Ezekiel 32:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, take up {H5375} a lamentation {H7015} for Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, and say {H559} unto him, Thou art like {H1819} a young lion {H3715} of the nations {H1471}, and thou art as a whale {H8577}{H8565} in the seas {H3220}: and thou camest forth {H1518} with thy rivers {H5104}, and troubledst {H1804} the waters {H4325} with thy feet {H7272}, and fouledst {H7515} their rivers {H5104}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human being, raise a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt; say to him, 'You compared yourself to a lion among the nations; In fact, you are more like a crocodile in the lakes. You burst out of your streams, churn the water with your feet and foul their streams.'

Berean Standard Bible

“Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas. You thrash about in your rivers, churning up the waters with your feet and muddying the streams.’

American Standard Version

Son of man, take up a lamentation over Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him, Thou wast likened unto a young lion of the nations: yet art thou as a monster in the seas; and thou didst break forth with thy rivers, and troubledst the waters with thy feet, and fouledst their rivers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:2 introduces a profound prophetic lamentation, or funeral dirge, directed by God through Ezekiel against Pharaoh Hophra, the reigning king of Egypt. This striking allegorical address likens Pharaoh to a formidable "young lion of the nations" and a monstrous "whale in the seas," vividly portraying his unchecked power and destructive influence. The verse depicts Pharaoh's actions as a disturbance and defilement of the "waters" and "rivers," symbolizing his oppressive reign and the chaotic impact he had on his own people and surrounding nations, thereby setting the stage for a divine judgment that will decisively dismantle this once-mighty empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32:2 serves as the powerful opening of a seven-part lamentation (Ezekiel 32:1-16) specifically targeting Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. This oracle is strategically positioned within Ezekiel's broader collection of prophecies against foreign nations (Ezekiel 25-32), highlighting God's universal sovereignty. Dated to the twelfth year of Judah's exile (Ezekiel 32:1), this prophecy chronologically follows the devastating fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, yet precedes a later oracle against Egypt found in [Ezekiel 29:17-21](/ezekiel/29-17-21 "Ezekiel 29:17-21 - Nebuchadnezzar's Reward for Egypt"). The immediate literary transition from previous detailed prophecies against Egypt (Ezekiel 29-31), which elaborated on its pride and impending desolation, is significant. Here, the tone shifts dramatically to that of a funeral dirge, not as an expression of sorrow, but as a definitive declaration of Egypt's certain and final demise, framing its destruction as a death rather than merely a defeat. This literary device emphasizes the inevitability and irreversible nature of God's judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period of this prophecy, Egypt, under Pharaoh Hophra (also known as Apries), remained a prominent regional power, though its historical influence was undeniably waning in the shadow of the burgeoning Neo-Babylonian Empire led by Nebuchadnezzar. Judah and other smaller states frequently sought alliances with Egypt as a counterweight against Babylon, a hope that consistently proved to be misplaced and ultimately futile. The rich imagery employed in Ezekiel 32:2 is deeply rooted in Egyptian cultural and geographical realities. The Nile River, the indispensable lifeblood of Egypt, forms the core of the metaphors involving "rivers" and "waters," symbolizing the nation's prosperity, power, and the very fabric of its societal existence. Pharaohs were routinely depicted with symbols of immense strength and even divinity, making the comparisons to a "young lion" and a "whale" (or sea monster/dragon) exceptionally potent and culturally resonant. Furthermore, in ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, formidable sea monsters often represented primordial chaos or rebellious forces. Thus, likening Pharaoh to such a creature powerfully underscores his perceived untamed power and the chaotic influence he exerted, which God was now decisively moving to bring into divine order.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:2 significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully exemplifies the theme of **Divine Judgment on National Pride**. Pharaoh, as the embodiment of Egypt's arrogance and self-sufficiency, is depicted as a destructive force destined for divine humbling. This resonates deeply with the recurring biblical principle that [pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction"). Secondly, the verse employs the compelling **Metaphor of a Destructive Beast**, portraying Pharaoh as a "young lion" and a "whale" (sea monster). These powerful, untamed creatures symbolize his predatory nature, unbridled ambition, and chaotic influence over the "waters," which in prophetic literature frequently represent peoples and nations, as explicitly clarified in [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - Waters as Peoples and Nations"). Thirdly, the vivid imagery of Pharaoh "troubling" and "fouling" the rivers highlights the theme of **Defilement and Chaos** wrought by unrighteous leadership. His actions not only disturbed peace but also corrupted the very sources of life and order, reflecting the profound moral and political decay under his reign. Ultimately, the lamentation underscores **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating unequivocally that even the mightiest empires and their rulers are entirely subject to His divine decree and judgment, a truth powerfully echoed in prophecies against other proud rulers, such as the king of Babylon in [Isaiah 14](/isaiah/14 "Isaiah 14 - Oracle Against the King of Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kᵉphîyr (Hebrew, _kᵉphîyr'_):** From the root meaning "to cover," this term specifically refers to a young lion, perhaps alluding to its developing mane or its stealthy, covered approach to prey. In the context of Pharaoh, it powerfully signifies his ferocity, formidable strength, and predatory nature among the nations. It portrays him as a dominant, dangerous, and aggressive entity, much like a formidable beast of prey that devours its victims.
