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.

I have made {H6213} him fair {H3303} by the multitude {H7230} of his branches {H1808}: so that all the trees {H6086} of Eden {H5731}, that were in the garden {H1588} of God {H430}, envied {H7065} him.

I made it so beautiful, with its many branches; all trees in 'Eden, God's garden, envied it.'

I made it beautiful with its many branches, the envy of all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God.’

I made it fair by the multitude of its branches, so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied it.

Commentary

Ezekiel 31:9 is part of a grand allegorical prophecy delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning Egypt and its king, Pharaoh. This verse emphasizes the extraordinary beauty and stature of a magnificent cedar tree, which represents Pharaoh and his kingdom, attributing its splendor directly to God's work. The imagery highlights a peak of power and influence, so grand that even the mythical "trees of Eden" were said to be envious.

Context

Chapter 31 of Ezekiel presents an elaborate parable comparing Pharaoh and Egypt to a towering, majestic cedar of Lebanon. This allegory is introduced as a comparison to Assyria, another great power that had previously fallen. The passage details the tree's immense growth, its shade covering many nations, and its unparalleled beauty, all of which are stated to be the direct result of God's making. This particular verse, Ezekiel 31:9, marks the zenith of this description, portraying Egypt at the height of its glory and influence, seemingly unmatched by any other earthly power, even those of primordial perfection.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing and Grandeur: The verse explicitly states, "I have made him fair," underscoring that Egypt's impressive stature and prosperity were not self-achieved but were a direct result of God's favor and blessing. This highlights divine sovereignty over nations.
  • Unparalleled Splendor and Influence: The "multitude of his branches" symbolizes Egypt's extensive reach, power, and prosperity, providing shelter and influence to many. The comparison to the "trees of Eden" emphasizes an almost mythical level of perfection and beauty, suggesting Egypt's perceived supremacy among nations.
  • Envy and Pride: The statement that "all the trees of Eden...envied him" is a hyperbolic expression of Egypt's immense glory. It also subtly introduces the theme of pride and the jealousy it can provoke, setting the stage for the tree's inevitable downfall, as pride often precedes a fall.
  • Ephemeral Earthly Glory: While celebrating Egypt's peak, the chapter's broader narrative (Ezekiel 31:10-18) warns that such earthly glory, when rooted in pride rather than humility before God, is ultimately temporary and subject to divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "fair" is yapheh (יָפֶה), which means beautiful, pleasant, or handsome. It conveys a sense of aesthetic perfection and flourishing. The phrase "multitude of his branches" (רֹב דַּלִּיֹּתָיו - rov dalliyotayv) literally means "abundance of his boughs," signifying extensive growth, strength, and widespread dominion. The reference to "the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God" (אֵצֵי עֵדֶן אֲשֶׁר בְּגַן הָאֱלֹהִים - ‘etsey ‘eden asher b’gan ha’elohim) is a powerful hyperbole. Eden, the primordial garden of God, represents ultimate perfection and beauty. By suggesting even these trees envied Egypt's splendor, Ezekiel underscores the nation's extraordinary, though ultimately unsustainable, glory.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 31:9 serves as a potent reminder that all true strength, prosperity, and beauty ultimately originate from God's hand. For individuals and nations alike, it teaches:

  • Humility in Prosperity: When blessed with success or influence, it is crucial to remember that it is God who "made him fair." Acknowledging divine blessing guards against the pride that leads to downfall.
  • The Danger of Envy: While the verse describes envy directed *at* Egypt, it implicitly warns against the destructive nature of envy itself, whether experienced or provoked.
  • The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Glory: Even the most magnificent earthly empires and achievements are temporary. True and lasting glory is found in a right relationship with God, not in worldly power or beauty.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 13:10

    ¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

  • Daniel 2:37

    Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.

  • Daniel 2:38

    And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold.

  • Ezekiel 28:13

    Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

  • Isaiah 51:3

    For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

  • Daniel 5:20

    But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:

  • Daniel 5:23

    But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath [is], and whose [are] all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: