Ezekiel 31

In this chapter a threatening is addressed to Pharaoh. The reference to Assyria is a doubtful reading, and all the subsequent references appear to apply to Egypt.

3 with a shadowing shroud. Or, “and an overshadowing thicket.”

among the thick boughs. Or, “among the clouds” (R.V., marg.): see on xix. 11.

4. The waters made him great, etc. Read, as in R.V., “The waters nourished him, the deep made him to grow; her rivers ran round about her plantation; and she sent out her channels unto all the trees of the field.”

8 the garden of God. See xxviii. 13.

chestnut. Rather, “plane-trees,” R.V.

11 the mighty one of the heathen. Or, “a mighty one of the nations” (i.e., the king of Babylon, now rising into power).

15. I covered the deep for him. As a mourner wears a covering of sackcloth.

16 shall be comforted. Rather, “are comforted.” The conquered nations are consoled by finding that a kingdom once so mighty has become like themselves: ep. Isa. xiv. 10.