* **tannîyn (Hebrew, _tannîyn'_):** This term denotes a large marine or land monster, often translated as a sea-serpent or dragon. In ancient Near Eastern thought, such creatures frequently symbolized primordial chaos, untamed evil, or powerful, rebellious forces. By likening Pharaoh to a _tannîyn_, Ezekiel profoundly emphasizes his immense, chaotic power and destructive influence, particularly over the "seas" or vast populations, suggesting a force that disrupts the natural order.
* **râphas (Hebrew, _râphas'_):** A primitive root meaning "to trample" or, more specifically in this context, "to roil water" or "to muddy." In this verse, it vividly describes Pharaoh's action of "fouling" or "muddying" the rivers. This word powerfully conveys the defilement, disruption, and corruption that Pharaoh's oppressive reign brought upon his own land and the surrounding regions, rendering the very sources of life and order impure and unusable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say unto him,"**: This opening clause serves as a direct divine mandate to Ezekiel, clearly identifying both the prophet as the messenger ("Son of man," a frequent address for Ezekiel) and the specific subject of the oracle: Pharaoh, the reigning monarch of Egypt. The instruction to "take up a lamentation" (Hebrew: _qîynâh_) is crucial, indicating that what follows is a funeral dirge, a mournful song traditionally sung for the deceased. However, in this prophetic context, it functions as a declaration of impending doom, signifying that Pharaoh and Egypt are, in God's eyes, already as good as dead, irrevocably destined for destruction.
* **"Thou art like a young lion of the nations,"**: This is the first of two potent metaphors applied to Pharaoh. The "young lion" (Hebrew: _kᵉphîyr_) symbolizes his inherent strength, ferocity, and predatory dominance among the surrounding "nations." It underscores his aggressive and destructive nature, suggesting that he has been a terror and a devourer of other peoples, much like a lion preys upon its unsuspecting victims.
* **"and thou [art] as a whale in the seas:"**: The second metaphor compares Pharaoh to a "whale" (Hebrew: _tannîyn_), a term that can also be translated as a sea monster or dragon. This imagery evokes a creature of immense, untamed power, often associated with chaos and primordial forces in ancient Near Eastern mythology. By situating him "in the seas," it suggests his vast, overwhelming influence and his capacity to stir up great disturbances across wide domains, potentially symbolizing the tumultuous masses of people or nations under his oppressive sway.
* **"and thou camest forth with thy rivers,"**: This clause describes Pharaoh's emergence and expansion, which are intrinsically linked to the "rivers" (Hebrew: _nâhâr_), particularly the Nile, the foundational source of Egypt's power and prosperity. It depicts Pharaoh's aggressive outreach and pervasive influence flowing out from Egypt, much like the Nile's waters spread across the land, bringing both life and, in this specific context, widespread disruption.
* **"and troubledst the waters with thy feet,"**: Here, the imagery becomes explicitly active and destructive. Pharaoh's "feet" trampling the "waters" (Hebrew: _mayim_) powerfully signifies his oppressive and disruptive actions. He does not merely flow passively; he actively stirs up and agitates the very source of life and order, thereby causing profound turmoil and instability. This vividly conveys his tyrannical rule and the chaos it inflicted upon his realm.
* **"and fouledst their rivers."**: This final clause culminates the destructive imagery, bringing it to a climax. Pharaoh's actions have not merely troubled the waters but have "fouled" (Hebrew: _râphas_) or muddied them. This implies a deep moral and political defilement, a corruption of the life-giving sources. His reign has not only brought chaos but has also rendered the essential elements of society impure and unusable, signifying the profound and lasting damaging impact of his unrighteous governance on his own people and beyond.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:2 is exceptionally rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, which are central to its prophetic message. Pharaoh is not literally a "young lion" or a "whale" (or sea monster/dragon), but these powerful animal comparisons serve as **Metaphors** for his ferocity, predatory nature, and immense, chaotic power. The "young lion of the nations" vividly portrays his dominance and aggression among earthly kingdoms, while the "whale in the seas" symbolizes his untamed, overwhelming influence over vast populations, often represented by "waters" in prophetic literature. The "rivers" and "waters" themselves are potent **Symbols** of Egypt's lifeblood, prosperity, and the peoples under Pharaoh's control. His actions of "troubling" and "fouling" these waters are a form of **Personification**, attributing human-like destructive actions to a national leader, while also employing vivid **Imagery** that evokes a visceral sense of defilement and chaos. The entire passage functions as a **Lamentation** or dirge, a literary form typically reserved for the dead, which here acts as a powerful prophetic declaration of Egypt's certain demise, underscoring the finality and inevitability of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:2 powerfully articulates the enduring biblical theme of divine judgment against human pride and oppressive power. Pharaoh, as the embodiment of Egypt's might, represents any earthly authority that operates outside of God's righteous standards, using its strength to dominate and defile rather than to bless and order. The vivid imagery of "troubling" and "fouling" the waters underscores the corrupting influence of such power, highlighting how unrighteous leadership can pollute the very sources of life and well-being for a nation. This verse serves as a stark reminder that no earthly kingdom, no matter how formidable, is beyond the reach of God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. It foreshadows the universal principle that God opposes the proud and brings low those who exalt themselves, ensuring that His divine order will ultimately prevail over human chaos and arrogance.

