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Book of Ezekiel
Chapter 31
Chapter 31 concludes the section regarding the judgment of Egypt (Chapters 29 - 32). It is rather sad that Egypt is such a thorn in the flesh to Israel at the present time. In chapter 31 we see the fall of Pharaoh, which is similar to Assyria. It is described in a parabolic way and symbolizes both Pharaoh and his subjects. Chapter 31:1-9 lays out the greatness and glory of Pharaoh in Egypt; and 31:10-14 give us the fall of Egypt in the parable of the tree. 31:15-18 give the lamentation over the fall of the tree and the disaster which came to the nations of the world because of it. It had the same effect in that day as it would at the present time if the United States were destroyed overnight, because that would without a doubt change the situation in the world. Chapter 32 tells us of the lamentation over the fall of Pharaoh.
I hope that you see how very important the Book of Ezekiel is. It reveals the glory of the Lord GOD, and the FACT that our GOD is a holy, just and righteous GOD who will absolutely judge sin. It is sad to say, but the vast majority of people in the world today, NEVER consider eternity!
Dear one, our GOD is merciful and He is kind. He loves mankind, and He does NOT wish that any should perish (He wants to save the human family, and He is not willing that any should perish, 2 Pet.3:9), but He also hates sin and He judges sin, and He will not spare you if you reject His ONE gracious offer of salvation, the Lord JESUS CHRIST! IF you willingly keep on in sin and refuse to repent, thinking things have changed . . . you are WRONG!!! GOD does NOT change, ever! I change not: (Mal.3:6; Heb.6:18; 13:8; Jam.1:17).
That is what happened to Israel, and that is what happened to Egypt.
It is interesting that Ezekiel offers four chapters to Egypt and also Isaiah and Jeremiah and the
Minor Prophets deal with Egypt. Egypt looms large in the history of the nation Israel.
The Greatness and Glory of Pharaoh (31:1-9)
The fall of others, both into sin and ruin, should warn us not to be secure or high-minded. The prophet is to show an example of one whom the king of Egypt resembled in greatness, the Assyrian, compared to a stately cedar. Those who outdo others, always make themselves the objects of envy; but dear one, the blessings of the Heaven do NOT come by being proud, arrogant and high-minded! They come from obedience to GOD!
The greatest security that any mortal man, no matter how powerful he is, can give you is simply like the shadow of a tree, which is insufficient, inadequate, and utterly meager protection . . . here today, gone tomorrow! We must flee only to the Lord GOD for protection, for it is only there that we shall be safe forever! It is His mighty Hand that is in charge of the rising and setting of the sun . . . and in the rising and setting of the great men of the Earth. Let us never envy any of them, because although the worldly, rich, famous and powerful people may seem to have it all . . . they only have it for a brief time . . . compared to eternity! Paradise (Lk.16:22-26; 23:43; 2 Cor.12:2-4; Rev.2:7) is not likely for proud, self-seekers, nor for the envious ones to enter Paradise, this awesome Home of GOD. BEWARE!!! Life on this Earth is SO brief (Ps.90:9-10; 102:11; 103:14-16; 144:3-4), but eternity is FOREVER! Where will you spend eternity?
www.hisservants.org/hell_abraham's_bosom.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/hell_what_is_it_like.htm
www.hisservantsministry.org/p_hell.html see poem: Have You E’er Thought About Hell?
www.worldlychaos.org/w_c_judgment_where_are_souls.1.htm
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org/L_D_1.pre-trib_rapture_left_behind.html
http://www.hisservants.org/how_can_i_be_saved_h_s.htm
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (KJV)
Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (KJV)
Matthew 19:23-24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/matthew_ch19.html
Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (KJV)
Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at hiswords. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (KJV)
Luke 18:24-25 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV) www.godcannotlie.org/luke_ch18.htm
Chapter 31
Theme: Judgment against Pharaoh; Pharaoh's greatness and glory; Pharaoh's fall; lamentation over the fall
Judgment Against Pharaoh (31:1)
Ezekiel 31:1 And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, in the first day of the month, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, (KJV)
And it came to pass in the eleventh year . . . of Zedekiah's reign, and Jeconiah's captivity (30:20).
