Ezekiel 32:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

“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:

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:18 delivers a profound divine mandate to the prophet, instructing him to intone a solemn funeral dirge for Egypt, a once-dominant global power. This prophetic lament forecasts Egypt's catastrophic and humiliating downfall, depicting its descent into the realm of the dead, where it will join other proud, vanquished nations that have already succumbed to God's righteous judgment. The verse powerfully underscores the ephemeral nature of all earthly might and the inescapable reality of divine reckoning for national hubris and unrighteousness, serving as a stark reminder of Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a series of divine oracles against foreign nations, a significant literary block spanning [Ezekiel 25-32](/ezekiel/25-32 "Ezekiel 25-32 - Oracles Against Foreign Nations"). Specifically, [Ezekiel 29-32](/ezekiel/29-32 "Ezekiel 29-32 - Prophecies Against Egypt") are dedicated to the judgment of Egypt, a formidable regional power that frequently served as a deceptive and unreliable ally for Judah against the rising Babylonian empire, thereby encouraging disobedience to God's counsel. Immediately preceding [Ezekiel 32:18](/ezekiel/32-18 "Ezekiel 32:18 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), [Ezekiel 31](/ezekiel/31 "Ezekiel 31 - Egypt as a Fallen Cedar") vividly portrays Egypt as a majestic cedar, symbolizing its immense power, beauty, and overweening pride, only to declare its certain felling by God's hand. [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament for Pharaoh and Egypt") continues this theme, describing Egypt's humiliation and destruction as a descent into the "nether parts of the earth," a place of shame and oblivion shared by other "famous nations" who have previously faced divine judgment. This lament is not merely a prediction but a performative prophecy, emphasizing the finality and severity of Egypt's impending doom through the act of mourning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Ezekiel's ministry in the early 6th century BCE, Egypt stood as one of the ancient world's most enduring and influential empires, a venerable civilization and a pivotal geopolitical force in the Near East. Its long history of power, vast resources, and strategic location made it a tempting, though ultimately untrustworthy, ally for smaller nations like Judah seeking to resist the burgeoning Neo-Babylonian Empire. The prophecies against Egypt reflect its profound pride, its self-sufficient arrogance, and its persistent failure to acknowledge the supreme sovereignty of Yahweh. Culturally, the concept of the "nether parts of the earth" or "the pit" (Sheol) was the prevalent ancient Near Eastern understanding of the underworld—a shadowy, dust-filled realm where all the dead, irrespective of their earthly status, were believed to eventually reside. For a once-mighty nation to be "cast down" into this realm, especially to join other fallen empires, represented the ultimate expression of humiliation, loss of glory, and a complete reversal of their earthly prominence, signifying a total obliteration of their national identity and power.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 32:18](/ezekiel/32-18 "Ezekiel 32:18 - Prophecy Against Egypt") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive in the book of Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, unequivocally demonstrating God's absolute control over all nations, even the most formidable. Egypt, despite its unparalleled military and cultural prominence, is shown to be utterly subject to His righteous decree, echoing the broader biblical theme of God's [judgment on nations for their pride and wickedness](/jeremiah/25-15-26 "Jeremiah 25:15-26 - The Cup of God's Wrath on All Nations"). Secondly, it highlights **The Humiliation of the Proud**. Egypt's fall is not merely a military defeat but a profound and public humiliation, being "cast down" from its lofty position to join those already in the grave, stripped bare of its former glory and honor. Thirdly, the repeated references to the "nether parts of the earth" and "the pit" emphasize the **Descent into Sheol/The Pit**, representing the state of the dead, a place characterized by darkness, inactivity, and oblivion. This vivid imagery underscores the finality and ignominy of Egypt's demise, a fate often reserved for the wicked and the proud, as seen in [Isaiah 14:12-15 concerning the king of Babylon](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer and the King of Babylon"). Finally, the explicit command for Ezekiel to "wail" signifies **Prophetic Lamentation**, transforming the prophecy from a mere prediction into an active, performative participation in mourning the death of a nation, thereby intensifying the perceived severity and certainty of the divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wail (Hebrew, _nâhâh'_):** From H5091, this primitive root means "to groan, i.e., bewail." It signifies a deep, public lamentation or mourning, often associated with a funeral dirge or a cry of profound sorrow over a catastrophe. The command for Ezekiel to "wail" is not merely a prediction of Egypt's downfall but an active, performative act of mourning, underscoring the profound, irreversible, and tragic nature of the impending judgment. It evokes a visceral sense of sorrow for a once-great entity now facing utter destruction and ignominy.
* **multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** From H1995, this word denotes "a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth." In this context, it refers comprehensively to the vast population, the bustling activity, the military might, and the collective grandeur and wealth of Egypt. The lament is not for a single individual or a specific aspect but for the entirety of Egypt's impressive, vibrant, and wealthy populace, emphasizing the comprehensive and devastating nature of the judgment that will affect its entire societal fabric and national identity.
* **nether parts (Hebrew, _tachtîy'_):** From H8482, meaning "lowermost." As a noun (feminine plural, _tachtiyyoth_), it refers to "the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)." When combined with "earth" (H776, _ʼerets'_), "nether parts of the earth" (תַּחְתִּיּוֹת אֶרֶץ, _tachtiyot eretz_) is a common biblical idiom for the grave, Sheol, or the underworld. This phrase vividly portrays the ultimate humiliation and descent of Egypt from its lofty position of power and prominence into the lowest, darkest realm of the dead, where it is stripped of all its former glory, vitality, and influence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt":** This opening clause directly addresses Ezekiel, emphasizing his unique role as God's chosen messenger and the human instrument through whom this solemn and weighty prophecy is delivered. The immediate command to "wail" (a funeral lament) establishes a tone of profound sorrow and foreboding, indicating that the subsequent message is a dirge for a nation on the brink of demise. The object of this lament, "the multitude of Egypt," signifies its vast population, its military strength, its bustling activity, and its collective identity, implying a comprehensive and devastating judgment upon the entire nation, not just its leaders.
* **"and cast them down, even her, and the daughters of the famous nations":** This segment vividly describes the divine act of judgment and the ignominious company Egypt will keep in its downfall. "Cast them down" refers to God's active, forceful role in bringing about Egypt's demise, forcefully dethroning it from its exalted status. "Even her" reiterates that Egypt itself is the primary target of this judgment, ensuring no ambiguity. The crucial inclusion of "the daughters of the famous nations" uses "daughters" as a common idiom for the cities, peoples, or dependencies associated with a larger entity. These "famous nations" are other powerful, proud empires that have already fallen due to divine judgment, explicitly named in the surrounding verses of [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament for Pharaoh and Egypt") as Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, and Sidon. This emphasizes that Egypt is not merely falling, but falling into the same ignominious fate as these previously mighty, yet now defeated, powers, thereby amplifying its humiliation.
* **"unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit":** This final clause specifies the ultimate destination of Egypt's downfall, reinforcing the grim imagery of death, oblivion, and utter humiliation. "Unto the nether parts of the earth" is a clear and powerful reference to Sheol, the underworld or collective grave, the lowest possible state of existence. "With them that go down into the pit" further clarifies and reinforces this destination, using "the pit" (Hebrew: _bôwr_), which can refer to a cistern or dungeon, but here metaphorically represents the realm of the dead. This emphasizes the finality of Egypt's demise and its consignment to a place of darkness, inactivity, and shame, alongside all who have died, particularly those who faced divine judgment for their pride and wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:18 is rich with profound literary techniques that amplify its prophetic impact. The entire verse functions as a **Prophetic Lament**, a distinct literary form where the prophet is commanded to mourn over a nation's impending destruction as if it has already occurred, thereby underscoring the certainty and severity of the divine judgment. **Personification** is prominently evident as Egypt, a vast nation, is treated as a dying individual for whom a funeral wail is performed, lending a visceral, emotional weight to its demise. Similarly, the phrase "daughters of the famous nations" employs **Personification** to refer to the peoples or cities of those nations, giving them a collective identity in their shared fate. **Symbolism** is profoundly employed through the vivid imagery of "the nether parts of the earth" and "the pit," which serve as powerful symbols for Sheol, the shadowy realm of the dead. This metaphorical descent signifies not just physical destruction but a complete and irreversible loss of power, glory, and vitality, representing a total reversal of all earthly prominence. The enumeration of other "famous nations" who have already gone "into the pit" creates a potent sense of **Parallelism** and **Irony**, as Egypt, once so proud and seemingly invincible, is now destined to share the same ignominious fate as those it may have once considered inferior or defeated. The entire verse, therefore, operates as a comprehensive **Metaphor** for the ultimate demise of national pride and power in the face of divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:18 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute and universal sovereignty over all earthly powers. It meticulously dismantles the illusion of national invincibility and self-sufficiency, asserting with divine authority that even the most formidable empires are ultimately subject to His righteous judgment. The descent of Egypt into the "pit" alongside other "famous nations" underscores the timeless biblical principle that pride precedes a fall, and that all human glory, no matter how grand, is transient and fleeting. This passage powerfully reminds us that God's justice is impartial and universal, reaching even those who seem beyond accountability, and that true security and lasting peace are found not in earthly might or human achievement but in humble submission to the Creator and His divine will.

