Ezekiel 32:12

KJV

By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall, the terrible of the nations, all of them: and they shall spoil the pomp of Egypt, and all the multitude thereof shall be destroyed.

KJV (with Strong's)

By the swords {H2719} of the mighty {H1368} will I cause thy multitude {H1995} to fall {H5307}, the terrible {H6184} of the nations {H1471}, all of them: and they shall spoil {H7703} the pomp {H1347} of Egypt {H4714}, and all the multitude {H1995} thereof shall be destroyed {H8045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With the swords of the warriors I will cause your hordes to fall. They are all the most barbarous of the nations, and they will shatter the glory of Egypt - all its hordes will be destroyed.

Berean Standard Bible

I will make your hordes fall by the swords of the mighty, the most ruthless of all nations. They will ravage the pride of Egypt and all her multitudes will be destroyed.

American Standard Version

By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall; the terrible of the nations are they all: and they shall bring to nought the pride of Egypt, and all the multitude thereof shall be destroyed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:12 is a stark prophetic declaration of God's impending and comprehensive judgment against Egypt. Through the agency of powerful foreign nations, specifically identified as "the mighty" and "the terrible of the nations," Egypt's vast population and military strength ("multitude") will be decimated. This divine decree also foretells the utter despoiling of Egypt's famed "pomp," signifying the complete humiliation and destruction of its pride, wealth, and perceived invincibility, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of laments and prophecies against Egypt found in [Ezekiel chapters 29-32](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29-32 - Prophecies Against Egypt"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament for Pharaoh and Egypt") opens with a lament over Pharaoh, likening him to a great sea monster (leviathan) dragged out of the waters and left for beasts of the field, symbolizing his ignominious downfall. Following this vivid imagery of a once-mighty creature brought low, the prophecy shifts to a detailed description of Egypt's destruction, emphasizing the depth of its humiliation and the vastness of its ruin. The immediate verses leading up to [Ezekiel 32:12](/ezekiel/32-12 "Ezekiel 32:12 - God's Judgment on Egypt") describe God's intention to lay waste to Egypt's land and make its rivers run dry, setting the stage for the specific instruments and extent of the destruction detailed in our verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Egypt was a formidable, albeit declining, regional power. It had a long history of imperial grandeur, significant wealth, and a powerful military, often serving as a strategic counter-balance or rival to the rising Babylonian Empire. Judah, caught between these two giants, frequently looked to Egypt for military aid against Babylon, a reliance that God consistently condemned through His prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). Egypt's "pomp" (H1347, *gâʼôwn*) refers not only to its material wealth and military might but also to its deeply ingrained national pride, often expressed through its pharaohs who saw themselves as divine. The prophecy's emphasis on the "swords of the mighty" points directly to the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar, which God explicitly identifies elsewhere as His instrument of judgment against Egypt (e.g., [Ezekiel 30:10](/ezekiel/30-10 "Ezekiel 30:10 - Nebuchadnezzar to Destroy Egypt")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout Ezekiel's prophecies and the Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, using human empires as instruments of His will, even when they are unaware of their role (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod")). Secondly, it highlights the **Fall of Pride and Arrogance**. Egypt's "pomp" symbolizes its self-exaltation and perceived invincibility, which God promises to humble, illustrating the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Finally, the extensive destruction of Egypt's "multitude" and "pomp" illustrates the **Completeness of Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that when God judges, His judgment is thorough and leaves no aspect of the condemned power untouched, a theme echoed in other prophecies against nations (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:15-29](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15-29 - The Cup of God's Wrath")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** From H1368, this term denotes someone powerful, a warrior, or even a tyrant. In this context, "the mighty" refers to the formidable military forces, specifically the Babylonians, whom God will employ as His agents of destruction against Egypt. It emphasizes their strength and effectiveness as instruments in God's hand.
* **Multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** From H1995, used twice in the verse, this word signifies a noise, tumult, or crowd, but also abundance, company, or wealth. Here, it refers to Egypt's vast population, its numerous armies, and its general prosperity. The repeated use underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, affecting both its human resources and its material abundance.
* **Pomp (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From H1347, this term can mean arrogance, majesty, or ornament. While it can denote legitimate majesty, in contexts of judgment, as here, it strongly implies haughtiness, pride, and self-exaltation. Its spoiling signifies the stripping away of Egypt's boastful glory, its perceived invincibility, and the source of its national pride.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By the swords of the mighty will I cause thy multitude to fall":** This clause establishes God as the primary agent ("I will cause... to fall"), using the "swords of the mighty" as His instruments. The "mighty" refers to the powerful foreign armies, primarily Babylon, who will wield their weapons to bring about the downfall and death of Egypt's vast population and military forces ("thy multitude"). This highlights divine orchestration of human events.
