Ezekiel 32:10

KJV

Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at [every] moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, I will make many {H7227} people {H5971} amazed {H8074} at thee, and their kings {H4428} shall be horribly {H8178} afraid {H8175} for thee, when I shall brandish {H5774} my sword {H2719} before them {H6440}; and they shall tremble {H2729} at every moment {H7281}, every man {H376} for his own life {H5315}, in the day {H3117} of thy fall {H4658}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will make many peoples aghast at you; their kings will shudder in horror over you when I brandish my sword before them. On the day of your downfall they will tremble continuously, each man in fear of his life.'

Berean Standard Bible

I will cause many peoples to be appalled over you, and their kings will shudder in horror because of you when I brandish My sword before them. On the day of your downfall each of them will tremble every moment for his life.’

American Standard Version

Yea, I will make many peoples amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:10 is a potent prophetic declaration embedded within a lamentation concerning the imminent downfall of Pharaoh and the once-mighty nation of Egypt. It powerfully depicts the profound astonishment and overwhelming terror that surrounding nations and their kings will experience as they witness the spectacular collapse of Egypt, a nation previously perceived as invincible. This divine judgment, executed by God's "brandished sword," unequivocally underscores His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to execute justice against pride and rebellion, instilling a deep, existential fear in those who observe the cataclysmic event.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a series of divine pronouncements and laments (chapters 29-32) specifically targeting Egypt, a significant regional power that historically enticed Israel to rely on human alliances rather than on the Lord. Ezekiel 32 commences with a lament over Pharaoh, vividly likening him to a great sea monster or dragon (leviathan) that God will ensnare and drag from the waters, symbolizing his complete subjugation and destruction. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 32:1-9) elaborate on the cosmic impact of Egypt's fall, describing how the very heavens will darken in mourning, and the earth will be defiled by the scattering of Egypt's carcass. Verse 10 builds upon this apocalyptic imagery, detailing the profound psychological and political ripple effect of this catastrophe on surrounding nations, emphasizing the terror and awe inspired by God's decisive and public intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Egypt stood as a formidable ancient empire, celebrated for its immense wealth, military prowess, and long-standing civilization. It had frequently served as a precarious and unreliable ally for Judah, often drawing them away from their covenant fidelity to Yahweh. The "kings" mentioned in the verse refer to the rulers of neighboring states (such as Tyre, Sidon, Edom, and Ammon) who would have closely observed Egypt's power and perhaps even sought alliances with it. The imagery of a "brandished sword" is a pervasive biblical metaphor for divine judgment and warfare, signifying God's direct, irresistible, and overt intervention. The "day of thy fall" points to the specific historical event of Egypt's eventual defeat and desolation, primarily at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as prophesied elsewhere in Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 29:19](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward")). The fear described is not merely political apprehension but a profound recognition of a supernatural force at work, shattering the perceived invincibility of a great empire.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. It highlights **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's active and decisive role in bringing down proud and mighty nations that oppose His will or lead His people astray. The "brandished sword" symbolizes His irresistible power and the imminence of His judgment against arrogance. Furthermore, the verse profoundly underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty** over all nations and rulers. No empire, regardless of its strength or antiquity, can ultimately stand against His decree, a truth powerfully echoed in passages like [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). The profound **Terror and Awe** experienced by the kings and peoples witnessing Egypt's fall is a testament to the sheer magnitude of God's power and the terrifying consequences of defying Him. This fear is a form of reverential dread, acknowledging an irresistible, higher power at work. Finally, the passage serves as a stark warning against **National and Individual Pride**, illustrating that self-exaltation inevitably leads to destruction, a principle articulated with clarity in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** This term (H2719), derived from a root meaning "to be dry" or "to lay waste," refers to a cutting instrument, specifically a sword, but can also denote an axe, dagger, or other sharp implement, emphasizing its destructive effect. In Ezekiel 32:10, "my sword" is a potent anthropomorphic representation of God's instrument of judgment and destruction. The act of "brandishing" (H5774, _ʻûwph_, "to fly" or "to cover," implying rapid, terrifying movement) underscores the visible, decisive, and terrifying display of divine power that will bring about Egypt's ruin. It signifies God's direct, active, and overwhelming intervention in human affairs, a force none can withstand.
* **Tremble (Hebrew, _chârad'_):** This primitive root (H2729) means "to shudder with terror" or "to fear," and can also imply hastening with anxiety. The repetition "tremble at every moment" (H7281, _regaʻ_, "a wink," "a very short space of time," "an instant") intensifies the description of the pervasive and continuous fear that grips the onlookers. It is not a fleeting fear but a constant, visceral dread, indicating the profound psychological impact of witnessing such an unprecedented fall. This terror is existential, as "every man for his own life" suggests a direct, personal threat perceived by those who see God's judgment unfold, prompting them to fear for their very existence.
* **Fall (Hebrew, _mappeleth'_):** Derived from the root _nâphal_ ("to fall"), this noun (H4658) signifies decadence, ruin, or concretely, a carcass. In this context, "thy fall" refers to Egypt's utter collapse, destruction, and demise as a dominant power. It encompasses military defeat, political disintegration, and the irreversible loss of its former glory. The term emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of the judgment, portraying Egypt not merely as defeated but as a ruin, a lifeless carcass, a stark and enduring monument to divine wrath and the consequences of pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, I will make many people amazed at thee, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for thee,"**: This opening clause establishes the widespread and intense reaction to Egypt's impending doom. God declares His direct agency ("I will make"), ensuring that the fall of Egypt will not be a quiet affair but a public spectacle witnessed by the world. The "many people" (H5971, _ʻam_, "a people," "nation," "folk"; H7227, _rab_, "abundant," "many") and "their kings" (H4428, _melek_, "a king") signify a global (from the ancient Near Eastern perspective) audience, implying that the impact will transcend Egypt's borders. The terms "amazed" (H8074, _shâmêm_, "to stun," "devastate," "stupefy") and "horribly afraid" (H8175, _sâʻar_, "to storm," "to shiver with fear," intensified by H8178, _saʻar_, "tempest," "terror") convey an extreme sense of dread, shock, and astonishment. This is not just political fear, but a profound, almost paralyzing terror at the display of divine power.
* **"when I shall brandish my sword before them;"**: This clause reveals the precise cause and nature of the terror. The "brandishing" (H5774, _ʻûwph_, "to fly," "to cover," implying rapid, terrifying movement) of God's "sword" (H2719, _chereb_) is a powerful anthropomorphism, depicting God as a divine warrior preparing for battle and executing judgment. The visible display of this divine weapon "before them" (H6440, _pânîym_, "face," "presence") signifies that God is the active, undeniable agent behind Egypt's destruction. It implies an irresistible, overwhelming force that none can withstand, making the judgment undeniable and terrifyingly personal for those who witness it. The sword is a potent symbol of divine wrath, justice, and irresistible power.
* **"and they shall tremble at [every] moment, every man for his own life, in the day of thy fall."**: This final clause reiterates and intensifies the reaction, emphasizing its continuous and deeply personal nature. The "trembling" (H2729, _chârad_, "to shudder with terror") "at every moment" (H7281, _regaʻ_, "a wink," "an instant") highlights the constant, pervasive fear that will grip the observers, not just a momentary fright. The phrase "every man for his own life" (H376, _ʼîysh_, "a man as an individual"; H5315, _nephesh_, "life," "soul," "self") indicates that this terror is deeply personal and existential; they fear for their own survival, realizing that if God can bring down mighty Egypt, no one is safe from His judgment. This profound fear culminates "in the day" (H3117, _yôwm_, "day," "a space of time") "of thy fall" (H4658, _mappeleth_, "fall," "ruin," "carcass"), the specific historical moment of Egypt's collapse, which serves as a terrifying object lesson for all.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and its terrifying impact. **Anthropomorphism** is central, as God is depicted "brandishing" His "sword," attributing human actions and physical implements to the divine. This makes God's intervention tangible and His power relatable, even as it profoundly emphasizes His active and direct role in history. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the kings being "horribly afraid" and trembling "at every moment," exaggerating the intensity and duration of their fear to underscore the overwhelming and pervasive nature of God's judgment. This heightened language aims to evoke a strong emotional response and a sense of cosmic dread in the audience. The verse also uses powerful **Imagery of Terror and Judgment**, painting a vivid picture of a world shaken by the fall of a superpower and the visible display of divine wrath. The "brandished sword" itself is a potent **Symbol** of divine justice, irresistible power, and impending doom. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the reader the absolute sovereignty of God and the terrifying consequences of defying Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:10 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to execute justice. The dramatic downfall of Egypt, a nation that embodied human pride and self-sufficiency, serves as a stark warning that no empire, no matter how formidable, can ultimately stand against the divine will. This passage reveals a God who is not merely a distant observer but an active participant in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His righteous purposes. The terror and astonishment experienced by the surrounding kings highlight the universal recognition of God's power when He chooses to act decisively in judgment. This divine action is not arbitrary but is a righteous response to the hubris and oppression often characteristic of such empires, reinforcing the biblical principle that pride precedes destruction.

* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is known by the judgment He executes")
* [Isaiah 2:11](/isaiah/2-11 "Isaiah 2:11 - The haughtiness of man shall be humbled")
* [Revelation 18:9-10](/revelation/18-9 "Revelation 18:9-10 - Kings lamenting the fall of Babylon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, calling us to a deeper understanding of God's character and our place in His sovereign plan. It serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly power, wealth, and might are ultimately transient and subject to the divine will. In a world that often exalts human achievement, national strength, or personal autonomy, this verse forcefully reorients our perspective towards the absolute supremacy of God. It encourages a healthy, reverential fear of the Lord, not a cowering dread, but an awe-filled recognition of His justice, power, and holiness. This truth should humble us, guarding against personal or national pride, and fostering a spirit of dependence on God rather than on fleeting human constructs. Furthermore, it instills confidence that even when oppressive regimes or seemingly insurmountable challenges dominate the global stage, God remains on His throne, actively working to bring about His purposes and ultimately to right all wrongs. Our hope is not in the stability of human systems but in the unshakeable sovereignty of the Almighty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "terror" described in this verse inform your understanding of God's holiness and justice?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or as a society, be tempted to place our trust in earthly power or security rather than in God's sovereignty?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a healthy, reverential fear of the Lord in our daily lives?**
* **How does the ultimate fall of powerful entities like Egypt encourage your faith when facing seemingly invincible challenges in the world today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God "brandishing His sword" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "brandish my sword" is a powerful **anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action and a physical weapon to God. It signifies God's direct, active, and visible intervention in judgment. The act of brandishing implies a terrifying display of power, a clear warning, and the imminent execution of divine wrath. It communicates that God is not a passive observer but the primary agent behind Egypt's destruction, wielding irresistible power to bring about His righteous decrees. It's a symbolic representation of His decisive and overwhelming judgment.

**Why would the kings of other nations be "horribly afraid" at Egypt's fall?**

Answer: The fear of other kings and peoples was multifaceted. Primarily, it was a profound terror born from witnessing the spectacular collapse of a nation as powerful and ancient as Egypt. If such a mighty empire could be brought to ruin, it instilled an existential dread that no nation, including their own, was safe from the same divine judgment. It was a recognition of God's absolute sovereignty over all kingdoms, a truth that would shake their confidence in their own strength and alliances. This fear was not merely political apprehension but a deep, spiritual awe at the display of a power far beyond human comprehension, as seen in the broader biblical narrative of God's judgment on nations (e.g., [Isaiah 13:6-8](/isaiah/13-6 "Isaiah 13:6-8 - Terror of the Day of the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:10 speaks of God's judgment on ancient Egypt, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate display of God's sovereignty and justice, not against a nation, but against sin and spiritual powers, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "brandished sword" of God's judgment, which brought terror to nations, finds its most profound expression and resolution at the cross. There, the divine wrath against humanity's sin was fully poured out, not on sinners, but on the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ. His sacrifice averted the "day of fall" for all who believe, transforming the terror of judgment into the peace of reconciliation. Furthermore, Christ's resurrection and ascension demonstrate His ultimate victory over all spiritual "kings" and "powers" that once held humanity in bondage, including death itself (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph over Powers")). The fear and trembling described in Ezekiel 32:10 foreshadow the ultimate universal acknowledgment of Christ's supreme authority, where "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Christ")). Thus, the terror of God's judgment on Egypt ultimately points to the awe-inspiring and redemptive work of Christ, who disarmed the powers of darkness and established an eternal kingdom that will never fall ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")).

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

Ezekiel 27:35

All the inhabitants of the isles shall be astonished at thee, and their kings shall be sore afraid, they shall be troubled in [their] countenance.

Ezekiel 26:16

Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at [every] moment, and be astonished at thee.

Zechariah 11:2

Howl, fir tree; for the cedar is fallen; because the mighty are spoiled: howl, O ye oaks of Bashan; for the forest of the vintage is come down.

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

Ezekiel 30:9

In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh.

Deuteronomy 32:41

If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.