Reading for February 24th

Seven Oracles concerning Egypt and its rulers. In chs. 29-32: Egypt played a mjor role in instigating the revolt against its enemy Babylon. When Pharaoh Hophra attempted to relieve Jerusalem from Babylonian siege in 588 BCE, he was repulsed (Jer 37; 44.30; see also Jer 32). Read Ezekiel 29.1-16 In 29.1-16: The first oracle concerning Egypt. In verses 1-3a: In the tenth year ... tenth month ... the twelfth day: January 7, 587 BCE. In 3b-7: Ezekiel addresses Pharaoh probably Hophra, after his failed attempt to rescue Jerusalem. The great dragon: Egypt is compared to a dragon in Isa 11,15, which employs the imagery of the seven-headed Leviathan (Lothan) of Canaanite mythology, and in Isa 30.7 to the sea dragon Rahab (see also Isa 51.9-10;Job 9.13; 26.12-13; Ps 89.9-10). The Nile river is the source of Egypt's life. A staff of reed to the house of Israel symbolizes an unreliable support (compare Isa 36.3;2 Kings 18.21). In verses 8-12: Egypt's judgment results from Pharaoh's claim that the Nile is his and not God's (28.2). From Migdol to Syene: cities that define the northern and southern borders of Egypt. Forty years: Forty is a common number for a complete and lengthy period of time (Num 14.33; Judg 3.31; 1 Kings 2.11). In verse 13-16: Like Israel after it had been punished (28.25-26). Egypt will be restored to its land as a minor kingdom. The prophet clearly has in mind Egypt's failure to aid Israel in its time of need. Pathros: Upper Egypt, the southern portion of the kingdom. In Egypt, "up" is south (upstream on the Nile) and "down" is north (downstream on the Nile). Comments or Questions..