Ezekiel 32:7

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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 on Ezekiel 32:7 (KJV)

Ezekiel 32:7 is a powerful prophetic declaration, part of a lamentation concerning the downfall of Pharaoh and Egypt. This verse employs vivid, cosmic imagery to describe the catastrophic judgment awaiting one of the ancient world's most formidable empires. The King James Version captures the starkness of God's pronouncement against Egypt, often depicted as a proud and mighty 'dragon' or 'crocodile' in this chapter.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, delivering messages of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, as well as promises of future restoration. Chapters 29-32 are specifically dedicated to prophecies against Egypt, a nation that often served as a deceptive ally for Judah against Babylon, and whose pride and self-sufficiency were an affront to God. This particular lament, delivered in the twelfth year of the exile, highlights God's absolute power to humble even the most arrogant of earthly kingdoms. The imagery of celestial bodies being darkened signifies a complete and utter collapse, a reversal of the natural order for Egypt, rather than a literal cosmic event.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God's ultimate authority over all nations, even those as mighty as Egypt. It demonstrates that no earthly power can withstand His decree. This serves as a stark reminder that God rules in the kingdom of men.
  • Cosmic Imagery of Disaster: The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars is a common prophetic motif used to describe profound national catastrophe, political upheaval, and the end of an era for a specific nation. It symbolizes the complete collapse of Egypt's power, glory, and influence, implying a world-altering event from their perspective.
  • The Fall of Pride: Egypt's downfall is a direct consequence of its arrogance and self-exaltation. God's judgment brings low those who elevate themselves against Him, a theme echoed throughout the Old Testament.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cover" (כָּסָה, kasah) implies a complete obscuring or shrouding, emphasizing the totality of the darkness that will fall upon Egypt. This is not a partial eclipse but a profound, divinely orchestrated dimming of all light, symbolizing the end of Egypt's 'day' of power and prosperity. The phrase "put thee out" (נִכְבּוֹתִיךָ, nikhboticha) can also be translated as "extinguish you," like extinguishing a lamp or fire, further underscoring the finality of the judgment.

Related Scriptures

This cosmic imagery of judgment is a recurring motif in biblical prophecy, used to depict significant historical and eschatological events:

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:7 serves as a timeless warning against national pride and reliance on human strength apart from God. For individuals, it reminds us that true security and lasting glory are found only in God, not in worldly achievements, power, or possessions. It encourages humility and trust in the divine plan, assuring us that God remains in control, even when earthly kingdoms rise and fall. The ultimate darkness described here for Egypt highlights the futility of opposing the Almighty, urging all to seek His light and righteousness.

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.

  • 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.

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