Ezekiel 32:9

KJV

I will also vex the hearts of many people, when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will also vex {H3707} the hearts {H3820} of many {H7227} people {H5971}, when I shall bring {H935} thy destruction {H7667} among the nations {H1471}, into the countries {H776} which thou hast not known {H3045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'I will anger many peoples when I bring your destroyed ones in among the nations, into countries you have not known.

Berean Standard Bible

‘I will trouble the hearts of many peoples, when I bring about your destruction among the nations, in countries you do not know.

American Standard Version

I will also vex the hearts of many peoples, when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 32:9 is a pronouncement of divine judgment against Egypt, specifically targeting Pharaoh, depicted as a formidable sea monster. This verse declares that God Himself will orchestrate Egypt's catastrophic downfall, causing profound distress and shock among numerous other nations. The destruction will be so complete and far-reaching that its impact will extend even to distant lands previously unknown to Egypt, serving as a public display of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and a stark warning against national pride and self-reliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 32:9 is situated within a series of seven oracles against Egypt, spanning [Ezekiel 29](/ezekiel/29 "Ezekiel 29 - Prophecy Against Egypt") through [Ezekiel 32](/ezekiel/32 "Ezekiel 32 - Lament Over Pharaoh and Egypt"). These prophecies collectively condemn Egypt for its arrogance, its unreliability as an ally to Judah, and its self-exaltation, often personified by Pharaoh as a great crocodile or dragon (e.g., [Ezekiel 29:3](/ezekiel/29-3 "Ezekiel 29:3 - Pharaoh as the Great Dragon")). Chapter 32, in particular, contains two laments: the first (verses 1-16) is a funeral dirge for Pharaoh and Egypt, portraying their fall as a great beast being hauled out of the waters, and the second (verses 17-32) describes Egypt's descent into Sheol, joining other fallen nations. Verse 9 specifically details the widespread emotional and political reverberations of this divine judgment, emphasizing its public and exemplary nature within the broader narrative of God's comprehensive judgment on Egypt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 6th century BCE, Egypt was a formidable and ancient world power, often seen by smaller nations like Judah as a potential bulwark against encroaching empires such as Assyria and Babylon. Despite divine warnings against relying on human alliances rather than God (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-7](/isaiah/30-1 "Isaiah 30:1-7 - Woe to Rebellious Children")), Judah frequently sought Egypt's protection. This historical backdrop makes God's judgment against Egypt particularly significant: it demonstrated that even the most powerful human empires were subject to His ultimate authority. The "nations" mentioned in the verse would have included other regional powers and distant lands that had either feared Egypt, relied on it, or simply viewed it as an unassailable force. Egypt's fall would send shockwaves through the entire geopolitical landscape, serving as a profound object lesson for all who witnessed or heard of it.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations. The declaration "I will also vex... I shall bring thy destruction" highlights God's direct, intentional agency, demonstrating that the judgment is not random but a deliberate act of divine justice against pride and rebellion (cf. [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men")). Secondly, the mention of "among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known" emphasizes the **Global Witness to God's Power**. Egypt's collapse was intended to be a public spectacle, a powerful demonstration of Yahweh's unparalleled might and authority to a world that often attributed power to various deities or human rulers. This echoes the theme in [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God Raises Pharaoh to Show His Power"), where God raises up Pharaoh to make His power known throughout the earth. Finally, the "vexed hearts of many people" speaks to the **Humiliation of the Proud**. The dismay and fear experienced by other nations upon witnessing the downfall of such a mighty empire serves as a stark warning against national pride and self-sufficiency, illustrating that even the most formidable human powers are ultimately accountable to God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vex (Hebrew, _kaʻaç'_):** Derived from H3707, this word means "to trouble," and by implication, "to grieve, rage, be indignant." It conveys a sense of deep emotional disturbance, not merely annoyance, but a profound unsettling or terror. In this context, it describes the intense shock, dismay, and perhaps even fear that the destruction of Egypt would instill in the hearts of other nations. It implies a visceral, gut-wrenching reaction to the overwhelming display of divine power.
* **hearts (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, "lêb" refers to the heart, but figuratively, it encompasses the entire inner person—the seat of emotions, will, intellect, and moral character. When God "vexes the hearts," it signifies a deep, comprehensive disturbance that affects the very core of these observers' being, challenging their assumptions about power, security, and the stability of the world order. It's not just a superficial reaction but a profound internal upheaval.
* **destruction (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** Originating from H7667, "sheber" denotes a "fracture" or "breaking," and figuratively, "ruin" or "affliction." It emphasizes the completeness and violence of the judgment God would bring upon Egypt. This is not a mere setback but an utter shattering, implying a state of irreparable ruin and annihilation. The use of this word underscores the severity and finality of God's decisive act against Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will also vex the hearts of many people,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes God's direct agency ("I will") in causing a profound emotional impact. The verb "vex" (Hebrew _kaʻaç_) signifies deep trouble, grief, or indignation. The "hearts" (Hebrew _lêb_) refer to the innermost being, the seat of intellect, emotion, and will. Thus, God declares He will cause deep, internal distress and shock among a great number of people, not just Egyptians, but those in other nations who witness or hear of Egypt's demise. This highlights the psychological and spiritual reverberations of the judgment.
* **"when I shall bring thy destruction among the nations,"**: This clause reveals the cause of the widespread vexation: God's active, intentional bringing of Egypt's "destruction" (Hebrew _sheber_, signifying ruin or a complete breaking). The phrase "among the nations" underscores the public and visible nature of this judgment. It is not a hidden act but one performed in the sight of the world, making it a clear demonstration of divine power and justice. Egypt's fall will be a global event, observed and discussed by other kingdoms.
* **"into the countries which thou hast not known."**: This final phrase emphasizes the far-reaching and unprecedented scope of Egypt's downfall. The impact of its destruction will extend beyond its immediate neighbors and allies, reaching distant lands that have no direct familiarity or interaction with Egypt. This hyperbole serves to magnify the scale of God's judgment and the subsequent awe or terror it will inspire, ensuring that His sovereignty is acknowledged even in the remotest corners of the known world.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 32:9 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in God's declaration, "I will also vex the hearts," attributing to God the human-like action of causing emotional distress, emphasizing His direct and personal involvement in the judgment. The phrase "many people" and "countries which thou hast not known" employs **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the number of affected nations and the distance to which the news of Egypt's downfall will travel. This serves to underscore the immense, global impact of God's judgment and the universal recognition of His power. Furthermore, the verse uses **Divine Agency** as a central device, with God repeatedly acting as the explicit subject ("I will also vex," "I shall bring"). This reinforces the theological truth that the rise and fall of nations are ultimately under the sovereign control of the Almighty, not merely the result of human geopolitics. The entire passage functions as a **Prophetic Vision** of judgment, painting a vivid and terrifying picture of a once-mighty empire brought to ruin, designed to elicit fear and awe in its hearers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 32:9 profoundly articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no earthly power, regardless of its might or perceived invincibility, stands outside the purview of divine judgment. This judgment, while specific to Egypt's pride and treachery, serves as a universal warning against human arrogance and self-reliance, revealing that God orchestrates historical events to make His name known throughout the earth. The "vexed hearts" of other nations signify not just fear, but a profound realization of God's unmatched power, challenging their own presumptions of security and control. This theological truth calls all people to humility and a recognition that true security rests only in the unchanging, just, and sovereign God.

