Ezekiel 31:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the fowls {H5775} of heaven {H8064} made their nests {H7077} in his boughs {H5589}, and under his branches {H6288} did all the beasts {H2416} of the field {H7704} bring forth their young {H3205}, and under his shadow {H6738} dwelt {H3427} all great {H7227} nations {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In its boughs all the birds of the air had their nests, beneath its branches all the wild animals gave birth to their young, and all great nations lived in its shade.

Berean Standard Bible

All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade.

American Standard Version

All the birds of the heavens made their nests in its boughs; and under its branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young; and under its shadow dwelt all great nations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 31:6 presents a vivid allegorical portrait of a powerful ancient empire, likened to a magnificent cedar tree, whose immense influence and widespread dominion are undeniable. This verse meticulously describes how diverse peoples and nations, symbolized by various creatures, found refuge, prosperity, and security within its vast reach—nesting in its boughs, bringing forth young under its branches, and dwelling under its protective shadow. It powerfully establishes the impressive scale of this earthly power, setting the stage for the subsequent divine declaration of its inevitable downfall, thereby underscoring the transient nature of all human greatness and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 31 is an oracle specifically directed against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, delivered during the eleventh year of Judah's exile. The chapter employs an elaborate and powerful allegory, comparing Egypt to Assyria, which is depicted as a magnificent cedar in Lebanon. This "cedar" symbolizes a once-dominant empire that achieved unparalleled greatness, attracting and sheltering numerous nations. Verses [Ezekiel 31:1-5](/ezekiel/31-1-5 "Ezekiel 31:1-5 - The Cedar's Grandeur") introduce the tree's impressive stature, beauty, and growth, setting up the grandeur that verse 6 further elaborates. The detailed description of its vast influence in verse 6 serves to magnify the subsequent pronouncement of its divine judgment and felling (described in [Ezekiel 31:10-14](/ezekiel/31-10-14 "Ezekiel 31:10-14 - The Cedar's Divine Judgment")), thereby emphasizing that if such a formidable power could fall, so too could Egypt, despite its current might. This allegorical comparison allows Ezekiel to convey a message of impending doom for Egypt without directly naming it until later in the chapter, intensifying the dramatic impact and highlighting a universal principle about the transience of earthly power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a dynamic landscape characterized by the cyclical rise and fall of powerful empires, each vying for regional dominance and control over trade routes and resources. At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Egypt was a significant power, but it had recently faced formidable challenges and defeats from Babylon, which had supplanted Assyria as the dominant empire. Assyria, though fallen, served as a potent historical example of a once-invincible empire brought low by divine judgment, making it a powerful illustrative parallel for Egypt's impending fate. The imagery of a great tree symbolizing a king or empire was a common literary and cultural motif in ancient Near Eastern literature, signifying power, longevity, prosperity, and widespread influence. For instance, [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of a Great Tree") features Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a massive tree that provides shelter for all living things, later revealed to represent his own kingdom. The concept of "shadow" (Hebrew: _tsel_) often conveyed protection, refuge, and patronage, reflecting the geopolitical reality of vassal states seeking the security and stability offered by a powerful suzerain. Smaller nations would align themselves with or submit to dominant empires for military protection, economic stability, and political influence, finding a measure of peace under their "shadow."

