Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth.
Therefore his height {H6967} was exalted {H1361} above all the trees {H6086} of the field {H7704}, and his boughs {H5634} were multiplied {H7235}, and his branches {H6288} became long {H748} because of the multitude {H7227} of waters {H4325}, when he shot forth {H7971}.
So it grew taller than any other tree, its branches grew in number and spread far and wide, for it had plenty of water to make them grow.
Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters.
Therefore its stature was exalted above all the trees of the field; and its boughs were multiplied, and its branches became long by reason of many waters, when it shot them forth.
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Daniel 4:11
The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: -
Ezekiel 17:5
He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed [it] by great waters, [and] set it [as] a willow tree. -
Isaiah 36:18
[Beware] lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, The LORD will deliver us. Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? -
Isaiah 36:19
Where [are] the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where [are] the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? -
Isaiah 37:11
Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be delivered? -
Isaiah 37:13
Where [is] the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah? -
Psalms 1:3
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Ezekiel 31:5 is part of a vivid parable, or allegory, found in Ezekiel chapter 31, where the prophet Ezekiel compares a great nation—primarily Assyria, but serving as a warning to Pharaoh and Egypt—to a magnificent cedar tree from Lebanon. This particular verse describes the peak of this nation's power and influence, highlighting its immense growth and prosperity.
Historical and Cultural Context
Prophesied during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel often used powerful imagery familiar to his audience. The cedar of Lebanon was renowned throughout the ancient Near East as a symbol of strength, majesty, and beauty. Its towering height and expansive branches represented the vast reach and dominance of a powerful empire. The "multitude of waters" signifies the abundant resources, favorable conditions, and perhaps even the many peoples or tributaries that contributed to this nation's immense wealth and military might, allowing it to flourish beyond all others.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "exalted" (רוּם - rum) carries the sense of being high, lifted up, or elevated. In this context, it speaks to both physical height and metaphorical pride. The imagery of a tree shooting forth (שׁלח - shalach) emphasizes vigorous, unchecked growth, implying a rapid expansion of power and influence that seemed unstoppable.
Practical Application
Ezekiel 31:5 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations alike. It reminds us that: