32:29 32:29

Ezekiel 32:30

32:31 32:31

Bible Versions

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.
There be the princes {H5257} of the north {H6828}, all of them, and all the Zidonians {H6722}, which are gone down {H3381} with the slain {H2491}; with their terror {H2851} they are ashamed {H954} of their might {H1369}; and they lie {H7901} uncircumcised {H6189} with them that be slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}, and bear {H5375} their shame {H3639} with them that go down {H3381} to the pit {H953}.
"There are all the princes of the north, all of them, and the Tzidoni, who descended with the slain, ashamed of all the terror they caused by their power; they lie uncircumcised with those killed by the sword, bearing their shame with those who descended to the pit.
All the leaders of the north and all the Sidonians are there; they went down in disgrace with the slain, despite the terror of their might. They lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword and bear their shame with those who descend to the Pit.
There are the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who are gone down with the slain; in the terror which they caused by their might they are put to shame; and they lie uncircumcised with them that are slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Context

Ezekiel 32 forms part of a series of lamentations and prophecies against Egypt, delivered by the prophet Ezekiel. This particular chapter describes Pharaoh and his kingdom as a great sea creature (a dragon or leviathan) brought down by God, destined to descend into the netherworld, Sheol, where other fallen nations reside. Verse 30 specifically names the "princes of the north" and the "Zidonians" as joining this assembly of the vanquished, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. It illustrates that even powerful nations, once a source of terror, are subject to divine reckoning and share a common fate in death.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment on Nations: The verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. No nation, however mighty, is exempt from His judgment. This aligns with broader prophetic messages in Ezekiel concerning the judgment of surrounding nations.
  • The Shame of Defeat: Despite their former "terror" and "might," these princes and Zidonians are now "ashamed" and bear their "shame" into the pit. This highlights the futility of worldly power and pride when confronted with God's ultimate authority. Their strength proved to be a source of disgrace rather than salvation.
  • Spiritual Status in Death: The phrase "lie uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword" is highly significant. In Israelite thought, circumcision was a mark of the covenant and spiritual distinction. To be "uncircumcised" in death signified being outside God's covenant, often associated with spiritual impurity and condemnation, emphasizing their pagan status and lack of divine favor even in the afterlife. This contrasts sharply with the hope of the righteous, as seen in promises of resurrection and deliverance from the pit.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "pit" (bor or sheol in broader context) refers to the grave or the underworld, the common dwelling place of the dead. It's not necessarily a place of conscious torment in the Old Testament, but rather a realm of gloom and silence, a stark contrast to the vibrant life on earth. The concept of being "uncircumcised" (arelim) carried deep social and spiritual stigma, marking one as an outsider to the covenant people of Israel. Their lying "uncircumcised" in the pit underscored their ultimate disgrace and separation from God's special favor.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:30 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  1. Humility Before God: It teaches that all earthly power, wealth, and influence are temporary and ultimately subject to God's judgment. We should not place our trust in human might or worldly achievements, but in the Creator who holds all things in His hands.
  2. The Importance of Spiritual Standing: The distinction between the "uncircumcised" and the covenant people highlights the eternal significance of one's relationship with God. While physical circumcision was a sign of the Old Covenant, the New Testament emphasizes a spiritual circumcision of the heart (Romans 2:29), underscoring that true belonging to God's people is a matter of inner transformation and faith.
  3. Accountability: The verse underscores that all nations and individuals will ultimately face accountability before God. It prompts reflection on how we live, not just as individuals but as societies, and the legacy we leave behind. The shame borne into the pit is a stark warning against pride and rebellion against divine will.
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 38:6

    Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: [and] many people with thee.
  • Ezekiel 28:21

    Son of man, set thy face against Zidon, and prophesy against it,
  • Ezekiel 38:15

    And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:
  • Ezekiel 39:2

    And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel:
  • Jeremiah 25:26

    And all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another, and all the kingdoms of the world, which [are] upon the face of the earth: and the king of Sheshach shall drink after them.
  • 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.
  • Ezekiel 32:25

    They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude: her graves [are] round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword: though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of [them that be] slain.
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