The Church Fathers on this verse

Ezekiel 29:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And the land of Egypt shall become a desert, and a wilderness: and they shall know that I am the Lord, because thou hast said: The river is mine, and I made it.

Douay-Rheims

וְהָיְתָ֤ה אֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרַ֙יִם֙ לִשְׁמָמָ֣ה וְחָרְבָּ֔ה וְיָדְע֖וּ כִּֽי־אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֑ה יַ֧עַן אָמַ֛ר יְאֹ֥ר לִ֖י וַאֲנִ֥י עָשִֽׂיתִי׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Theodoret of Cyrus

5th centuryChurch Father

The Lord speaks to Adonai, stating that He will unleash a sword upon you, leading to the destruction of both people and livestock. Egypt will face devastation and emptiness, and they shall recognize that I am the Lord. Despite your high regard for yourself and your claims to assist others, you will find it impossible to safeguard your own land when I execute judgment upon you. However, My people will acknowledge My sovereignty.

Read more (59 words)

Reflecting on your haughty statements, He reminds you that you have asserted, "My rivers are my own, and I will shape them." Yet, He warns not just against the entirety of Egypt falling into ruin, but specifically from Magdol to Siena and extending to the borders of Ethiopia; these cities, though not perpetually in peril, will face temporary devastation.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.