Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 29:14

"and I will bring back the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth; and they shall be there a base kingdom." — Ezekiel 29:14 (ASV)

The land of Pathros. Compare Isaiah 11:11. Pathros is Upper Egypt, the Thebaid. In the following clause, this is described as the land of their birth (Marg.). According to ancient testimony and the opinion of many moderns, this was the original seat of Egyptian power. It may, however, be taken as the part for the whole—Pathros for Egypt.

Shall be there a base kingdom. Egypt should be restored, but not to its former power.

Historically, this has been eminently true. For a little while, Egypt struggled against its oppressors, but its power was already broken, and from the time of its conquest by Cambyses, it has never been independent for any length of time.

There are few stronger contrasts in any inhabited country than between the ancient glory, dignity, power, and wealth of Egypt, and its later insignificance.