Ezekiel 29:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

One might wonder why there is an immediate transition to the twenty-seventh year after discussing the previous discourse from the tenth year, followed by the tenth and twelfth years, and concluding with the twenty-fifth concerning the temple. However, this is easily explained as the prior prophecy regarding Egypt connects with the current one, even though they were proclaimed at different times, as prophesied concerning one nation. A similar pattern of describing times in reverse can be seen in Jeremiah, where the actions of Zedekiah are mentioned before those of Jehoiakim. However, in the Psalms, no chronological sequence exists since it is a lyrical composition.

Let us first consider this in its literal sense. When Nebuchadnezzar launched his assault on Tyre, he was unable to use battering rams and siege engines due to its coastal position. As a result, he commanded his vast army to gather stones and construct embankments, filling the shallow waters to connect the mainland with the island. As the Tyrians recognized the impending fall of their city and felt the tremors from the siege engines, their leaders placed precious items and valuables aboard ships, evacuating everything dear to them. Consequently, upon conquering Tyre, Nebuchadnezzar found nothing of value. Yet, because he fulfilled God’s purposes during this campaign, the land of Egypt was granted to him a few years after the fall of Tyre. Tyre's cruelty surpassed that of Egypt, for while Egypt waged war against Jerusalem, Tyre only offered false hope. There is a stark difference between misleading the weak with false prospects and engaging in warfare against God's people.

Thus, the proclamation highlights that Nebuchadnezzar, by assaulting Tyre, fulfilled God’s intent; the burdens carried by his men resulted in blisters and sore shoulders, yet neither he nor his troops were rewarded by Tyre for their efforts. Nonetheless, because he acted according to God’s will, he was granted Egypt as a reward. Some scholars suggest this prophecy saw its fulfillment under Nebuchadnezzar, while others believe it occurred under Cambyses, the son of Cyrus, who ravaged Egypt and even crossed into Ethiopia, exacerbating the devastation that ultimately brought his own downfall, as recounted by Herodotus.

The reason for God's anger towards Egypt lies in their deceit of His people, who misplaced their trust in illusory assistance, provoking God's wrath. On the day Egypt falls, the strength of Israel will surely increase, anticipated to point to the royal lineage. Some see this as a reference to Zerubbabel, a descendant of David through Jehoiakim, while others speculate it pertains to future events with the anticipated arrival of Elijah. However, we recognize Christ as the horn of the Lord, tracing our understanding through actual historical events. Christ states that once these predictions come to fruition, your voice shall be unbound, and you will speak not from uncertain promises but from tangible fulfillment, so that all who listen may realize I am the Lord, whose word is invariably fulfilled.

This interpretation pertains not only to the literal significance of the prophecy but also illustrates that even the Gentiles, when they perform righteous deeds, receive God's acknowledgment of their actions. Jeremiah referred to Nebuchadnezzar as the "dove of God" for carrying out God’s will against a sinful nation. It is clear that in comparison with Gentiles acting in accordance with natural law, we face condemnation for neglecting even the law that has been inscribed in our hearts. The apostle Paul elaborates extensively on this in his letter to the Romans.

In seeking the significance of the number twenty-seven, we are reminded of its occurrence in Genesis, particularly acknowledging the flood—when in Noah's six hundredth year, in the second month and on the twenty-seventh day, the waters inundated the earth, and similarly, on the twenty-seventh day of the seventh month, the floodwaters receded, symbolizing divine mercy. This number serves as a marker of dual significance, where God's judgment manifests through the flood's beginning and His grace following the same number of days.

As the Jewish calendar is lunar, it signals that the twenty-seventh day reflects an enduring light, signifying that divine wrath does not exist without mercy. When the moon’s cycle is complete, the passover and all principal feasts are fulfilled. Thus, it is essential to recognize that this number contains both dual aspects of good—for Nebuchadnezzar, who receives the reward of his efforts—and ill tidings for the Egyptians, who are forewarned of coming desolation.

In a figurative sense, the horn signifies the shift from the defenseless state of young calves to one of great strength once the horns have developed. Thus, the Lord declares that when Egypt is defeated, my people will thrive, becoming a model of godliness, untainted by evil influences. When they recognize my sovereignty, they will heed the voices of the prophets. This is further illustrated by the statement, "And I will give you a voice among them," as Ezekiel represents the entire prophetic ministry.