Ezekiel 31:10
Ezekiel 31:10 in Multiple Translations
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,
¶ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;
Therefore thus said the Lord Jehovah: Because thou art exalted in stature, and he hath set his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;
For this cause the Lord has said: Because he is tall, and has put his top among the clouds, and his heart is full of pride because he is so high,
So this is what the Lord God says: Since it became so tall, reaching up into the clouds, it grew proud because of its height.
Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God, Because he is lift vp on high, and hath shot vp his toppe among the thicke boughes, and his heart is lift vp in his height,
Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah: Because that thou hast been high in stature, And he yieldeth his foliage between thickets, And high is his heart in his haughtiness,
“Therefore thus said the Lord GOD: ‘Because he is exalted in stature, and he has set his top among the thick branches, and his heart is lifted up in his height,
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in hight, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his hight;
Therefore thus saith the Lord God Because he was exalted in height, and shot up his top green and thick, and his heart was lifted up in his height:
Therefore, this is what I, Yahweh the Lord, say: ‘That tree, which represents Assyria, grew very tall, and its top was higher than the other trees, and it became very proud because of being very tall.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 31:10
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 31:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/כֵ֗ן
כֹּ֤ה
אָמַר֙
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
יְהוִ֔ה
יַ֕עַן
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
גָּבַ֖הְתָּ
בְּ/קוֹמָ֑ה
וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן
צַמַּרְתּ/וֹ֙
אֶל
בֵּ֣ין
עֲבוֹתִ֔ים
וְ/רָ֥ם
לְבָב֖/וֹ
בְּ/גָבְהֽ/וֹ
לָ/כֵ֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
יְהוִ֔ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
יַ֕עַן
yaʻan
H3282
because
Conj
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
גָּבַ֖הְתָּ
gâbahh
H1361
to exult
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
בְּ/קוֹמָ֑ה
qôwmâh
H6967
height
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
צַמַּרְתּ/וֹ֙
tsammereth
H6788
treetop
N-fs | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
עֲבוֹתִ֔ים
ʻăbôth
H5688
cord
N-cp
וְ/רָ֥ם
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְבָב֖/וֹ
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/גָבְהֽ/וֹ
gôbahh
H1363
height
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 31:10
לָ/כֵ֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲדֹנָ֣/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
יְהוִ֔ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
יַ֕עַן
yaʻan
H3282
"because"
Conj
This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.
Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
גָּבַ֖הְתָּ
gâbahh
H1361
"to exult"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To exult means to feel proud or haughty, like being lofty or high, as described in Psalms where God's ways are lofty and good.
Definition: 1) to be high, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, lofty, tall 1a2) to be exalted 1a3) to be lofty 1a3a) to be lofty (of Jehovah's ways-good sense) 1a3b) to be haughty, be arrogant (bad sense) 1b) (Hiphil) to make high, exalt
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: exalt, be haughty, be (make) high(-er), lift up, mount up, be proud, raise up great height, upward. See also: 1 Samuel 10:23; Isaiah 7:11; Psalms 103:11.
בְּ/קוֹמָ֑ה
qôwmâh
H6967
"height"
Prep | N-fs
Qomah refers to height or stature, describing how tall someone or something is, like the height of a person or a building in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: 1) height 1a) height, stature 1b) height
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] along, height, high, stature, tall. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:23; Isaiah 10:33.
וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
צַמַּרְתּ/וֹ֙
tsammereth
H6788
"treetop"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word describes the top of a tree, like the highest branch where leaves and fruit grow, and is used to picture lush foliage.
Definition: treetop
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: highest branch, top. See also: Ezekiel 17:3; Ezekiel 31:3; Ezekiel 31:14.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
עֲבוֹתִ֔ים
ʻăbôth
H5688
"cord"
N-cp
A cord or rope, often made from intertwined threads. In the Bible, it can also describe a wreath or chain, like the ones used in Ezekiel 7:23.
Definition: 1) cord, rope, cordage, foliage, interwoven foliage 1a) cord, rope, cordage, chain 1b) interwoven foliage
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: band, cord, rope, thick bough (branch), wreathen (chain). See also: Exodus 28:14; Job 39:10; Psalms 2:3.
וְ/רָ֥ם
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
לְבָב֖/וֹ
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
בְּ/גָבְהֽ/וֹ
gôbahh
H1363
"height"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Height refers to something elevated or grand, like a high place or a feeling of pride, as seen in the story of the Tower of Babel.
Definition: 1) height, exaltation 1a) height 1b) exaltation, grandeur 1c) haughtiness
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: excellency, haughty, height, high, loftiness, pride. See also: 1 Samuel 17:4; Jeremiah 48:29; Psalms 10:4.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 31:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 31:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:10
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:10
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 31:10
- Sermons on Ezekiel 31:10
Context — Egypt Will Fall like Assyria
8The 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.
9I made it beautiful with its many branches, the envy of all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God.’
10Therefore 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,
11I 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. 12Foreigners, 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 28:17 | Your heart grew proud of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor; so I cast you to the earth; I made you a spectacle before kings. |
| 2 | Daniel 5:20 | But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 32:25 | But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him. Therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem. |
| 4 | Proverbs 18:12 | Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. |
| 5 | Obadiah 1:3 | The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ |
| 6 | Daniel 4:30 | the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” |
| 7 | Isaiah 14:13–15 | You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. |
| 8 | Matthew 23:12 | For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. |
| 9 | Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. |
| 10 | James 4:6 | But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” |
Ezekiel 31:10 Summary
[This verse is saying that when we become too full of ourselves and our accomplishments, God will take action to humble us. The tree in this story became so tall and proud that it thought it was above everyone else, but God saw its pride and decided to take it down a notch. This is a reminder to us to stay humble and remember that our strength and abilities come from God, as seen in Psalm 127:1, which says 'Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain'. We should strive to have a humble heart, like the one described in Matthew 5:3, which says 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tree's height in Ezekiel 31:10?
The tree's height represents its pride and arrogance, as it 'set its top among the clouds' and 'grew proud on account of its height', much like the pride of Babylon in Isaiah 13:19 or the pride of the king of Tyre in Ezekiel 28:2-5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of pride in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the dangers of pride, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which says 'Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall', and is a reminder that God opposes the proud, as stated in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5.
What is the Lord GOD saying in this verse about the tree?
The Lord GOD is saying that because the tree became great and proud, He will take action against it, as seen in the following verses, Ezekiel 31:11-12, where the tree is delivered into the hand of the ruler of the nations and cut down.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is opposed to pride and that we should humble ourselves before Him, as seen in Matthew 23:12, which says 'Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be 'growing proud' in my own life, and how can I humble myself before God?
- How does the image of the tree 'setting its top among the clouds' make me think about my own aspirations and goals?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of this verse to my relationships with others, and how can I avoid letting pride get in the way of my interactions with them?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'reaching for the clouds' and forgetting my dependence on God?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 31:10
Therefore thus saith the Lord God,.... Having described the greatness of the Assyrian monarch; now follows the account of his fall, and the cause of it, pride: because thou hast lifted up thyself in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 31:10
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height; Because thou hast
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:10
Now you shall hear the sin and the fall of this great kingdom of Assyria. His mind could not longer bear so great prosperity, he lifts up himself, and in his pride forgets God who lifted him up and will cast him down. You have a specimen of it in that of ,15,18. This, as other best framed politics, degenerated into pride and violence against neighbours, subjects, friends, as well as against enemies; though it was too much to despise man, yet it was intolerably more insolent to reproach God. It is but time to lop, nay, cut down this cedar, as , with ,38.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:10
