Ezekiel 31:11

KJV

I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have therefore delivered {H5414} him into the hand {H3027} of the mighty one {H410} of the heathen {H1471}; he shall surely {H6213} deal {H6213} with him: I have driven him out {H1644} for his wickedness {H7562}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am handing him over to the mightiest of the nations, who will certainly deal with him as his wickedness deserves; I reject him.

Berean Standard Bible

I delivered it into the hand of the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with it according to its wickedness. I have banished it.

American Standard Version

I will even deliver him into the hand of the mighty one of the nations; he shall surely deal with him; I have driven him out for his wickedness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 31:11 delivers a powerful divine decree against Egypt, personified as a once-magnificent cedar, declaring God's active role in its impending downfall. This verse reveals that God Himself "delivered" Egypt into the formidable power of "the mighty one of the heathen" (Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon), who would decisively execute judgment upon it. The explicit justification for this severe action is Egypt's profound "wickedness," underscoring the immutable principle that pride, arrogance, and iniquity inevitably incur God's righteous wrath and just retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 31:11 is an integral part of a larger prophetic oracle spanning chapters 29-32, specifically targeting Egypt. Within chapter 31, this verse serves as the climactic declaration of judgment following an elaborate allegorical description of Egypt as a majestic cedar in Lebanon (Ezekiel 31:1-10). The preceding verses meticulously detail the cedar's impressive stature, its widespread influence, and its self-exaltation, setting the stage for God's pronouncement of its inevitable demise. Verse 11 marks the pivotal transition from the description of Egypt's pride and grandeur to the direct statement of divine action and its instrument. It is the divine decree that initiates the metaphorical "felling" of this proud tree, leading into the lament over Egypt's fall and its descent into Sheol in the subsequent verses (Ezekiel 31:12-18).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period dominated by the geopolitical ascendancy of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar. Egypt, though a declining power, still represented a significant regional force and a tempting, yet ultimately unreliable, ally for Judah against Babylon. Throughout Israel's history, prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah consistently warned against trusting in Egypt's military might rather than God's covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Isaiah 30:7](/isaiah/30-7 "Isaiah 30:7 - Egypt's Futile Help") and [Jeremiah 37:7](/jeremiah/37-7 "Jeremiah 37:7 - Pharaoh's Army Will Return")). The "mighty one of the heathen" is unequivocally identified as Nebuchadnezzar, whom God consistently employed as His instrument of judgment against rebellious nations, including Judah itself ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant")). This historical backdrop highlights God's absolute sovereignty over world empires, demonstrating His capacity to use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine will and execute justice against those who defy Him.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 31:11 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes in biblical theology. It underscores the **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**, asserting that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, dictating the rise and fall of nations. The emphatic declaration "I have therefore delivered him" leaves no doubt that even the actions of powerful earthly kings like Nebuchadnezzar are under God's control, serving His purposes to humble the proud and execute justice ([Daniel 4:32](/daniel/4-32 "Daniel 4:32 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")). This verse also highlights the **Consequences of Pride and Wickedness**. Egypt's downfall is explicitly attributed to its "wickedness" (Hebrew: *reshaʻ*), a term encompassing moral wrong, iniquity, and a rejection of divine authority, particularly manifested in the arrogance described in the preceding verses. This aligns with the recurring biblical principle that [pride precedes destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Finally, the passage exemplifies **God's Use of Instruments**, demonstrating that God can employ any agent, even those who do not acknowledge Him, to fulfill His righteous judgments and bring about His sovereign will, showcasing His absolute control over all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, meaning "to give" or "to deliver (up)." In this context, it signifies God's active and intentional handing over of Egypt to its conqueror. It is not a passive allowance but a deliberate act of divine judgment, emphasizing God's direct involvement and orchestrating hand in the nation's fate.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, referring to the "hand," but used idiomatically to denote power, control, authority, or dominion. When God delivers Egypt "into the hand" of the mighty one, it signifies placing Egypt entirely under the conqueror's power and jurisdiction, subject to his will as God's instrument.
* **mighty one (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** From H410, meaning "strength" or "mighty," and can refer to God or any deity, but also idiomatically to an extremely powerful individual. Here, it denotes the immense strength and authority of Nebuchadnezzar, who, though a human ruler, is described with a term that highlights his formidable, almost god-like, power in the eyes of men, yet still ultimately subordinate to the true God.
* **heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, referring to a "foreign nation" or "Gentile." This term clearly identifies the "mighty one" as a non-Israelite power, specifically Babylon, reinforcing the idea that God uses nations outside of His covenant people to execute His universal judgments.