* [Psalm 74:13-14](/psalms/74-13-14 "Psalm 74:13-14 - God Crushes Sea Monsters") - This passage describes God's power over the sea monsters (often _tannîyn_), aligning with the imagery of God bringing down Pharaoh, the "whale," and demonstrating His ultimate control over chaotic forces.
* [Isaiah 27:1](/isaiah/27-1 "Isaiah 27:1 - Leviathan, the Fleeing Serpent") - Here, God's judgment is pronounced against Leviathan, the "fleeing serpent" and "crooked serpent," another mythical sea creature representing powerful, oppressive empires, paralleling Ezekiel's depiction of Pharaoh as a _tannîyn_.
* [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - Waters as Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, and Languages") - This verse explicitly defines "waters" as "peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages," providing a New Testament interpretive key for the "seas" and "rivers" troubled by Pharaoh in Ezekiel, symbolizing his chaotic influence over human populations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:2 offers profound lessons for contemporary reflection and application, speaking powerfully to both individual character and collective leadership. It challenges us to critically examine the nature of power, whether it manifests as personal influence, professional authority, or national governance. The destructive imagery of Pharaoh "troubling" and "fouling" the rivers serves as a potent warning: unchecked ambition, self-exalting pride, and self-serving leadership inevitably lead to chaos, corruption, and defilement, not only for those who wield such power but also for those under their influence. This verse calls us to profound humility, reminding us that true strength is found not in oppressive dominance but in righteous stewardship and a humble recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty. It encourages us to consider the far-reaching impact of our actions on the "waters" of our own lives and communities – our relationships, our environments, our institutions, and the broader society. Are we contributing to purity, order, and flourishing, or are we, through our pride, neglect, or self-interest, "fouling" the very sources of well-being for ourselves and others? The passage compels us to align our aspirations and actions with divine justice, fostering environments of flourishing rather than defilement, and to seek to be channels of blessing, not chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or influence might you be tempted to exercise power in a way that "troubles" or "fouls" the "waters" for others, either intentionally or unintentionally?**
* **How does the biblical emphasis on God's sovereignty over nations, even the most powerful and seemingly untouchable, shape your perspective on current global events and the nature of human leadership?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate humility, righteous stewardship, and a commitment to purity in your sphere of influence, rather than succumbing to pride or destructive ambition?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Pharaoh being compared to a "young lion" and a "whale"?**

