Ezekiel 32:32

For I have caused my terror in the land of the living: and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that are] slain with the sword, [even] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

For I have caused {H5414} my terror {H2851} in the land {H776} of the living {H2416}: and he shall be laid {H7901} in the midst {H8432} of the uncircumcised {H6189} with them that are slain {H2491} with the sword {H2719}, even Pharaoh {H6547} and all his multitude {H1995}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

"For I have put my terror in the land of the living, and he will lie among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword, Pharaoh and all his hordes," says Adonai ELOHIM.

For I will spread My terror in the land of the living, so that Pharaoh and all his multitude will be laid to rest among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD.”

For I have put his terror in the land of the living; and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised, with them that are slain by the sword, even Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Ezekiel 32:32 concludes a powerful prophetic lament over the downfall of Pharaoh and Egypt, emphasizing the certainty and severity of God's judgment. This verse starkly portrays the ultimate humiliation of a once-mighty nation and its proud ruler, confirming that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to the sovereign will of the Lord GOD.

Context

Ezekiel chapters 29-32 contain a series of prophecies specifically directed against Egypt and its Pharaoh, a dominant world power at the time. Chapter 32 is structured as a funeral dirge or lament (a "lamentation" as per Ezekiel 32:2), depicting Egypt's descent into Sheol, the grave, alongside other fallen nations. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 32:1-31) describe how Pharaoh, once seen as a great dragon or crocodile, will be caught and dragged down, joining other defeated kings and their armies in the pit of the dead. Verse 32 serves as a final, definitive declaration of the Lord GOD concerning Egypt's ignominious end, reinforcing the divine authority behind the entire prophecy. This prophecy was given at a time when Judah was considering an alliance with Egypt against Babylon, making the message of Egypt's impending destruction highly relevant and critical for the people of Israel to understand God's plan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God's active role in bringing down nations and their rulers. The phrase "I have caused my terror in the land of the living" underscores God's absolute control over history and the destinies of kingdoms. This highlights the Lord's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers.
  • Humiliation of the Proud: Pharaoh, who considered himself a god or at least untouchable, is condemned to be "laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that are slain with the sword." This signifies a deeply dishonorable and violent death, a stark contrast to the grandeur he once commanded. It serves as a universal warning against pride and self-exaltation, echoing sentiments found in Proverbs 16:18 that "pride goeth before destruction."
  • Consequences of Being Outside the Covenant: The term "uncircumcised" carries significant weight. In Israelite thought, circumcision was the sign of the covenant with God. To be laid among the "uncircumcised" meant to suffer the fate of those outside God's chosen people, often associated with a dishonorable and unredeemed end. This underscores the spiritual and physical consequences for nations that oppose God and His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "terror" (מְחִתָּה, mĕḥittâ) implies dread, ruin, or destruction caused by fear. Here, it is explicitly stated to be God's terror, indicating that the fear and eventual destruction of Egypt originated from the divine will. The phrase "land of the living" (אֶרֶץ חַיִּים, ’erets ḥayyîm) emphasizes the realm of human existence and activity, contrasting with the realm of the dead or Sheol, where Pharaoh and his multitude are destined to go. This contrast highlights the completeness of their downfall from life and power to death and dishonor, a concept also seen in Psalm 27:13.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:32 offers timeless lessons for all generations. It reminds us that no earthly power, no matter how great or seemingly invincible, is beyond God's judgment. This verse encourages humility before God and warns against the dangers of pride and self-reliance. For believers, it reinforces trust in God's ultimate control over world events and His justice. For those outside of faith, it underscores the importance of acknowledging God's authority and seeking His covenant, rather than facing the consequences of opposing Him. The prophetic word concerning Egypt's fall serves as a powerful testament to the truth that God's word, spoken through His prophets, will always come to pass, just as it did for Egypt and Pharaoh.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 32:27

    And they shall not lie with the mighty [that are] fallen of the uncircumcised, which are gone down to hell with their weapons of war: and they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be upon their bones, though [they were] the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.

  • Genesis 35:5

    And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:11

    Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

  • Zephaniah 3:6

    I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

  • Zephaniah 3:8

    ¶ Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination [is] to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, [even] all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.

  • Revelation 6:15

    And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

  • Revelation 6:17

    For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

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