Ezekiel 31:17

KJV

They also went down into hell with him unto [them that be] slain with the sword; and [they that were] his arm, [that] dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.

KJV (with Strong's)

They also went down {H3381} into hell {H7585} with him unto them that be slain {H2491} with the sword {H2719}; and they that were his arm {H2220}, that dwelt {H3427} under his shadow {H6738} in the midst {H8432} of the heathen {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They descended with him to Sh'ol to those who were killed by the sword, to those who were his fighting arm, those among the nations who lived in his shade.

Berean Standard Bible

They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations.

American Standard Version

They also went down into Sheol with him unto them that are slain by the sword; yea, they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 31:17 powerfully concludes a vivid prophetic lament, portraying the king of Egypt as a majestic cedar tree destined for destruction. This verse underscores the inevitable and ultimate downfall of this once-glorious power, declaring that Egypt, along with all nations and peoples who relied on its strength and sought refuge under its dominion, will descend into the realm of the dead. It emphasizes the transient nature of all earthly might and the shared, humbling fate awaiting those who align themselves with prideful, condemned powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 31:17 serves as the climactic statement in an extended allegorical prophecy (Ezekiel 31:1-18) concerning the judgment of Egypt. The chapter opens by likening Pharaoh and his kingdom to a magnificent cedar of Lebanon, renowned for its towering height, lush branches, and unparalleled beauty, providing shelter to a multitude of nations and creatures ([Ezekiel 31:3-9](/ezekiel/31-3-9 "Ezekiel 31:3-9 - The Majestic Cedar of Egypt")). This grand imagery is not merely descriptive but serves to highlight Egypt's immense pride and self-exaltation, believing itself supreme among the trees of the field. The preceding verses detail God's sovereign decree to cut down this proud tree, symbolizing Egypt's destruction by the hand of the Neo-Babylonian Empire ([Ezekiel 31:10-14](/ezekiel/31-10-14 "Ezekiel 31:10-14 - God's Judgment on the Cedar")). The immediate verses leading to verse 17 describe the profound cosmic lament over Egypt's fall, with Sheol itself stirred to receive the great nations that have already fallen, thereby setting the stage for Egypt's ignominious descent ([Ezekiel 31:15-16](/ezekiel/31-15-16 "Ezekiel 31:15-16 - Sheol's Reception of the Fallen Cedar")). Verse 17 specifically brings the allegory to its final, stark conclusion, depicting the shared destiny of the fallen cedar and its dependents in the underworld.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the early 6th century BCE, the period of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, Egypt was a formidable regional power, frequently sought as an ally by smaller states like Judah in their attempts to resist the burgeoning Neo-Babylonian Empire. However, Egyptian alliances often proved unreliable, leading to strategic failures and divine condemnation, as evidenced in other prophetic warnings ([Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1-7 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children") and [Jeremiah 37:5-10](/jeremiah/37-5-10 "Jeremiah 37:5-10 - Pharaoh's Army Retreats")). The "cedar of Lebanon" was a potent cultural symbol in the ancient Near East, universally representing ultimate strength, majestic beauty, and enduring grandeur, often used in royal and temple architecture. The concept of Sheol (Hebrew: שְׁאוֹל, _shᵉʼôwl_) was the common Hebrew understanding of the destination for all the dead, a shadowy underworld or grave, where the mighty and the weak alike were humbled. The phrase "slain with the sword" (Hebrew: חָלָל, _châlâl_) specifically refers to those who suffered a violent, often dishonorable, death in battle or through divine judgment, contrasting sharply with a peaceful, natural end and emphasizing the severity of the impending judgment on Egypt.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 31:17 contributes significantly to several profound theological and narrative themes prevalent in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic corpus. A central theme is the **Sovereignty of God** over all nations and their rulers, demonstrating unequivocally that no earthly power, regardless of its might or pride, can ultimately defy His divine decrees ([Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules Over the Kingdoms of Men")). The passage vividly illustrates the principle of **Pride Preceding a Fall**, a consistent biblical truth where self-exaltation and reliance on human strength inevitably lead to destruction ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Shared Fate** of those who place their trust in or align themselves with condemned powers, emphasizing that the "arm" (military might) and "shadow" (protection) offered by such entities are ultimately futile and will lead to a common downfall. The descent into Sheol signifies the **Finality of Earthly Power and Glory**, reducing the once-mighty to the same state as all other deceased, regardless of their former stature, a theme powerfully echoed in the lament over the king of Babylon in [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9-11 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - Sheol Stirred for the King of Babylon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went down (Hebrew, _yârad'_):** From H3381, a primitive root meaning "to descend" or "to go downwards." This verb powerfully conveys the humbling and irreversible movement from a position of towering power and height to a lower, subjugated, and ultimately lifeless state. In this context, it specifically denotes the descent into Sheol, the realm of the dead, emphasizing the complete loss of life, status, and influence for Egypt and all who were associated with its dominion.
* **hell (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** From H7585, referring to Hades or the world of the dead, often conceived as a subterranean retreat. In the Old Testament, _Sheol_ represents the common grave or the collective abode of all departed souls. It signifies the end of earthly existence and power, a place of silence and inactivity where the mighty are stripped of their glory and reduced to the same state as all others who have died.
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From H2491, meaning "pierced (especially to death)" or "polluted." This term specifically refers to those who have died a violent death, most often by the sword in battle. Its use here underscores the ignominious and destructive end awaiting Egypt and its supporters, contrasting with a peaceful, natural death and highlighting the severity of divine judgment and military defeat.
* **arm (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** From H2220, meaning "the arm (as stretched out)" or, figuratively, "force" or "strength." This is a potent idiom representing military might, power, and the ability to protect or inflict harm. In this verse, "his arm" refers to Egypt's allies, its military forces, and those who derived their strength or security from its dominion, all of whom are destined to share its downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They also went down into hell with him":** This opening clause declares the shared and inescapable destiny of Egypt (represented by "him," the fallen cedar/Pharaoh) and all those who were associated with it. The "they" refers to the nations, peoples, and military forces who had sought refuge under Egypt's "shadow" or were part of its "arm." Their descent into "hell" (Sheol) emphasizes the complete and irreversible end of their earthly power, glory, and existence, joining the ranks of the dead.
* **"unto [them that be] slain with the sword":** This phrase specifies the grim company that Egypt and its allies will join in Sheol. It is not a peaceful rest but a descent to those who met a violent, often dishonorable, end. This highlights the nature of Egypt's downfall – a consequence of divine judgment and military defeat, rather than a natural decline, underscoring the severity and ignominy of their fate.
* **"and [they that were] his arm":** This clause specifically identifies a significant group among "they" – those who constituted Egypt's military strength, its allied forces, or nations that were empowered by its might. The "arm" is a powerful metaphor for military power, influence, and the capacity for action, indicating that Egypt's formidable strength, and those who relied on it, will be utterly broken and brought to nothing.
* **"that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.":** This final clause further clarifies the identity of those who share Egypt's fate. "Dwelt under his shadow" implies those who sought Egypt's protection, benefited from its influence, or were dependent upon its dominion and prosperity. The phrase "in the midst of the heathen" (or nations) underscores Egypt's prominent position and widespread influence among the nations, and thus the broad impact of its fall. All who placed their ultimate reliance on this earthly power will be swept away in its comprehensive judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 31:17, as the culmination of a prophetic oracle, employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and the transience of earthly power. The overarching device for the entire chapter is **Allegory**, where Egypt and its Pharaoh are personified as a magnificent cedar tree of Lebanon, symbolizing their pride, power, and inevitable destruction. Within this verse, **Metaphor** is prominently used with the phrases "his arm" and "his shadow." "His arm" serves as a metaphor for Egypt's military might, its allies, and its capacity for action, while "his shadow" metaphorically represents the protection, refuge, and influence it offered to other nations. The descent "into hell" (Sheol) is a powerful **Image** of ultimate humiliation, death, and the complete reversal of fortune, contrasting sharply with the earlier imagery of the tree's towering height and grandeur. The repetition of the theme of shared downfall for those who relied on Egypt creates a sense of **Poetic Justice** and emphasizes the dire consequences of misplaced trust. Furthermore, the vivid imagery of joining "them that be slain with the sword" evokes a strong sense of a violent, ignominious end, reinforcing the severity and finality of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 31:17 delivers a profound theological statement on the transience of all human power and the unyielding, absolute sovereignty of God. It unequivocally asserts that no nation, however mighty, self-exalted, or influential, can ultimately escape divine judgment. The pride of Egypt, symbolized by the towering cedar, led directly to its inevitable downfall, powerfully demonstrating the consistent biblical principle that "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction")). The shared fate of those who relied on Egypt's "arm" or "shadow" highlights the spiritual danger and ultimate futility of placing trust in earthly strength, human alliances, or fleeting glory rather than in the eternal, unchanging God. This truth resonates throughout scripture, serving as a timeless reminder that ultimate security, true refuge, and lasting salvation are found exclusively in the Lord, not in the shifting sands of human achievements or political alignments.

