Ezekiel 31

18 verses

TL;DR

Ezekiel delivers a prophetic judgment against the proud Assyrian empire, likening it to a majestic cedar that will be cut down, and warns Pharaoh of his own impending downfall.

Summary

In Ezekiel 31 the prophet receives a divine message to speak to Pharaoh, describing the Assyrian empire as a mighty cedar of Lebanon whose great branches and roots were sustained by abundant waters. The imagery illustrates Assyria’s overwhelming power and the envy it arouses among all trees. God declares that due to its pride and arrogance, He will deliver the Assyrian to the “mighty one of the heathen,” causing its branches to fall and its shadow to vanish. The chapter warns that this destruction serves as a lesson: no tree that drinks from the waters will rise above its allotted height. Finally, the prophet applies the same judgment to Pharaoh and his people, promising that they too will be brought down into the nether parts of the earth.

Outline

1. Prophetic directive to speak to Pharaoh
2. Assyria portrayed as an exalted cedar, symbol of pride
3. Divine judgment and fall of Assyria, warning to Egypt

Themes

Pride and downfallDivine judgmentSymbolic use of nature

Keywords

AssyriacedarpridejudgmentPharaohwaterfatenether parts

People

EzekielPharaohAssyrian (as nation)

Places

EgyptAssyriaLebanonGarden of Eden

Things

Cedar of Lebanonwaterriversfowlsbeastsnether parts of the earth

Key Verses

Ezekiel 31:2: God commands Ezekiel to address Pharaoh
Ezekiel 31:7: Introduces the cedar imagery that defines Assyria’s pride
Ezekiel 31:11: Declares divine judgment upon the Assyrian
Ezekiel 31:18: Applies the same fate to Pharaoh and his multitude

Questions

What does the cedar symbolize in the context of Assyria’s power?
How does Ezekiel’s warning to Pharaoh relate to the fate of Assyria?
In what ways does the natural imagery reflect theological themes of judgment and humility?

Sentiment

negative
The passage depicts the downfall of prideful nations and serves as a stern warning to Pharaoh.