* **driven him out (Hebrew, _gârash'_):** From H1644, meaning "to drive out from a possession," "to expatriate," or "to expel." This word vividly portrays the forceful removal of Egypt from its position of power and prominence, akin to an expulsion or banishment, directly linking its downfall to God's active and decisive intervention.
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _reshaʻ'_):** From H7562, signifying "a wrong (especially moral)" or "iniquity." This term provides the explicit moral justification for God's severe judgment. It encompasses Egypt's pride, idolatry, oppressive actions, and general rebellion against divine order, serving as the fundamental cause for their destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen;":** This clause establishes God as the sovereign agent of judgment. The phrase "delivered him into the hand" signifies God's deliberate act of handing over Egypt (the "him" referring to Pharaoh and his nation, metaphorically the cedar) to Nebuchadnezzar, identified as "the mighty one of the heathen." This highlights divine sovereignty, where God uses a powerful, non-covenant nation as His instrument of judgment, demonstrating His absolute control over world affairs.
* **"he shall surely deal with him:":** This segment emphasizes the certainty and severity of the impending judgment. The repetition of the Hebrew root *ʻâsâh* (H6213, "to do" or "make," here "deal with") in its infinitive absolute form ("surely deal") intensifies the action, guaranteeing that Nebuchadnezzar will indeed execute God's decree against Egypt with full force and without fail, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
* **"I have driven him out for his wickedness.":** This final clause reiterates God's direct involvement ("I have driven him out") and unequivocally states the *reason* for Egypt's downfall: "for his wickedness" (*reshaʻ*). This points to Egypt's moral and spiritual corruption, their pride, and their opposition to God's will as the ultimate cause of their judgment, affirming God's righteous character in executing justice and holding nations accountable for their actions.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 31:11, while a direct statement of judgment, is deeply embedded within a rich allegorical framework that employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Allegory**, where the entire chapter uses the extended metaphor of a majestic cedar tree to represent Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. The "felling" of this tree symbolizes Egypt's downfall, and the "mighty one of the heathen" is the instrument (like an axe or a woodcutter) in God's hand. This allegory allows for a vivid, multi-layered depiction of national pride and subsequent divine judgment. The phrase "into the hand of the mighty one" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "hand" stands for power, control, and authority, signifying that Egypt is delivered entirely into the dominion and destructive power of Nebuchadnezzar. Furthermore, the emphatic declaration "I have therefore delivered him... I have driven him out" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions (delivering, driving out) to God, emphasizing His active, personal, and decisive involvement in the historical events. The repetition of the Hebrew root for "deal" (*ʻâsâh*) in "he shall surely deal with him" serves as a form of **Emphasis** through the infinitive absolute, underscoring the absolute certainty and thoroughness of the judgment to be executed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 31:11 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no earthly power, however mighty or self-exalted, can escape divine scrutiny or judgment for its pride and wickedness. God, in His infinite wisdom and power, orchestrates the rise and fall of empires, using even pagan rulers as instruments to accomplish His righteous purposes. This verse serves as a stark reminder that human history is not a chaotic series of random events but a divinely superintended narrative, moving toward the ultimate triumph of God's will and the vindication of His holy character. The judgment on Egypt, driven by its inherent wickedness, foreshadows a universal principle: sin, especially pride and rebellion against God, inevitably leads to a reckoning.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "God Raises and Lowers")
* [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Assyria as God's Rod")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Pharaoh Raised Up for God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 31:11 offers timeless principles for personal and communal reflection, urging us to consider our posture before God. In a world often dominated by powerful nations and influential individuals, this verse reminds us that true authority and ultimate control rest solely with the Creator. It calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that any strength, success, or influence we possess is a gift from God, not a basis for pride or self-exaltation. When we, like ancient Egypt, allow pride to fester or engage in wickedness, we invite divine correction and judgment. This passage also fosters a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, especially in times of global instability or when seemingly unstoppable forces emerge. We are assured that God is actively engaged in human affairs, working out His purposes, and that His justice will ultimately prevail. Our call is to align our lives, our communities, and our nations with His righteous standards, seeking His glory above all else, rather than relying on human might or succumbing to the allure of worldly power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community might pride be subtly manifesting, leading to "wickedness" in God's eyes?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations impact my view of current global events or political leaders?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God, rather than relying on my own strength or resources?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "mighty one of the heathen" mentioned in Ezekiel 31:11?**

