Our God Is the Lord

Where have you been tempted to take credit for what only God provided? Pharaoh made that mistake about the Nile, and Ezekiel records the result.

“Then all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the LORD, because you have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel” (Ezekiel 29:6).

Pharaoh had been arrogant, declaring, “My Nile is my own; I made it for myself” (v. 3). His attitude revealed a life of pride and defiance.

God promised to humble Pharaoh and all of Egypt, warning, “I will cast you out into the wilderness” (v. 5). Egypt’s prosperity would be replaced by desolation and waste. They would see just how vulnerable they were. They would be restored, but only after being humbled, becoming “the most lowly of the kingdoms, and never again exalt[ing] itself above the nations” (v. 15).

God also was sending a message to His own people. Ever since the time of Abraham, they often had turned to Egypt for refuge, resources, and protection. However, God did not want them to look to men or nations, but to Him.

Here, as often throughout the Bible, God was warning of the consequences of pride. He told Isaiah, “The lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted” (Isaiah 2:11). Jesus taught, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12).

Everything we have is a gift from God. As Job realized, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return” (Job 1:21).

Remember that our God is the Lord of the universe, the Creator. Humble yourself before Him. Be filled with praise and thanksgiving for all that He has done. 

Reflection Question: Commit every need in your life to God and look to Him for your supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God specifically target Pharaoh’s pride in this passage?

Pharaoh had claimed credit for the Nile—“my Nile is my own; I made it for myself” (v. 3)—so God’s judgment directly confronted that specific claim.

Why did Israel keep turning to Egypt instead of God?

Historically, Egypt represented visible, immediate security—military and economic strength Israel could see, unlike trusting an unseen God, which is a temptation not unique to that era.

What’s a modern-day “Egypt” people turn to instead of God?

Anything offering a sense of control or security apart from Him—financial savings, credentials, relationships, or influence—can function the same way when trusted in God’s place.