* [Psalm 146:3-5](/psalm/146-3-5 "Psalm 146:3-5 - Do Not Trust in Princes")
* [Isaiah 2:22](/isaiah/2-22 "Isaiah 2:22 - Cease from Man")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5-8 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the One Who Trusts in Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 31:17 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for individuals, communities, and nations alike. It challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate trust, security, and hope truly reside. In a world perpetually captivated by displays of power, wealth, and influence, this verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly glory is fleeting, ephemeral, and ultimately subject to the sovereign will of God. Just as Egypt's formidable "arm" and protective "shadow" proved utterly insufficient to avert its judgment, so too are our own human efforts, achievements, and alliances ultimately incapable of securing true and lasting peace, protection, or salvation. We are called to cultivate profound humility, acknowledging God's absolute supremacy over all things, and to place our unwavering faith and dependence in His unchanging character, eternal kingdom, and unfailing promises. This passage profoundly encourages us to discern wisely the true sources of our confidence and to align our lives and priorities with God's eternal purposes, rather than with the transient and ultimately condemned systems of this world, lest we share in their inevitable downfall.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I, or my nation, tend to place ultimate trust and seek security? Is it in human strength, wealth, or alliances, or in God alone?**
* **In what ways might I be exhibiting pride or self-exaltation, similar to Egypt, in my own life or sphere of influence, and how can I repent of this?**
* **What are the "shadows" or "arms" in my life (e.g., career, finances, relationships, reputation) that I might be relying on instead of God, and how can I shift my dependence entirely to Him?**
* **How does the certainty of divine judgment on all earthly powers shape my perspective on current events, my personal priorities, and my pursuit of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What is "hell" in Ezekiel 31:17, and how does it relate to modern understandings?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 31:17, "hell" translates the Hebrew word _Sheol_ (H7585). In the Old Testament, _Sheol_ refers to the grave or the common abode of the dead, a shadowy realm where all departed souls go, regardless of their moral standing. It signifies the end of earthly life and power, a place of silence and inactivity. It is distinct from the New Testament concept of _Gehenna_, which describes a place of eternal punishment for the wicked ([Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Fear God, Not Man")). Here, the descent into _Sheol_ for Egypt and its allies emphasizes their complete humiliation and the finality of their earthly glory, joining the ranks of other fallen, powerful nations that have been humbled ([Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9-11 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - Sheol Stirred for the King of Babylon")).