Answer: The "mighty one of the heathen" refers to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Throughout the prophetic books, particularly in Jeremiah and Ezekiel, God explicitly identifies Nebuchadnezzar as His chosen instrument for executing judgment against various nations, including Judah and Egypt. For example, in [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant"), God calls Nebuchadnezzar "my servant" for this very purpose. This designation underscores God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan rulers to fulfill His divine will and bring about His righteous judgments.

**What does "driven him out for his wickedness" signify in this context?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the explicit reason for Egypt's downfall: their moral and spiritual corruption. "Wickedness" (Hebrew: *reshaʻ*) encompasses a range of iniquities, including pride, self-exaltation, idolatry, and oppressive actions. In the preceding verses of [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - The Cedar of Lebanon"), Egypt (personified as a majestic cedar) is depicted as being exceedingly proud and arrogant, believing itself unparalleled among the trees of Eden. This pride, coupled with their general unrighteousness and their unreliability as an ally for Israel, constituted their "wickedness." God's act of "driving him out" signifies a forceful expulsion from their position of power and prominence, a just retribution for their defiance and moral failings. It underscores the biblical principle that sin, especially pride, inevitably leads to judgment, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction").

**How does this verse relate to God's overall character?**

Answer: Ezekiel 31:11 powerfully reveals several aspects of God's character. First, it demonstrates His **sovereignty**; He is the ultimate ruler over all nations and history, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules")). Second, it showcases His **justice**; God is righteous and will not tolerate unchecked wickedness and pride. He holds nations accountable for their actions and ensures that sin is met with appropriate consequences. Third, it reveals His **faithfulness** to His word, as He had previously warned against trusting in Egypt and promised judgment for their arrogance. This verse affirms that God is not merely an observer but an active participant in human affairs, ensuring that His moral order is upheld and His glory is vindicated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 31:11 directly speaks of God's judgment upon Egypt through Nebuchadnezzar, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "mighty one of the heathen" serves as a type, albeit imperfect, of God's chosen instrument to execute judgment. Ultimately, the true and perfect "Mighty One" who deals with the wickedness of the world is Jesus Christ. He is the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He is appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead ([Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus Appointed as Judge")). The "wickedness" that brought down Egypt is a microcosm of the sin that afflicts all humanity, and it is Christ who, through His atoning sacrifice, "takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Yet, for those who reject His grace, He will return not as the humble Lamb, but as the conquering King, the "Word of God" who strikes down the nations with a sharp sword and treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty ([Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Return as Judge")). Thus, Ezekiel 31:11, in its portrayal of divine judgment against pride and wickedness, points forward to the ultimate and final judgment executed by the sovereign Christ, who alone has the power to "drive out" all unrighteousness and establish His eternal kingdom of justice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nahum 3:18

Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell [in the dust]: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth [them].

Daniel 5:18

O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour:

Daniel 5:19

And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

Ezekiel 32:11

For thus saith the Lord GOD; The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon thee.

Ezekiel 32:12

By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall, the terrible of the nations, all of them: and they shall spoil the pomp of Egypt, and all the multitude thereof shall be destroyed.

Deuteronomy 18:12

For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.