Ezekiel 31:16

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.

I made the nations {H1471} to shake {H7493} at the sound {H6963} of his fall {H4658}, when I cast him down {H3381} to hell {H7585} with them that descend {H3381} into the pit {H953}: and all the trees {H6086} of Eden {H5731}, the choice {H4005} and best {H2896} of Lebanon {H3844}, all that drink {H8354} water {H4325}, shall be comforted {H5162} in the nether parts {H8482} of the earth {H776}.

At the sound of his fall I made the nations shake, when I hurled him down to Sh'ol with those who descend to the pit. All the trees of 'Eden, the pick of the best in the L'vanon, all that take up water, were consoled in the underworld.

I made the nations quake at the sound of its downfall, when I cast it down to Sheol with those who descend to the Pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below.

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to Sheol with them that descend into the pit; and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, were comforted in the nether parts of the earth.

Ezekiel 31:16 KJV: "I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth."

Context of Ezekiel 31:16

This verse is part of a powerful prophetic lament delivered by Ezekiel against Pharaoh, king of Egypt. In Ezekiel chapter 31, Egypt is personified as a magnificent cedar of Lebanon, famed for its height, beauty, and extensive branches, symbolizing its power and influence over other nations. God, however, declares that He will cut down this proud tree, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms. Verse 16 describes the dramatic and terrifying impact of this great power's downfall, extending even into the realm of the dead, where other fallen rulers find a strange "comfort" in the arrival of such a mighty one.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse vividly portrays God's absolute power to humble the proudest nations and rulers. The "shaking of nations" signifies the immense impact and terror caused by God's judgment on a formidable power like Egypt. This underscores the truth that no earthly kingdom can stand against the will of the Almighty, a theme echoed in Daniel 4:17.
  • The Fall of the Proud: Pharaoh's magnificent "cedar" is cast down, illustrating the inevitable consequences of arrogance and self-exaltation. His descent into "hell" (the pit) is a stark reminder that even the most powerful earthly figures are subject to mortality and God's judgment, aligning with the principle that "pride goeth before destruction."
  • The Realm of the Dead (Sheol): The "pit" and "nether parts of the earth" refer to Sheol, the Hebrew concept of the grave or the common abode of the dead. This is not necessarily a place of eternal torment but the shadowy realm where all, regardless of status, eventually descend.
  • Irony of Comfort: The phrase "shall be comforted" is deeply ironic. The "trees of Eden" and "best of Lebanon" represent other fallen rulers or nations already in Sheol. Their "comfort" comes from the fact that the once-dominant, intimidating power of Egypt has now joined them in their humbled state, no longer a threat. This collective descent levels all, bringing a peculiar sense of relief to those who previously feared Pharaoh.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Hell" / "Pit" / "Nether parts of the earth": The Hebrew word translated "hell" here is Sheol (שָואול), and "pit" is bor (בֶור), both referring to the grave or the underworld, the collective realm of the dead. It is not necessarily the New Testament concept of hell as a place of eternal punishment for the wicked, but simply the destination of all who die. The "nether parts of the earth" (tahtiyyot eretz) reinforces this idea of a deep, subterranean realm where the deceased reside.
  • "Comforted": The Hebrew word is nacham (נָחָם), which means to be comforted, consoled, or to repent. In this context, it carries a chilling, almost sarcastic tone. The mighty Pharaoh, who once inspired fear, now brings a strange "comfort" to those already humbled in death, by virtue of his own demotion to their level.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 31:16 serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly power and glory are temporary. It encourages humility and trust in God's ultimate plan. For believers, this verse reinforces the truth of God's sovereignty over all nations and history. No matter how great or intimidating earthly powers may seem, they are ultimately subject to the Lord's judgment and will. It calls us to place our hope not in human strength or influence, but in the eternal God who raises up and casts down kingdoms according to His righteous purposes. This perspective provides peace and confidence, knowing that God is in control even amidst the rise and fall of nations.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 14:15

    Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

  • Isaiah 14:8

    Yea, the fir trees rejoice at thee, [and] the cedars of Lebanon, [saying], Since thou art laid down, no feller is come up against us.

  • Ezekiel 26:15

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD to Tyrus; Shall not the isles shake at the sound of thy fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in the midst of thee?

  • Ezekiel 31:9

    I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that [were] in the garden of God, envied him.

  • Habakkuk 2:17

    For the violence of Lebanon shall cover thee, and the spoil of beasts, [which] made them afraid, because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.

  • Ezekiel 27:28

    The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.

  • Haggai 2:7

    And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

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