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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 29 - Verse 3

29:3
Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Ezekiel is a proclamation of judgment against Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Through the prophet Ezekiel, God declares that He is against Pharaoh because of his pride and arrogance. Pharaoh is compared to a great dragon lying in the midst of his rivers, symbolizing his power and dominance over the land of Egypt. The phrase "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself" illustrates Pharaoh's self-reliance and belief that he is the source of his own success and prosperity. However, God is asserting His sovereignty over Pharaoh and reminding him that ultimately, all power and authority belong to Him. This verse serves as a reminder to us that pride and self-sufficiency are not pleasing to God, and that we should humbly acknowledge God as the source of all blessings and give Him the glory in all things.

Theological Overview

The verse refers to a prophecy against Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, who is depicted as a great dragon lying in the midst of the rivers. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the dragon was often a symbol of chaos and evil, representing the forces of opposition to God. By describing Pharaoh as a dragon, the verse emphasizes his pride and defiance towards God. The phrase "My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself" highlights Pharaoh's arrogance and self-reliance, as he claims ownership and credit for the blessings and resources bestowed upon him by God. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of acknowledging God as the ultimate source of power and authority, warning against the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency. It serves as a reminder to humbly submit to God's will and trust in His sovereignty, rather than relying on our own strength and abilities.

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