Ezekiel 31
BSB1 In the eleventh year, on the first day of the third month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his multitude: ‘Who can be compared to your greatness? 3 Look at Assyria, a cedar in Lebanon, with beautiful branches that shaded the forest. It towered on high; its top was among the clouds. 4 The waters made it grow; the deep springs made it tall, directing their streams all around its base and sending their channels to all the trees of the field. 5 Therefore it towered higher than all the trees of the field. Its branches multiplied, and its boughs grew long as it spread them out because of the abundant waters. 6 All the birds of the air nested in its branches, and all the beasts of the field gave birth beneath its boughs; all the great nations lived in its shade. 7 It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its limbs, for its roots extended to abundant waters. 8 The cedars in the garden of God could not rival it; the cypresses could not compare with its branches, nor the plane trees match its boughs. No tree in the garden of God could compare with its beauty. 9 I made it beautiful with its many branches, the envy of all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God.’ 10 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Since it became great in height and set its top among the clouds, and it grew proud on account of its height, 11 I delivered it into the hand of the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with it according to its wickedness. I have banished it. 12 Foreigners, the most ruthless of the nations, cut it down and left it. Its branches have fallen on the mountains and in every valley; its boughs lay broken in all the earth’s ravines. And all the peoples of the earth left its shade and abandoned it. 13 All the birds of the air nested on its fallen trunk, and all the beasts of the field lived among its boughs. 14 This happened so that no other trees by the waters would become great in height and set their tops among the clouds, and no other well-watered trees would reach them in height. For they have all been consigned to death, to the depths of the earth, among the mortals who descend to the Pit.’ 15 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘On the day it was brought down to Sheol, I caused mourning. I covered the deep because of it; I held back its rivers; its abundant waters were restrained. I made Lebanon mourn for it, and all the trees of the field fainted because of it. 16 I made the nations quake at the sound of its downfall, when I cast it down to Sheol with those who descend to the Pit. Then all the trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the well-watered trees, were consoled in the earth below. 17 They too descended with it to Sheol, to those slain by the sword. As its allies they had lived in its shade among the nations. 18 Who then is like you in glory and greatness among the trees of Eden? You also will be brought down to the depths of the earth to be with the trees of Eden. You will lie among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, declares the Lord GOD.’"
Study Notes — Ezekiel 31
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezekiel 31
- Themes from Ezekiel 31
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezekiel 31
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a lamentation over the fall of Egypt, comparing it to a great cedar tree that has been cut down (Ezekiel 31:1-9). The tree is described as being the greatest of all the trees in the garden of God, but it has become proud and arrogant, and therefore, God has ordained its destruction. The chapter then describes the tree's downfall, using the metaphor of a great eagle that comes and cuts down the tree (Ezekiel 31:10-14). The chapter concludes with a message of judgment and warning to all the nations that have been prideful and arrogant, stating that they will also be cut down like the great cedar tree (Ezekiel 31:15-18).
Context for the Chapter
Ezekiel chapter 31 is part of a larger section of the book that deals with God's judgment on the nations surrounding Israel. The chapter is a prophetic message from God to Egypt, warning them of their impending downfall due to their pride and arrogance. The chapter is also part of a larger biblical narrative that emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations, and His power to bring down those who exalt themselves above Him.
Heart Application
The chapter serves as a warning to all believers to humble themselves before God, and to recognize His sovereignty over all nations. It reminds us that pride and arrogance are sins that God hates, and that humility and obedience are virtues that He desires in His people. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts, and to ask ourselves if we are guilty of the same pride and arrogance that led to Egypt's downfall.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ezekiel chapter 31 is a warning to Egypt and all nations that have been prideful and arrogant. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations, and that He will bring down those who exalt themselves above Him. As we read this chapter, we are called to humble ourselves before God, and to recognize His power and sovereignty. In Ezekiel 31:10, we see the consequences of pride, and in Ezekiel 31:12, we see the emphasis on God's sovereignty.
Voices from the Church
“The pride of man is a great evil, and it is a sin that God hates. We must be careful to humble ourselves before Him, and to recognize His sovereignty over all nations.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The fall of Egypt is a warning to all nations that have been prideful and arrogant. It serves as a reminder of God's power to bring down those who exalt themselves above Him, and to humble those who are proud.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Lamentation Over Egypt (Ezekiel 31:1-9) — The chapter begins with a lamentation over the fall of Egypt, comparing it to a great cedar tree that has been cut down. The tree is described as being the greatest of all the trees in the garden of God, but it has become proud and arrogant, and therefore, God has ordained its destruction.
