Ezekiel 32:16

KJV

This [is] the lamentation wherewith they shall lament her: the daughters of the nations shall lament her: they shall lament for her, [even] for Egypt, and for all her multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the lamentation {H7015} wherewith they shall lament {H6969} her: the daughters {H1323} of the nations {H1471} shall lament {H6969} her: they shall lament {H6969} for her, even for Egypt {H4714}, and for all her multitude {H1995}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the lament that they will raise; the daughters of the nations will use it to mourn; they will chant it for Egypt and all its hordes,' says Adonai ELOHIM."

Berean Standard Bible

This is the lament they will chant for her; the daughters of the nations will chant it. Over Egypt and all her multitudes they will chant it, declares the Lord GOD.”

American Standard Version

This is the lamentation wherewith they shall lament; the daughters of the nations shall lament therewith; over Egypt, and over all her multitude, shall they lament therewith, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:16 concludes a poignant prophetic lamentation concerning the imminent and devastating downfall of Egypt and its Pharaoh, a judgment orchestrated by the Lord GOD. This verse underscores that the dirge is not merely a private or localized expression of sorrow but a universally recognized acknowledgment of Egypt's humiliation and demise. It highlights the far-reaching impact of divine judgment, as even other nations, represented by their "daughters," will join in mourning the once-mighty empire and its vast populace, affirming the absolute sovereignty of God over all earthly powers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32:16 serves as the concluding declaration of a profound prophetic dirge against Egypt, initiated in [Ezekiel 32:1](/ezekiel/32-1 "Ezekiel 32:1 - The Prophecy Against Egypt"). This chapter is part of a larger oracle block (chapters 29-32) specifically dedicated to prophecies detailing Egypt's judgment and destruction. Preceding verses in chapter 32 vividly portray Egypt's Pharaoh as a fearsome "sea monster" (or dragon, [Ezekiel 32:2](/ezekiel/32-2 "Ezekiel 32:2 - Pharaoh as a Sea Monster")) and a majestic "cedar of Lebanon" ([Ezekiel 31:3](/ezekiel/31-3 "Ezekiel 31:3 - Assyria as a Cedar, foreshadowing Egypt's fall")), both destined to be cut down and cast into the pit with other fallen, uncircumcised nations ([Ezekiel 32:18-32](/ezekiel/32-18 "Ezekiel 32:18-32 - Lament over Egypt's Descent to the Pit")). The entire lament, culminating in verse 16, functions as a funeral song for a nation still alive, emphasizing the certainty and severity of its impending doom, treating its destruction as an accomplished fact in God's eyes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Egypt was a significant geopolitical power, though its influence had waned considerably from its imperial zenith. It frequently served as a deceptive ally or a source of temptation for Judah, often luring them away from trusting in Yahweh (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). The ancient Near East was dominated by the rising Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, which would eventually conquer Egypt. The cultural practice of composing and performing laments or dirges (Hebrew: *qinah*) was common for mourning the dead, especially prominent figures or the destruction of cities and nations. These were often public, communal expressions of grief, sometimes involving professional mourners. The prophecy's declaration that "daughters of the nations" would lament Egypt's fall speaks to the widespread recognition of Egypt's former prominence and the shock of its catastrophic demise, signaling a shift in the regional power dynamics.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's ultimate authority over all nations, even powerful empires like Egypt. No human power, however great or arrogant, can escape divine reckoning; as [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules in the Kingdom of Men") declares, God rules in the kingdom of men. The widespread lamentation by "daughters of the nations" highlights the **Universal Scope of God's Justice**, demonstrating that His judgment is not confined to Israel but extends to all who defy Him. This also underscores the **Consequences of Pride and Arrogance**, as Egypt's fall serves as a stark warning against self-reliance and hubris. Finally, the concluding phrase, "saith the Lord GOD," emphasizes **Prophetic Certainty**, affirming the divine origin and inevitable fulfillment of the word spoken through Ezekiel, reinforcing that God's declarations never return void.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lamentation (Hebrew, _qîynâh'_):** From H7015, this term specifically refers to a dirge or a funeral song, often accompanied by beating the breasts or instruments. Its use here for a living nation underscores the severity and certainty of Egypt's impending destruction, treating it as already dead in God's eyes. It evokes a sense of profound, public mourning.
* **lament (Hebrew, _qûwn'_):** From H6969, a primitive root meaning "to strike a musical note," specifically to chant or wail, typically at a funeral. This verb reinforces the *qîynâh* (lamentation) as an active, vocal, and deeply sorrowful expression of grief, signifying the public and audible mourning that will accompany Egypt's downfall.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** From H1471, referring to a foreign nation or Gentile. The phrase "daughters of the nations" emphasizes that Egypt's fall will not be a localized event but will be recognized and mourned by other peoples and states, highlighting the immense scope and significance of this divine judgment across the geopolitical landscape.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the lamentation wherewith they shall lament her:"** This opening clause immediately identifies the preceding prophetic oracle as a formal dirge, a funeral song. It sets the tone of profound sorrow and impending death, even though Egypt is still a living nation. The "they" refers to those who will perform this lament.
* **"the daughters of the nations shall lament her:"** This is a crucial expansion, indicating the widespread nature of Egypt's humiliation. "Daughters of the nations" is a poetic way of referring to other peoples, states, or perhaps even specific cities that will witness and participate in the mourning over Egypt's demise. This signifies the international recognition of Egypt's fall from power.
* **"they shall lament for her, [even] for Egypt, and for all her multitude,"** This re-emphasizes the object of the lamentation: Egypt itself, personified, and its vast "multitude" (its people, its armies, its wealth, its entire societal fabric). The repetition underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment and the complete devastation that will be mourned.
* **"saith the Lord GOD."** This concluding prophetic formula serves as an authoritative divine seal. It authenticates the message as a direct revelation from Yahweh (the Lord GOD), guaranteeing its certain fulfillment and emphasizing that this is not merely a human prediction but a decree from the sovereign Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the use of **Lament/Dirge**, a form of funeral song applied here to a living nation. This **Irony** underscores the certainty and severity of Egypt's impending destruction, treating it as already dead in God's eyes. The phrase "daughters of the nations" utilizes **Personification**, giving human characteristics (mourning) to abstract entities (nations), thereby emphasizing the widespread and international recognition of Egypt's downfall. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired message, which is sealed by the authoritative **Prophetic Formula**, "saith the Lord GOD." This formula reinforces the divine origin and the absolute certainty of the prophecy's fulfillment, leaving no doubt about the inevitability of Egypt's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:16 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. The lament over Egypt's fall is not merely an expression of sorrow but a divine declaration of judgment against pride, arrogance, and rebellion against God's will. It serves as a stark reminder that no nation, however mighty or self-sufficient, can stand against the Lord GOD. This prophecy underscores that God's justice is universal in scope, extending beyond Israel to encompass all peoples and empires, and that His prophetic word is utterly reliable and will inevitably come to pass. The public lamentation by "daughters of the nations" further highlights that God's glory and power will be revealed to all the world through His acts of judgment and redemption.

