Ezekiel 32:5

KJV

And I will lay thy flesh upon the mountains, and fill the valleys with thy height.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will lay {H5414} thy flesh {H1320} upon the mountains {H2022}, and fill {H4390} the valleys {H1516} with thy height {H7419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will leave your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with your rotting carcass.

Berean Standard Bible

I will put your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with your remains.

American Standard Version

And I will lay thy flesh upon the mountains, and fill the valleys with thy height.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:5 presents a vivid and gruesome prophecy of God's judgment against Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt, depicting their utter destruction and humiliation. This verse, part of a lamentation, portrays the immense carcass of Egypt's king, symbolizing the entire nation, sprawled across the landscape, so vast that its dismembered remains cover mountains and fill valleys, serving as a stark monument to divine wrath and the downfall of human pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a series of prophecies Ezekiel delivered against foreign nations, with a particular emphasis on Egypt in chapters 29-32. Specifically, [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lamentation for Pharaoh") opens with a lamentation over Pharaoh, king of Egypt, likening him to a great sea monster or dragon (Hebrew: *tannin*) that God will capture and drag from the waters. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 32:3-4) describe God's active role in snaring Pharaoh and casting him out onto the land, where he becomes prey for beasts and birds. Verse 5 then intensifies this imagery, graphically detailing the immense scale of Pharaoh's demise, emphasizing the vastness of his fallen kingdom and the totality of its destruction as a spectacle for all to witness. This progression from capture to a grotesque display of annihilation underscores the irreversible nature of God's judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Ezekiel's prophecy (early 6th century BCE), Egypt was a significant regional power, often a rival or an unreliable ally for Judah. Its pharaohs were considered divine or semi-divine, and Egypt's military might and cultural influence were formidable. The imagery of a "sea monster" or "dragon" (tannin) carries connotations from ancient Near Eastern mythology, where such creatures often represented chaos or powerful, defiant entities. By casting Pharaoh as a defeated monster, God asserts His absolute sovereignty over even the most powerful earthly rulers and nations. For the exiled Israelites in Babylon, who might have looked to Egypt for deliverance or felt overwhelmed by the might of empires, these prophecies served as a crucial reminder that Yahweh alone controls history and determines the fate of nations, offering both a warning against misplaced trust and an assurance of divine justice.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 32:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel and biblical prophecy more broadly. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment**, illustrating God's absolute power to execute severe and comprehensive judgment against nations and rulers who defy Him, particularly those characterized by arrogance and opposition to His will. This verse also powerfully conveys **Humiliation and Desolation**, as Pharaoh's immense "flesh" and "height" are not celebrated but are spread out in death, transforming what was once mighty and proud into a vast, lifeless ruin, a testament to its complete downfall. This imagery reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating that no earthly power, however great or seemingly invincible, can stand against His will, a truth echoed in prophecies against other empires like Babylon in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon"). Furthermore, the implicit condemnation of Pharaoh's arrogance highlights the **Consequences of Pride**, a recurring biblical motif where self-exaltation leads to divine opposition and ultimate ruin, as seen in the broader narrative of the fall of nations and individuals who elevate themselves against God, such as the king of Tyre in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy Against the King of Tyre").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr'_):** (H1320) This term, derived from its freshness, refers to the physical body, person, or even kin. In Ezekiel 32:5, "flesh" is used in a literal and grotesque sense, emphasizing the physical remains of Pharaoh's immense body after death. It underscores the complete and utter destruction, reducing the once-proud ruler to mere organic matter, devoid of life and power, scattered as carrion.
* **mountains (Hebrew, _har'_):** (H2022) A shortened form of "harar," meaning a mountain or range of hills, sometimes used figuratively. Here, "mountains" provides a geographical scale for the immense spread of Pharaoh's corpse. It signifies the vastness of the land upon which his remains are scattered, implying that his destruction is not confined but is a widespread, public spectacle, visible across the highest points of the landscape.
* **height (Hebrew, _râmûwth'_):** (H7419) Derived from "rûm" (to be high, exalted), this word primarily denotes a "heap" of carcasses or physical "height." In this context, "thy height" refers to the immense bulk or stature of Pharaoh's body, which, even in death, is so vast that it "fills the valleys." This term powerfully conveys the sheer magnitude of the fallen entity, transforming its former grandeur and pride (often associated with height) into a monument of its own demise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will lay thy flesh upon the mountains":** This clause declares God's direct agency in the judgment. The verb "lay" (H5414, _nâthan'_) signifies God's deliberate act of placing or spreading Pharaoh's physical remains. "Thy flesh" refers to Pharaoh's entire body, symbolizing the nation of Egypt. The imagery of his flesh being "upon the mountains" evokes a scene of widespread slaughter, where the vastness of the corpse is such that it covers the elevated parts of the landscape, making the destruction visible from afar and emphasizing the scale of the defeat.
* **"and fill the valleys with thy height":** This second clause complements the first, completing the picture of total desolation. "Fill" (H4390, _mâlê'_) indicates a complete saturation. "The valleys" (H1516, _gay'_) are the low-lying areas, which are now filled with Pharaoh's "height" (H7419, _râmûwth'_), referring to his immense bulk or stature. This hyperbole underscores the unimaginable size of the fallen entity, implying that even the lowest depressions of the land are insufficient to contain the vastness of his scattered remains. Together, these clauses paint a picture of a landscape utterly overwhelmed and defiled by the corpse of the once-mighty Pharaoh, a testament to his complete and humiliating destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Hyperbole** is central to the verse, exaggerating the size of Pharaoh's corpse to emphasize the totality and overwhelming nature of Egypt's destruction. The idea that his flesh covers mountains and his height fills valleys is not meant to be taken literally but to convey an unimaginable scale of devastation. **Grotesque Imagery** is also prominent, as the verse paints a vivid, disturbing picture of a dismembered, sprawling corpse, transforming the once-feared ruler into carrion. This imagery serves to shock and impress upon the audience the severity of God's wrath. Furthermore, the verse uses **Symbolism** where Pharaoh's "flesh" and "height" symbolize not just the king himself, but the entire nation of Egypt, its power, pride, and vastness. His physical destruction thus represents the complete obliteration of the empire. Finally, the active voice "I will lay" and "I will fill" demonstrates **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions to God, emphasizing His direct and intentional involvement in executing this devastating judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:5 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It serves as a stark reminder that no earthly power, no matter how mighty or self-exalted, can ultimately defy the will of the Almighty. The graphic imagery underscores the severe consequences of pride and arrogance, particularly when directed against God or His people. For the exiled Israelites, this prophecy offered reassurance that their oppressors and the nations that seemed to dominate the world were ultimately subject to Yahweh's control, providing hope for future restoration and vindication. It highlights 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"). The judgment described here is not arbitrary but a righteous response to Egypt's defiance and oppression.