- The Downfall of the Tree (Ezekiel 31:10-14) — The chapter then describes the tree's downfall, using the metaphor of a great eagle that comes and cuts down the tree. The tree is described as being cast to the ground, and laid before kings, that they may gaze at it.
- The Warning to Other Nations (Ezekiel 31:15-18) — The chapter concludes with a warning to all nations that have been prideful and arrogant, stating that they will also be cut down like the great cedar tree. This warning is a call to humility and obedience, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations.
- The Sovereignty of God (Ezekiel 31:1-18) — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations, and His power to bring down those who exalt themselves above Him. This is seen in the verse 'I will cast you to the ground; I will lay you before kings, that they may gaze at you' (Ezekiel 31:12).
- The Call to Humility (Ezekiel 31:1-18) — The chapter serves as a call to humility and obedience, and reminds us that pride and arrogance are sins that God hates. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts, and to ask ourselves if we are guilty of the same pride and arrogance that led to Egypt's downfall.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations, and His power to bring down those who exalt themselves above Him. This is seen in the verse 'I will cast you to the ground; I will lay you before kings, that they may gaze at you' (Ezekiel 31:12).
- The Sin of Pride
- The chapter highlights the sin of pride, and its consequences. Pride is seen as a sin that God hates, and it leads to destruction and judgment.
- The Virtue of Humility
- The chapter emphasizes the virtue of humility, and its importance in the life of a believer. Humility is seen as a key characteristic of those who will be exalted by God.
- The Power of God
- The chapter reminds us of God's power and sovereignty over all nations. God is seen as the one who brings down the proud, and who exalts the humble.
Lessons from Ezekiel 31
- The Danger of Pride — The chapter teaches us that pride is a sin that God hates, and it leads to destruction and judgment. We must be careful to humble ourselves before Him, and to recognize His sovereignty over all nations.
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the virtue of humility, and its importance in the life of a believer. Humility is seen as a key characteristic of those who will be exalted by God.
- The Power of God — The chapter reminds us of God's power and sovereignty over all nations. God is seen as the one who brings down the proud, and who exalts the humble.
- The Call to Obedience — The chapter serves as a call to obedience, and reminds us that we must submit ourselves to God's sovereignty. We must recognize His power and authority, and humble ourselves before Him.
- The Warning to Nations — The chapter serves as a warning to all nations that have been prideful and arrogant, stating that they will also be cut down like the great cedar tree. This warning is a call to humility and obedience, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations.
Themes from Ezekiel 31
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations, and His power to bring down those who exalt themselves above Him.
- The Sin of Pride — The chapter highlights the sin of pride, and its consequences. Pride is seen as a sin that God hates, and it leads to destruction and judgment.
- The Virtue of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the virtue of humility, and its importance in the life of a believer. Humility is seen as a key characteristic of those who will be exalted by God.
- The Power of God — The chapter reminds us of God's power and sovereignty over all nations. God is seen as the one who brings down the proud, and who exalts the humble.
- The Call to Obedience — The chapter serves as a call to obedience, and reminds us that we must submit ourselves to God's sovereignty. We must recognize His power and authority, and humble ourselves before Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of Ezekiel chapter 31, and how does it relate to the larger biblical narrative?
- How does the chapter use the metaphor of the tree to describe Egypt's former glory and its subsequent destruction?
- What is the significance of the eagle in the chapter, and how does it relate to God's sovereignty over all nations?
- How does the chapter serve as a warning to all nations that have been prideful and arrogant, and what is the call to action for believers?
