32:17 32:17

Ezekiel 32:18

32:19 32:19

Bible Versions

Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, [even] her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.
Son {H1121} of man {H120}, wail {H5091} for the multitude {H1995} of Egypt {H4714}, and cast them down {H3381}, even her, and the daughters {H1323} of the famous {H117} nations {H1471}, unto the nether parts {H8482} of the earth {H776}, with them that go down {H3381} into the pit {H953}.
"Human being, wail for the hordes of Egypt; send them with the daughters of mighty nations down to the underworld, with those who descend to the pit.
“Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit:
Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

Ezekiel 32:18 is a solemn prophetic utterance, part of a series of oracles delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning the judgment of God upon the powerful nation of Egypt. This verse commands Ezekiel to perform a funeral lament for Egypt, foretelling its catastrophic downfall and descent into the realm of the dead.

Context

This verse falls within Ezekiel's extensive prophecies against foreign nations, particularly those from chapters 29-32, which focus on Egypt. Prior chapters depicted Egypt as a magnificent cedar, symbolizing its immense power and pride (see Ezekiel 31:3). However, God declares He will cut down this mighty tree, signifying its humiliation and destruction. Chapter 32 specifically describes this impending doom as a descent into the "nether parts of the earth," a place of shame and oblivion shared by other defeated, "famous nations" who have also faced divine judgment.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully underscores God's absolute control over all nations, even the most formidable. Egypt, despite its military and cultural prominence, is subject to His righteous decree. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's judgment on nations for their pride and wickedness.
  • The Humiliation of the Proud: Egypt's fall is not just a defeat but a profound humiliation. It is "cast down" from its lofty position to join those already in the grave, stripping away its former glory.
  • Descent into Sheol/The Pit: The phrases "nether parts of the earth" and "the pit" refer to Sheol, the collective grave or underworld in Old Testament theology. It represents the state of the dead, a place of darkness and inactivity, emphasizing the finality and ignominy of Egypt's demise. This concept is often used to describe the fate of the wicked and the proud, as seen in Isaiah 14:15 concerning the king of Babylon.
  • Prophetic Lamentation: Ezekiel is commanded to "wail" (Hebrew: nahah), indicating a funeral dirge or lament. This is not merely a prediction but an active participation in mourning the death of a nation, highlighting the severity of the judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wail," nahah (נָהָה), signifies a deep lamentation or mourning, often associated with a funeral. The phrase "nether parts of the earth" (תַּחְתִּיּוֹת אֶרֶץ, tachtiyot eretz) literally means "lowest parts of the earth," a common biblical idiom for the grave or underworld (Sheol). The "pit" (בּוֹר, bor) reinforces this imagery, often referring to a cistern or dungeon, but here metaphorically representing the realm of the dead.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:18 serves as a stark reminder that all earthly power, wealth, and glory are temporary and ultimately subject to God's authority. It challenges human pride and self-sufficiency, whether in individuals or nations. The ultimate end for those who live in defiance of God is a descent into oblivion, devoid of the vibrant life and glory they once possessed. This verse calls believers to place their trust not in fleeting human strength or worldly achievements, but in the eternal sovereignty and justice of God, understanding that true life and lasting peace are found only in Him.

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.

  • Ezekiel 31:14

    To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit.

  • 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 32:16

    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.

  • Micah 1:8

    ¶ Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.

  • Jeremiah 1:10

    See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

  • Isaiah 16:9

    Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

  • Hosea 6:5

    Therefore have I hewed [them] by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments [are as] the light [that] goeth forth.
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