**Who are "his arm" and "they that dwelt under his shadow" in this verse?**

Answer: These phrases are powerful metaphors describing those who were dependent on or allied with Egypt. "His arm" (H2220) refers to Egypt's military might, its allied forces, or any nations that derived their strength and ability to act from Egypt's power. "They that dwelt under his shadow" (H6738) signifies those nations or peoples who sought Egypt's protection, found refuge under its dominion, or benefited from its influence and prosperity. The verse emphasizes that all who placed their ultimate reliance on Egypt's earthly power and protection would inevitably share in its downfall and judgment, highlighting the futility of misplaced trust.

**Why is Egypt depicted as a majestic cedar tree in this chapter?**

Answer: The depiction of Egypt as a majestic cedar tree of Lebanon ([Ezekiel 31:3](/ezekiel/31-3 "Ezekiel 31:3 - The Majestic Cedar of Egypt")) is an elaborate allegory used to symbolize its immense power, beauty, and widespread influence among the nations of the ancient Near East. Cedars of Lebanon were renowned for their towering height, strength, and longevity, making them a fitting symbol for a dominant and self-exalted empire like Egypt. This imagery highlights Egypt's pride and self-sufficiency, believing itself to be unparalleled and invincible. The subsequent description of its felling by divine decree underscores the certainty of God's judgment against such pride and the transient nature of all earthly glory and power ([Ezekiel 31:10-14](/ezekiel/31-10-14 "Ezekiel 31:10-14 - God's Judgment on the Cedar")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 31:17, with its stark portrayal of the fall of a proud earthly power and its dependents into Sheol, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. While human empires inevitably crumble and their "arms" and "shadows" prove futile, Jesus Christ stands as the eternal King whose kingdom will never be destroyed, a kingdom that will crush and put an end to all other kingdoms ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")). Unlike Egypt, whose descent into Sheol signified its ultimate defeat and the end of its earthly dominion, Jesus Christ descended into the grave not as a victim of judgment, but as a triumphant conqueror, utterly defeating death and the grave itself ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). He alone holds the "keys of death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death")), demonstrating His supreme authority over the very realm to which Egypt and all proud earthly powers are condemned. Therefore, for those who "dwell under His shadow" – who find refuge, salvation, and eternal life in Christ – there is no shared fate with the fallen powers of this world. Instead, they are promised resurrection and eternal life, secured by His decisive victory over sin and death ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Our ultimate security is not in the fleeting strength of nations or human alliances, but in the unwavering "arm" of our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is the true and everlasting refuge and the only one who can deliver us from the power of the grave ([Psalm 91:1-2](/psalm/91-1-2 "Psalm 91:1-2 - Dwelling in the Shadow of the Almighty")).

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

Psalms 9:17

The wicked shall be turned into hell, [and] all the nations that forget God.

Ezekiel 31:6

All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations.

Ezekiel 31:3

Behold, the Assyrian [was] a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.

Ezekiel 32:20

They shall fall in the midst of [them that are] slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes.

Ezekiel 32:31

Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all his multitude, [even] Pharaoh and all his army slain by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 30:6

Thus saith the LORD; They also that uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of her power shall come down: from the tower of Syene shall they fall in it by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 30:8

And they shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and [when] all her helpers shall be destroyed.