32:21 32:21

Ezekiel 32:22

32:23 32:23

Bible Versions

Asshur [is] there and all her company: his graves [are] about him: all of them slain, fallen by the sword:
Asshur {H804} is there and all her company {H6951}: his graves {H6913} are about {H5439} him: all of them slain {H2491}, fallen {H5307} by the sword {H2719}:
"Ashur is there with her hordes; their graves are all around them, all of them slain, killed by the sword.
Assyria is there with her whole company; her graves are all around her. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword.
Asshur is there and all her company; her graves are round about her; all of them slain, fallen by the sword;

Ezekiel 32:22 is part of a prophetic lamentation (a funeral dirge) delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning the impending downfall of Egypt and its powerful Pharaoh. In this verse, the prophet highlights the fate of Assyria (referred to as Asshur), a once-mighty empire, as a stark example of a nation that has already met its violent end and now resides in the realm of the dead. This serves as a sobering warning to Egypt that its pride and power will not exempt it from a similar fate.

Context

Chapter 32 of Ezekiel is a vivid and dramatic dirge. God instructs Ezekiel to sing a lamentation over Pharaoh and Egypt, portraying their destruction in graphic terms. The chapter describes Egypt's descent into Sheol, the grave or underworld, where it will join other defeated nations. The purpose is to demonstrate that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to divine judgment. Verses Ezekiel 32:18-32 specifically detail various nations already residing in Sheol, serving as a grim reception committee for Egypt. Assyria is presented here as the first and perhaps most prominent example, emphasizing its past glory and current demise.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Pride: The fate of Assyria underscores God's unwavering judgment against nations that exhibit excessive pride, arrogance, and oppressive power. Their military might and vast dominion could not save them from their ultimate downfall.
  • The Universality of Death and Judgment: This verse powerfully illustrates that no earthly power, no matter how great or formidable, is immune to death and God's ultimate judgment. The great empires of the past, like Assyria, lie vanquished in the grave, awaiting their final reckoning, a destiny that also awaits Egypt.
  • Warning to the Living: By pointing to Assyria's fate—"slain, fallen by the sword"—Ezekiel delivers a direct and chilling warning to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Their impending doom is not unique but follows a pattern established by other arrogant nations that defied the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Asshur" (אשור - ’Ashshur) is the Hebrew designation for the ancient empire of Assyria, renowned for its formidable military and often brutal conquests. The phrase "is there" implies its presence in Sheol, the common grave or underworld, which is the dominant theme of this section of Ezekiel. The repetition of "his graves are about him" and "all of them slain, fallen by the sword" paints a stark picture of a vast number of casualties, emphasizing the utter devastation and complete defeat of this once-dominant empire.

Related Scriptures

The theme of proud nations being brought low by divine judgment is prevalent throughout the prophetic books. For instance, Isaiah 14:9-11 describes the king of Babylon being greeted in Sheol by other fallen kings, including those of Assyria, who mock his downfall. The historical fall of Assyria itself is prophesied in books like Nahum 3:19, celebrating its destruction. The concept of pride leading to destruction is also a recurring biblical principle, as seen in Proverbs 16:18.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:22 serves as a timeless reminder that all earthly power and glory are temporary. It encourages humility in leaders and nations, cautioning against the dangers of excessive pride, oppression, and self-reliance apart from God. For believers, this passage reinforces the sovereignty of God over all world affairs and the transient nature of human kingdoms compared to His eternal kingdom. It reminds us to place our trust not in fleeting human strength or achievements, but in the enduring power and justice of the Almighty.

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 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.

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 32:30

    There [be] the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

  • Ezekiel 32:24

    There [is] Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

  • Psalms 83:8

    Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

  • Psalms 83:10

    [Which] perished at Endor: they became [as] dung for the earth.

  • Ezekiel 31:3

    Behold, the Assyrian [was] a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs.
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