God will use anyone to serve His greater purpose even when they do not realize it.
Ezekiel 29:20 addresses God’s proclamation of giving Egypt to King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, who ruled from approximately 605 B.C. to 562 B.C. This verse states, “I have given him the land of Egypt for his labor which he performed, because they acted for Me,” declares the Lord GOD (v.20). The “him” refers to King Nebuchadnezzar, who had spent considerable effort conquering and laying siege to various nations, including Tyre (Ezekiel 29:17-18). God’s intention was to reward Nebuchadnezzar’s military campaign as if he were an instrument accomplishing God’s greater plan to demonstrate His sovereignty among the nations (Jeremiah 27:6). Though Nebuchadnezzar himself did not worship the LORD in the same way Israel was called to do, he unwittingly served God’s purposes through his political and military endeavors.
The verse states that the land of Egypt, geographically situated in the northeastern corner of Africa along the Nile River, would become Nebuchadnezzar’s “wages” for his efforts. Egypt was an ancient and powerful kingdom, renowned for its fertile Nile Delta and its strategic location along key trade routes. At this point in history, Egypt was in decline and vulnerable to conquest. By granting Nebuchadnezzar dominion over Egypt, God affirms that even the mightiest realms serve as part of His divine plan. The Lord thus illustrates that He alone is the ultimate authority over every kingdom, directing events to fulfill His purpose and, ultimately, pointing to the universal authority Christ claims in the New Testament (Matthew 28:18).
Ezekiel 29:20 highlights how God uses political powers to accomplish His will, even granting them success to reveal His supremacy. Just as Nebuchadnezzar’s labor was recognized and compensating him fell under God’s determination, believers today can see that God’s sovereignty encompasses all rulers and times, extending through all history to the reign of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:16). The text also serves as a reminder of the accountability every nation holds before God, whether they acknowledge Him or not.
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Ezekiel 29:20 meaning
Ezekiel 29:20 addresses God’s proclamation of giving Egypt to King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon, who ruled from approximately 605 B.C. to 562 B.C. This verse states, “I have given him the land of Egypt for his labor which he performed, because they acted for Me,” declares the Lord GOD (v.20). The “him” refers to King Nebuchadnezzar, who had spent considerable effort conquering and laying siege to various nations, including Tyre (Ezekiel 29:17-18). God’s intention was to reward Nebuchadnezzar’s military campaign as if he were an instrument accomplishing God’s greater plan to demonstrate His sovereignty among the nations (Jeremiah 27:6). Though Nebuchadnezzar himself did not worship the LORD in the same way Israel was called to do, he unwittingly served God’s purposes through his political and military endeavors.
The verse states that the land of Egypt, geographically situated in the northeastern corner of Africa along the Nile River, would become Nebuchadnezzar’s “wages” for his efforts. Egypt was an ancient and powerful kingdom, renowned for its fertile Nile Delta and its strategic location along key trade routes. At this point in history, Egypt was in decline and vulnerable to conquest. By granting Nebuchadnezzar dominion over Egypt, God affirms that even the mightiest realms serve as part of His divine plan. The Lord thus illustrates that He alone is the ultimate authority over every kingdom, directing events to fulfill His purpose and, ultimately, pointing to the universal authority Christ claims in the New Testament (Matthew 28:18).
Ezekiel 29:20 highlights how God uses political powers to accomplish His will, even granting them success to reveal His supremacy. Just as Nebuchadnezzar’s labor was recognized and compensating him fell under God’s determination, believers today can see that God’s sovereignty encompasses all rulers and times, extending through all history to the reign of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:16). The text also serves as a reminder of the accountability every nation holds before God, whether they acknowledge Him or not.