Ezekiel 31:10 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height, and he hath shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height;Ver. 10. Because thou hast lifted up thyself.] Here he comes to describe casum et cladem, the downfall and destruction of this flourishing empire, beginning with a short apostrophe to Pharaoh: "Be not high minded, but fear." Believe not him who said, Decent secundas fortunas superbiae, Pride well becometh prosperity; but rather believe what another saith, and experience confirmeth, Sequitur superbos ultora tergo Deus, God punisheth the proud surely and severely. A better author than either of them telleth us that "pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud." Plaut. Seneca.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 31:10
(10) Among the thick boughs.—The clouds, as in Ezekiel 31:3; Ezekiel 31:14, and Ezekiel 19:11. As Ezekiel 31:3-9 have described Assyria’s greatness, so Ezekiel 31:10-14 speak of her fall. This was now a past event, yet is in part poetically spoken of in the future (Ezekiel 31:11; Ezekiel 31:13), making the whole more graphic and effective. The future may also have been used because the object of this parable is not Assyria, but Egypt, whose fall was still to come. At the outset Assyria is directly addressed in the second person in the vividness of the description, but the third person is used afterwards. The ground of the judgment upon Assyria is its pride, on which 2 Kings 18:32-35 may be considered a commentary.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 31:10
Ch. 31 Pharaoh under the figure of a great cedar cut down and flung upon the ground The passage has three parts: (1) Ezekiel 31:1-9. Pharaoh, the impersonation of the spirit and might of Egypt, was a lofty cedar, with spreading branches, and its top in the clouds. All the fowls lodged in the branches, and all the beasts brought forth their young under it. Its waters nourished it and made it great. The trees in the garden of God did not equal it; all the trees of Eden envied it. (2) Ezekiel 31:10-14. The great tree shall be cut down by the mighty one of the nations, and thrown upon the ground. Its bulk shall fill the mountains and valleys of the land. All the nations shall depart from under the shadow of it; and the fowls and beasts of the field shall feed on it. Its heart was lifted up because of its great height, therefore it shall be cut down, that none of the trees lift themselves up and put their head among the clouds.
(3) Ezekiel 31:5-18. Nature shall shudder and put on blackness over the fall of Pharaoh. And the great trees of the garden of God that are gone down to the pit shall be comforted when Pharaoh and his auxiliaries descend among them. The allegory is easily read. The mighty cedar, burying its head in the clouds, is the proud king and his powerful state, aspiring to a greatness that belongs to heaven. The fowls and beasts lodging under the shadow of the tree are the nations of the earth seeking his protection and subject to him (Daniel 4:12). The trees in the garden of God are other mighty states impersonated in their rulers. The universal meaning which was given to the judgment on Egypt by representing it as the day of the Lord in ch. 30 is suggested here in other ways, by the imposing height of the cedar, unapproachable by other trees in the garden of God; by the fowls and beasts of the field lodging in the tree—all nations seeking the protection of the Pharaoh; and by the shock which all nature receives when the great tree is cut down and flung upon the ground; and finally by the commotion occasioned in Sheòl when Pharaoh descends among the dead (ch. 32 Isaiah 14). In some points the allegory has incongruities, as was natural. Pharaoh is a great cedar, but it is his waters—the Nile—that nourish him, and give him an altitude to which the trees of Eden cannot aspire.
The cedar is in Lebanon, the home of cedars, but also by the great deep, and probably too in Eden (Ezekiel 31:11). The trees, once in Eden, descend into Sheòl with those that are gone down to the pit.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 31:10
Assyria’s fall. Ezekiel 31:11 More accurately: Therefore I will deliver him, etc ... he shall surely deal with him. I have driven him out, etc.
Sermons on Ezekiel 31:10
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Where We Begin by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of slavery and how it has been the eternal purpose of God. He explains that as humans, we have been enslaved to our flesh and hav |
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Genesis 1:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that the Bible serves as God's revelation to humanity, designed to foster a loving relationship with Him. He explains that while nature reveals God's existen |
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The Deception of Pride by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the dangers of pride in his sermon 'The Deception of Pride,' explaining how it can lead to a lack of love, critical attitudes, and a false sense of securit |
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What Is the Biggest Sin ? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes the destructive nature of pride, highlighting how it is the root sin that leads many to Hell and causes Christians to miss out on God's blessings. Pride blin |
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Luke 14:11 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the principle that true exaltation comes through humility, as demonstrated by Jesus during a dinner at a Pharisee's house. Observing the guests vying for pla |
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Ingratitude to God—a Heinous but General Iniquity by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the heinous sin of ingratitude towards God, highlighting the universal practice of ingratitude despite the abundant blessings and deliverances received |
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Temptation From All Sides by J.H. Newman | John Henry Newman reflects on the hidden weaknesses and secret faults that can betray even the most faithful followers of God, using examples like Peter, David, and Hezekiah who st |