* [Psalm 9:17](/psalm/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked Return to Sheol")
* [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against the Proud")
* [Revelation 18:2-3](/revelation/18-2-3 "Revelation 18:2-3 - The Fall of Babylon the Great")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:18 stands as a stark and timeless reminder that all earthly power, wealth, and glory are inherently temporary and ultimately subject to God's absolute authority. In a world that often exalts human achievement, national strength, and material prosperity as ultimate ends, this verse profoundly challenges our inherent tendencies toward pride and self-sufficiency, whether as individuals, communities, or nations. It compels us to critically examine where our ultimate trust and security truly lie. The ultimate end for those who live in defiance of God, or who place their security solely in fleeting human strength and worldly accomplishments, is a descent into oblivion, stripped of the vibrant life and glory they once possessed. This passage calls believers to place their unwavering trust not in the transient might of human empires or personal accomplishments, but in the eternal sovereignty, unwavering justice, and unfailing faithfulness of God. It encourages a posture of profound humility and complete dependence, recognizing that our ultimate hope, true life, lasting peace, and enduring glory are found only in Him, transcending the temporary nature of any earthly kingdom or aspiration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I, or my community, be tempted to place trust in earthly power, wealth, or influence, rather than in God's sovereign provision and control?**
* **How does the inevitable downfall of powerful nations, as vividly depicted in this lament, shape my perspective on current global events and the future of human empires?**
* **What profound lessons does Ezekiel's divine command to "wail" for Egypt's demise teach me about the gravity of God's judgment and the appropriate, empathetic response to it?**
* **How can the transient nature of all earthly glory and might motivate me to re-evaluate my priorities and invest more deeply in eternal values and a more profound relationship with God?**

