Ezekiel 32:7

KJV

And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when I shall put thee out {H3518}, I will cover {H3680} the heaven {H8064}, and make {H6937} the stars {H3556} thereof dark {H6937}; I will cover {H3680} the sun {H8121} with a cloud {H6051}, and the moon {H3394} shall not give {H215} her light {H216}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I extinguish you, I will cover the sky and make its stars black; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light.

Berean Standard Bible

When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light.

American Standard Version

And when I shall extinguish thee, I will cover the heavens, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give its light.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:7 is a powerful prophetic declaration within a lamentation concerning the imminent downfall of Pharaoh and the mighty nation of Egypt. This verse employs vivid, cataclysmic cosmic imagery to describe the comprehensive and divinely orchestrated judgment awaiting one of the ancient world's most formidable empires. It portrays God's act of extinguishing Egypt's "light" and glory, symbolically plunging its heavens into darkness, signifying a complete and utter collapse of its power, prestige, and perceived stability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32:7 is situated within a series of prophecies (chapters 29-32) specifically directed against Egypt, often personified as a proud "great dragon" or "monster" (KJV: "whale") lying in the Nile (cf. [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh as a Great Dragon")). This particular verse is part of a lamentation (a funeral dirge) for Pharaoh, delivered in the twelfth year of the Babylonian exile. The lament structure emphasizes the finality and sorrow associated with Egypt's impending destruction, highlighting that even a nation as powerful and self-assured as Egypt is subject to God's sovereign judgment. The preceding verses detail the capture and destruction of this "monster" by God's hand, setting the stage for the cosmic devastation described here, which underscores the magnitude of the fall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during a tumultuous period (circa 593-571 BC). Egypt, a traditional power in the ancient Near East, frequently served as a deceptive and unreliable ally for Judah against the rising Babylonian empire. Its pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry were a direct affront to the God of Israel. In the ancient world, the stability of the cosmos (sun, moon, stars) was often seen as reflecting the stability of the earthly kingdom. Therefore, the darkening of these celestial bodies would have been understood as a profound reversal of the natural order, symbolizing the complete and catastrophic collapse of a nation's political, economic, and social structures. This imagery was a common trope in ancient Near Eastern prophetic literature to denote the end of an era for a specific kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations, even those as mighty and arrogant as Egypt. No earthly power can withstand His decree, echoing the truth that [the Most High rules in the kingdom of men](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). Secondly, the use of **Cosmic Imagery of Disaster** is a potent theme. The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars is not meant to be a literal astronomical event but a vivid metaphor for profound national catastrophe, political upheaval, and the end of an era for Egypt. It symbolizes the complete collapse of Egypt's power, glory, and influence, implying a world-altering event from their perspective. Lastly, the prophecy underscores the theme of **The Fall of Pride**. Egypt's downfall is presented as a direct consequence of its arrogance and self-exaltation against God, a recurring biblical principle that [pride goes before destruction](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction") and a haughty spirit before a fall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **put thee out (Hebrew, _kâbâh'_):** From H3518, a primitive root meaning "to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger); go (put) out, quench." This word vividly portrays God's action as extinguishing Egypt's very existence or its "light" of power and glory, much like putting out a lamp or a fire. It emphasizes the finality and comprehensive nature of the judgment.
* **cover (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** From H3680, a primitive root meaning "properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm." Here, it implies a complete obscuring or shrouding of the heavens, emphasizing the totality of the darkness that will fall upon Egypt. It's not a partial eclipse but a profound, divinely orchestrated dimming of all light sources.
* **dark (Hebrew, _qâdar'_):** From H6937, a primitive root meaning "to be ashy, i.e. darkcolored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments); be black(-ish), be (make) dark(-en), [idiom] heavily, (cause to) mourn." This word reinforces the visual aspect of the judgment, portraying the heavens becoming "ashy" or "blackened," evoking a sense of mourning and desolation. The darkening is not merely an absence of light but an active transformation into a state of gloom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when I shall put thee out":** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the active agent of judgment. The phrase "put thee out" (extinguish you) signifies the complete cessation of Egypt's power and influence, likening its downfall to the snuffing out of a flame. It underscores the divine initiative behind the impending catastrophe.
* **"I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark":** This introduces the cosmic dimension of the judgment. God declares His intention to "cover" or shroud the heavens, obscuring the stars. This imagery powerfully conveys the idea that Egypt's "sky" – its entire realm of influence, glory, and perceived stability – will be plunged into a state of profound darkness and chaos. The darkening of the stars, often associated with lesser powers or rulers, indicates a comprehensive collapse affecting all levels of Egyptian society and its allies.
* **"I will cover the sun with a cloud":** Building on the previous clause, God specifies the obscuring of the sun, the most prominent celestial body and a symbol of ultimate power, life, and glory. The "cloud" here is not a natural phenomenon but a divine instrument of judgment, bringing a supernatural gloom. This signifies the extinguishing of Egypt's supreme authority and its very source of national vitality and prosperity.
* **"and the moon shall not give her light":** This final clause completes the cosmic picture of desolation. The moon, which reflects the sun's light and provides illumination in the night, will also cease to shine. This emphasizes the totality of the darkness; no source of light, whether primary or secondary, will remain. It signifies the complete and irreversible end of Egypt's era of prominence and its descent into utter obscurity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:7 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**, employing **Cosmic Imagery** to describe a geopolitical event. The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars is a powerful **Hyperbole**, not a literal astronomical prediction, but a vivid way to convey the absolute and world-altering nature of Egypt's collapse from its own perspective. The celestial bodies **symbolize** the sources of Egypt's perceived power, glory, and stability. Their obscuring is a **metaphor** for the complete cessation of these attributes. The entire passage is an example of **Prophetic Lament**, a literary form that mourns a future destruction as if it has already occurred, enhancing its dramatic impact. Furthermore, the repeated "I will" statements demonstrate **Anthropomorphism**, attributing direct, decisive action to God as the sovereign orchestrator of this cosmic-level judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:7 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no earthly power, no matter how formidable or self-assured, can stand against the divine decree. The dramatic imagery of cosmic collapse serves as a powerful theological statement: when God judges, the very foundations of a nation's existence are shaken, and its glory is utterly extinguished. This principle extends beyond ancient Egypt, serving as a timeless warning against national pride, idolatry, and reliance on human strength apart from the Almighty. It highlights that true and lasting light, power, and stability originate solely from God.