In the third month, in the first day of the month . . . in the third month, more than a month before Jerusalem was taken (Jer.39:2).
That the word of the LORD came unto me, saying . . . again, we must remember that Ezekiel brought only GOD’S Words to the people, not his own words.
Ezekiel 31:2 Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness? (KJV)
Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt . . . to Pharaoh, Apries or Hophra (29:2), the then reigning king, not to him personally by word of mouth, for the prophet was now in Chaldea . . . but by speaking a prophecy about him, and of which he might have a chance of sending to him.
And to his multitude . . . the massive crowd of his subjects, of which he boasted, and in whom he trusted.
Whom art thou like in thy greatness? . . . Ezekiel was to tell Pharaoh to check out the records of time, into all the empires, kingdoms and states that have been . . . then compare himself with the greatest ruler that ever was . . . do you think that you are equal to him? This will NOT keep you from ruin and destruction . . . for just as they have been humbled, and are fallen, so shall you be. He was to consider the Assyrian monarch, whose empire had been the most ancient, extensive and thriving, yet now is gone. Just as Pharaoh was like him in greatness, or at least he thought he was, and so too you are like him in pride, and so shall you be like him in your end.
*****Ezekiel is told to have Pharaoh search the records for a case parallel to his own. Speak to Pharaoh and to the multitude of his attendants, that added so much to his magnificence, and the multitude of his armies, that added so much to his strength. Of these he was proud and put much confidence in; and they were as proud of him and trusted as much in him. Many think highly of themselves, fancy themselves as great and as good as those that have been greatly celebrated. BUT, if we are wise, we shall not want to be like these ‘great’ ones, for they all have fallen, or shall fall, because of pride and sin, and are doomed to the lake of fire (Rev.20:15).
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_judgment_day_IS_coming.htm
www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_hell_is_real.htm
Ezekiel 31:3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with fair branches, and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature; and his top was among the thick boughs. (KJV)
Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon . . . cedar trees in Lebanon were often eighty feet high, and the diameter of the space covered by its boughs still greater. Compare similar images: (Eze.17:3; Dan.4:20-22). A cedar; kings and kingdoms are often compared to trees, both in disrespectful and sacred emblems; or like the most goodly cedar for strength and beauty. Lebanon was a great mountainous territory from east to west, one hundred and twenty five miles in length, and enclosed Canaan on the north. It was here where the tallest, most stately, broad and flourishing ones grew. This idea is, that Pharaoh was compared to one of these giant cedars for his exaltation and dignity; for the size of his dominion, the prosperous circumstances of it, and its long extent of time that empire existed, having lasted from the times of Nimrod unto a few years of the present time. With fair branches . . . not meaning children, nor nobles, nor subjects; but provinces, many and large, which were subject to this monarch.
And with a shadowing shroud . . . with an overshadowing thicket of power, dominion, authority, a mighty army sufficient to protect all that were under his government, and subject to it.
And of an high stature . . . Assyria’s kings were exalted above all the kings and kingdoms of the Earth.
And his top was among the thick boughs . . . his kingly power, leadership and dominion, was over a multitude of petty princes and states, compared to the thick boughs and branches of a tree. The Assyrian monarch attempted to ascend above the heights of the clouds (Isa.14:14).
Ezekiel 31:4 The waters made him great, the deep set him up on high with her rivers running round about his plants, and sent out her little rivers unto all the trees of the field. (KJV)
The waters made him great . . . referring to the fertility of Egypt by the overflowing of the Nile. But waters often mean many people (Jer.47:2; Isa.17:12; Rev.17:15). By means of the different nations under the Egyptians, that government became very wealthy. These nations are represented as fowls and beasts, taking shelter under the protection of this great political Assyrian tree (verse 6; Dan.4:12, 21; Mat.13:32).
The waters made him great . . . the waters of the river Tigris, near the city of Nineveh, the metropolis of the Assyrian monarchy; the traffic brought by Tigris River made it rich and great, the whole empire and its king.
The deep set him up on high, with her rivers running round about his plants . . . the vast trade by sea, the profits and commodities of which were conveyed through several rivers, which ran through the provinces of the empire, which were as plants in a field; and by which they were enriched. The whole empire, and the king of it, were raised to a remarkable height of wealth and power.