* [Daniel 4:32](/daniel/4-32 "Daniel 4:32 - God's Dominion Over Kingdoms")
* [Isaiah 14:4-23](/isaiah/14-4 "Isaiah 14:4-23 - Taunt Against the King of Babylon")
* [Jeremiah 46:1-26](/jeremiah/46-1 "Jeremiah 46:1-26 - Prophecy Against Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:16 offers timeless lessons for individuals and nations today. It serves as a profound call to humility, reminding us that all human power, glory, and self-reliance are fleeting and ultimately subject to God's supreme authority. In a world often captivated by wealth, military might, or technological advancement, this verse redirects our focus to the one true source of security and strength: the Lord GOD. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust – in our own abilities, societal structures, or material possessions – rather than in the Creator who holds all things in His hands. The downfall of Egypt, a symbol of earthly pride, stands as a perpetual warning that arrogance precedes a fall, urging us to walk in humility and dependence on God. Furthermore, it reassures us that God is just and will ultimately bring down oppressive systems and wicked powers, providing comfort and hope to those who suffer under injustice, knowing that divine righteousness will prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in my society do I see pride or self-reliance manifesting in ways that might invite God's judgment?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on powerful nations like Egypt impact my trust in Him amidst global instability or perceived injustices?**
* **What does it mean for me to live with humility and dependence on God, rather than relying on my own strength or resources?**
* **How can I participate in God's work of justice and righteousness in the world, knowing that He ultimately brings down all unrighteousness?**

