Ezekiel 31:15

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him.

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; In the day {H3117} when he went down {H3381} to the grave {H7585} I caused a mourning {H56}: I covered {H3680} the deep {H8415} for him, and I restrained {H4513} the floods {H5104} thereof, and the great {H7227} waters {H4325} were stayed {H3607}: and I caused Lebanon {H3844} to mourn {H6937} for him, and all the trees {H6086} of the field {H7704} fainted {H5969} for him.

"Here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'On the day he descended to Sh'ol, I caused the abyss to mourn and cover itself for him; I held back its rivers, so that its deep waters were stopped. I made the L'vanon mourn for him, and all the field trees withered because of him.

This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘On the day it was brought down to Sheol, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it; I held back its rivers; its abundant waters were restrained. I made Lebanon mourn for it, and all the trees of the field fainted because of it.

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: In the day when he went down to Sheol I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the rivers thereof; and the great waters were stayed; and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him.

Commentary

Ezekiel 31:15 vividly portrays the catastrophic downfall of a great nation, metaphorically represented as a majestic cedar, often identified as Assyria or Pharaoh (Egypt), whose pride led to its demise. This verse describes the profound, almost cosmic, mourning that accompanies its descent into the grave, emphasizing the Lord GOD's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers.

Context

This verse is part of a prophetic lament in Ezekiel chapter 31, where God uses the powerful imagery of a towering cedar of Lebanon to describe the grandeur and subsequent destruction of a world power, likely Assyria, due to its immense pride and self-exaltation. The preceding verses detail this nation's impressive growth and influence, likening it to a tree whose branches reached the clouds, overshadowing all others (see Ezekiel 31:3). Verse 15 marks the dramatic climax of its fall, depicting the divine judgment that brings it low.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse powerfully asserts that it is the Lord GOD who "caused a mourning," "covered the deep," and "restrained the floods," demonstrating His ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. This highlights God's justice against arrogance and pride.
  • The Gravity of Pride's Downfall: The imagery of the deep, floods, and even Lebanon and its trees mourning signifies the immense impact and universal lament associated with the collapse of such a mighty, proud entity. It's not just a political defeat but a cosmic event.
  • Symbolism of Nature's Lament: The "deep" and "great waters" being restrained, and "Lebanon" and "all the trees of the field" fainting, are poetic expressions of the profound shock and sadness that permeates creation when a once-exalted power is brought to nothing.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Grave" (Hebrew: Sheol): This refers to the realm of the dead, the underworld, signifying a complete and irreversible end for the fallen power. It's a place of darkness and stillness, in stark contrast to the cedar's former vitality.
  • "Deep" (Hebrew: tehom): This term often refers to primeval waters or the abyss, sometimes associated with chaos or the underworld. Here, its covering suggests a solemn, quiet cessation, perhaps even the silencing of the cosmic forces that might otherwise rage.
  • "Lebanon": Renowned for its magnificent cedar trees, Lebanon here personifies the very essence of majestic natural strength. Its mourning underscores that even the most formidable natural elements are affected by God's judgment on human pride.

Related Scriptures

The theme of God bringing down the proud is a recurring motif throughout Scripture. For example, similar imagery of God's judgment against a proud ruler is found in Isaiah 14:12-15, which describes the fall of the King of Babylon. Furthermore, Daniel 4:37 explicitly states that God "is able to abase those that walk in pride," directly reflecting the message of Ezekiel 31:15.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 31:15 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation, whether for individuals or nations. It reminds us that:

  1. God is Sovereign: No earthly power, however mighty, can escape God's ultimate judgment. All authority is ultimately subject to Him.
  2. Humility is Key: The fate of the proud cedar underscores the biblical principle that "pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18).
  3. God's Justice is Universal: The cosmic mourning depicted suggests that God's justice is not confined to human affairs but resonates through all creation.

This verse encourages a posture of humility and reverence before the Lord, acknowledging that true strength and stability come from Him alone.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 18:18

    And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like unto this great city!

  • Revelation 18:19

    And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

  • Revelation 18:9

    ¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

  • Revelation 18:11

    And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

  • Malachi 3:4

    Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

  • Nahum 2:8

    But Nineveh [is] of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, [shall they cry]; but none shall look back.

  • Nahum 2:10

    She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain [is] in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.