The historical validity of this chapter is amazing. In verse 13-19, God speaks specifically to cities within Egypt and gives vivid details for what they will face. Is it ironic that one of the cities is named Sin? The commentary from Nelson’s New Testament is really fascinating.
“This fourth and final message adds more detail to the description of the coming destruction of Egypt. Emphasis seems to be placed on the fall of major cities. Noph was ancient Memphis, a significant city in Egypt. It was capital of the Old Kingdom in the third century B.C.”
Nelson’s New Testament Commentary
Zoan, the classical Tanis, was a city in the northeastern delta. No was ancient Thebes, the capital of Upper or southern Egypt. Thebes was destroyed by the Assyrians in 661 B.C. Sin was ancient Pelusium, a fortress town on the northeastern border where the ruling Egyptian dynasty of Ezekiel’s day had a residence: the strength of Egypt. Aven (or Heliopolis, “the City of the Sun”) was ancient On, a center for worship of the sun-god Re.
Aven was north of Memphis at the southern tip of the delta. Pi Beseth, or Bubastis in Greek form, was once the capital of Lower Egypt (the northern or Nile Delta area). Tehaphnehes was also a fortress town on the northeastern border, the place where the Babylonian army would enter Egypt to bring this dark day. A cloud would arise from burning the city, and its vassal villages—her daughters—would be attacked and set ablaze also.”
The punishment from God was swift, calculated, and specific. As He did so many others times, He was making a point that there are no other gods before Him. No one could come against His Mighty plan.