### FAQ
**Why is a "lamentation" pronounced over Egypt, and what does it signify?**

Answer: A lamentation, or dirge, is typically a song of mourning for the dead. In Ezekiel 32:16, it is pronounced over Egypt, a nation still alive, to signify the absolute certainty and severity of its impending destruction. It's a prophetic declaration that, in God's eyes, Egypt's fate is sealed; it is as good as dead. This literary device emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, indicating that Egypt's downfall will be a complete and irreversible catastrophe, worthy of a funeral song. It also serves as a public announcement of its demise, intended to be heard and recognized by other nations.

**What is the significance of "the daughters of the nations shall lament her"?**

Answer: The phrase "the daughters of the nations" is a poetic expression referring to other foreign nations or peoples. Its significance lies in highlighting the widespread, international impact and recognition of Egypt's judgment. Egypt was a major regional power, and its fall would send shockwaves across the ancient Near East. The fact that other nations would join in this lamentation underscores the magnitude of Egypt's former glory and the profound humiliation of its demise. It also serves to demonstrate God's universal sovereignty, showing that His judgment is not confined to Israel but extends over all peoples and empires, and that His power will be made known to the entire world.

**How does this prophecy against Egypt relate to historical events?**

Answer: The prophecies against Egypt in Ezekiel, including this lamentation, largely find their fulfillment in the campaigns of Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. While Egypt was not completely annihilated, its power was significantly broken, and it experienced a period of subjugation and decline, losing its status as a dominant world power. Historical records, though sometimes fragmented, indicate Babylonian incursions into Egypt and a reduction of its influence, aligning with the prophetic declarations of its humiliation and the end of its pride. This historical outcome confirms the reliability of God's prophetic word, even if the "lamentation" was more symbolic of its fall from prominence than a literal, continuous wailing by all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:16, with its solemn lamentation over the fall of a mighty earthly kingdom, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The judgment pronounced upon Egypt, a symbol of human pride and worldly power, foreshadows the cosmic and final judgment that will be executed by Christ himself. Just as the "daughters of the nations" would lament Egypt's demise, so too will every knee bow and every tongue confess the sovereignty of Jesus, whether in worship or in forced acknowledgment of His ultimate authority ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The temporary triumph of earthly empires like Egypt is contrasted with the eternal and unshakable kingdom of God, established through Christ's redemptive work and His ultimate victory over sin and death ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). The lamentation over Egypt's "multitude" points to a greater spiritual reality: the lamentation of humanity over its sin and separation from God, which finds its only solace and salvation in the sacrificial work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Ultimately, while earthly kingdoms rise and fall, prompting laments, Christ's reign is everlasting, and the only true lamentation for believers is over their own sin, leading to repentance and the eternal joy found in His presence ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

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

2 Samuel 1:17

¶ And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

Ezekiel 32:2

Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou art like a young lion of the nations, and thou [art] as a whale in the seas: and thou camest forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

Ezekiel 26:17

And they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and say to thee, How art thou destroyed, [that wast] inhabited of seafaring men, the renowned city, which wast strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, which cause their terror [to be] on all that haunt it!

2 Chronicles 35:25

And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they [are] written in the lamentations.

2 Samuel 3:33

And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?

2 Samuel 3:34

Thy hands [were] not bound, nor thy feet put into fetters: as a man falleth before wicked men, [so] fellest thou. And all the people wept again over him.

Jeremiah 9:17

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning [women], that they may come: