Ethiopia Brings a Gift to Jehovah

On at least two occasions, Ethiopia, to the south of Egypt, has been involved in military action against Judah. (2 Chronicles 12:2, 3; 14:1, 9-15; 16:8) Now Isaiah predicts judgment on that nation:  "Ha for the land of the whirring insects with wings, which is in the region of he rivers of Ethiopia!"  (Read Isaiah 18:1-6) Jehovah decrees that Ethiopia will be 'cut off, removed, and lopped off.'

Secular history tells us that in the latter part of the eighth century B.C.E., Ethiopia conquered Egypt and ruled it for some 60 years.  Assyrian Emperors Esar-haddon and Ashurbanipal invaded  in turn.  With the destruction of Thebes by Ashurbanipal, Assyria subjugated Egypt, thus ending Ethiopian dominance over the Nile Valley.  (See also Isaiah 20:3-6) What about in modern times?

In Daniel's prophecy of "the time of the end," the aggressive "king of the north" is described as having Ethiopian and Libya "at his steps," that is responsive to his direction.  (Daniel 11:40-43)  Ethiopia is also mentioned as being in the battle forces of "Gog of the land of Magog."   (Ezekiel 38:2-5, 8) Gog's forces, including the king of the north. meet their end when they attack Jehovah's holy nation.  Hence, Jehovah's hand will also be stretched out against the modern-day "Ethiopia" because of its opposition to Jehovah's sovereignty. -Ezekiel 38:21-23; Daniel 11:45.

Yet, the prophecy also says:  "In that time a gift will be brought to Jehovah of armies, from a people drawn out and scoured, even from a people fear-inspiring everywhere . . .to the place of the name of Jehovah of armies, Mount Zion."  (Isaiah 18:7)  Although the nations do not recognize Jehovah's sovereignty, they have at times acted in ways that benefit Jehovah's  people.  In some lands the authorities have enacted legislation and rendered court decisions  giving legal rights to faithful worshipers of Jehovah.  (Acts 5:29; Revelation12:15, 16)  And there are  other gifts.  "Kings will bring gifts to your yourself. . . .Bronze ware things will come out of Egypt; Cush [Ethiopia] itself will quickly stretch out is hands  with gifts to God."  (Psalm 68:29-31)   Today, millions of modern-day "Ethiopians" who fear Jehovah are bringing  "a gift"  in the form of worship  (Malachi 1:11)  They are sharing in the immense task of preaching the good news of the Kingdom in all the earth.  (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 14:6, 7) What a fine gift to offer Jehovah! -Hebrews 13:15.

Next time: The Heart of Egypt Melts

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000