* [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Babylon's Judgment")
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun and Moon Darkened Before the Day of the Lord")
* [Amos 8:9](/amos/8-9 "Amos 8:9 - Darkening the Earth in the Day of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:7 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the transience of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. For individuals, this passage calls us to examine where we place our trust and derive our sense of security and significance. If we, like ancient Egypt, rely on our own strength, achievements, wealth, or influence, we are building on a foundation that can be "put out" or "covered" by divine judgment. True and lasting security, glory, and light are found only in humble submission to God and His righteous ways. This verse encourages us to cultivate humility, to acknowledge God's control over all circumstances, and to seek His kingdom and righteousness above all else, knowing that earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but His reign is eternal. It challenges us to align our lives with His unchanging truth, rather than the fleeting glories of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on my own strength or worldly achievements rather than God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the imagery of cosmic darkness challenge my understanding of security and stability?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and trust in God's plan, even when earthly circumstances seem uncertain?**

### FAQ
**Is Ezekiel 32:7 describing a literal astronomical event or a metaphorical one?**

Answer: Ezekiel 32:7, like similar passages in prophetic literature, uses **cosmic imagery** metaphorically rather than literally. The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars is a common prophetic trope to describe profound national catastrophe, political upheaval, and the complete collapse of a kingdom's power and glory. It signifies the "end of an era" for Egypt, a reversal of its perceived natural order and a descent into utter obscurity, rather than an actual astronomical phenomenon. This dramatic language emphasizes the magnitude and divine origin of the judgment. Similar imagery is used to describe the fall of Babylon in [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Babylon's Judgment") and the Day of the Lord in [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - Sun and Moon Turn to Darkness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:7 directly prophesies the judgment of Egypt, its themes of divine sovereignty, the fall of proud earthly powers, and the extinguishing of false light find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and His coming inaugurated a new era where the "darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining" ([1_john/2-8](/1-john/2-8 "1 John 2:8 - The True Light is Shining")). The judgment described for Egypt, where its "light" is put out, foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will fall upon all who reject the true light of Christ and cling to the fleeting glories of this world. At His first coming, Christ exposed the spiritual darkness of humanity and the pride of religious and political systems that opposed God's will. At His second coming, the cosmic imagery of darkening sun and moon (cf. [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Signs of the End Times")) will be literally or figuratively fulfilled as He returns in glory to judge the nations and establish His eternal kingdom, where there will be no need for sun or moon, "for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is the Lamp")). Thus, the extinguishing of Egypt's light in Ezekiel points forward to the ultimate triumph of Christ, the true and eternal light, over all darkness and every proud earthly dominion.

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

Joel 2:31

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Matthew 24:29

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

Ezekiel 30:3

For the day [is] near, even the day of the LORD [is] near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.

Joel 2:2

A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations.

Isaiah 13:10

For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Isaiah 34:4

And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling [fig] from the fig tree.

Joel 3:15

The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.