Main Idea: God will not tolerate competitors.
A Look at the Text:
After the judgments decreed against Tyre, the Lord set His gaze on the land of Egypt and specifically against its Pharaoh. Though the Pharaoh was the “great dragon” of the Nile River (Ezek. 29:3)—either referring naturally to a crocodile or possibly referring to the mythological “chaos-monster”[1]—he would be taken, hook-in-jaw, out into the desert to die (Ezek. 29:4-5).
Egypt had failed in its promise to help Judah against the Babylonians, symbolized by Israel’s leaning upon a weak staff (Ezek. 29:6-7). Even more, Pharaoh had claimed that the Nile was his own, because he had made it (Ezek. 29:3,9).
As a result of these things, God was bringing a sword upon them (Ezek. 29:8). They would experience desolation, and their future would pale in comparison to the past (Ezek. 29:12). All in all, they would come to know who the true and living God was, and it wasn’t Pharaoh (Ezek. 29:6,9).
Bringing it Home:
No mighty monster can stand before the sword of God Most High. No imposter god can claim that they are the source of that which He has made. The Egyptian Pharaoh, like the King of Tyre, fell into pride, even believing himself to be a god, and would be cut down as a result.
The true and living God would put a hook in the monster’s jaw and drag him from his own land. He would not tolerate competitors. He would reveal Himself to be God alone.
Being reminded of the One who is truly in control of all things should greatly encourage all of those who are on His side. Regardless of what life’s circumstances look like down here and which nations prosper in the present, there is one Sovereign who is reigning on high.
He can do as He pleases. He can raise up nations, and he can humble their kings. Though they may rule over their little kingdoms, He rules the entire cosmos.
Challenge:
Do earthly circumstances shake my heavenly hope?
[1] Charles H. Dyer, “Ezekiel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1285.