- What is the relationship between pride and humility in the chapter, and how does this relate to the Christian life?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Lamentation Over Egypt (Ezekiel 31:1-9)
| Ezekiel 31:1 | The chapter begins with a lamentation over the fall of Egypt, comparing it to a great cedar tree that has been cut down. |
| Ezekiel 31:2 | The tree is described as being the greatest of all the trees in the garden of God, but it has become proud and arrogant, and therefore, God has ordained its destruction. |
| Ezekiel 31:3 | The tree is described as being tall and majestic, with its top among the clouds, and its heart proud of its height. |
| Ezekiel 31:4 | The tree is described as being nourished by many waters, and its roots going down into the deep, and its branches reaching up to the clouds. |
| Ezekiel 31:5 | The tree is described as being greater than all the trees in the garden of God, and its boughs are multiplied, and its branches are long. |
| Ezekiel 31:6 | The tree is described as being a dwelling place for all kinds of birds, and its branches are a shelter for the beasts of the field. |
| Ezekiel 31:7 | The tree is described as being fair and full of branches, and its roots are by many waters. |
| Ezekiel 31:8 | The tree is described as being not like the trees in the garden of God, and there was none like it in its beauty. |
| Ezekiel 31:9 | The tree is described as being the envy of all the trees in the garden of God, and its beauty is unmatched. |
2. The Downfall of the Tree (Ezekiel 31:10-14)
| Ezekiel 31:10 | The chapter then describes the tree's downfall, using the metaphor of a great eagle that comes and cuts down the tree. |
| Ezekiel 31:11 | The tree is described as being given into the hand of the mighty one of the nations, and he shall deal with it. |
| Ezekiel 31:12 | The tree is described as being cast to the ground, and laid before kings, that they may gaze at it. |
| Ezekiel 31:13 | The tree is described as being upon the mountains and in all the valleys its branches are broken. |
| Ezekiel 31:14 | The tree is described as being all the people of the earth are gone down from its presence, and all the trees of the field are dried up. |
3. The Warning to Other Nations (Ezekiel 31:15-18)
| Ezekiel 31:15 | The chapter concludes with a warning to all nations that have been prideful and arrogant, stating that they will also be cut down like the great cedar tree. |
| Ezekiel 31:16 | The nations are described as being cast down to the lower parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit. |
| Ezekiel 31:17 | The nations are described as being also upon the mountains, and in all the valleys, and in all the brooks of the earth, and they shall be cast down. |
| Ezekiel 31:18 | The nations are described as being to whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden, and thou shalt be brought down with the trees of Eden, unto the lower parts of the earth. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Ezekiel chapter 31?
The main theme of Ezekiel chapter 31 is the fall of Egypt and the pride of nations, and how God brings down those who exalt themselves above Him. (Ezekiel 31:10)
How does the chapter use the metaphor of the tree to describe Egypt's former glory and its subsequent destruction?
The chapter uses the metaphor of the tree to describe Egypt's former glory and its subsequent destruction, highlighting the consequences of pride and arrogance. (Ezekiel 31:1-9)
What is the significance of the eagle in the chapter?
The eagle in the chapter represents the power and authority of God, and is used to describe the downfall of the tree. (Ezekiel 31:10-14)
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 31:1 → Isaiah 19:1 | Both chapters deal with the judgment of Egypt, and the consequences of pride and arrogance. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 31:10 → Proverbs 16:18 | Both verses highlight the consequences of pride, and the importance of humility. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 31:12 → Daniel 4:37 | Both verses emphasize the power and authority of God, and the importance of recognizing His sovereignty. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 31:15 → Matthew 23:12 | Both verses highlight the importance of humility, and the consequences of pride and arrogance. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 31:16 → Psalm 52:7 | Both verses emphasize the importance of trusting in God, and not in human strength or power. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 31:17 → Isaiah 2:12 | Both chapters deal with the judgment of the nations, and the consequences of pride and arrogance. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 31:18 → Luke 1:51-52 | Both verses highlight the importance of humility, and the consequences of pride and arrogance. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 31:1-9 → Revelation 18:1-24 | Both chapters deal with the fall of a great nation, and the consequences of pride and arrogance. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 31:10-14 → Jeremiah 50:1-46 | Both chapters deal with the judgment of a nation, and the consequences of pride and arrogance. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 31:15-18 → 1 Peter 5:6 | Both verses highlight the importance of humility, and the consequences of pride and arrogance. |
Sermons on Ezekiel 31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream Vision. His Insanity and Restoration by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's pride, fall, and restoration as a warning against self-exaltation and the consequences of turning away from Go |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 31
In this chapter, we see the fall of Egypt, a nation that had once been great and powerful, but had become proud and arrogant. The chapter uses the metaphor of a great tree to describe Egypt's former glory and its subsequent destruction. The tree is described as being the greatest of all the trees in the garden of God, but it has become proud and arrogant, and therefore, God has ordained its destruction. The chapter serves as a warning to all nations that have been prideful and arrogant, stating that they will also be cut down like the great cedar tree. This warning is a call to humility and obedience, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations. As we read this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts, and to ask ourselves if we are guilty of the same pride and arrogance that led to Egypt's downfall. We must recognize God's power and authority, and humble ourselves before Him, lest we suffer the same fate as Egypt. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The use of metaphors
The chapter uses the metaphor of a great tree to describe Egypt's former glory and its subsequent destruction. This metaphor is used to convey the idea that Egypt's downfall is a result of its pride and arrogance.
The emphasis on God's sovereignty
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations, and His power to bring down those who exalt themselves above Him. This is seen in the verse 'I will cast you to the ground; I will lay you before kings, that they may gaze at you' (Ezekiel 31:12).
The warning to other nations
The chapter concludes with a warning to all nations that have been prideful and arrogant, stating that they will also be cut down like the great cedar tree. This warning is a call to humility and obedience, and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations.