Ezekiel 32:20

KJV

They shall fall in the midst of [them that are] slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes.

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall fall {H5307} in the midst {H8432} of them that are slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}: she is delivered {H5414} to the sword {H2719}: draw {H4900} her and all her multitudes {H1995}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will fall among those killed by the sword; she is given to the sword; pull her down with her hordes.

Berean Standard Bible

They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes.

American Standard Version

They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword; draw her away and all her multitudes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:20 is a stark prophetic declaration of judgment against Egypt, portraying its inevitable descent into Sheol (the grave) alongside other proud, uncircumcised nations already vanquished by divine wrath. This verse, part of a broader lamentation, vividly depicts the humiliation and destruction awaiting Pharaoh and his vast multitudes, emphasizing their forced companionship with the defeated in the underworld. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and the ultimate futility of human pride and strength in the face of His righteous decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32:20 is embedded within a series of prophetic oracles against Egypt, specifically within a lamentation (vv. 17-32) that details Egypt's impending fall and its consignment to Sheol. This section follows earlier prophecies against Egypt (chapters 29-32:16) and is part of a larger collection of judgments against foreign nations (chapters 25-32). The immediate context (Ezekiel 32:17-19) sets the scene for Egypt's descent, likening it to a great cedar that is cut down, and then introduces the concept of Sheol as a gathering place for the "uncircumcised," nations that did not acknowledge Yahweh's covenant or sovereignty. Verse 20 directly follows the pronouncement that Egypt will be brought down to the pit, establishing its fate among the slain. The subsequent verses (Ezekiel 32:21-32) then list various powerful nations—Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom, and Sidon—that have already fallen by the sword and now reside in the depths of Sheol, providing a grim "roll call" of the vanquished with whom Egypt will share its ignominious fate. This emphasizes that even the mightiest empires are not exempt from divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Ezekiel against Egypt were delivered during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period when Judah often looked to Egypt as a potential ally against the rising power of Babylon. However, Ezekiel consistently warned against such alliances, asserting that all nations, including Egypt, were subject to Yahweh's sovereign will and judgment. Egypt, at this time, was a significant regional power, known for its military strength and ancient civilization. The concept of Sheol, or the grave/underworld, was a common ancient Near Eastern understanding of the abode of the dead, often depicted as a shadowy, dust-filled realm. For a nation like Egypt, known for its elaborate burial practices and belief in an afterlife, being cast into Sheol alongside the "uncircumcised" (a term signifying those outside God's covenant and often associated with pagan nations) was a profound humiliation, stripping away all earthly glory and pride. The "sword" (Hebrew: *chereb*) was the primary instrument of warfare and divine judgment in the ancient world, symbolizing decisive military defeat and destruction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that Yahweh is the ultimate ruler over all nations, not just Israel. Egypt, despite its immense power, is shown to be utterly subject to His decree, highlighting that no earthly empire can withstand God's righteous wrath. This judgment is often a direct consequence of **Pride and Arrogance**, as Egypt, like other nations condemned by Ezekiel, exalted itself against God (cf. [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh's Arrogance")). The verse also underscores the **Futility of Human Strength and Trust in Worldly Power**, as Egypt's mighty armies and vast population are powerless to avert their divinely ordained destruction, a theme echoed in the wisdom literature (e.g., [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Deliverance, Not Human Strength")). Finally, the imagery of falling "in the midst of them that are slain by the sword" and being "delivered to the sword" emphasizes the **Inevitability of Death and the Leveling Effect of Sheol**, where all, regardless of their earthly status or power, ultimately meet the same fate (cf. [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - Sheol Welcomes the Proud")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** H5307, a primitive root meaning to fall, used in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative). In Ezekiel 32:20, it signifies a decisive and irreversible collapse, not merely a stumble but a complete downfall into defeat and death. This "falling" is not accidental but a divinely orchestrated judgment, leading to their demise among those already slain.
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** H5414, a primitive root meaning to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.). Here, it implies being "handed over" or "given up" to the sword. This highlights God's active role in Egypt's judgment; it is not merely a consequence of war but a divine surrender of the nation to destruction, emphasizing His sovereign control over their fate.
* **multitudes (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** H1995, from Hâmâh, meaning a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth; abundance, company, many, multitude. This word emphasizes the vastness of Egypt's population and military might. The judgment is not just against Pharaoh but against the entire nation, its teeming masses, and its collective strength, all of whom will share the same ignominious end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall fall in the midst of [them that are] slain by the sword:"** This clause declares the inevitable fate of the Egyptians. The "they" refers to Pharaoh and his people, who will suffer a catastrophic defeat. The phrase "in the midst of [them that are] slain by the sword" graphically depicts their demise not in glorious battle, but as joining the ranks of the already defeated and dead, specifically those who met a violent end through warfare. This highlights the shame and humiliation of their fall, as they are not unique in their suffering but merely added to a vast company of the vanquished.
* **"she is delivered to the sword:"** This clause reinforces the previous statement, personifying Egypt as "she" and explicitly stating the instrument of her destruction. "Delivered to the sword" signifies a divine handing over of Egypt to the forces of war and judgment. It underscores that this destruction is not merely a natural outcome of conflict but a decreed judgment from God, who actively surrenders Egypt to its violent end. The sword here symbolizes divine wrath and military defeat.
* **"draw her and all her multitudes."** This final imperative clause, likely a command from God or a prophetic declaration of what will happen, portrays the forceful dragging of Egypt and its vast population to their place among the dead. The verb "draw" (Hebrew: *mâshak*) implies a forceful, perhaps humiliating, movement, pulling them into the pit of Sheol. "All her multitudes" reiterates that the judgment is comprehensive, affecting every aspect of the once-proud nation, consigning its entire populace to the same fate as other defeated empires.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Personification** is evident in the reference to Egypt as "she," giving the nation a human quality and making its downfall more visceral and relatable. The repeated use of the word "**sword**" (Hebrew: *chereb*) serves as a potent **symbol** of divine judgment, military defeat, and violent death, creating a stark and inescapable image of destruction. This **repetition** also emphasizes the certainty and severity of Egypt's fate. Furthermore, the verse utilizes vivid **imagery** of falling, being slain, and being drawn, painting a grim picture of humiliation and demise. The phrase "in the midst of [them that are] slain" is a form of **juxtaposition**, placing Egypt's once-proud status against its future ignominious position among the defeated, thereby amplifying the sense of shame and loss.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:20 profoundly illustrates God's unassailable sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to execute righteous judgment against pride and rebellion. The fate of Egypt, a once-mighty empire, serves as a stark reminder that no nation, however strong or self-assured, is beyond the reach of divine reckoning. This passage underscores the biblical truth that earthly might is fleeting and ultimately subservient to the will of the Almighty. It highlights the consequences of national arrogance and the futility of trusting in human strength rather than in the living God. The leveling effect of death, where even the most powerful are brought low to share the fate of the common slain, emphasizes the universal reach of mortality and the ultimate equality of all before God's judgment.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")
* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - Sheol Welcomes the Proud")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King Saved by Great Army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:20 offers a sobering reflection for all generations, reminding us that the transient nature of worldly power and the certainty of divine judgment are timeless truths. In a world often captivated by displays of strength, wealth, and influence, this verse serves as a powerful corrective, urging us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and security. It calls us to humility, recognizing that all human endeavors and achievements are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. For individuals and nations alike, the passage warns against the perils of pride and self-sufficiency, which inevitably lead to downfall. Instead, it invites a posture of dependence on God, fostering a deeper appreciation for His enduring power and mercy. Understanding that even the mightiest empires are brought low by His decree should inspire a healthy fear of the Lord and a renewed commitment to living in accordance with His righteous standards, seeking His kingdom above all earthly kingdoms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I, or my society, tend to place ultimate trust and security (e.g., wealth, power, military strength) instead of in God?**
* **How does the inevitable downfall of proud nations, as depicted here, challenge my own tendencies towards arrogance or self-reliance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of humility and greater dependence on God in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "uncircumcised" mean in the context of nations in Sheol?**

