Ezekiel 31:2

Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?

Son {H1121} of man {H120}, speak {H559} unto Pharaoh {H6547} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, and to his multitude {H1995}; Whom art thou like {H1819} in thy greatness {H1433}?

"Human being, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his hordes: 'Whom are you like in your greatness?

“Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude: ‘Who can be compared to your greatness?

Son of man, say unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude: Whom art thou like in thy greatness?

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 31:2 is part of a series of prophecies against foreign nations, specifically targeting Egypt, which spans chapters 29-32 of the book of Ezekiel. At this time, Judah was caught between the dominant power of Babylon and the fading influence of Egypt. Many in Judah looked to Egypt for military and political support against Babylon, despite God's warnings. This particular chapter uses a powerful allegory, comparing Pharaoh and Egypt to a magnificent cedar tree that will be cut down, symbolizing their impending downfall and humiliation by Babylon. The verse sets the stage for this comparison, challenging Pharaoh's perceived unparalleled greatness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty over Nations: The passage underscores God's absolute authority over all earthly kingdoms, demonstrating that even the most powerful nations like Egypt are subject to His will and judgment.
  • Pride and Humiliation: The rhetorical question, "Whom art thou like in thy greatness?" highlights Pharaoh's immense pride and self-exaltation. The subsequent verses in the chapter detail how this perceived greatness will lead to a dramatic and humiliating fall, serving as a powerful lesson on the dangers of pride.
  • Warning Against Worldly Reliance: For Judah, this prophecy served as a stark warning against relying on human power and alliances (like with Egypt) rather than trusting in God alone.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Hebrew: ben adam) is God's consistent address to Ezekiel throughout the book, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and dependence on divine revelation, contrasting with the powerful message he delivers. The word "greatness" (Hebrew: godel) conveys not just size but also majesty, power, and prestige. By asking "Whom art thou like in thy greatness?", God challenges Pharaoh's unique status, implying that his perceived superiority is ultimately a delusion, soon to be shattered.

Related Scriptures

  • This rhetorical challenge sets up the elaborate cedar allegory that begins in Ezekiel 31:3, where Egypt is compared to a magnificent cedar in Eden.
  • Other prophetic books also contain vivid prophecies against Egypt, reinforcing God's judgment over all nations, such as Isaiah 19:1-25 and Jeremiah 46:1-28.
  • The theme of God's sovereignty over earthly rulers is echoed throughout scripture, notably in Daniel 4:32, where King Nebuchadnezzar learns that "the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men."

Practical Application

Ezekiel 31:2 serves as a timeless reminder that all human power, prestige, and self-exaltation are fleeting and ultimately insignificant compared to God's eternal sovereignty. For individuals, it's a call to humility, recognizing that true greatness comes not from worldly achievements or status, but from acknowledging God's supremacy. For nations and leaders, it's a sobering warning against pride and a call to understand that God's justice will ultimately prevail over all forms of human arrogance and oppression. We are encouraged to place our trust in the unchanging God, not in the shifting sands of human power or alliances.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 29:19 (4 votes)

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

  • Ezekiel 31:18 (3 votes)

    To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword. This [is] Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 30:10 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.

  • Revelation 10:11 (2 votes)

    And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

  • Jeremiah 1:5 (2 votes)

    Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

  • Jeremiah 1:17 (2 votes)

    Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.

  • Isaiah 14:13 (2 votes)

    For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: