The Pride of Kings and the Sovereignty of God Over Nations
- Be God's Glory
- Sep 9
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 10
Welcome to Day 252 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel 28–30 continues God’s pronouncements against surrounding nations, highlighting the consequences of pride, arrogance, and opposition to His people. Chapter 28 delivers a dual prophecy against the prince of Tyre and the city itself, portraying human arrogance as well as the spiritual pride underlying the city’s wealth and influence. Chapter 29 proclaims God’s judgment on Egypt, demonstrating His sovereignty over even the most powerful nations and rulers, and promises that Egypt will experience exile and desolation. Chapter 30 emphasizes God’s judgment on Egypt, Cush, and other nearby nations, describing their downfall in vivid imagery and reinforcing the theme that no nation is beyond His control. Together, these chapters reveal God’s holiness, justice, and the certainty of divine judgment, while reminding His people that He alone is sovereign over all nations and rulers.
Ezekiel 28
Ezekiel 28 begins with a message against the prince of Tyre, condemning his pride, arrogance, and claim to divinity. The chapter describes the prince as a human being exalted in his own eyes, forgetting that God is the source of all wisdom and power. God declares that this pride will lead to his downfall, illustrating the consequences of arrogance before a holy God. The prophecy then expands to Tyre as a city, portraying it as filled with wealth and pride, and emphasizing that its riches and influence will not protect it from divine judgment. The chapter also uses poetic and possibly symbolic language to illustrate the spiritual pride behind the city’s prosperity. The lesson is that pride, self-exaltation, and reliance on human power or wealth are intolerable to God and result in inevitable judgment.
Ezekiel 29
Ezekiel 29 proclaims God’s judgment on Egypt, a long-standing political and military power, highlighting that no nation can stand against His sovereignty. Pharaoh is specifically addressed as an instrument of human arrogance, boasting in his strength and influence. God declares that Egypt will experience devastation, exile, and desolation for forty years, demonstrating that even the most powerful nations are subject to His authority. Despite the harsh judgment, the prophecy also shows God’s ultimate control over history and His purpose in disciplining nations. The chapter contrasts human pride with divine sovereignty, emphasizing that God alone determines the rise and fall of empires. The lesson is that God’s power surpasses all earthly rulers, and He executes justice according to His will.
Ezekiel 30
Ezekiel 30 continues God’s judgment against Egypt and extends it to Cush, Libya, and other neighboring nations. The chapter vividly describes the devastation of Egypt’s strength, wealth, and military power, portraying the totality of God’s judgment. God emphasizes that He is the sovereign Lord who controls the destinies of all nations, not just Israel. The chapter also highlights the folly of trusting in human might, alliances, or economic power, showing that God’s plans cannot be thwarted. Through poetic imagery and lamentation, the prophecy communicates the inevitability and completeness of God’s judgment. The lesson is that pride, false security, and opposition to God lead to destruction, and His sovereignty is absolute over all earthly powers.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The name Ezekiel comes from the Hebrew name Yehezqel, which means “God strengthens” or “God is my strength.” This meaning is significant in the context of the book because Ezekiel is called by God to strengthen the faith of Israel and uphold God’s authority in the midst of the nation’s exile and rebellion.
Purpose of the Book:
The book of Ezekiel was written primarily to warn, convict, and comfort the people of Israel during their exile in Babylon (c. 593–571 BC). Its purposes include:
Warning of Judgment: To declare God’s judgment on Israel for their idolatry, rebellion, and unfaithfulness (Ezekiel 5:5–17).
Encouraging Repentance: To call the people to repentance and restore hope for the remnant who return to God (Ezekiel 18:30–32).
Revealing God’s Sovereignty and Glory: Through vivid visions, symbolic acts, and prophetic messages, the book emphasizes that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel (Ezekiel 1:26–28; 36:22–23).
Promising Restoration: Ezekiel concludes with promises of renewal for Israel, including the vision of the valley of dry bones and the restored temple, symbolizing spiritual revival and national restoration (Ezekiel 37:1–28; 40–48).
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The book of Ezekiel is attributed to the prophet Ezekiel, a priest and prophet among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. Evidence for his authorship includes:
Biblical References:
Ezekiel repeatedly identifies himself in the text as the recipient of God’s visions and messages (Ezekiel 1:3, 2:1, 3:4).
The Book of 2 Kings 24–25 provides historical context about the Babylonian exile, confirming the timeframe of Ezekiel’s ministry.
Extra-Biblical Support:
The Jewish historian Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews (Book 10, Chapter 10) references Ezekiel as a prophet active during the Babylonian exile, confirming the traditional attribution.
The Talmud (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Megillah 14b) also recognizes Ezekiel as the author of the prophetic book that bears his name.
Internal Evidence: The first-person accounts, vivid visions, and symbolic actions consistently present throughout the book strongly suggest a single author with intimate knowledge of priestly practices and the Babylonian exile experience.
