Ezekiel 32:26

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:26 is a solemn dirge, part of a larger lamentation over the downfall of Egypt and its allies, portraying them as nations consigned to Sheol, the realm of the dead. Specifically, it names Meshech and Tubal, formidable northern peoples, and their vast armies, emphasizing their ultimate fate: despite their past might and the terror they once inflicted upon the "land of the living," they now lie in graves, uncircumcised and slain by the sword. The verse powerfully underscores the universality of divine judgment, demonstrating that no earthly power, however great or feared, can escape the sovereign decree of God, and that physical might is ultimately futile in the face of spiritual alienation and death.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32:26 is situated within a series of prophetic laments (chapters 29-32) directed against Egypt, a powerful nation that often symbolized human pride and reliance on earthly strength rather than God. Chapter 32, in particular, is a dirge (a funeral song) for Pharaoh, likening him to a great sea monster (Leviathan) whose capture signifies Egypt's utter defeat. This specific verse is part of a vivid description of Sheol, the underworld, where Egypt and its fallen allies are depicted joining other defeated nations. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 32:17-25) detail the descent of Assyria, Elam, and other mighty empires into the pit, setting the stage for Egypt's similar fate. The inclusion of Meshech and Tubal here serves to broaden the scope of this judgment, illustrating that even widely feared, distant powers are not exempt from God's decree and will share the same ignominious end in the grave. The chapter concludes with further descriptions of Egypt's ultimate demise, reinforcing the theme of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Meshech and Tubal were ancient peoples located in what is modern-day Turkey, often associated with the region of Anatolia. They were known for their military prowess, particularly in metalworking and warfare, and were frequently mentioned in ancient Near Eastern texts as formidable, warlike tribes. Their inclusion in Ezekiel's prophecy highlights their reputation as powerful, feared nations in the "land of the living" (the inhabited world). The term "uncircumcised" carries significant theological and cultural weight. In ancient Israel, circumcision was the sign of the covenant God made with Abraham, marking the people of Israel as distinct and set apart for God ([Genesis 17:10](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). For the prophet, describing these nations as "uncircumcised" signifies their pagan status, their alienation from God's covenant, and thus their spiritual uncleanness and ultimate vulnerability to divine judgment. This distinction underscores the fate of those outside God's covenant, contrasting with the hope offered to covenant people, even in exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. First, it emphasizes the **divine judgment on nations**, illustrating God's absolute authority over all human kingdoms, regardless of their might or reputation. Even formidable nations like Meshech and Tubal, who once instilled widespread fear, are subject to His judgment and ultimate demise, echoing the principle that [the Most High rules the kingdom of mankind](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Second, it highlights the **futility of earthly power and pride**. 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 underscores the temporary and ultimately vain nature of human strength, military might, and worldly glory when faced with divine decree. Third, the repeated description "uncircumcised" points to the **fate of the ungodly and those outside God's covenant**. Their end, "slain by the sword," symbolizes violent judgment for their rebellion and lack of covenant relationship, contrasting sharply with the preservation promised to God's people. Finally, the imagery of "graves round about him" vividly portrays the **universality of death** and the inescapable end for all, even the most feared, without divine intervention or covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meshech (Proper Noun, _Meshek'_):** This refers to a son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2) and the people descended from him, commonly associated with a region in ancient Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). In prophetic literature, particularly in Ezekiel (e.g., [Ezekiel 38:2](/ezekiel/38-2 "Ezekiel 38:2 - Gog, Meshech, and Tubal")), Meshech is often linked with Tubal and seen as a powerful, warlike nation from the north. Its inclusion here signifies the breadth and depth of God's judgment, extending even to the most formidable and geographically distant powers.
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** Literally meaning "exposed" or "having the prepuce uncurtailed," this term is used technically in the Old Testament to refer to those who have not undergone the ritual of circumcision, the sign of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 17:10](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10 - The Sign of the Covenant")). Theologically, it denotes Gentiles, those outside of God's covenant people, Israel. In Ezekiel, it often carries a pejorative connotation, signifying spiritual uncleanness, alienation from God, and a state of being subject to divine wrath and judgment, particularly in the context of death and burial.
* **terror (Hebrew, _chittîyth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be broken, dismayed," this word denotes fear, dread, or terror. In this verse, it highlights the past reputation of Meshech and Tubal: they were once formidable powers who instilled great fear in the "land of the living." The irony is palpable as these former terror-ducers are now themselves subjected to the ultimate terror of death and judgment, their might having utterly failed to save them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There [is] Meshech, Tubal, and all her multitude:"** This clause introduces two prominent ancient nations, Meshech and Tubal, known for their military strength and populous nature. The phrase "all her multitude" emphasizes the vastness of their armies and populations, underscoring their former might and influence in the world. Their presence in this dirge signifies that even the most formidable and numerous peoples are not exempt from God's judgment.
* **"her graves [are] round about him:"** This vivid imagery paints a picture of a vast necropolis, a burial ground filled with countless graves surrounding the fallen leader (implied to be Pharaoh, the subject of the dirge, or perhaps a collective "him" representing the fallen nations). It emphasizes the sheer scale of the destruction and death, highlighting the universality of the judgment and the multitude of those who have perished.
* **"all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword,"** This phrase defines the spiritual and physical state of the fallen. "Uncircumcised" marks them as outside God's covenant, spiritually alienated and unclean, thereby justifying their doom. "Slain by the sword" explicitly states the violent nature of their demise, a common biblical metaphor for divine judgment and warfare. This indicates that their end was not peaceful but a violent consequence of their ungodly ways.
* **"though they caused their terror in the land of the living."** This final clause provides a stark contrast and a powerful note of irony. Despite their historical reputation for instilling fear and dread among the nations, their past might and ability to terrorize prove utterly useless in the face of God's judgment. The "land of the living" refers to the inhabited world, where these nations once wielded significant power, but now they are consigned to the land of the dead, their terror having ceased.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and the futility of earthly power. **Imagery** is central, with the vivid depiction of "graves round about him" creating a stark, somber picture of widespread death and the finality of the underworld. The phrase "slain by the sword" is a visceral image of violent judgment. **Irony** is profoundly present in the contrast between Meshech and Tubal's past ability to "cause their terror in the land of the living" and their present state of being utterly defeated and dead. Those who once inspired fear are now themselves overcome by the ultimate terror of death. The mention of "uncircumcised" functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing spiritual alienation from God and the lack of covenant relationship, which is presented as the ultimate cause of their downfall. The entire passage is part of a larger **Dirge** or lamentation, a poetic form traditionally used for mourning the dead, which here serves as a prophetic announcement of judgment and destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:26 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the ultimate futility of human power apart from Him. It underscores that no earthly kingdom, no matter how mighty or feared, can withstand the divine decree. The emphasis on being "uncircumcised" highlights the critical distinction between those in covenant with God and those outside of it, asserting that spiritual standing, not military might, determines one's ultimate destiny. This verse powerfully illustrates that pride and self-reliance inevitably lead to destruction, while true security is found only in submission to the Almighty.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The King of Babylon in Sheol")
* [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Boasting in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:26 offers a sobering reflection on the transient nature of all human power and glory. In a world that often values strength, influence, and material wealth, this verse reminds us that such things are ultimately fleeting and cannot save us from the inevitable reality of death and divine judgment. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and security. Do we rely on our own achievements, our nation's might, or our accumulated resources? Or do we recognize God's ultimate sovereignty and seek our security in Him? The fate of Meshech and Tubal, once terrifying but now vanquished, serves as a powerful warning against pride and self-sufficiency. True and lasting peace, security, and life come not from worldly power or the fear one instills in others, but from a right relationship with God, marked by humility and covenant faithfulness. This passage encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and acknowledging that all earthly kingdoms will one day pass away, but God's kingdom endures forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I tend to place my ultimate trust and security in life?**
* **How does the fleeting nature of earthly power, as depicted in this verse, challenge my own ambitions or fears?**
* **What does it mean to be "circumcised" (or in covenant) with God in a spiritual sense today, and how does that impact my life?**
* **How can I live more consistently with the understanding that God's sovereignty extends over all nations and all individuals?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Meshech and Tubal being mentioned here?**

Answer: Meshech and Tubal were powerful, warlike nations from the northern regions (modern-day Turkey), known for their military prowess and for instilling fear in their contemporaries. Their inclusion in this lamentation over Egypt's downfall underscores the universality of God's judgment. It demonstrates that no nation, however mighty or feared, is exempt from His sovereign decree. Their fate, "slain by the sword" and relegated to the grave, serves as a stark example that even the most formidable earthly powers are ultimately subject to the divine will and the inevitability of death, as seen in other prophecies like [Ezekiel 38](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38 - The Prophecy Against Gog").

**Why is the term "uncircumcised" used to describe these nations?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham ([Genesis 17:10](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10 - The Covenant of Circumcision")), marking God's chosen people. To be "uncircumcised" was to be a Gentile, outside of this covenant relationship. In Ezekiel's prophecy, this term carries significant theological weight, signifying spiritual alienation from God, uncleanness, and a state of being subject to divine judgment. It highlights that these nations, despite their worldly power, lacked the spiritual standing that came from being in covenant with the Lord, thus sealing their doom to be "slain by the sword" and buried among the ungodly.

**What does "the land of the living" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "The land of the living" (Hebrew: *ʼerets chay*) refers to the physical world, the realm of human existence and activity, in contrast to Sheol, the realm of the dead. The phrase emphasizes that Meshech and Tubal once wielded significant power and caused terror *among living nations*. The irony is that these former terrorizers are now themselves consigned to the land of the dead, their power and influence completely extinguished. It highlights the stark transition from earthly dominion to the grave, where their terror-inducing days are over.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:26, with its grim depiction of powerful, uncircumcised nations consigned to the grave, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of Christ over sin, death, and the powers of this world. The "uncircumcised" nations, representing all humanity alienated from God, are shown facing inevitable judgment. However, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, offers a new "circumcision of the heart" ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")) that is not physical but spiritual, performed by the Holy Spirit. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities that once held humanity in bondage, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Powers")). The terror that Meshech and Tubal once caused, and the ultimate terror of death that consumed them, are both overcome by the resurrection of Jesus, who conquered death and the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). In Christ, those who were once "uncircumcised" and alienated from God are brought near by His blood, becoming part of a new spiritual nation ([Ephesians 2:11-13](/ephesians/2-11 "Ephesians 2:11-13 - Gentiles Brought Near")). The "land of the living" finds its true and eternal meaning not in fleeting earthly power, but in the eternal life granted to those who believe in the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and who will one day dwell with Him in the new heavens and new earth, where death and terror will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

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 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.