Ezekiel 32:24

There [is] Elam and all her multitude round about her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living; yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

There is Elam {H5867} and all her multitude {H1995} round about {H5439} her grave {H6900}, all of them slain {H2491}, fallen {H5307} by the sword {H2719}, which are gone down {H3381} uncircumcised {H6189} into the nether parts {H8482} of the earth {H776}, which caused {H5414} their terror {H2851} in the land {H776} of the living {H2416}; yet have they borne {H5375} their shame {H3639} with them that go down {H3381} to the pit {H953}.

"'Eilam is there, with her hordes around her grave, all of them slain, killed by the sword, descended uncircumcised to the underworld, those who terrorized the land of the living; they bear their shame together with those who descended to the pit.

Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who went down uncircumcised to the earth below, who once spread their terror in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit.

There is Elam and all her multitude round about her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who are gone down uncircumcised into the nether parts of the earth, who caused their terror in the land of the living, and have borne their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Commentary

Ezekiel 32:24 is part of a vivid prophetic lament delivered by Ezekiel against Pharaoh and Egypt, portraying their downfall by comparing them to other mighty nations that have already descended into Sheol, the realm of the dead. This verse specifically focuses on Elam, an ancient kingdom known for its military prowess, particularly its archers.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel's "funeral dirge" for Egypt (Ezekiel 32:1-16), which then transitions into a description of other fallen nations already residing in the "pit" or Sheol (Ezekiel 32:17-32). The purpose is to demonstrate that even the most formidable earthly powers are subject to God's judgment and ultimately share a common, ignominious fate in death. Elam is presented here as one among several nations—including Assyria, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, and Sidon—that once terrorized the living but now lie in shame in the underworld, serving as a solemn warning to Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Humiliation: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations. Elam, despite its past might and ability to instill "terror in the land of the living," is brought low and made to bear its shame. This highlights that no earthly power can escape divine reckoning.
  • The Fate of the Uncircumcised: The repeated phrase "gone down uncircumcised" is crucial. In the Old Testament context, being uncircumcised signified being outside the covenant with God, often implying a state of spiritual uncleanness or paganism. Their descent into the pit as "uncircumcised" emphasizes their separation from God's people and a lack of spiritual honor, a stark contrast to the covenant of circumcision given to Abraham.
  • Loss of Earthly Glory in Death: Elam's "multitude round about her grave" signifies the vast number of its slain warriors. Their gathering in Sheol, "fallen by the sword," underscores that all their earthly power, glory, and terror are stripped away in death, leaving only shame. This imagery echoes the depiction of other fallen kings in Sheol, such as in Isaiah 14:9-11.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "nether parts of the earth" (Hebrew: yarketei bor or yarketei eretz) refers to the deepest regions of the pit or Sheol, the common grave or underworld where all the dead were thought to reside in the Old Testament. The emphasis on "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: arelim) is a term of profound contempt, marking these nations as Gentiles who were outside the covenant and thus considered spiritually impure or dishonorable in their death.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 32:24 serves as a timeless reminder of God's ultimate authority over all human kingdoms and endeavors. It teaches us that:

  • Earthly Power is Fleeting: No matter how mighty or terrifying a nation or individual may seem, all earthly glory is temporary and subject to God's judgment.
  • Spiritual Standing Matters: While the New Testament reveals a spiritual circumcision of the heart, the Old Testament emphasis on physical circumcision highlights the importance of one's relationship and covenant with God for true honor and blessing.
  • Humility is Key: The fate of Elam warns against national or individual pride and reliance on worldly strength, encouraging humility and recognition of God's supreme power.
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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 32:18 (4 votes)

    Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, [even] her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

  • Genesis 10:22 (4 votes)

    The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.

  • Jeremiah 49:34 (4 votes)

    ¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying,

  • Jeremiah 49:39 (4 votes)

    But it shall come to pass in the latter days, [that] I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 32:25 (4 votes)

    They have set her a bed in the midst of the slain with all her multitude: her graves [are] round about him: all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword: though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet have they borne their shame with them that go down to the pit: he is put in the midst of [them that be] slain.

  • Ezekiel 32:30 (4 votes)

    There [be] the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

  • Ezekiel 26:20 (4 votes)

    When I shall bring thee down with them that descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set thee in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with them that go down to the pit, that thou be not inhabited; and I shall set glory in the land of the living;