Ezekiel 32:31

KJV

Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all his multitude, [even] Pharaoh and all his army slain by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Pharaoh {H6547} shall see {H7200} them, and shall be comforted {H5162} over all his multitude {H1995}, even Pharaoh {H6547} and all his army {H2428} slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"All of these Pharaoh will see, and he will be consoled about his hordes, Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword," says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

Pharaoh will see them and be comforted over all his multitude— Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all his multitude, even Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:31 delivers a chilling and ironic pronouncement regarding the fate of Pharaoh and Egypt. It foretells that Pharaoh, upon descending into Sheol—the realm of the dead—will find a grim form of "comfort" in seeing that his once-mighty empire and vast army are not alone in their destruction. Instead, they join a multitude of other proud, fallen nations already consigned to the pit, all "slain by the sword" as a result of divine judgment. This verse culminates a prophetic dirge, underscoring the absolute sovereignty of the Lord GOD over all earthly powers and the inevitable humiliation of human pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32 is a profound lamentation, a funeral dirge (Hebrew: *qinah*), delivered by the prophet Ezekiel concerning Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt. This chapter, dated to the twelfth year of Judah's captivity (approximately 585 BC), details Egypt's impending downfall and descent into the grave, or Sheol. The chapter is structured as two distinct laments: verses 1-16 describe Egypt as a great sea monster (leviathan) brought low, and verses 17-32 portray Egypt's descent into the pit of Sheol. Verses 17-30 specifically list a grim assembly of other powerful, but now fallen, nations—including Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, and Sidon—all dwelling in the depths of Sheol. Ezekiel 32:31 serves as the climactic conclusion to this macabre roll call, bringing Pharaoh himself into this company of the eternally vanquished, thereby solidifying the universality of God's judgment on all who oppose Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a formidable global power, renowned for its military strength, immense wealth, and perceived invincibility, often serving as a symbol of worldly pride and a source of temptation for Israel to trust in human alliances rather than God (cf. [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). The pharaohs were considered divine or semi-divine rulers, and their armies were legendary. The concept of Sheol, or the pit, in the ancient Near East was the common grave, the shadowy realm of the dead, where all, regardless of status, eventually went. The "uncircumcised" (Ezekiel 32:19, 21, 24, etc.) was a term used to denote Gentiles, those outside of God's covenant, often implying their spiritual uncleanness or estrangement from God. For a mighty king like Pharaoh to be cast into Sheol with the "uncircumcised" was the ultimate humiliation, stripping him of all earthly glory and divine pretensions, reducing him to the same fate as any other fallen, godless ruler.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute sovereignty of God** over all nations and human affairs, demonstrating that no earthly power, no matter how great or seemingly invincible, is beyond the reach of His judgment. The Lord GOD is the ultimate arbiter of history, raising up and casting down kingdoms as He wills, as seen throughout [Psalm 75:7](/psalms/75-7 "Psalm 75:7 - God Judges the Earth"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **futility and humiliation of human pride**. Egypt, a symbol of arrogance and self-sufficiency, is brought low, serving as a stark warning against trusting in one's own strength or earthly might. This resonates with the biblical principle that [pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Downfall"). Finally, the passage emphasizes the **universality of divine judgment**, revealing that God's justice is not limited to Israel but extends to all who defy Him, ensuring that all wickedness will ultimately face accountability.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **comforted (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** From H5162, this word typically means "to sigh, to pity, to console, or to rue." In this context, its use is deeply ironic. Pharaoh's "comfort" is not a true solace born of hope or deliverance, but a grim, perverse relief derived from the realization that he is not uniquely singled out for destruction. It's the "comfort" of shared misery, a bitter acknowledgment that even the mightiest of empires are subject to the same ultimate fate of divine judgment.
* **multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** From H1995, this term signifies a "noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth, abundance, company, many." Here, it refers to the vast array of Pharaoh's forces, his numerous people, and the immense resources that constituted his powerful empire. The use of "multitude" emphasizes the sheer scale of Egypt's power and influence, making its impending destruction all the more significant and demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against all that Egypt represented.
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From H2491, meaning "pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted." This word explicitly denotes a violent, decisive end. It underscores that the destruction of Pharaoh and his army is not a natural decline but a forceful, divinely permitted or executed act of judgment. The "slain by the sword" signifies a definitive and ignominious demise, marking them as those who have fallen in battle, often implying a just retribution for their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Pharaoh shall see them":** This clause sets the scene for Pharaoh's grim realization. "Them" refers to the previously enumerated nations (Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, Sidon) who have already descended into Sheol, the common grave. Pharaoh, once a proud and seemingly invincible ruler, is now forced to witness the fate of other great powers, a fate he is about to share.
* **"and shall be comforted over all his multitude":** This is the heart of the verse's profound irony. Pharaoh finds a peculiar "comfort" not in victory or salvation, but in the shared experience of doom. His solace comes from recognizing that his vast army and people, once symbols of his strength, are now joining a host of other vanquished nations in the pit. It's a comfort born of the universal application of divine judgment, rather than any genuine hope or relief.
* **"[even] Pharaoh and all his army slain by the sword":** This parenthetical clarification specifies the "multitude" as Pharaoh himself and his entire military force, and the means of their destruction. The "sword" is a common biblical metaphor for violent death, often signifying divine judgment or the instruments God uses to execute His wrath. It emphasizes the decisive and complete nature of Egypt's downfall.
* **"saith the Lord GOD":** This is the prophetic formula, a declarative statement that authenticates the message as a direct, authoritative utterance from God. "The Lord GOD" (Hebrew: *Adonai YHWH* - H136 and H3069) combines the title of sovereign Master (*Adonai*) with the personal, covenantal name of God (*YHWH*), emphasizing both His supreme authority and His unwavering faithfulness to His word. This phrase leaves no doubt that the prophecy is certain and will be fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 32:31 is **Irony**. The concept of Pharaoh being "comforted" by the sight of other fallen nations in Sheol is a bitter and paradoxical twist. True comfort brings peace and hope, but here, it's a grim solace found in shared destruction, highlighting the utter futility of earthly pride and power in the face of divine judgment. The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" functions as a **Prophetic Oracle Formula**, a recurring literary convention in prophetic books that authenticates the message as a direct divine utterance, lending it absolute authority and certainty. Furthermore, the "sword" serves as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical weapon but the instrument of divine judgment, violent death, and total destruction. The phrases "all his multitude" and "all his army" employ **Hyperbole** or **Totality**, emphasizing the comprehensive and utter collapse of Egypt's power and the completeness of its judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:31 serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of God's sovereignty and justice. It reveals that no nation, however mighty or seemingly impregnable, is exempt from divine scrutiny and judgment. The downfall of Egypt, a long-standing symbol of worldly power and a source of temptation for Israel to trust in human might, underscores that God alone is supreme. The "comfort" Pharaoh finds is a chilling indictment of human pride, demonstrating that in the face of ultimate judgment, the only "solace" for the unrepentant is the grim realization that their fate is shared by others who defied God. This passage asserts God's moral governance over the entire world, not just His covenant people, and warns against the ephemeral nature of earthly glory and the inevitable consequences of arrogance and rebellion against the divine will. The ultimate end for those who reject God's authority is not triumph, but a shared descent into oblivion, stripped of all earthly pretensions.

* [Isaiah 14:9-11](/isaiah/14-9 "Isaiah 14:9-11 - The King of Babylon in Sheol")
* [Psalm 9:17](/psalms/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked Turn to Sheol")
* [Revelation 18:9-10](/revelation/18-9 "Revelation 18:9-10 - Kings Lamenting Babylon's Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:31 offers a timeless and sobering reflection for individuals and nations today. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and derive our sense of security and comfort. Do we, like Pharaoh, rely on our "multitude" – our wealth, power, influence, military might, or even our social standing – for a sense of invincibility? The passage starkly reminds us that all earthly strength is fleeting and will ultimately succumb to the sovereign hand of God. True comfort and lasting security are not found in shared worldly success or even shared misery, but in a humble and right relationship with the Lord GOD. It calls us to abandon arrogance and self-sufficiency, recognizing that genuine hope and peace come only from acknowledging God's supreme authority and aligning our lives with His righteous will. This verse serves as a powerful call to humility, urging us to seek comfort and strength in the eternal promises of God rather than the transient glories of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or our society do we place undue trust in worldly "multitudes" or "armies" (e.g., wealth, power, influence) rather than God?**
* **How does the ironic "comfort" of Pharaoh challenge our understanding of true solace and hope? Where do we seek comfort?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the ultimate destiny of all earthly power and the unwavering sovereignty of God?**

### FAQ
**Why would Pharaoh find "comfort" in such a grim situation?**

Answer: The "comfort" Pharaoh experiences is deeply ironic and not a true, positive solace. Instead, it's a grim, perverse relief that he is not alone in his utter destruction and humiliation. His comfort comes from seeing that other once-mighty and proud nations—like Assyria, Elam, and Edom—have already preceded him into the pit of Sheol, "slain by the sword" just as he and his army will be. It's the "comfort" of shared misery, a testament to the universality of God's judgment on all who defy Him, rather than any genuine hope or deliverance. It underscores the futility of earthly power and pride.

**Does this passage apply to modern nations or just ancient ones?**

Answer: While Ezekiel 32:31 is specifically addressed to ancient Egypt and Pharaoh, the theological principles it conveys are timeless and universally applicable. The passage serves as a prophetic warning against national pride, arrogance, and reliance on worldly power rather than on God. The judgment pronounced upon Egypt, a symbol of human self-sufficiency and opposition to God's will, illustrates that no nation, regardless of its might or perceived invincibility, is beyond the reach of divine justice. Therefore, the passage continues to speak powerfully to modern nations, calling them to humility, righteousness, and an acknowledgment of God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly affairs. The fate of Egypt stands as an enduring example of the consequences of defying the [Lord GOD](/ezekiel/32-31 "Ezekiel 32:31 - Saith the Lord GOD").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:31, with its stark portrayal of earthly powers descending into Sheol, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ over death, Hades, and all worldly dominion. Pharaoh's "comfort" in shared destruction is a false and fleeting solace, a stark contrast to the true and eternal comfort offered by Christ. While earthly kings and their armies are "slain by the sword" and consigned to the pit, Christ, the true King, willingly laid down His life, conquered death, and rose again, holding the very [keys of death and Hades](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades"). The fleeting kingdoms of this world, including Egypt, Assyria, and all subsequent empires, are destined to crumble, but Christ's kingdom is an [everlasting dominion that shall not pass away](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man"). The "sword" that slays the nations in Ezekiel foreshadows the spiritual sword of Christ's word, by which He will ultimately judge the nations and establish His righteous reign (cf. [Revelation 19:15](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - The Sword from Christ's Mouth")). Thus, the ultimate comfort and security for humanity is not found in the shared fate of fallen empires, but in the redemptive work of Christ, who offers true peace and eternal life to all who trust in Him, liberating them from the dominion of sin and death (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")).

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 31:16

I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.

Ezekiel 14:22

Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, [both] sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, [even] concerning all that I have brought upon it.

Lamentations 2:13

What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?