The Pride of Egypt.

January 20, 2021 in Today's Devotion by TGV

Bible Study Guide/ 26-BSG-29Y, (Ezekiel 29:2-3, 6)/ A Devotional Thought corresponding with the Today’s Bible Reading Plan/ Theme: The Pride of Egypt.

Key Text: “Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt; speak, and say, Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of his streams, that says, ‘My Nile is my own; I made it for myself.” (Ezekiel 29:2–3, ESV)


 

What is Pride? Pride is excessive belief in one’s own abilities, that interferes with the individual’s recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise.

But let us discuss pride from the context of Oracles against Egypt. In Ezekiel 31:1–9, we have the parable describing Egypt: Egypt is pictured as a mighty and magnificent cedar tree in Lebanon, envied by all other trees. In our study today, we vividly see the Pride of Egypt: Pharaoh king of Egypt feels he owns the Nile River – “My Nile is my own, and I have made it for myself” (29:3b). Secondly, Egypt boasts of being the greatest (31:10); Third, she claims to be a lion among the nations (32:1–2).

Commentary: “In the ancient world, kings presented themselves to their people as the source of their prosperity and well-being. In Egypt the pharaohs made even greater claims by professing to be the god Horus incarnate. This is what may have led Pharaoh to make the outrageous assertion, “My Nile is my own; I made it” (v. 3b). The Nile was the source of Egypt’s greatness. It provided rich alluvial soil along its banks, beyond which was desert. It provided a continuous supply of water to irrigate the land and to slake the thirst of the Egyptians and their animals. It provided a means of transportation that made it possible for Egypt to bring its bountiful harvests to market. There would be no Egypt without the Nile. Egypt, in the person of the pharaoh, was claiming that it was the source of its own greatness. This assertion, once made, sealed Egypt’s downfall.’ [Bruce Vawter and Leslie J. Hoppe, A New Heart: A Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel, International Theological Commentary, (Grand Rapids; Edinburgh: Eerdmans; Handsel Press, 1991), 136–137].

The prophet wants the exiles to realize that any hopes they may have for Judah based on any alliance with Egypt will come to nothing! Like Judah, Egypt too stands under divine judgment. Execution of this judgment will reveal God’s holiness to Egypt — “And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know (understand and realize) that I am the LORD [the Sovereign Ruler, who calls forth loyalty and obedient service]” (Ezekiel 29:6a, AMP)

Beloved, the sin of pride is “the sin of sins.” It was this sin, we are told, which brough about the downfall of Lucifer: Your heart was proud and arrogant because of your beauty.” (Ezek. 28: 17a). For further study see — (Isa. 14:12-15; cf. Ezek. 28:12-19).

Pride can get us into a big trouble. Pride is dangerous to us and displeasing to God. When we are filled with pride, it has several effects on our lives: it cheapens Christ in our lives; it damages relationships; but above all, it tells us lies – we think we are independent and do not need God’s help. Do not be proud. Remember, Christ warned– “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)


 

Have a Good Night: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3–4, ESV)

 

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