Ezekiel 32:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:32 delivers a chilling and definitive pronouncement of divine judgment against Pharaoh and the mighty nation of Egypt. This verse, concluding a series of laments, declares that the once-proud ruler and his vast multitude will be cast down into Sheol, suffering the ignominious fate of the "uncircumcised" and those "slain with the sword." It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating that even the most formidable empires are subject to His terrifying will and righteous retribution, ultimately highlighting the certainty of His prophetic word and the severe consequences of defying Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel chapters 29-32 comprise a distinct section within the book, dedicated to prophecies against Egypt. This particular verse, Ezekiel 32:32, serves as the climactic and concluding statement of a detailed funeral dirge (a "lamentation" as explicitly stated in [Ezekiel 32:2](/ezekiel/32-2 "Ezekiel 32:2 - A Lamentation for Pharaoh")) over Pharaoh and his kingdom. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 32:1-31](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - A Lament for Egypt") vividly portray Egypt's descent into Sheol, depicting Pharaoh as a great sea monster (a "dragon" or "crocodile" in [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh as a Great Dragon")) caught and dragged into the pit, joining other defeated nations and their kings. Verse 32 thus seals the fate described, emphasizing the divine origin and certainty of this judgment, reinforcing the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over the nations in the "Oracles Against the Nations" (Ezekiel 25-32) before the focus shifts back to Israel's restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Egypt was a dominant regional power, often a tempting, yet unreliable, ally for Judah against the rising Babylonian Empire. The people of Judah frequently looked to Egypt for military and political support, despite God's warnings against such alliances (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")). This prophecy, therefore, served as a crucial message to Israel, demonstrating Egypt's impending downfall and the futility of trusting in human strength over divine promise. Culturally, to be "laid in the midst of the uncircumcised" was a profound humiliation for any nation, especially for a proud empire like Egypt. Circumcision was a sign of covenant with God for Israel, and for others, it often distinguished them from the "unclean" or "profane." To be buried with the "slain with the sword" implied a dishonorable, violent death and an unceremonious burial, a stark contrast to the elaborate tombs and revered status typically afforded to Egyptian pharaohs.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Ezekiel's prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's active and terrifying role in bringing down even the most formidable nations and their rulers. The declaration "I have caused my terror" underscores that Egypt's collapse is not merely a political misfortune but a direct act of the [Lord GOD](/ezekiel/32-32 "Ezekiel 32:32 - The Lord GOD's Declaration"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Humiliation of the Proud**. Pharaoh, who may have considered himself a divine being or at least untouchable, is condemned to a deeply dishonorable end, echoing the biblical principle that "pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction")). Lastly, the fate of being laid among the "uncircumcised" underscores the **Consequences of Being Outside God's Covenant and Favor**. While not exclusively a spiritual judgment for all nations, for Egypt, it signifies being cast out from the sphere of divine blessing and treated as a profane, defeated entity, distinct from God's chosen people and those who receive His favor, aligning with the broader biblical understanding of the fate of those who oppose God ([Psalm 9:17](/psalm/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked Turn to Sheol")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **terror (Hebrew, _chittîyth'_):** From the root `chathath`, meaning to be shattered or dismayed, `chittîyth` signifies fear, dread, or ruin. In this context, it is explicitly "my terror," indicating that the overwhelming dread and subsequent destruction experienced by Egypt originate directly from God's sovereign will and power. It is not merely a human fear, but a divinely orchestrated, awe-inspiring, and destructive force.
* **uncircumcised (Hebrew, _ʻârêl'_):** Derived from `ʻâral`, meaning to be exposed or to have the foreskin. `ʻârêl` refers to someone uncircumcised. In Israelite thought, circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant with God ([Genesis 17:10-14](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10-14 - The Sign of the Covenant")). To be "uncircumcised" carried connotations of impurity, being outside the covenant community, and thus facing a dishonorable, unsanctified end. For a king like Pharaoh, to be laid among the uncircumcised was the ultimate insult, stripping him of any perceived divine or royal dignity and consigning him to the fate of the common, unholy dead.
* **slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From `châlal`, meaning to pierce or profane. `châlâl` describes someone pierced, especially to death, or someone polluted. Here, it refers to those who have died a violent, often ignominious, death by the sword. Being associated with the "slain with the sword" emphasizes a brutal, undignified end, contrasting sharply with the expected honorable burial of a king. It highlights the completeness of Egypt's defeat and the violent nature of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have caused my terror in the land of the living:"** This opening clause unequivocally attributes Egypt's downfall to the direct action of God. The phrase "land of the living" refers to the realm of human existence, activity, and power, contrasting sharply with the realm of the dead where Pharaoh is destined. God's "terror" is a divine, irresistible force that instills dread and brings about ruin, demonstrating His absolute control over the destinies of nations and their rulers while they are still in their prime.
* **"and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that are] slain with the sword,"** This clause details the specific, humiliating fate awaiting Pharaoh. He will not receive an honorable burial befitting a king but will be cast among those considered unclean and outside God's covenant ("the uncircumcised"). Furthermore, his end will be violent and ignominious, alongside those who have fallen in battle by the sword, signifying a complete loss of power, dignity, and life. This is a stark portrayal of a king's descent from glory to utter disgrace in death.
* **"[even] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD."** This concluding phrase explicitly identifies the subject of the judgment: Pharaoh himself and his entire vast army or population ("multitude"). The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" serves as a divine imprimatur, emphasizing the absolute certainty, authority, and irrevocability of this prophetic declaration. It is God Himself, the sovereign Lord, who has decreed and will execute this judgment, leaving no doubt as to its fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:32 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The entire chapter functions as a **Lament** or **Dirge**, a funeral song for a nation still seemingly alive, intensifying the sense of impending doom and the finality of their fate. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "the uncircumcised" symbolizing those outside God's covenant and favor, destined for a dishonorable end, and "the sword" symbolizing violent, destructive judgment. The phrase "land of the living" creates a stark **Contrast** with the implied realm of the dead (Sheol) where Pharaoh is headed, highlighting the completeness of his downfall from a position of power and life to one of death and ignominy. The concluding phrase, "saith the Lord GOD," acts as a **Divine Declaration** or **Prophetic Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the pronouncement, underscoring that this is not merely human speculation but the decreed will of the Almighty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:32 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no nation, however mighty, and no ruler, however proud, can escape the divine reckoning. The humiliation of Pharaoh, once considered a god by his people, serves as a timeless warning against human arrogance and self-exaltation. God's "terror" is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the defiance and oppression embodied by Egypt. This judgment also underscores the spiritual implications of being outside God's covenant, as symbolized by the "uncircumcised" – a state of spiritual alienation that leads to a dishonorable end. Ultimately, the verse reinforces the prophetic word's reliability: what God declares, He will surely bring to pass, demonstrating His faithfulness to His word and His ultimate control over history.

* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.")
* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of the King of Babylon (Lucifer)")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:32 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and society at large. It serves as a stark reminder that all earthly power is temporary and subject to the ultimate authority of God. In a world often captivated by wealth, influence, and military might, this verse calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that true security and lasting peace are found only in submission to the Lord GOD. It challenges us to examine where our trust truly lies: in fleeting human institutions or in the unchanging, sovereign God. For those who feel oppressed by powerful systems or leaders, this passage offers hope and assurance that God sees injustice and will, in His perfect timing, bring all things to account. It also compels us to consider the spiritual state of our own "circumcision of the heart" ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Circumcision of the Heart")), ensuring we are in covenant relationship with God, lest we share the fate of those who are spiritually alienated from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on powerful nations like Egypt shape my perspective on current world events and geopolitical power dynamics?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to pride or self-reliance, and how can I cultivate a deeper humility before God?**
* **What does being "laid in the midst of the uncircumcised" signify about the spiritual consequences of rejecting God's covenant, and how does this motivate me to live in faithful obedience?**

### FAQ
**Why is being "uncircumcised" such a significant aspect of Pharaoh's judgment in this verse?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, particularly for Israel, circumcision was the physical sign of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 17:10](/genesis/17-10 "Genesis 17:10 - The Covenant of Circumcision")). To be "uncircumcised" meant to be outside this covenant, often associated with gentiles or those considered ritually unclean and alienated from God's chosen people. For Pharaoh, a proud king who may have even considered himself divine, being "laid in the midst of the uncircumcised" was the ultimate humiliation. It stripped him of his royal dignity and consigned him to the dishonorable fate of those who were not only defeated but also spiritually profane in the eyes of the Israelites. It signifies a complete loss of status, honor, and any perceived divine favor, emphasizing the severity and comprehensive nature of God's judgment against him and his nation.

**How does this prophecy against Egypt relate to God's justice and His character?**

Answer: This prophecy against Egypt powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering justice and His sovereign character. Throughout the Old Testament, God is portrayed as the righteous judge who holds all nations accountable for their actions, particularly for their pride, idolatry, and oppression. Egypt, a nation that had enslaved Israel for centuries and consistently opposed God's people, represented the epitome of human arrogance and defiance against the divine will. God's "terror" and the ignominious end of Pharaoh are not arbitrary acts but a just response to Egypt's long history of pride and its role as a stumbling block to Israel. This verse underscores that God is not merely a tribal deity but the [Lord GOD](/ezekiel/32-32 "Ezekiel 32:32 - The Lord GOD's Declaration") over all the earth, who executes perfect justice and ensures that His prophetic word is fulfilled, thereby revealing His absolute control over history and His commitment to righteousness ([Psalm 9:7-8](/psalm/9-7 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God Judges the World in Righteousness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 32:32, with its stark portrayal of the judgment and humiliation of a mighty earthly ruler, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive re-orientation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Pharaoh's fall, brought about by God's "terror" and his consignment to the "midst of the uncircumcised," foreshadows the decisive triumph of God over all powers that oppose Him. While Pharaoh represents the epitome of human pride and defiance leading to a dishonorable death, Christ, though innocent, willingly embraced the ultimate humiliation and death on the cross, being "numbered with the transgressors" ([Isaiah 53:12](/isaiah/53-12 "Isaiah 53:12 - Christ Numbered with Transgressors")). Yet, through His resurrection, He utterly defeated sin, death, and the spiritual "princes of this world" ([1 Corinthians 2:8](/1_corinthians/2-8 "1 Corinthians 2:8 - Rulers of this Age Crucified Christ")), disarming them and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The "uncircumcised" in Ezekiel points to those outside God's covenant; in Christ, the true "circumcision is a matter of the heart" ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - Circumcision of the Heart")), and through faith, both Jew and Gentile are brought into a new covenant, becoming one in Him ([Ephesians 2:11-16](/ephesians/2-11 "Ephesians 2:11-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the terror God causes on the proud in the "land of the living" is ultimately resolved in the peace and eternal life offered by the resurrected Christ, who reigns as the true King, whose dominion is everlasting and whose victory over all opposing "multitudes" is complete ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "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 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?