Answer: In the context of Ezekiel and the Old Testament, "uncircumcised" refers to those who are outside the covenant relationship with God, particularly non-Israelite nations. When applied to those in Sheol, as in [Ezekiel 32:19](/ezekiel/32-19 "Ezekiel 32:19 - Egypt's Descent to Sheol"), it signifies a state of spiritual uncleanness and dishonor in death. For a nation like Egypt, known for its pride and self-exaltation, being cast into Sheol alongside other "uncircumcised" and defeated nations was the ultimate humiliation, stripping them of their perceived glory and placing them among the despised and forgotten. It underscores that their might and status in life offered no special privilege in death before God's judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:20 vividly portrays the judgment of a proud earthly kingdom, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate triumph of God's righteous judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom through Jesus Christ. The "sword" of divine judgment that falls upon Egypt foreshadows the perfect justice of God, which was fully expressed at the cross where Christ bore the full weight of sin and its judgment (cf. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). The futility of human strength and the inevitable fall of earthly powers, as seen in Egypt's demise, point to the absolute necessity of a Savior who is not of this world. Jesus, the true King, did not establish His kingdom through military might, but through self-sacrificial love and resurrection power, ultimately conquering death and Sheol itself (cf. [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). The "multitudes" of Egypt dragged into the pit find their spiritual parallel in humanity's shared fallen state, but in Christ, all who believe are rescued from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, Ezekiel's prophecy of judgment, while specific to Egypt, serves as a powerful backdrop for understanding the glorious and merciful deliverance offered to all nations through the redemptive work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who alone is worthy to execute judgment and establish an everlasting kingdom (cf. [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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

Psalms 28:3

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief [is] in their hearts.

Ezekiel 32:23

Whose graves are set in the sides of the pit, and her company is round about her grave: all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which caused terror in the land of the living.

Ezekiel 32:26

There [is] Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude: her graves [are] round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living.

Proverbs 24:11

¶ If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;

Ezekiel 29:8

¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee.

Ezekiel 29:12

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries [that are] desolate, and her cities among the cities [that are] laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Ezekiel 32:29

There [is] Edom, her kings, and all her princes, which with their might are laid by [them that were] slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with them that go down to the pit.