Ezekiel 32:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:3 delivers a solemn divine pronouncement from the Lord GOD, foretelling the inescapable judgment upon Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. Through the vivid imagery of a colossal net cast by God, the prophecy declares that the once-mighty Egyptian power, symbolized by a great sea monster, will be ensnared and dragged forth by a vast company of people, signifying its utter defeat and humiliation at the hands of divine instruments. This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to execute justice against pride and rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of divine oracles delivered by the prophet Ezekiel against various foreign nations, specifically chapters 29-32, which are dedicated to the judgment of Egypt. Following the initial lament over Pharaoh in [Ezekiel 32:2](/ezekiel/32-2 "Ezekiel 32:2 - Pharaoh as a Sea Monster"), where he is vividly depicted as a "great dragon" or "sea monster" (Hebrew: _tannim_) thrashing in the rivers, verse 3 continues and intensifies this aquatic metaphor. The imagery shifts from Pharaoh's self-proclaimed dominion over the Nile to God's active intervention, portraying Him as the supreme fisherman who will cast His net to capture this formidable beast. This immediate context highlights the transition from Egypt's perceived strength to its inevitable and humiliating downfall at the hand of the Almighty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Egypt was a significant regional power, often sought as an ally by Judah against the rising Babylonian empire. However, Egypt's strength was waning, and it frequently proved to be an unreliable partner, leading Israel astray or failing to provide promised aid. The "company of many people" in this verse is widely understood to refer to the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar, which indeed conquered Egypt in 568 BCE, fulfilling this prophecy. The imagery of a "net" was highly resonant in the ancient Near East, where fishing was a common livelihood, and large nets were used to capture substantial catches, including powerful river creatures like crocodiles, which were emblematic of Egypt's Nile-based power and religious symbolism. The act of "bringing up" the captured creature from its element would signify its public display, humiliation, and destruction.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:3 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing that God is not merely the God of Israel but the supreme ruler over all nations and their destinies. He actively orchestrates historical events, using human empires—even pagan ones like Babylon—as instruments of His divine justice, as seen elsewhere in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria, the Rod of God's Anger"). Another prominent theme is the **Humiliation of Pride**, particularly national pride. Egypt, a symbol of worldly strength and self-sufficiency, is brought low and exposed as vulnerable before God, serving as a stark warning against human arrogance that exalts itself against divine authority. This aligns with the biblical principle that [pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction"). Finally, the "net" imagery powerfully conveys the **Inevitable Consequence** of defying God. Just as a net inescapably traps its prey, so God's judgment is certain and inescapable for those who oppose His righteous will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This majestic divine title combines H136 (_ʼĂdônây_), an emphatic form of "Lord" used as a proper name for God, and H3069 (_Yᵉhôvih_), a variation of YHWH (the covenant name of God), specifically used after _ʼĂdônây_ to avoid repeating the same sound. This pairing emphasizes the absolute sovereignty, authority, and covenant faithfulness of the God who speaks this judgment. It underscores that the pronouncement is not merely a human prediction but a divine decree from the ultimate ruler of the cosmos.
* **spread out (Hebrew, _pâras'_):** (H6566) This primitive root means "to break apart, disperse, etc.," but in this context, it signifies "to spread (abroad, forth, selves, out)." It conveys a deliberate, expansive action. God is not merely reacting but actively and intentionally deploying His judgment like a fisherman casts a wide net, ensuring that no part of the prey (Egypt) can escape its reach. This verb highlights the comprehensive and strategic nature of God's intervention.
* **net (Hebrew, _resheth'_ / _chêrem'_):** The verse uses two distinct Hebrew words for "net." The first instance, "my net" (H7568, _resheth_), refers to a "net (as catching animals)," specifically a fishing net or fowler's snare. This emphasizes the trapping and capturing aspect. The second instance, "in my net" (H2764, _chêrem_), is particularly significant. While it can mean a physical "net," its primary and more common usage is "a doomed object," "utter destruction," or "devoted (thing)." This dual meaning is a powerful play on words: Egypt will not only be caught in God's physical net (the Babylonian army) but will also become a "devoted thing" or "doomed object"—something utterly set apart for destruction, akin to the concept of _herem_ in holy war, where enemies were utterly destroyed as an offering to God. This second "net" signifies the complete and irreversible nature of their judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD":** This opening formula establishes the divine authority and infallibility of the prophecy. It is not Ezekiel's opinion or analysis, but a direct, authoritative word from the sovereign God, lending absolute certainty to the coming events.
* **"I will therefore spread out my net over thee":** This clause reveals God's active, intentional, and personal involvement in the judgment. The "net" is His instrument, symbolizing His inescapable judgment and the means by which He will capture and subdue Pharaoh (representing Egypt). The action of "spreading out" implies a comprehensive and deliberate strategy, ensuring no escape.
* **"with a company of many people":** This specifies the human agents God will use to execute His judgment. This "company of many people" refers to the vast and powerful army of Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, who served as God's unwitting instrument to bring about Egypt's downfall. It demonstrates God's ability to use any nation, even a pagan one, to fulfill His divine purposes.
* **"and they shall bring thee up in my net":** This final clause describes the inevitable outcome: Pharaoh/Egypt will be captured and "brought up" from their place of power and security. The imagery of a sea monster being dragged from the water emphasizes public humiliation, exposure, and complete helplessness. The repetition of "my net" (especially with the second Hebrew word _chêrem_) reinforces the divine ownership of the judgment and the utter destruction that awaits.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:3 is rich in **Metaphor**, extending the imagery from [Ezekiel 32:2](/ezekiel/32-2 "Ezekiel 32:2 - Pharaoh as a Sea Monster") where Pharaoh is a "great dragon" or "sea monster." Here, God is depicted as a divine fisherman casting a colossal net to capture this formidable aquatic beast. This **Symbolism** of the net represents divine judgment, inescapable capture, and utter destruction. The use of "thee" to refer to Pharaoh and Egypt is a form of **Personification**, treating the nation as a singular, living entity. Furthermore, God's action of "spreading out my net" is an **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (fishing) to God to make His sovereign control and active intervention comprehensible to the audience. The contrast between Egypt's perceived power (as a sea monster) and its ultimate helplessness in God's net creates powerful **Irony**, underscoring the futility of human might against divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:3 resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of divine justice and God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and human history. It illustrates that no nation, however mighty or proud, stands outside the purview of God's ultimate authority. The downfall of Egypt serves as a powerful testament to the principle that God raises up and brings down kingdoms according to His righteous purposes. This passage affirms that God is not merely a passive observer but an active orchestrator, using even the most formidable human powers as instruments to execute His decrees and ensure that justice prevails. It underscores the consistent biblical theme that human pride and self-exaltation inevitably lead to divine judgment, while true security lies only in humble submission to the Lord.

