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.

There is Meshech {H4902}, Tubal {H8422}, and all her multitude {H1995}: her graves {H6913} are round about {H5439} him: all of them uncircumcised {H6189}, slain {H2490} by the sword {H2719}, though they caused {H5414} their terror {H2851} in the land {H776} of the living {H2416}.

"Meshekh and Tuval with her horde is there, her graves are all around them, all of them uncircumcised, killed by the sword, because they terrorized the land of the living.

Meshech and Tubal are there with all their multitudes, with their graves all around them. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, because they spread their terror in the land of the living.

There is Meshech, Tubal, and all their multitude; their graves are round about them; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for they caused their terror in the land of the living.

Context of Ezekiel 32:26

Ezekiel 32:26 is part of a lamentation concerning the pharaoh of Egypt, likening him to a great sea monster (Leviathan) that will be caught and destroyed by God. This chapter serves as a dirge, describing Egypt's descent into the grave, where it will join other fallen nations and their rulers. The vivid imagery emphasizes God's sovereign judgment over all earthly powers, regardless of their might or reputation. Meshech and Tubal are mentioned here as prominent examples of powerful, ancient peoples from the north, often associated with regions in modern-day Turkey, who were known for their military prowess and feared by their contemporaries. Their inclusion underscores the universality of God's judgment, bringing low even those who once caused "terror in the land of the living."

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment on Nations: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute authority over all human kingdoms. Even formidable nations like Meshech and Tubal, who once instilled widespread fear, are subject to His judgment and ultimate demise. This echoes the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over the kingdoms of men.
  • The Futility of Earthly Power: Despite their past influence and ability to inspire "terror," Meshech and Tubal, along with their multitudes, are now relegated to the grave, "slain by the sword." This highlights the temporary and ultimately futile nature of human strength and military might when faced with divine decree.
  • The Fate of the Ungodly: The repeated description "uncircumcised" is a key theological marker in this context. In ancient Israel, "uncircumcised" referred to Gentiles, those outside the covenant God made with Abraham (Genesis 17:10). Here, it signifies their spiritual alienation from God and their consequent doom. Their end, "slain by the sword," symbolizes violent judgment for their rebellion and lack of covenant relationship.
  • Universality of Death: The imagery of "graves round about him" vividly portrays the vast number of the fallen, emphasizing that death is the inescapable end for all, even the most feared, without divine intervention or covenant.

Linguistic Insights

The names Meshech (Hebrew: מֶשֶׁךְ, *Meshek*) and Tubal (Hebrew: תֻּבַל, *Tuval*) refer to ancient peoples and regions often associated with the northern reaches of the ancient world (modern-day Anatolia or Turkey). They frequently appear together in prophetic texts, notably in Ezekiel 38:2, as part of the confederacy led by Gog. Their inclusion here signifies a powerful, formidable adversary. The term "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: עֲרֵלִים, *‘arelim*) carries significant theological weight, marking those who are not in covenant with God and are therefore subject to His judgment, contrasting with the circumcised people of Israel.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:26 serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly power and glory are fleeting. It challenges us to consider where our ultimate security lies. Nations and individuals alike, who rely solely on their own strength, wealth, or reputation, will eventually face an end. The verse implicitly points to the importance of a right relationship with God, highlighting that true and lasting peace, security, and life come from being in His covenant and under His grace, rather than from military might or the fear one instills in others. It encourages humility and a recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death, over all nations and peoples.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 27:13

    Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they [were] thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.

  • Genesis 10:2

    The sons of Japheth; Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

  • Ezekiel 39:1

    ¶ Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

  • Ezekiel 38:2

    Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,

  • Ezekiel 38:3

    And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:

  • 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 32:24

    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.

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