* **"the terrible of the nations, all of them":** This phrase further identifies and amplifies the nature of the instruments of judgment. "The terrible of the nations" refers to fearsome and oppressive foreign powers, emphasizing their overwhelming strength and the terror they inspire. The inclusion of "all of them" underscores the comprehensive and unified nature of this destructive force, leaving no doubt about the totality of the impending attack.
* **"and they shall spoil the pomp of Egypt":** This clause shifts focus from the destruction of life to the plundering and humiliation of Egypt's national pride and glory. "Pomp" (H1347, *gâʼôwn*) encapsulates Egypt's wealth, splendor, military might, and the arrogant self-perception that accompanied it. To "spoil" (H7703, *shâdad*) means to ravage, plunder, or lay waste, signifying the complete stripping away and defilement of everything Egypt held dear and boasted in.
* **"and all the multitude thereof shall be destroyed":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the fate of Egypt's population and resources, bringing the prophecy to a climactic conclusion. The repetition of "multitude" (H1995, *hâmôwn*) emphasizes the sheer scale of the devastation, confirming that the judgment will be absolute and leave nothing of Egypt's former power or abundance intact. "Destroyed" (H8045, *shâmad*) signifies utter desolation and annihilation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Metonymy** is evident in "swords of the mighty," where "swords" stand in for the entire military power and destructive capability of the foreign armies. This emphasizes the violent and decisive nature of the impending attack. The phrase "the terrible of the nations, all of them" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the judgment; while not literally every single nation, it conveys the idea of an irresistible, comprehensive force. Furthermore, the concept of "spoiling the pomp of Egypt" employs **Personification** indirectly, treating Egypt's abstract pride and glory as a tangible entity that can be plundered and defiled. This device vividly illustrates the humiliation and stripping away of Egypt's identity and self-perception. Underlying these is the pervasive theme of **Divine Agency**, where God is the ultimate subject, orchestrating the actions of human agents to fulfill His sovereign purposes, thereby demonstrating His absolute control over world history.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:12 powerfully articulates the consistent biblical truth that God is sovereign over all nations, raising up and casting down kingdoms according to His divine will. It serves as a profound reminder that no earthly power, however mighty or proud, can withstand His judgment. The destruction of Egypt's "pomp" and "multitude" illustrates God's opposition to human arrogance and self-exaltation, particularly when it leads to a rejection of His authority or a false sense of security in worldly strength. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to Egypt's pride and its role in misleading God's people, demonstrating that divine justice extends to all who oppose His purposes. The use of foreign nations as instruments of judgment also highlights God's ability to use even ungodly powers to accomplish His redemptive and disciplinary ends, ultimately bringing glory to His name.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 13:11](/isaiah/13-11 "Isaiah 13:11 - God Punishes the World for its Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:12 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations alike. It serves as a potent warning against the dangers of pride and self-reliance, reminding us that any strength, wealth, or influence not rooted in God's grace is ultimately fleeting and vulnerable to His judgment. For nations, it underscores the principle that true security and prosperity come from righteousness and submission to divine principles, not from military might or economic prowess alone. For individuals, it calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that our achievements and possessions are gifts from God, to be stewarded for His glory, not sources of personal boasting. This verse also provides immense comfort by reaffirming God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly affairs. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, economic instability, and the rise and fall of powers, we are reminded that God remains firmly on His throne, orchestrating events to fulfill His eternal purposes. Our ultimate trust and hope should therefore rest not in human institutions or fleeting worldly glories, but in the unchanging and all-powerful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or my nation's identity might "pomp" or pride manifest, and how can I actively cultivate humility?**
* **How does the understanding of God's sovereignty over nations, even through seemingly chaotic events, impact my sense of security and trust in Him?**
* **What earthly "multitudes" or "pomps" do I tend to rely on or find my identity in, rather than in God alone?**
* **How can I pray for my nation and its leaders in light of God's judgment against pride and His call for righteousness?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the mighty" and "the terrible of the nations" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in this specific verse, the broader context of Ezekiel's prophecies against Egypt (e.g., [Ezekiel 29:19-20](/ezekiel/29-19 "Ezekiel 29:19-20 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward")) clearly identifies them as the Babylonian army under King Nebuchadnezzar. God used Babylon as His instrument of judgment against many nations, including Egypt, to demonstrate His supreme authority over all earthly kingdoms. They were "mighty" in their military power and "terrible" in their destructive capabilities, fulfilling God's prophetic word.

**What does "spoil the pomp of Egypt" specifically mean?**

Answer: To "spoil" means to plunder, ravage, or lay waste. "Pomp" (Hebrew: *gâʼôwn*) refers to Egypt's pride, majesty, glory, wealth, and perceived invincibility. Therefore, "spoil the pomp of Egypt" signifies the complete stripping away and defilement of everything that constituted Egypt's national pride and self-exaltation. This included its vast treasures, its military might, its cultural achievements, and its arrogant self-perception as an unassailable power. It means a total humiliation and reduction of its former grandeur.

**Why was God judging Egypt so severely?**

Answer: God's judgment against Egypt was multifaceted. Primarily, it was due to Egypt's pervasive pride and arrogance, its self-exaltation as a divine power, and its reliance on its own strength rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty. Furthermore, Egypt had often been a "broken reed" for Israel, a deceptive ally that led God's people away from trusting Him (e.g., [2 Kings 18:21](/2_kings/18-21 "2 Kings 18:21 - Egypt as a Broken Reed")). God's judgment served to demonstrate His absolute control over all nations and to humble those who opposed His will or misled His covenant people, ultimately vindicating His holy name before the nations (e.g., [Ezekiel 29:9](/ezekiel/29-9 "Ezekiel 29:9 - Egypt Will Know I Am the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:12, with its vivid depiction of the fall of a proud earthly kingdom, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all temporal powers and the humbling of all human pride before the King of kings. While this prophecy directly concerned ancient Egypt, it foreshadows the universal truth that all earthly "pomp" and "multitude" that stand in opposition to God will ultimately be spoiled and destroyed. Jesus Christ, the true "Mighty One" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God")), did not come with the "swords of the mighty" in a worldly sense, but with the sword of truth and the power of sacrificial love, conquering sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His kingdom, though not of this world, is destined to overcome and replace all earthly kingdoms ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")). The final judgment, described in passages like [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the Rider on the White Horse"), portrays Christ returning as the supreme warrior, the "Word of God," who will strike down the nations and tread the winepress of God's wrath, utterly destroying all remaining pride and rebellion. Thus, Ezekiel's vision of Egypt's downfall serves as a prophetic type, pointing to the glorious and terrifying day when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")).

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 28:7

Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness.

Ezekiel 31:11

I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness.

Ezekiel 29:19

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

Habakkuk 1:6

For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, [that] bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces [that are] not theirs.

Habakkuk 1:7

They [are] terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves.

Deuteronomy 28:49

The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

Deuteronomy 28:50

A nation of fierce countenance, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor shew favour to the young: