Land. In a parallel way, Egypt’s experience under a forty-year judgment highlights God’s intention to purify them from reliance on false gods and political alliances. Once that time expires, He promises to gather them back, underscoring His sovereignty and grace toward those who have been humbled and refined through hardship.