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Vast Dominion and Influence**, illustrating how a powerful empire attracts and integrates diverse peoples under its sway, offering a perceived sense of **Protection and Refuge**. The vivid imagery of the "fowls of heaven" and "beasts of the field" finding shelter and thriving underscores the extensive reach and perceived security offered by such a dominant power, drawing in smaller nations and peoples from far and wide. However, within the broader context of [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - The Prophecy Against Egypt"), this detailed description of peak glory serves a crucial purpose: to highlight the theme of **Earthly Greatness is Fleeting**. The very grandeur described in verse 6 makes the subsequent pronouncement of the tree's felling (e.g., [Ezekiel 31:11-12](/ezekiel/31-11-12 "Ezekiel 31:11-12 - The Cedar is Cut Down")) all the more impactful, reinforcing the profound truth that no human power, however mighty, is immune to God's ultimate judgment. This theme is central to understanding God's **Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating His absolute control over the rise and fall of empires, a concept echoed throughout prophetic books like [Isaiah 40](/isaiah/40 "Isaiah 40 - God's Incomparable Greatness") and [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy Against the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471), often translated as "Gentile" or "heathen," refers to foreign peoples or ethnic groups. In this context, it collectively denotes the various non-Israelite peoples and political entities that came under the dominion or influence of the great empire symbolized by the cedar. The use of "all great nations" (H7227 _rab_ + H1471 _gôwy_) emphasizes the vastness and diversity of the peoples drawn into its sphere, highlighting the empire's extensive political and military reach and its status as a global power in the ancient world.
* **dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This primitive root (H3427) properly means "to sit down," but by implication, it extends to "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." Here, it signifies a settled, established presence, indicating that these nations found a stable and enduring place under the empire's "shadow." It suggests not just temporary shelter or transient alliance, but a prolonged period of residence and security, implying a form of allegiance or vassalage that brought a measure of peace and stability under the dominant power. This "dwelling" speaks to the perceived reliability and long-term benefit of being associated with such an empire.
* **shadow (Hebrew, _tsêl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be lofty," this word (H6738) literally refers to shade. Figuratively, it carries strong connotations of protection, defense, and shelter. In the context of a powerful empire, the "shadow" represents the security, patronage, and political umbrella it extended over its client states or allied nations. It implies a sense of safety, provision, and freedom from external threats, where smaller entities could thrive due to the might and overarching presence of the dominant power. This "shadow" is the very essence of the perceived security offered by the empire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs":** This clause metaphorically describes the widespread reach and attractive power of the empire. "Fowls of heaven" symbolize various peoples or smaller nations, suggesting their diverse origins and perhaps their transient nature, yet they found a secure and established dwelling ("made their nests") within the empire's extensive territory and influence ("in his boughs"). This imagery conveys a sense of stability, provision, and a place of belonging offered by the dominant power, drawing in those who sought refuge or opportunity.
* **"and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young":** This continues the metaphor of the empire as a nurturing, life-sustaining entity. "Beasts of the field" represent other peoples or groups, perhaps those more wild, untamed, or diverse in their nature, who also found security and the conditions for growth and propagation ("bring forth their young") under the empire's protective sway ("under his branches"). This implies a deep and fundamental level of security and prosperity that allowed for the flourishing of life and future generations within its sphere of influence, indicating a comprehensive provision for its subjects.
* **"and under his shadow dwelt all great nations":** This final clause explicitly states the allegorical meaning, emphasizing the comprehensive protection and enduring stability provided by the empire. "All great nations" signifies the vast number and significance of the political entities that sought and found refuge and established residence ("dwelt") under the empire's protective power ("under his shadow"). This highlights the empire's role as a suzerain, offering security and a stable environment for its vassals and allies, solidifying its reputation as a global hegemon that provided a perceived haven for its dependents.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 31:6 is profoundly rich in **Allegory**, where the majestic cedar tree functions as an extended metaphor for a powerful ancient Near Eastern empire, specifically Assyria, but implicitly serving as a cautionary type for Egypt's similar fate. The "fowls of heaven," "beasts of the field," and "great nations" are all potent **Symbolism** for the diverse peoples and political entities that sought refuge and flourished under the empire's dominion. The imagery of "nests," "bringing forth young," and "dwelling" under the tree's "boughs," "branches," and "shadow" uses **Metonymy** to represent the security, prosperity, and protection offered by the dominant power, where parts of the tree (boughs, branches, shadow) stand in for the comprehensive provision of the empire. The phrase "all great nations" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the immense and widespread influence of the empire, suggesting its unparalleled global reach and the vastness of its dominion in the ancient world. The entire passage also utilizes **Personification**, attributing life-giving, nurturing, and sheltering qualities to the tree, which stands in for the empire itself, making the abstract concept of political power tangible and relatable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 31:6, while describing the pinnacle of an earthly empire's glory, serves as a profound theological statement on the transient nature of all human power and the ultimate, unchallengeable sovereignty of God. The seemingly unshakeable security and vast influence of the "cedar" ultimately prove to be fleeting, a mere prelude to its divinely ordained downfall. This passage underscores that true and lasting refuge is not found in the might of nations, the strength of human institutions, or the stability of political alliances, but solely in the unchangeable character and eternal kingdom of God. Empires rise and fall at His command, and their apparent stability is but a temporary shadow compared to His everlasting dominion. The passage challenges any misplaced trust in human strength, redirecting focus to the only true source of security, ultimate authority, and enduring peace. It reminds us that God alone is the true refuge and strength for His people.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever"): "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought: he makes the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord stands for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
* [Isaiah 40:23](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23 - God Brings Princes to Nothing"): "He brings the princes to nothing; he makes the judges of the earth as vanity."
* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom"): "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 31:6, despite its ancient context and allegorical language, offers timeless insights for contemporary reflection and profound spiritual application. It serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly powers, whether nations, institutions, economic systems, or even personal achievements and reputations, are ultimately temporary and subject to divine oversight. In a world that often places its hope and security in financial stability, political alliances, military might, or technological advancement, this verse calls us to critically examine where our ultimate trust and deepest sense of security truly lie. It challenges the pervasive human tendency to find ultimate refuge and identity in anything other than God. For believers, it reinforces the foundational truth that our true citizenship is in heaven, and our ultimate security is found in the unshakeable kingdom of God, not in the fleeting kingdoms of this world. It encourages humility in times of prosperity and unwavering faith in times of global upheaval, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all the affairs of humanity, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His perfect, eternal will. This perspective frees us from anxiety and empowers us to live with an eternal focus, knowing that our ultimate hope is secure in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and seek my greatest security in life? Is it in earthly systems, personal accomplishments, or God alone?**
* **How does the transient nature of earthly empires, as depicted in this verse, shape my perspective on current global events and political landscapes, and influence my prayers for them?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to take pride in our own strength or influence, rather than acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all blessing and authority?**
* **What does it mean practically to "dwell under God's shadow" as opposed to seeking refuge under the shadow of human power or institutions? How can I live out this truth daily?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "cedar tree" imagery in Ezekiel 31?**