Key People:
Ezekiel – The prophet and main figure, called by God to deliver messages of warning, judgment, and hope.
God (YHWH) – Central figure of the book, revealed in powerful visions and messages.
King Jehoiachin – King of Judah taken into Babylonian exile, mentioned in Ezekiel 1:2 and 24:1–2.
Other Israelites – The people of Israel, often depicted as rebellious and in need of correction (Ezekiel 2:3–5; 18:2–3).
Foreign Nations – Babylon, Tyre, Egypt, Ammon, Moab, and Edom, who are often referenced in prophecies of judgment (Ezekiel 25–32).
Conclusion
The book of Ezekiel concludes with a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God’s enduring presence. Despite Israel’s rebellion and judgment, God promises to gather His people, cleanse them from sin, and restore them to their land. The final chapters (Ezekiel 40–48) present a vision of a renewed temple and a reestablished covenant community, symbolizing spiritual revival and the assurance that God remains faithful to His promises. The overarching theme is that God is holy, sovereign, and faithful, and He works through judgment and restoration to fulfill His purposes for His people.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:
Ezekiel 28
In Ezekiel 28, God reveals Himself as a righteous Judge who cannot tolerate pride, arrogance, or self-exaltation. He exposes the prince of Tyre and the city’s hubris, showing that wealth, influence, or cleverness cannot elevate anyone above His authority. God’s holiness and justice demand accountability, emphasizing that human power is temporary and subject to His will. The lesson is that pride and reliance on worldly accomplishments lead to downfall, while humility before God preserves life and favor.
No specific Hebrew names are mentioned, but God’s attributes reflect El Shaddai (God Almighty), the One with ultimate authority over rulers and nations. The chapter teaches that arrogance before God and attempts to elevate oneself above His law will always meet divine correction.
Ezekiel 29
In Ezekiel 29, God demonstrates His sovereignty over all nations, including the powerful kingdom of Egypt. He shows that no ruler or empire can escape His judgment when they act arrogantly or oppose His purposes. God is both just and purposeful, executing discipline according to His plans while asserting His control over history. The lesson is that human pride and reliance on military or political strength are futile, and ultimate security is found only in God.
No Hebrew names are directly mentioned, but His character reflects Jehovah Elohim (the Lord God) as the sovereign ruler over nations. The chapter teaches that God alone determines the rise and fall of kingdoms, reminding us to trust His authority rather than human power.
Ezekiel 30
In Ezekiel 30, God portrays Himself as the Mighty and Sovereign Lord who controls the destiny of nations and executes judgment without fail. He emphasizes that even the most powerful and wealthy countries, like Egypt and Cush, are subject to His authority. God’s justice is both comprehensive and purposeful, demonstrating that human reliance on strength, wealth, or alliances cannot thwart His plans. The lesson is that God’s sovereignty is absolute, and pride or false security leads inevitably to destruction.
No Hebrew names are explicitly mentioned, but His attributes align with El Gibbor (Mighty God) and Jehovah Nissi (The Lord Our Banner), highlighting His power and authority over human nations. The chapter teaches that God’s control is complete and that all nations must submit to His will or face His judgment.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Ezekiel 28 reveal God’s holiness and intolerance of pride and arrogance?
What does God’s judgment on Egypt in Ezekiel 29 teach us about His sovereignty over nations and rulers?
In Ezekiel 30, how does God demonstrate His power and authority over even the strongest kingdoms?
How do these chapters illustrate God’s justice in punishing sin and arrogance among nations?
How does God’s control over history in these chapters encourage trust and reliance on Him?
What do Ezekiel 28–30 teach about God’s omnipotence and His ability to humble the proud?
How can understanding God’s character in these prophecies strengthen personal humility and dependence on Him?
Questions About Themes:
How does Ezekiel 28 highlight the consequences of pride and self-exaltation in rulers and nations?
What does Ezekiel 29 teach about the futility of human power when it opposes God’s will?
How does Ezekiel 30 demonstrate that wealth, military strength, and alliances cannot prevent God’s judgment?
How is the theme of divine sovereignty over nations expressed throughout these chapters?
What role does judgment play in communicating God’s holiness and justice to both Israel and other nations?
How do these chapters reveal the consequences of arrogance, idolatry, or misplaced trust?
How do Ezekiel 28–30 collectively emphasize that all nations are accountable to God?
Reflective Application Questions:
How can we apply the lessons of Ezekiel 28–30 to guard against pride and self-reliance in our own lives?
What “Egypt-like” sources of false security (wealth, influence, alliances) might you be tempted to trust in today?
How does God’s sovereignty over nations encourage you to trust His guidance in your personal decisions?
In what ways do these chapters motivate you to live with humility before God?
How can reflecting on God’s justice inspire you to act with integrity and righteousness in your community?
What practical steps can you take to ensure your confidence is in God rather than worldly strength or resources?
How do these prophecies encourage obedience and dependence on God in both personal and corporate contexts?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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