Answer: The comparisons are powerful **metaphors** for Pharaoh's immense and destructive power. The "young lion" (Hebrew: _kᵉphîyr_) signifies his predatory nature, ferocity, and dominance among the nations, much like a king of the jungle. It speaks to his terrestrial might and aggressive expansion. The "whale" (Hebrew: _tannîyn_), which can also be translated as a sea monster or dragon, evokes a creature of vast, untamed, and chaotic power, often associated with primordial evil or rebellious forces in ancient Near Eastern mythology. By using these two distinct images, Ezekiel emphasizes Pharaoh's dual threat: his physical might and his overwhelming, chaotic influence over the "seas," which often symbolize turbulent populations or nations in prophetic literature (as seen in [Revelation 17:15](/revelation/17-15 "Revelation 17:15 - Waters as Peoples and Nations")). Together, they paint a comprehensive picture of a ruler who is both a physical threat and a pervasive source of widespread spiritual and social disorder.

**What do the "rivers" and "waters" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In the context of ancient Egypt, the "rivers" (specifically the Nile) and "waters" were the literal lifeblood of the nation, providing fertility, transportation, and sustenance. Symbolically, in Ezekiel 32:2, they represent the very foundation of Egypt's power, prosperity, and the people themselves. When Pharaoh is described as "troubling" and "fouling" these waters, it signifies his tyrannical and corrupting influence. His actions did not merely disturb the peace but actively defiled the sources of life and order within his own kingdom and among the nations he influenced. This imagery underscores the profound moral and political chaos his unrighteous reign inflicted, turning what should be a source of blessing into a polluted, destructive force. This aligns with broader biblical symbolism where waters can represent peoples or nations, as well as sources of life or judgment, depending on the context.

**Is the "lamentation" a sign of sorrow for Pharaoh?**

Answer: No, the "lamentation" (Hebrew: _qîynâh_) in Ezekiel 32:2 is not an expression of sorrow or sympathy for Pharaoh. Instead, it is a prophetic funeral dirge, a mournful song typically sung for the deceased, but here it is pronounced over Pharaoh while he is still alive. This serves as a powerful declaration of his inevitable and certain demise, signifying that God has already decreed his downfall and the destruction of Egypt. It is a pronouncement of judgment, a public shaming, and a stark warning to other proud nations, rather than an act of mourning. The dirge emphasizes the absolute certainty of God's judgment and the finality of Egypt's coming destruction under the hand of Babylon, orchestrated by the Lord. This prophetic act underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly rulers and empires, no matter how mighty they appear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:2 directly addresses the impending judgment of Pharaoh and Egypt, its deeper theological currents find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Pharaoh, depicted as a "young lion" and a "whale" (sea monster) who troubles and fouls the waters, powerfully embodies the oppressive, chaotic, and destructive power of human sin and the spiritual forces aligned against God's divine order. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ emerges as the ultimate conqueror of all such forces. He is the true King who does not trouble or foul the waters but rather brings life, purity, and order. Just as the "whale" (_tannîyn_) in ancient thought often represented primordial chaos, Christ demonstrates His absolute authority over chaos by miraculously calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, rebuking the winds and waves with a mere word (see [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). Furthermore, He is the one who purifies and cleanses, offering "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst and leads to eternal life, in stark contrast to the fouled rivers of Pharaoh's destructive reign (see [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). The judgment pronounced upon Pharaoh foreshadows the ultimate judgment of all unrighteous power and the decisive defeat of the "prince of this world" (see [John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - Jesus Speaks of Casting Out the Ruler of This World")). Christ, the true Son of Man, not only laments over the lost but also acts decisively to redeem and restore, establishing a kingdom where justice, purity, and peace prevail, ultimately fulfilling the promise of God's sovereignty over all creation, bringing divine order out of the chaos caused by sin and rebellious human authority.

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 29:3

Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

Nahum 2:11

¶ Where [is] the dwelling of the lions, and the feedingplace of the young lions, where the lion, [even] the old lion, walked, [and] the lion's whelp, and none made [them] afraid?

Nahum 2:13

Behold, I [am] against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.

Ezekiel 27:2

Now, thou son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyrus;

Isaiah 27:1

¶ In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that [is] in the sea.

Ezekiel 28:12

Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

Jeremiah 4:7

The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make thy land desolate; [and] thy cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.