* [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God Raises Pharaoh to Show His Power")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "The Most High Rules in the Kingdom of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 32:9 serves as a timeless reminder that God’s sovereignty extends over all earthly powers, past, present, and future. In a world often dominated by powerful nations and seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse calls us to shift our gaze from human might to divine authority. It challenges any tendency to place our trust in political systems, economic strength, or military prowess, whether as individuals or as a society. Just as Egypt’s downfall was a public spectacle intended to humble the proud and reveal God’s power, so too does God continue to work in history to demonstrate His ultimate control. This should inspire both awe and humility within us. We are called to live in recognition that all human endeavors and achievements are ultimately subject to God's will and judgment. This understanding should lead us to greater dependence on Him, fostering a spirit of humility and a commitment to justice in our own lives and communities, knowing that true and lasting security is found only in His unwavering character and eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What modern "Egypts" or seemingly unassailable powers do we tend to place our trust in, either personally or nationally?**
* **How does the idea of God "vexing the hearts" of people challenge our understanding of divine justice and judgment?**
* **In what ways might God be working in our world today to make His sovereignty known "among the nations, into the countries which thou hast not known"?**

### FAQ
**Why would God want to "vex the hearts" of many people?**

Answer: The phrase "vex the hearts" (Hebrew _kaʻaç lêb_) implies a deep emotional disturbance, shock, or even terror, rather than simple annoyance. God's purpose in causing this reaction is not arbitrary cruelty but a demonstration of His absolute sovereignty and justice. By bringing about the spectacular downfall of a mighty empire like Egypt, God intended to humble the proud, warn other nations against similar arrogance and self-reliance, and ultimately reveal His unparalleled power and authority over all earthly kingdoms. This public display served as a powerful object lesson, compelling observers to acknowledge that the God of Israel is the one true God who rules over all the earth (cf. [Psalm 46:10](/psalm/46-10 "Be Still, and Know That I Am God")). It's a form of divine pedagogy, teaching the world about His character and ultimate control.

**What is the significance of Egypt's destruction reaching "countries which thou hast not known"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the unprecedented and far-reaching impact of God's judgment on Egypt. It is a form of **hyperbole** used to convey the global scale of the event. It means that the news and implications of Egypt's fall would extend beyond its immediate geopolitical sphere, reaching even distant lands that had no direct contact or familiarity with Egypt. This serves to magnify the power of God, demonstrating that His actions resonate universally and that His sovereignty is not confined to a single region or people. The judgment on Egypt was not just for Egypt's sake but was intended to be a public, global witness to God's ultimate authority over all nations and peoples (cf. [Isaiah 14:26-27](/isaiah/14-26 "God's Purpose for the Whole Earth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 32:9 speaks of God's judgment on a specific earthly empire, its underlying themes find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "vexing of hearts" and the "destruction among the nations" foreshadow the cosmic impact of Christ's triumph and ultimate reign. Just as God demonstrated His sovereignty over Egypt, Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God") and the [Lion of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), has decisively conquered the spiritual powers that hold humanity captive (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). His death and resurrection represent the ultimate "destruction" of sin and death, a victory that reverberates across all nations and into every corner of the world, even "countries which thou hast not known" (cf. [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "The Great Commission")). The global witness to God's power, once seen in the fall of empires, is now supremely revealed in the spread of the Gospel, which proclaims Christ's Lordship over all creation (cf. [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Jesus is Lord")). Ultimately, the final judgment, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord, will be the ultimate and universal "vexing of hearts" for those who reject Him, and the glorious vindication of God's righteous sovereignty for all eternity (cf. [Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11 "The Great White Throne Judgment")).

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

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Revelation 18:15

The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

Ezekiel 29:12

And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries [that are] desolate, and her cities among the cities [that are] laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Ezekiel 30:23

And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

Ezekiel 30:26

And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them among the countries; and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 25:15

¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

Jeremiah 25:25

And all the kings of Zimri, and all the kings of Elam, and all the kings of the Medes,