31:17 31:17

Ezekiel 31:18

32:1 32:1

Bible Versions

To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword. This [is] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.
To whom art thou thus like {H1819} in glory {H3519} and in greatness {H1433} among the trees {H6086} of Eden {H5731}? yet shalt thou be brought down {H3381} with the trees {H6086} of Eden {H5731} unto the nether parts {H8482} of the earth {H776}: thou shalt lie {H7901} in the midst {H8432} of the uncircumcised {H6189} with them that be slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}. This is Pharaoh {H6547} and all his multitude {H1995}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.
Which of the trees of 'Eden was your equal in glory or size? Yet you will be brought down to the underworld along with the trees of 'Eden. You will lie there among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword. This is Pharaoh and his hordes,' says Adonai ELOHIM."
Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’”
To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with them that are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Ezekiel 31:18 concludes a powerful prophetic allegory, explicitly identifying the majestic cedar of Eden as Pharaoh and all his multitude. This verse delivers a stark message of divine judgment against Egypt's immense pride and perceived invincibility, foretelling its catastrophic downfall.

Context

Ezekiel 31 is part of a series of prophecies delivered by the prophet Ezekiel against various foreign nations, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. In this chapter, Egypt, personified by its ruler Pharaoh, is vividly depicted as a magnificent cedar tree in the garden of Eden, superior to all other trees (nations). This imagery highlights Egypt's great glory, strength, and extensive influence, drawing other nations (represented as birds nesting in its branches) to rely on its shade. The preceding verses detail this grandeur, only to then describe its felling by God's decree. Verse 18 serves as the climactic summation, revealing the subject of this intricate parable and confirming the inevitable humiliation and destruction that awaits those who exalt themselves against the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Pride and Humiliation: The central message is that immense power and glory, when coupled with arrogance, lead to a catastrophic fall. Pharaoh's self-exaltation is contrasted with his ultimate abasement.
  • Divine Judgment: God is portrayed as the ultimate judge of nations, actively bringing down even the mightiest empires that defy Him. This judgment is not arbitrary but a consequence of their pride and wickedness.
  • Mortality and the Grave: Despite their earthly grandeur, kings and nations are subject to death. Being brought "unto the nether parts of the earth" signifies descent into Sheol, the realm of the dead, alongside common, dishonored individuals.
  • God's Sovereignty: The prophecy underscores that no earthly power, however great, can stand against the will of the Lord GOD. His plan for judgment and restoration will prevail.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "nether parts of the earth" translates the Hebrew 'erets tachti (ארץ תַּחְתִּי), which refers to the deepest regions of the earth, often understood as the grave or Sheol. It signifies a profound descent into death and the realm of the departed, emphasizing a loss of all earthly power, glory, and life. To be brought down to this place, especially "with the trees of Eden," highlights a complete reversal of fortune from majestic glory to utter dishonor.

The term "uncircumcised" carries significant weight. For the Israelites, circumcision was a sign of the covenant with God and a mark of distinction. To be "uncircumcised" was to be outside this covenant, often associated with impurity, paganism, and being a gentile. For Pharaoh, the mighty king of Egypt, to lie "in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword" was the ultimate humiliation, signifying a loss of all status and a shameful end alongside those he would have considered inferior and unclean.

Related Scriptures

  • The theme of pride preceding a fall is prominent throughout Scripture, famously articulated in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
  • The humbling of powerful rulers by God's hand is also seen in the account of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4, who, like Pharaoh, was brought low until he acknowledged the Most High God.
  • Ezekiel uses similar "Eden" imagery to describe the downfall of the king of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:13-19, underscoring the common fate of proud rulers who elevate themselves to divine status.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 31:18 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation, especially for those in positions of power. It reminds us that:

  • All Earthly Power is Temporary: No matter how mighty or influential, all human glory and strength are transient. Only God's power is eternal.
  • Humility is Essential: True wisdom lies in recognizing God's ultimate sovereignty and living in humility before Him. As Pharaoh learned, self-exaltation leads to humiliation.
  • God Judges Injustice: This prophecy offers comfort to the oppressed and those who suffer under tyrannical regimes, affirming that God sees and will ultimately judge all forms of injustice and pride.
  • Focus on Eternal Value: The pursuit of earthly glory and recognition is ultimately futile. Instead, we are called to seek lasting values and build a relationship with the God who holds all power and life.
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.

  • Ezekiel 32:19

    Whom dost thou pass in beauty? go down, and be thou laid with the uncircumcised.

  • Ezekiel 32:21

    The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with them that help him: they are gone down, they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

  • Ezekiel 28:10

    Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 9:25

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all [them which are] circumcised with the uncircumcised;

  • Jeremiah 9:26

    Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all [that are] in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all [these] nations [are] uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel [are] uncircumcised in the heart.

  • Psalms 52:7

    Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.
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