What does Ezekiel 29:7 mean?
"When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand." - Ezekiel 29:7

The verse Ezekiel 29:7 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand." This verse is part of a larger prophetic message delivered by the prophet Ezekiel to the nation of Egypt.
In its historical context, the nation of Egypt had a significant influence and power in the ancient world. It was seen as a source of stability and strength, and many other nations sought its support and protection. However, despite its outward appearance of strength, Egypt was not to be relied upon. The verse speaks to the failure of other nations to find security and support in Egypt. Despite the appearance of being a strong and dependable ally, Egypt ultimately proved to be unreliable and untrustworthy.
The verse begins with the imagery of taking hold of someone by the hand, a gesture that usually signifies support, guidance, and assistance. However, in this case, the act of taking hold of Egypt by the hand resulted in a negative outcome. Instead of offering the hoped-for support, Egypt ends up breaking and rending all their shoulder, causing harm and distress to those who relied on it. This imagery conveys the message that relying on Egypt for support and security would ultimately lead to disappointment and harm.
The verse then goes on to describe how, when other nations leaned on Egypt, it broke and made all their loins to be at a stand. The act of leaning on someone or something symbolizes seeking strength and support. However, Egypt's inability to provide the support needed resulted in the failure of those who depended on it. The imagery of making all their loins to be at a stand indicates a state of weakness and helplessness, emphasizing the inability of Egypt to fulfill its perceived role as a reliable source of strength and security.
Overall, the verse paints a picture of Egypt's failure as a dependable ally and emphasizes the folly of relying on human strength and power rather than on God. It serves as a warning to the nations who looked to Egypt for support and security, highlighting the consequences of placing one's trust in earthly powers rather than in the sovereignty of God.
From a thematic perspective, this verse speaks to the broader theme of trust and reliance on God. It serves as a reminder that true security and strength can only be found in God, and that placing one's trust in earthly powers is ultimately futile. This idea is echoed throughout the Bible, where we are repeatedly called to put our trust in God rather than in human strength or worldly powers.
In addition to its thematic significance, the verse also contains powerful symbolism. Egypt can be seen as a symbol of the world and its false promises of security and strength. The breaking and rending of shoulders and the making of loins to be at a stand symbolize the failure of human strength and power to provide lasting security and support.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 29:7 in the King James Version of the Bible delivers a powerful message about the folly of relying on earthly powers for security and strength. It serves as a warning against placing our trust in human strength and power, and instead calls us to put our faith and reliance on God. This verse carries significant thematic and symbolic weight, offering timeless wisdom and guidance for those who seek true security and strength.
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Ezekiel 29:7 - "When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand."
"When they took hold of thee by thy hand, thou didst break, and rend all their shoulder: and when they leaned upon thee, thou brakest, and madest all their loins to be at a stand." - Ezekiel 29:7
Numbers 29:7
Genesis 29-7
Matthew 7:24-29
Matthew 7:24-29
Ezekiel 29:1 - "In the tenth year, in the tenth month, in the twelfth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Ezekiel 21:7
Psalms 29:7 - "The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire."
Ezekiel 37:7
Ezekiel 44:29 - "They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be their's."
2 Samuel 7:1–29
Ezekiel 48:29 - "This is the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their portions, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 29:14 - "And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom."
Ezekiel 16:29 - "Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith."
Ezekiel 29:6 - "And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel."
Ezekiel 29:2 - "Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt:"
Proverbs 29:7 - "The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it."
Matthew 7:29 - "For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
Ezekiel 20:29 - "Then I said unto them, What is the high place whereunto ye go? And the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day."
Ezekiel 29:17 - "¶ 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,"
Ezekiel 29:11 - "No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years."
Ezekiel 36:29 - "I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you."
Ezekiel 37 1-7
Ezekiel 27:29 - "And all that handle the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships, they shall stand upon the land;"
Ezekiel 29:13 - "¶ Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered:"
Ezekiel 18:29 - "Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?"
Ezekiel 22:29 - "The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully."
Ezekiel 34:29 - "And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more."
Nehemiah 7:29 - "The men of Kirjath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three."