Ezekiel 29:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It raises a question how it is that after the tenth year of the previous discourse, we jump to the twenty-seventh year, before revisiting the tenth and twelfth. The puzzle resolves itself easily; the prophecies regarding Egypt and the one just stated are interlinked, even though they were proclaimed at different times. They are connected through the fate of a single nation. This is a common stylistic occurrence in Jeremiah, where events are often presented in a non-chronological order. Sometimes the deeds of Zedekiah are noted before those of Jehoiakim, his predecessor. In the Psalms, however, chronological sequence is not a concern, as they represent lyrical compositions.

Let us first consider the literal account. When Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre, he could not position traditional siege equipment against its walls due to its coastal defenses. Instead, he commanded a vast army to gather stones and construct earthworks, effectively bridging the narrow strait to the island of Tyre. As the Tyrians realized the impending fall of their city and the walls began to tremble under siege, they hastily loaded ships with their valuables—gold, silver, garments, and various items—to safeguard them from Nebuchadnezzar, leaving him with little to plunder.

Despite this, because he followed the will of God in his endeavors against Tyre, he was granted the land of Egypt several years after taking the city. Tyre exhibited far greater cruelty than Egypt; the latter attacked Jerusalem, but Tyre falsely promised support. There is a significant difference between misleading the frail with false hopes and waging war against God's people. Thus, it is stated that Nebuchadnezzar, in his assault on Tyre, served the will of God; every soldier in his army was worn out from carrying earth and stones, their heads blistered and shoulders exposed, yet neither he nor his men found anything of value in Tyre. Because his efforts aligned with the divine purpose, Egypt was bestowed upon him as a reward.

Some suggest that this was fulfilled during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, while others attribute it to Cambyses, son of Cyrus, who ravaged Egypt as far as Ethiopia, leading to madness stemming from a fall, ultimately resulting in his own death by his sword. Herodotus chronicles this in detail, describing Egypt’s cities, its fortifications, and divine origins. The reason for the Lord’s anger against Egypt is their deceit of God's people, leading them to place their trust in false aid, incurring divine wrath.

On the day Egypt is taken, the strength of the house of Israel will be exalted, pointing explicitly to a royal lineage. Some interpretations link this promise to Zerubbabel, descended from Jehoiakim of the Davidic line, while others look toward a future time with the anticipated coming of Elijah. However, we see this as fulfilled in Christ, who symbolizes the glory of the Lord. When what is foretold is accomplished, the prophet’s voice shall proclaim the truth, revealing the certainty of God’s promises—His word aligns with actions so that all will recognize that I am the Lord.

This reflection reveals that Nebuchadnezzar was rewarded for his righteous actions, indicating that even Gentiles who perform good deeds are recognized within God’s judgment. This is seen where Jeremiah speaks of Nebuchadnezzar as the servant of God for executing divine plans against the sinful. Thus, if Gentiles can be commended for their natural moral law, we, who often overlook the written commandments, stand condemned by comparison.

As we explore the spiritual nuances, we must inquire about the significance of the number twenty-seven. This is mirrored in the account of Noah, where in the six-hundredth year of his life, on the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the floodwaters covered the earth, and later, on the same calendar date, the flood receded with Noah's ark coming to rest on the mountains of Ararat. This number signifies both divine wrath at the beginning of the flood and mercy displayed in the waters receding, symbolizing a duality present in both judgment and grace.

As such, within Jewish tradition, where time is reckoned according to lunar cycles, the twenty-seventh day indicates the lingering light of hope beyond God's wrath, for although judgment and mercy coexist in this date, we find goodness for Nebuchadnezzar, who receives the fruits of his labor, and for the Egyptians, where desolation is foretold.

On that day, a mighty call will resonate throughout the house of Israel, and I will provide you with the ability to speak among them, so that they may be led away to understand that I am the Lord. The "horn" referred to in sacred Scripture can signify godliness, strength, or sovereignty. The metaphor of the horn, originating from calves, illustrates that prior to the emergence of horns, they are frail, but as the horns develop, they gain tremendous power. Thus, God declares that once Egypt falls, my people will thrive and embrace godliness, no longer guided by evil. When they realize my authority, they will heed the words of the prophets. This was also conveyed by saying, I will open their mouths among them; for Ezekiel represented the entirety of the prophetic voice.