And sent out little rivers to all the trees of the field . . . so that the common people, compared to the trees of the field for their number and usefulness, all received profit and benefit. One states that the waters and the deep may mean the multitude of people, as in Revelation 17:15, which increased his kingdom, filled his provinces, supplied his colonies, and enlarged his power and riches.
Ezekiel 31:5 Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth. (KJV)
Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field . . . his majesty, magnificence and glory, were advanced above all princes, nobles and people; above all ranks and degrees of men. Above all the trees of the field . . . above all his neighboring kings, among whom some oppressed weaklings still came to this kingdom, just for shelter.
And his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long . . . his boughs became his subjects by voluntary choice, and his native subjects increased in numbers and wealth the provinces of his empire, as they became more numerous, and his branches became long as they were spread far and near, reaching distant countries.
Because of the multitude of waters, when he shot forth . . . either the vast number of people, which were daily increasing, and were sent out to people distant colonies, newly subdued or planted; or because of the great traffic which was carried on in different parts, and the advantages arising from it.
*****The Assyrian king, to whom Pharaoh is compared for his great power, widespread dominion, and the protection he offered, resembled the spreading branches, thick shade, and high stature of a thriving cedar tree on mount Lebanon. The fruitful lands of Assyria; the immense revenues drawn from vast multitudes in his extensive territories; his profitable commerce, by the river Tigris, with the countries on the Indian ocean; and all the various sources of his wealth and prosperity, resembled the rivers and streams which cause the trees planted by them to grow and flourish exceedingly; and hence the empire and its head were exalted above all the kingdoms of the earth. (Ps.37:35-36; Isa.10:8-14; 36:4, 18-19; Dan.4:11-12).
Ezekiel 31:6 All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young, and under his shadow dwelt all great nations. (KJV)
All the fowls of the heavens made their nests in his boughs . . . all the fowls, not every individual, but all kinds of men and people, nobles, merchants, husbandmen, compared to fowls. Made their nests . . . settled their homes and families, expecting safety and rest, and hoping what followed, was an increase of their children and posterity, as birds do in a quiet and safe nest. In his boughs, in his kingdom, in the cities or towns of it.
And under his branches did all the beasts of the field bring forth their young . . . even people of a more savage disposition, being either conquered by him, and placed in his provinces; or coming there on their own accord, took up their residence there, built houses, planted vineyards, married wives, begat children, and settled their families there. Beasts here are people, the field is the countries round about, their bringing forth their young includes their making their dens, that is, men’s building, begetting children, and breeding them under his branches, under his government and protection.
And under his shadow dwelt all great nations . . . under his protection, care, and government, many large kingdoms and states were either subject to him, or wanted to be his friends and allies. In the shadow of the branches (17:23); the mustard-seed becometh a tree, so that the birds of air come and lodge in the branches (Mat.13:32). The Gospel Kingdom shall gather all under its boughs, for their good and for the glory of God, whereas the worldly kingdoms gather men under themselves for evil and for self-glorification.
Ezekiel 31:7 Thus was he fair in his greatness, in the length of his branches: for his root was by great waters. (KJV)
Thus was he fair in his greatness . . . fair, is lovely, likable and desirable. In his greatness means not exerted in tyranny and oppression, but exercised in the noble art of imitating the greatest and best being who is King over all, for he does good to all.
In the length of his branches; in the extent of his empire, and the provinces of it.
For his root was by great waters . . . his kingdom was well established, firmly rooted among a multitude of people; from whom he had a large revenue to support his throne and government, and the dignity of it; by tribute, taxes, customs and presents; and through the large trade and traffic of his subjects in different parts, from where he received great profit and advantage.
Ezekiel 31:8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him: the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chesnut trees were not like his branches; nor any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty. (KJV)
The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him . . . the cedars, the greatest and most magnificent ones in the garden of God; could not rise as high as this cedar (Assyrian), nor over-top him, nor obscure his glory; even those that were most outstanding, which grew in Eden, near Babylon, and where a mighty king dwelt. The idea seems to be, that the greatest kings and monarchs in the whole world, which is like a garden planted by the LORD, were not equal to the king of Assyria, and much less exceeded him in grandeur, wealth, and power.
The fir trees were not like his boughs . . . mean lesser kings and princes are compared to fir trees for the beauty, order and flourishing condition of their kingdoms; yet these were but minor states, and not to be compared even with the provinces of the king of Assyria.
And the chestnut trees were not like his branches . . . these were yet lesser positions: which, although well set, and well spread, and full of people, could not compare to countries that were in the provinces that belonged to the Assyrian empire.
Not any tree in the garden of God was like unto him in his beauty . . . no king, prince or ruler where ever in the world, could be compared to him for royal majesty and greatness. The Targum is, mighty kings could not prevail against him, because of the strength of his power, which he had from the Lord; rulers could not stand before his army, and mighty men could not prevail against his auxiliaries, because of the strength of power he had from the Lord; there is none like to him in his strength.
Ezekiel 31:9 I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches: so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him. (KJV)
I have made him fair by the multitude of his branches . . . or provinces, his dominions were wide-ranging, all his power and strength, riches and wealth, grandeur and glory, and the vast dominions he possessed were all from the LORD . . . for whatever kings have are from GOD, although they are far too likely to attribute it to themselves; but all things are from GOD, by whom all kings reign.
So that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied him . . . all the kings of the Earth, although they dared not openly speak against him, or oppose him; yet they inwardly grieved at and secretly resented his grandeur and majesty, superior to theirs, and wished themselves in his place; and would gladly have done anything, if it were in their power, to stop his glory, and bring him down. This is the case of all that are in any high status, or are outstanding to others, or in any exalted station above others, be it that they have superior gifts and endowments of mind or strength or fame or greater riches and larger possessions, or any who are in high places of honor, trust and profit. The Targum is, I have made him beautiful by the multitude of his mighty ones; and all the kings of the east trembled before him, because of the strength of his power, which he had from the Lord. Envied him, when they saw his greatness, or curious at an other's glory, and wishing it were their own, which is a big problem in the majority of people in the world today. Envy is covetousness, and covetousness is greed.
Isaiah 56:11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. (KJV)
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV)
Matthew 6:24-25 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (KJV)
1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (KJV)
The Fall of Pharaoh (31:10-12)
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; (KJV)
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD . . . having described the greatness of the Assyrian monarch; the account of his fall now follows, and the cause of it, pride. The phrase, Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, indicates a division in this chapter. In this particular division, we see that Pharaoh lifts himself up in pride. Pride is in human hearts, and Pharaoh’s greatness blinded him to the danger that he was in.
Because thou hast lifted up thyself in height . . . even though Pharaoh king of Egypt, did not rise up as high as the Assyrian monarch in glory and splendor; he lifted himself up, and thought he was superior to any; which was the reason why GOD must bring him down.
And his heart is lifted up in his height . . . with pride, discourtesy and contempt of GOD and men (Isa.10:8).
*****We have seen the king of Egypt resemble the king of Assyria in pomp, power and prosperity, and how he was like him in his greatness; now here we see how he also resembles him in pride. Just as a face answers to face in a mirror, so too does a corrupt carnal heart to the same, for the same temptations of a prosperous state by which some are overcome, are also fatal to many others too. The king of Egypt had lifted himself up in height, had been proud of his wealth and power (29:3-6), the same way that the king of Assyria had, when he had shot up his top among the thick boughs (31:3). Pharaoh’s heart was immediately lifted up in his height, and he grew arrogant and bold, setting himself at disobedience against GOD, and trampling upon his people. How proudly he spoke of himself and all his achievements, as if GOD had no part at all in his place in life.
There were other sins in which the Egyptians and the Assyrians did agree, mainly that of oppressing GOD'S people, which is charged upon them both together (Isa.52:4), but here the sin is traced to its cause, and that was pride . . . for it is the contempt and hatred of the proud that they are filled with, that brought on the Lord GOD’S wrath! When men's outward condition rises and worsens, their minds most often rise and worsen with it. It is extremely rare to find a humble spirit in the midst of great advancements.