### FAQ

**What is meant by "the nether parts of the earth" and "the pit"?**

Answer: Both "the nether parts of the earth" (Hebrew: _tachtiyot eretz_) and "the pit" (Hebrew: _bôwr_) are powerful metaphorical expressions referring to Sheol, the Old Testament concept of the underworld or the collective realm of the dead. It is not depicted as a place of conscious torment, as in the New Testament concept of hell, but rather as a shadowy, dark, and inactive place where all the dead, regardless of their moral standing, were believed to go. In prophetic contexts like Ezekiel, descending into Sheol or "the pit" signifies utter destruction, profound humiliation, and the complete loss of power, glory, and national identity for a nation or an individual. It emphasizes the finality and ignominy of their demise, as seen in [Psalm 88:6](/psalm/88-6 "Psalm 88:6 - Descended into the Lowest Pit").

**Who are "the daughters of the famous nations" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: "The daughters of the famous nations" refers to the peoples, cities, or dependencies of other once-powerful and renowned empires that had previously fallen due to God's judgment. Ezekiel 32, particularly the verses immediately following [Ezekiel 32:18](/ezekiel/32-18 "Ezekiel 32:18 - Prophecy Against Egypt"), explicitly names some of these nations, including Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, and Sidon. By stating that Egypt will join these "famous nations" in the "pit," the prophecy underscores the universal scope of God's judgment and highlights the ultimate humiliation of Egypt, which once prided itself on its unique strength and legacy. It signifies that no nation, no matter how mighty or celebrated, is exempt from divine reckoning, as powerfully illustrated in [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9-11 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - Sheol Greets the King of Babylon").

**Why is Ezekiel commanded to "wail" for Egypt?**

Answer: Ezekiel is commanded to "wail" (Hebrew: _nâhâh_) for Egypt not out of personal sorrow or sympathy for its wickedness, but as a profound prophetic act. This "wail" is a funeral lament or dirge, a performative prophecy that dramatically announces the certain, severe, and irreversible judgment awaiting Egypt. By commanding the prophet to mourn as if the nation were already dead, God emphasizes the irreversible nature of the coming destruction and humiliation. It serves to impress upon both the prophet and his audience the gravity of Egypt's impending doom and the finality of God's righteous decree, much like the detailed lament over Tyre in [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - Lament Over Tyre"). This act transforms the prophecy from a mere verbal declaration into a tangible, emotional experience, underscoring the depth of divine wrath and the tragic consequences of national pride and defiance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:18 vividly portrays the judgment and ignominious descent of a proud earthly kingdom into the "nether parts of the earth" and "the pit"—symbols of death and Sheol—it implicitly points to the ultimate triumph over these very powers achieved through Jesus Christ. The "nether parts of the earth" and "the pit" represent the universal dominion of death and the grave, a shared fate for all humanity under the curse of sin. However, the New Testament reveals that Jesus, the true "Son of Man," willingly descended into death, not as a victim of judgment for His own pride or sin, but as the sinless Lamb of God who bore the full judgment for humanity's sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). His descent into the grave was followed by a glorious and victorious resurrection, demonstrating His absolute triumph over death, Sheol, and all the powers of darkness ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Unlike the "famous nations" cast down into eternal oblivion, Christ emerged victorious, holding the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Thus, while Ezekiel's lament marks the end of earthly power and glory, Christ's resurrection inaugurates a new, eternal kingdom where death itself is swallowed up in victory ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")), offering hope, redemption, and eternal life to all who believe in Him, thereby transcending the transient fate of all earthly empires and establishing a reign that will never end ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Eternal Dominion")).

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 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.