“After watching a film shot in Egypt, I was fascinated by the Egyptian culture and its people, and it has become a must-see destination as I plan my graduation trip,” responded a junior student when she talked about her favorite country she would visit in the near future. Egypt is definitely one of the oldest surviving civilizations and its power and dominion lasted many centuries in early ancient history. No other nation could be compared with Egypt with regard to math, medicine, science, technology and military prowess. The ancient Egypt is none other than modern America playing an essential role in the international community. Many nations like the nation of Israel often paid tribute to Egypt with an eye to seeking protection in case they were under attack by their enemies.

Yet in the book of Ezekiel God spoke to Ezekiel the prophet about the doom of Egypt; the Egyptians would be scattered among the nations and the land and the cities of Egypt would become desolate. “I (the Lord) will make it (Egypt) so weak that it will never again rule over the nations. Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help.” (vv 15-16). God used his prophet’s message to warn his people, the Israelites, not to put their trust in Egypt, a seemingly super-powerful nation at that time. No one could imagine Egypt could be destroyed and its lands became devastated lands. But the prophecy was fulfilled, and eventually the Babylonians conquered the so-called great Egypt!

While we’re encountering enormous difficulties or challenges, we naturally seek help from others, particularly those whom we consider heavyweights—powerful to come to our aid and rescue us like the people of Israel seeking out the Egyptians. However the real helper who is mighty to save is God. As the psalmist says in Psalm 121:2, “ My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”