Ezekiel 32:25

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.

They have set {H5414} her a bed {H4904} in the midst {H8432} of the slain {H2491} with all her multitude {H1995}: her graves {H6913} are round about {H5439} him: all of them uncircumcised {H6189}, slain {H2491} by the sword {H2719}: though their terror {H2851} was caused {H5414} 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}: he is put {H5414} in the midst {H8432} of them that be slain {H2491}.

They have given her a bed among the slain with her hordes; her graves are all around them, all of them uncircumcised, killed by the sword, because they terrorized the land of the living; they bear their shame with those who descended to the pit; they are put among those who were slain.

Among the slain they prepare a resting place for Elam with all her hordes, with her graves all around her. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, although their terror was once spread in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. They are placed among the slain.

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

Commentary

Ezekiel 32:25 is part of a prophetic lamentation concerning the downfall of Pharaoh and Egypt, a vivid and sobering depiction of their descent into the underworld, or Sheol, among other vanquished nations. This verse specifically describes Egypt's ignominious burial place, sharing the fate of those considered outside God's covenant.

Context

Chapter 32 of Ezekiel contains two prophetic laments (verses 1-16 and 17-32) regarding Egypt's destruction by Babylon, under God's judgment. This particular section (verses 17-32) portrays the great nations and their leaders, once mighty and terrifying, now lying defeated in the pit (Sheol), joining the ranks of the slain. Pharaoh, once a symbol of immense power, is brought low and placed among the "uncircumcised," a term of spiritual and social disgrace in ancient Israelite thought. The entire chapter serves as a stark warning against pride and reliance on earthly strength rather than on God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Humiliation: The verse vividly illustrates God's sovereign judgment over even the most powerful nations. Egypt, once feared, is brought to utter shame and disgrace, its former terror now replaced by its own demise.
  • The Shame of the Uncircumcised: A central point of the verse is the repeated emphasis on the slain being "uncircumcised." In the Old Testament, physical circumcision was the sign of God's covenant with Israel (Genesis 17:10). To die uncircumcised meant to be outside this covenant, spiritually unclean, and subject to a dishonorable burial and afterlife, distinct from the hope associated with God's people. This highlights a spiritual dimension to Egypt's fall.
  • Shared Fate in the Pit: Despite Egypt's grandeur, its king and multitude are cast into the same "bed" (grave) and "pit" as other conquered, uncircumcised nations. This underscores the universality of death and the ultimate equality of all before divine judgment, regardless of earthly status or power. Pharaoh's once-feared presence now mingles with those he once dominated, as described in the broader gathering of the mighty in Sheol.

Linguistic Insights

The term "uncircumcised" (Hebrew: עֲרֵלִים, 'arelim) is crucial here. It's not just a physical description but a theological and cultural marker. It signifies those not in covenant with God, often associated with idolatry, impurity, and vulnerability to divine wrath. Their death by the sword and burial in the "pit" (Hebrew: בּוֹר, bor, referring to a deep pit or cistern, often a metaphor for Sheol or the grave) signifies their ultimate disgrace and separation from God's blessings, even in the afterlife. The KJV's "bed" is a euphemism for a grave, emphasizing their final resting place among the dishonored dead.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel 32:25 serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and the ultimate futility of human pride and strength when set against His will. For believers today, this verse reinforces several timeless truths:

  1. Humility Before God: No earthly power, wealth, or influence can exempt individuals or nations from divine judgment. True security comes from a right relationship with God, not from worldly might.
  2. Spiritual State Matters: The emphasis on being "uncircumcised" highlights the importance of one's spiritual standing before God. While physical circumcision is no longer the sign of the covenant in the New Testament, the concept of a "circumcised heart" remains vital (Romans 2:29), signifying true repentance and faith.
  3. The End of the Wicked: This passage vividly portrays the ignominious end awaiting those who reject God and live in opposition to His ways, regardless of their earthly success or power. The "pit" is a sobering image of the consequences of unrepentant sin.

Ultimately, this verse calls us to consider where our trust lies and to acknowledge God as the true source of all power and authority.

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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

  • Psalms 139:8 (3 votes)

    If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there].

  • Ezekiel 44:9 (2 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that [is] among the children of Israel.

  • Acts 7:51 (2 votes)

    ¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.

  • Luke 12:4 (2 votes)

    And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

  • Luke 12:5 (2 votes)

    But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

  • Revelation 2:22 (2 votes)

    Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

  • 1 Chronicles 10:4 (2 votes)

    Then said Saul to his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. So Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.