Answer: The cedar tree imagery is a powerful and extended **allegory** representing a mighty, dominant empire, specifically Assyria in this context, but also serving as a cautionary tale for Egypt's impending downfall. Cedars were renowned in the ancient Near East for their immense size, longevity, strength, and widespread use in grand architecture and symbolism, making them a fitting representation of a powerful, far-reaching kingdom. The tree's height, extensive branches, and deep roots symbolize the empire's vast dominion, political stability, and pervasive influence over many nations and peoples, as vividly described in [Ezekiel 31:3-9](/ezekiel/31-3-9 "Ezekiel 31:3-3 - The Cedar's Grandeur and Pride").

**Does this verse imply that powerful nations are inherently evil?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Ezekiel 31:6 describes the *reality* of a powerful empire's widespread influence and the refuge or stability it offered to many peoples. The problem arises not from the power itself, but from the **pride** and self-exaltation that often accompany such power, leading to a failure to acknowledge God's ultimate sovereignty. The subsequent verses in [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - The Fall of the Cedar") clearly show that the tree's downfall is due to its arrogance, its self-exaltation, and its belief in its own self-sufficiency and invincibility, not merely its size or influence. The overarching message is that any nation or individual that exalts itself above God will eventually be brought low, for all earthly power is ultimately derived from and subject to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 31:6, with its vivid depiction of an earthly empire providing temporary refuge and prosperity for "all great nations," finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His everlasting kingdom. While the "shadow" of human power is fleeting, ultimately prone to pride and destined to fall, Christ offers an unshakeable and eternal refuge that transcends all earthly limitations. He is the true and ultimate "tree of life" (as seen in [Revelation 22:2](/revelation/22-2 "Revelation 22:2 - The Tree of Life")) under whose perfect, benevolent dominion all peoples, tribes, and nations (cf. [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")) find not just temporary shelter but eternal salvation, abundant life, and true flourishing. Unlike the empires of this world, which inevitably rise and fall, Christ's kingdom is one that "shall never be destroyed" (as prophesied in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")), enduring forever. He is the true King who gathers His people "under his wings" (as Jesus lamented over Jerusalem in [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")), offering perfect security, divine provision, and the promise of new, eternal life. In Him, all things hold together (as described in [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")), and His righteous reign provides the only true and lasting "shadow" of protection, peace, and ultimate flourishing for all who come to Him in faith.

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

Matthew 13:32

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Ezekiel 17:23

In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

Daniel 4:21

Whose leaves [were] fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it [was] meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation:

Daniel 4:12

The leaves thereof [were] fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it [was] meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it.