Ezekiel 30: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezekiel 30 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh announces a day of judgment, urging a wail for the impending disaster (vv. 2-3). Egypt will face a sword, leading to anguish in Ethiopia and surrounding nations (vv. 4-5). The allies of Egypt, including mixed peoples and others, will fall, and Yahweh's strength will bring desolation (vv. 6-8). Messengers will warn Ethiopia of the coming threat, as Nebuchadnezzar will destroy Egypt's multitude (vv. 9-10). Yahweh will dry up Egypt’s rivers, end idolatry, and bring fear throughout the land (vv. 12-13). The cities of Pathros, Zoan, No, and Sin will experience devastation and captivity (vv. 14-16). Pharaoh’s power will be broken, leading to groans before Nebuchadnezzar, while the Egyptians will be scattered (vv. 21-24). Yahweh will strengthen Babylon’s king and confirm his plan against Egypt (vv. 25-26).

Key verse

“For the day is near, even Yahweh’s day is near. It will be a day of clouds, a time of the nations.”
Ezekiel 30:3 (WEB)

Outline

Ezekiel 30:1–4 The Warning of Judgment
Ezekiel 30:5–10 Destruction of Allies
Ezekiel 30:11–16 Judgment on Idolatry
Ezekiel 30:17–24 The Fall of Pharaoh
Ezekiel 30:25–26 God's Sovereign Plan

Discussion questions

In v3, what is meant by ‘the day is near, even Yahweh’s day’?
What happens to Egypt in v11 according to Yahweh's prophecy?
In v12, why does God say He will make the rivers dry?
In v22, why is Yahweh against Pharaoh king of Egypt?
When has an unexpected setback, like 'the arm of Pharaoh', changed your plans?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 30: Ezekiel 29, Ezekiel 32, Jeremiah 46.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 31.