Ezekiel 30:18, commentary and pictures

Ezekiel 30:18 belongs to the prophecies against the nations, specifically the prophecies concerning Egypt in chapters 29, 30, 31 and 32. It foretells Egypt's fall and loss of power: at Tehaphnehes darkness would come, its yokes and oppression would be broken, its strength, splendor and glory would end, a cloud and darkness would cover the land, and its dependent communities and people would go into captivity. It is God's declared judgment against Egypt that left the land desolate, connected with its devotion to idols and idol temples. It declares the certain fate awaiting Pharaoh and his host.

Through Ezekiel for twenty-two years Jehovah pleaded with Israel to turn to God, using the kingdoms on every side as illustrations of how God deals with them and brings down their pride. Egypt was a former oppressor of God's people and a symbol of black infidelity that would be brought low and abased for its pride, never to rise again among the nations. The prophecy was literally fulfilled: Egypt, which at that time was one of the greatest kingdoms and at one time the greatest empire on earth, became the basest of the kingdoms.

Fulfillment came through Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of Egypt and Egypt's later subjection to successive foreign powers. The prophecy of Egypt's downfall applies to England taking complete control of Egypt.