Ezekiel 32

This chapter contains two prophetic songs of lamentation over the king and people of Egypt; uttered probably at an interval of a fortnight from each other, and more than a year after the fall of Jerusalem.

2 a whale. A “dragon,” R.V., or “crocodile.”

3 with thy height. Or, “with thy hugeness.”

7. I will cover the heaven. That is, as with funereal garments: see note on xxxi. 15.

14. Then will I make their waters deep. Rather, “make their waters to subside”; i.e., to become clear and calm. Egypt shall no more be able to disturb the tranquillity of neighbouring states.

VERS. 17-32. In this second prophetic lamentation, the Egyptian monarch is represented as being taken to the mouth of a vast pit opened for the carcasses of the slain; is told to contemplate the dishonoured burial of other mighty princes and people conquered by Nebuchadrezzar; and is assured that his doom will be the same as theirs. “One of the most weird passages in literature” (A. B. Davidson).

17 the twelfth year. Also in the twelfth month, as ver. 1.

21 hell. Heb., “Sheol”; the place of the departed. The figure employed in Isa. xiv. 9-14, etc., is here greatly amplified, according to the peculiar style of Ezekiel.

23. In the sides. Rather, “in the inmost parts (see Psa. cxxviii. 3, and note) of the pit.”

24. Elam. “Elam,” the name of a country south of Assyria.

26. Meshech. Tubal. See note on xxvii. 13.

27 they shall not lie. Or, “Shall they not lie,” etc. (R.V. marg.).

upon their bones. As we say “upon their heads.” But some read “their shields” instead of “their iniquities.”

28 thou shalt be broken. That is, “Thou, O Egypt.”

29 with their might. i.e., “for all their might,” as R.V. marg.

31 shall be comforted. See note on xxxi. 16. Pharaoh may comfort himself, if he can, by knowing that he is not without companions in destruction.

32. My terror. A better reading is, “his terror.” I have allowed him to cause terror; but now I will lay him in the pit.