* [Isaiah 14:26-27](/isaiah/14-26-27 "Isaiah 14:26-27 - God's Purpose Against All Nations")
* [Jeremiah 46:25-26](/jeremiah/46-25-26 "Jeremiah 46:25-26 - Prophecy Against Egypt")
* [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalm/9-15-16 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Wicked Caught in Their Own Net")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:3 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that the God who judged ancient Egypt remains sovereign over all global affairs and human endeavors. In a world often characterized by political instability, the rise and fall of nations, and the apparent triumph of unrighteousness, this verse provides a steadfast anchor: God is ultimately in control. It calls us to cultivate a deep sense of humility, recognizing that any strength, wisdom, or influence we possess is a gift from Him, and that self-reliance or pride will inevitably lead to a fall. Instead of trusting in worldly power or alliances, we are called to place our trust solely in the Lord, knowing that His justice will prevail. This passage also encourages us to pray for our leaders and nations, recognizing that God can use them for His purposes, and to live righteously, understanding that personal accountability before God is as certain as national judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's absolute sovereignty over nations, as depicted in Ezekiel 32:3, impact my perspective on current global events or political turmoil?**
* **In what areas of my personal life or community might I be prone to pride or self-reliance, and how can I actively cultivate greater humility and dependence on God?**
* **How does the certainty of divine justice, even when it seems delayed, encourage me to persevere in faith and righteousness when I witness unrighteousness seemingly prevailing?**

### FAQ

**Who is "thee" in this verse, and what does the "net" symbolize?**

Answer: "Thee" refers to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who is also a symbolic representation of the entire nation of Egypt. In [Ezekiel 32:2](/ezekiel/32-2 "Ezekiel 32:2 - Pharaoh as a Sea Monster"), Pharaoh is likened to a great sea monster or dragon, a powerful and fearsome creature. The "net" is a powerful symbol of God's inescapable judgment and capture. It signifies that despite Egypt's perceived strength and formidable nature, it would be utterly ensnared, subdued, and brought low by divine intervention, much like a great beast caught in a fisherman's net. The second use of "net" in the verse (Hebrew _chêrem_) also carries the connotation of utter destruction or being "doomed."

**Who are the "company of many people" mentioned here?**

Answer: The "company of many people" refers to the vast and powerful army of the Babylonian Empire, led by King Nebuchadnezzar. God frequently used powerful nations, even those unaware of His purposes, as instruments to execute His judgment against other nations or even His own disobedient people. In this case, Babylon served as God's chosen agent to conquer and humiliate Egypt, fulfilling the divine prophecy. This is consistent with other prophetic messages, such as those found in [Jeremiah 46:26](/jeremiah/46-26 "Jeremiah 46:26 - Babylon to conquer Egypt"), which explicitly names Nebuchadnezzar as the one into whose hand Egypt would be delivered.

**How does this prophecy relate to God's character?**

Answer: Ezekiel 32:3 profoundly reveals several aspects of God's character. Firstly, it underscores His **absolute sovereignty** over all creation and human history; no nation or ruler is beyond His control. Secondly, it demonstrates His **righteous justice**, showing that He will hold even the most powerful nations accountable for their pride, oppression, and opposition to His will. Thirdly, it highlights His **faithfulness to His word**, as this prophecy, like many others in Ezekiel, was meticulously fulfilled in history. Finally, it reveals that God is not merely the God of Israel but the **Lord of all the earth**, actively involved in the affairs of all peoples and nations to accomplish His ultimate purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:3 directly prophesies the historical judgment of Egypt, its underlying theological principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The image of God's inescapable "net" and the bringing down of a proud, dragon-like power foreshadows Christ's ultimate triumph over all forces of evil and rebellion. Jesus, as the true Lord GOD, possesses all authority in heaven and on earth, fulfilling the divine sovereignty powerfully displayed in this Old Testament judgment. He is the one who will ultimately judge all nations, not with a physical net and army, but with the power of His word and the righteousness of His reign, as described in [Matthew 25:31-32](/matthew/25-31-32 "Matthew 25:31-32 - The Son of Man Judging the Nations") where "all the nations will be gathered before Him." Just as Pharaoh's pride was brought low, Christ's victory on the cross and His resurrection utterly defeated the spiritual powers of darkness, stripping them of their authority (as celebrated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "net" of judgment for the unrighteous will be cast at the end of the age, but for those who believe, Christ's mission also involves a different kind of "net"—the call to be "fishers of men" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples")), gathering people into His kingdom. Ultimately, the complete and utter destruction symbolized by the _chêrem_ "net" finds its final expression in the eternal judgment of those who refuse to bow the knee to the Lamb of God, whose triumph is depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse").

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 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?