* [Isaiah 34:3](/isaiah/34-3 "Isaiah 34:3 - Desolation of Edom") - "Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood."
* [Jeremiah 25:33](/jeremiah/25-33 "Jeremiah 25:33 - Universal Slaughter") - "And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground."
* [Revelation 19:17-18](/rev/19-17 "Revelation 19:17-18 - The Great Supper of God") - "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:5, while depicting a horrific scene of ancient judgment, carries profound and timeless implications for contemporary believers. It serves as a sobering reminder that all human power, prestige, and pride are ultimately transient and subject to the sovereign will of God. In a world often captivated by earthly might and self-exaltation, this verse calls us to humility, recognizing that true authority and lasting significance reside only in God. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust – in human institutions, personal achievements, or the fleeting glories of this world – and redirects our gaze to the immutable power and justice of the Creator. Furthermore, it offers a powerful assurance to those who feel oppressed or overwhelmed by seemingly invincible forces, reminding them that God sees, God acts, and God will ultimately bring justice to bear, even if it means the dramatic downfall of empires. This should cultivate both a healthy fear of God and a deep, abiding trust in His ultimate control over all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the graphic imagery of Ezekiel 32:5 challenge our modern sensibilities regarding divine judgment?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be tempted to exhibit the kind of pride that Pharaoh embodied, and what are the potential consequences?**
* **How does this prophecy of God's sovereignty over nations encourage or challenge your faith in a world filled with political instability and human conflict?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility and place our trust more fully in God rather than in worldly power or achievements?**

### FAQ
**Why does God use such graphic and violent imagery to describe judgment?**

Answer: The graphic imagery in Ezekiel 32:5 and similar passages serves multiple purposes. First, it is a common prophetic literary device in the ancient Near East to convey the severity and totality of divine judgment. Such vivid language was intended to shock and impress upon the audience the absolute certainty and devastating consequences of defying God. Second, it underscores the complete humiliation and desolation of the defeated entity, leaving no doubt about the end of its power and pride. Third, it often reflects the brutal realities of warfare and conquest in that era, making the divine judgment relatable in its destructive power. Finally, for the exiled Israelites, it offered a powerful reassurance that God's justice was real and would ultimately be executed against their oppressors, even the mighty empire of Egypt, thereby vindicating His covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:5 graphically portrays the judgment of an earthly king and nation, it ultimately points forward to the comprehensive and decisive judgment executed by Christ, and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and rebellion. Pharaoh's immense "flesh" and "height" filling the landscape foreshadow the universal scope of Christ's victory on the cross, where He disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). Just as God laid low the pride of Egypt, Christ, through His death and resurrection, conquered sin, death, and the devil, the ultimate expressions of spiritual pride and rebellion [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Christ's Defeat of Death"). The imagery of a vast, defeated foe covering the land finds its ultimate fulfillment in the final judgment, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"). Christ's reign is not merely over a nation, but over all creation, establishing a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells, and all forms of human pride and defiance are utterly vanquished before His glorious presence [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heavens and New Earth"). Thus, the judgment on Pharaoh, while terrifying, ultimately serves as a shadow of the perfect justice and ultimate sovereignty of the Lamb of God, who will one day judge the living and the dead [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ the Judge").

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 31:12

And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him.