THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
I will bring forth fire, meaning I will unleash the sword upon Egypt, and Sais will lament the devastation of its priests. In Noh, there will be dispersal, and Memphis will become a desolation.
Ezekiel 30:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
And I will make a fire in Egypt: Pelusium shall be in pain like a woman in labour, and Alexandria shall be laid waste, and in Memphis there shall be daily distresses.
וְנָתַ֤תִּי אֵשׁ֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם ח֤וּל תחיל תָּחוּל֙ סִ֔ין וְנֹ֖א תִּהְיֶ֣ה לְהִבָּקֵ֑עַ וְנֹ֖ף צָרֵ֥י יוֹמָֽם׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
2 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Theodoret of Cyrus
The leaders of Memphis, who were then charged with the governance of Egypt, will face their end. A great fear will grip all Egyptians when Tanis is set ablaze. The city of Diospolis will be left in ruin, while the powerful city of Sais will endure severe trials; in summary, all of Egypt will experience devastation by foes, akin to fire, causing turmoil that will also affect the territory of Siena located within the land. The suddenness of this attack was made clear when it was declared there would be unexpected adversaries in Memphis. With the news received, the conflict will commence.
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It was also stated, in Diospolis there will be scattering, and waters shall inundate, which symbolizes the collapse of the walls and the invasion of enemies, much like waters that surge and overflow through the streets and homes. To this, the Lord added:
Cross references
Passages read together with this verse.
- Ezek 28:18Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thy iniquities, and by the iniquity of thy traffic: therefore I will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, to devour thee, and I will make thee as ashes upon the earth in the sight of all that see thee.
- Ezek 30:8And they shall know that I am the Lord: when I shall have set a fire in Egypt, and all the helpers thereof shall be destroyed.
- Ezek 30:9In that day shall messengers go forth from my face in ships to destroy the confidence of Ethiopia, and there shall be dread among them in the day of Egypt: because it shall certainly come.