LEARNING A LESSON ABOUT PRIDE
Ezekiel 29-32

Introduction:     One way of getting wisdom is to learn form others mistakes. In chapters 29-32 the Lord pronounces judgment on Egypt , whose sin was pride. Ezekiel records God’s three step plan to teach Egypt about Himself again. In these steps we see the pattern that God uses to deal with a proud nation. No proud nation can escape the judgment of God.

I.          GOD HATES PRIDE

(Prov 6:16-19) "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: {17} A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, {18} An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, {19} A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

            A.        The Meaning Of Pride

·        When the Bible speaks about pride, it refers to an exalted opinion of oneself.

·        Delighting in the achievements of others is not wrong.

·        Developing an inaccurate view of oneself is wrong.

·        The only way to develop a correct view of self is through Scripture. God. Who created us gives an accurate picture of ourselves. If we will esteem God highly and regard ourselves as His creatures totally dependent upon Him for all righteousness, we will begin to develop an accurate view of ourselves.

B.         The Sinfulness Of Pride

·        Satan is the source of pride. It did not exist until he began to look upon himself improperly (Isa.14:12-15). He forgot that his spender was a gift from God, Who created him.

·        Pride left him dissatisfied with the ministry that he had. He no longer wanted to serve God. He wanted the universe to serve him.

·        No one likes to sin alone. As the first sinner, he quickly sought to enlist others to join him in rebellion. ¼ of heaven’s angels were misled by him. His next targets, Adam and Eve were as perfect as he once was. He designed his words to create a temptation to pride.

·        Once Eve adopted pride’s perspective on reality, their sin was inevitable. They fell under the spell of self unto sin. We, as their children have walked down the same path. Pride is not the only sin, but it does underline many of the wrongs we commit.

II.         GOD WARNS A PROUD NATION (29)

            A.        Capturing The Crocodile (vv.1-7)

·        Egypt ’s ruler, Pharaoh was described as a dragon (v.3). The word is used to describe a wide verity of reptiles. In this context, it may refer to the crocodile. The Egyptians caught crocodiles by hooking their jaws and pulling them to land (v.4).

·        In arrogance, the crocodile claimed deity (v.3). Pharaoh thought the Nile belonged to him. He had elevated himself to the position of god of Egypt , claiming the powers of a creator.

·        In judgment, the true creator promised to take Pharaoh away from the Nile to death in the desert and the Egyptian people would face judgment with them. The “fish of thy rivers” (v.5) refers to them.

·        What was the cause of the judgment? Just as is was with the previous six nations – because of Egypt ’s treatment of Israel . Egypt was a “staff of reed” unto Israel (v.6). When Israel leaned on such a staff it splintered and cause serious injury (v.7) to them. When Israel rebelled against Babylon , Egypt agreed to ally with her and protect her. They had failed to keep their promise.

            B.         Explaining The Message (vv.8-16)

·        God promised judgment for the whole land. Synene (shyneenee) is on the northern boarder where the Nile empties into the Med. Sea and Ethiopia on the southern border. Thus the whole land would face God’s wrath.

·        Like Israel , Egypt would be dispersed among the nations for forty years (v.11). Afterwards they would return to the land but only inhabit the northern portion. Stripped of power and influence, Egypt would never again wield the world power that she had for centuries (v.15).

·        Yet, God’s grace in judgment remained the same. He wanted Egypt to know Him (v.16).

C.                 Babylonian Conquest (vv.17-21)

·        Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon , was God’s agent of judgment. The coast of the siege of Tyre was so great that the spoils of the city did not offset it. So God gave Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar (v.19).

·        Because of Egypt ’s destruction the Lord would cause “a horn of the house of Israel to bud forth” (v.21). A horn symbolizes strength or power. As Israel suffered in captivity, the destruction of Egypt would give her strength. She would realize threat God’s Word always comes to pass.

III.       GOD HUMBLES A PROUD NATION (30-31)

            A.        With Isolation (30:1-19)

This prophecy has four section marked by “thus saith the Lord God”

·        The day of the Lord was upon Egypt (vv.1-5)

·        Egypt ’s allies would fall (vv.6-9).

·        Egypt would fall prey to Babylon (vv.10-12).

·        The Egyptian idols would pass from existence (vv.13-19)

            B.         With Dispersion (30:20-26)

·        God judged by braking Pharaoh’s arm (v.22) – The Lord removed his military strength.

·        God determined to use the Babylonian nation as His arm of Judgment (v.24) – The Lord is in control of all nations even though they do not realize it.

·        God will scatter the Egyptians among the nations (vv.24; 26)

            C.        With Destruction (31:1-18)

The greatness of Egypt was known the world over (expound).

·        Ezekiel’s poem of Egypt ’s greatness (vv.1-9) – he compared Egypt to Assyria, one of Egypt ’s old rivals. Assyria was defeated by Babylon and they would also defeat Egypt .

·        Assyria was destroyed for the same reason Egypt was indicted: pride (v.10) (Prov 16:18) "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Illus: Repentance of Nineveh in Jonah’s day…but they did not follow God. 150 years later final judgment announced by the prophet Nahum. Assyria ’s pride and self-sufficiency brought her to ruin.

·        God is able to humble proud nations that ignore Him. When God decided their arrogance had gone far enough, He brought them down. Their destruction was as sudden as they were devastating.

IV.       GOD LAMENTS A PROUD NATION (32)

Usually, a lament would be sung at a funeral. Though Egypt was not yet judged, her future was sealed.

            A.        Lament For Pharaoh (vv.1-16)

·        Pharaoh’s attempts to fight off Babylon are described as a troubling of the waters by a crocodile (v.2). Although fearsome and able to churn the waters mightily, Egypt will not prevail. God’s prophecy is that the crocodile will be drawn from the Nile and slaughtered (vv.1-10).

·        The figurative expressions give way to harsh reality (vv.11-16). Babylon will judge Egypt and the waters of the Nile will be quieted (v.14).

·        The God Who keeps His Word to His people will keep His Word to Pharaoh too.

B.                 Lament For Egypt (vv.17-32)

·        Ezekiel’s final prophecy to Egypt is his final prophecy to the nations. Egypt will join all the former powers of the world. No one can exalt themselves against the Lord. All will submit to Him one way or the other.

·        How much better it would have been to respond to the grace of God! He is willing to forgive the humble.

Conclusion:       Egypt had already received an opportunity to submit to God at the time of the exodus. Since she chose not to submit, she paid a high price. Pharaoh never learned the lessons that God sent the prophets to teach him. James summarizes the principle well: (James 4:6) "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."