32:2 32:2

Ezekiel 32:3

32:4 32:4

Bible Versions

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will therefore spread out my net over thee with a company of many people; and they shall bring thee up in my net.
Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; I will therefore spread out {H6566} my net {H7568} over thee with a company {H6951} of many {H7227} people {H5971}; and they shall bring thee up {H5927} in my net {H2764}.
"So here is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'With many nations assembled, I will spread my net over you, and they will haul you up in my dragnet.
This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will spread My net over you with a company of many peoples, and they will draw you up in My net.
Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: I will spread out my net upon thee with a company of many peoples; and they shall bring thee up in my net.

Ezekiel 32:3 (KJV) delivers a powerful prophetic word from the Lord GOD, declaring an inescapable judgment upon Pharaoh and Egypt. The verse uses vivid imagery of a net to signify the comprehensive capture and humiliation of this once-mighty nation.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies by Ezekiel against various nations, particularly those who were enemies of Israel or who led Israel astray through their alliances. Chapters 29-32 are dedicated to the judgment of Egypt, often personified by its king, Pharaoh. In Ezekiel 32:2, Pharaoh is likened to a great sea monster—a "whale" or "dragon" (Hebrew: tannim, often referring to a crocodile, symbolizing Egypt's power and ferocity) in the seas. Verse 3 continues this metaphor, depicting God's intention to ensnare this formidable creature. Historically, this prophecy foretold the conquest of Egypt by the Babylonian forces under King Nebuchadnezzar, demonstrating God's sovereign control over the rise and fall of empires in the ancient Near East.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The passage underscores God's ultimate authority over all nations. He is not merely observing but actively orchestrating events, using human instruments (the "company of many people," likely the Babylonian army) to execute His divine decrees. This highlights God's power to bring down even the most formidable earthly powers.
  • Humiliation of Pride: Egypt, a symbol of worldly strength and pride, is depicted as a captured animal, dragged from its natural element. This imagery powerfully conveys the complete and utter humiliation awaiting those who exalt themselves against God. It serves as a reminder that pride goes before destruction.
  • Inevitable Consequence: The "net" symbolizes the certainty and inescapability of God's judgment. Just as a net traps its prey without escape, so too would Egypt be caught in the web of divine justice.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "net" here is mikmoret (מִכְמֹרֶת), referring to a dragnet or fishing net, typically used for catching large quantities of fish or powerful aquatic creatures. This choice of word reinforces the scale and effectiveness of the divine judgment, emphasizing that despite Egypt's immense power (symbolized by the tannim in the previous verse), it would be caught and rendered helpless by God's strategic intervention. The imagery is drawn from the common practice of fishing, making the divine act of capture relatable and vivid to the original audience.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Control Over History: It reassures us that God remains sovereign over all world events and human affairs, even in times of political turmoil or the rise of seemingly unconquerable powers. No nation or individual is beyond His reach or accountability.
  • Humility Before God: The verse serves as a powerful warning against pride and self-reliance. It reminds us that true security and strength come not from worldly might or alliances, but from a humble reliance on the Lord. As James 4:6 states, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
  • Divine Justice Prevails: It affirms God's commitment to justice. While the wicked may seem to prosper for a time, God's net of judgment will eventually bring them to account, ensuring that His righteousness ultimately prevails.
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 12:13

    My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon [to] the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.

  • Jeremiah 16:16

    Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:12

    For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

  • Lamentations 1:13

    From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate [and] faint all the day.

  • Hosea 7:12

    When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard.

  • Habakkuk 1:14

    And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, [that have] no ruler over them?

  • Habakkuk 1:17

    Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
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