What does it mean that Nebuchadrezzar had no wages for his army from Tyre?

The passage says Nebuchadrezzar’s army “served a great service” against Tyre. They worked hard for many years, to the point that “every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled,” likely from helmets and heavy loads. But when Tyre finally fell, there was very little left to plunder. The people of Tyre had either used up or moved their wealth, so the Babylonian soldiers did not receive the rich payment they expected. God is explaining that, in human terms, they got almost nothing back for all that effort.

Why does God give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadrezzar as wages?

God says he will give Egypt to Nebuchadrezzar “for his labour” because his army had worked so hard in God’s judgment against Tyre but received no real reward there. Though Babylon was acting for its own gain, God says they “wrought for me.” In other words, God used their actions to carry out his own plans. So he allows them to conquer Egypt, take its people, spoil, and prey as payment. It shows that God can use even foreign kings and armies and still remain the one who decides outcomes.

What does it mean that Babylon’s army ‘wrought for me,’ even though they were not godly?

When God says the Babylonian army “wrought for me,” he is not saying they loved or obeyed him in their hearts. They were chasing their own power and wealth. Yet, without knowing it, they were carrying out God’s purpose by bringing down proud cities like Tyre and Egypt that had sinned. This shows that God rules over history in such a way that even those who do not honor him still end up serving his plans. They receive a worldly reward, but that is all they get. God’s people, who trust him, look for a different kind of reward.

What is meant by the ‘horn of the house of Israel’ budding forth?

The “horn” in this passage is a picture of strength, honor, and authority, especially of Israel’s leaders. When God says he will cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, he is saying that, even while powerful nations rise and fall, he will start to restore Israel’s strength. This began to show when some of Israel’s people were raised to honor in foreign courts, and later when they were allowed to return and rebuild. The image of a horn budding points to a small but real new beginning after a long season of weakness and exile.

What does it mean that God will give Ezekiel ‘the opening of the mouth’?

God’s promise to give Ezekiel “the opening of the mouth in the midst of them” means Ezekiel will be able to speak more freely and boldly among his people. Earlier, his message was often rejected and his role was heavy and restrained. As God’s words about judgment on nations came true, Ezekiel would be recognized as a true prophet. This would give him greater freedom and courage to speak. It is also a sign of mercy to Israel, because when God’s messengers are heard and not silenced, it shows he has not given up on his people.

What was happening in history when this prophecy about Tyre and Egypt was given?

This word came many years after the first visions of judgment. Jerusalem had already fallen. Nebuchadrezzar had campaigned against nearby nations and then spent about thirteen years besieging Tyre, which cost his army much effort with little gain. During those years Egypt had its own internal troubles and wars, which weakened it. Around the end of the Tyre siege, God spoke to Ezekiel to say that the fuller judgment on Egypt, promised earlier, would now be carried out through Babylon’s invasion. At the same time, God hinted that Israel’s future would not end in exile.

What does this passage teach about God’s control over nations and history?

This passage shows that God is not a distant observer but the one who “gives” lands and victories according to his purpose. He uses great empires like Babylon as tools in his hand, even when they do not intend to serve him. He can direct their success or disappointment, as seen in the short-lived gain from Tyre and the richer gain from Egypt. At the same time, he keeps his eye on his own people and promises their strength will grow again. So history is not random; God guides it toward both judgment and restoration.

How can this passage about Tyre, Egypt, and Babylon speak to believers today?

This passage reminds believers that God is in charge even when powerful nations and leaders seem to do whatever they want. He can use them, set their limits, and repay them in his own way. It also shows that God does not forget his people, even in long seasons of hardship, like exile. While the world chases its own rewards, God’s people are called to trust that he sees their situation and will bring new growth in his time. It encourages patience and faith when God’s promises seem slow or when evil appears to have the upper hand.

Ezek.29.17

Ezekiel 29:17

KJV

¶ And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

Egypt the Reward of Nebuchadnezzar

¶ And it came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month, in the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:

Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord God.

In that day will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give thee the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am the Lord.

Cross References

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