The sin and the fall of this great kingdom of Assyria was that the king could no longer bear such great prosperity. He lifts himself up, and in his pride, he totally forgets GOD who had placed him in the great position, and now GOD would cast him down. There are examples of it in (Isa.10:7-20; 36:9, 16, 18). This, as other best framed political relations, degenerated into pride and violence against neighbors, subjects, friends, as well as against enemies; even though it was not at all right to despise man, yet it was far more disrespectful and rude to disgrace Almighty GOD. It was time for the Lord GOD to cut down this great cedar tree (Isa.10:33-34; 37:36, 38).
Ezekiel 31:11 I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen; he shall surely deal with him: I have driven him out for his wickedness. (KJV)
I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen . . . or, into the hand of the most powerful of the nations, the mightiest prince among them. Some understand this of Arbaces the Mede, by whom Sardanapalus had been defeated long before this time: others of Merodachbaladan king Babylon, by whom Esarhaddon the Assyrian monarch was defeated; or rather Nebuchadnezzar, who was called Nabopolassar; who, in the first yearF16 of his reign, in conjunction with Cyaxares king of Media, took Nineveh, the metropolis of the Assyrian monarchy; and this was by the decision of the Lord GOD, and under the direction of His wise far-sightedness, and through the success He gave to the arms of these princes, according to His own decrees and prophecies. Some render it, into the hand of the god of the nations, meaning either Nebuchadnezzar or Cyaxares; so called because of their great power and might, which they had been given from the LORD.
He shall surely deal with him . . . so the Lord GOD did, for He held him besieged without hope of relief, until at two years’ end this vicious king burned himself with his palace (1 Ki.16:15-20).
I have driven him out for his wickedness . . . driven him out, with disgrace for his lewd, shameless ways, as a wife is cast out by divorce for adultery (Lev.21:6-7). For his wickedness; as Sardanapalus was cast out for his effeminacy and lewdness; for it is reported this gave Arbaces first encouragement to lay a plan against him. He was driven out, it is said, by the breach two and a half miles wide, made by the mighty floods from continual rains, which the walls of Nineveh could not withstand: so it was GOD, not man, that drove this beast out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/bri/s/sardanapalus.html
*****GOD had driven him out because of his wickedness; out of his court and palace; out of his royal city Nineveh; out of his kingdom and domains; and he shall reside and reign no more there; and all this because of his wickedness, pride, oppression and other sins. Any time that GOD strips men of their honor, riches, power and dominion, it is because of their abuse of these things; for some sin, or sins, or wickedness they have been guilty of, both against GOD and men; and therefore it is just and righteous for Him to dethrone such princes, and drive them out.
Ezekiel 31:12 And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off, and have left him: upon the mountains and in all the valleys his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land; and all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him. (KJV)
And strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off . . . strangers; foreigners, who did not respect either justice or mercy, such were those who made up his army of Arbaces the Mede, the terrible; called so for their strength and valor, but also more so for their numbers and cruelty, which was greatly feared. Have cut him off, this was done before Ezekiel’s time, about the time Hezekiah was born, and about two hundred and forty years before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylon captivity.
And have left him upon the mountains . . . like a tree cut down there, with its branches and limbs chopped off. Left him; forsaken and horror-stricken. See: Sardanapalus.
https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/bri/s/sardanapalus.html
And in all the valley his branches are fallen, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land . . . indicating that many provinces and countries in his domain were broken off, and forcibly taken away from him; or they broke off and revolted by themselves, and either set up for themselves, and recovered their former power and authority; or gave themselves up to the conqueror.
And all the people of the earth are gone down from his shadow, and have left him . . . meaning those that had joined his empire, putting themselves under his protection, wanting his friendship and union, now withdrawing themselves from him, leaving him alone to shift for himself; as frightened birds and beasts will do, when a tree is cut down and fallen, in the boughs or under the shadow of which they dwelt.
*****As a tree, growing on the mountains, when it falls, it breaks and its branches are scattered on the ground, so too is this mighty cedar, this king and kingdom, fallen from highest power and honor into deepest contempt, disapproval and weakness, not able to repel his adversaries or escape out of their hands.
Ezekiel 31:13 Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches: (KJV)
Upon his ruin shall all the fowls of the heaven remain . . . his ruin; his broken state, his fall. At the fall of this tree, the fowls of the heaven shall be upon his branches as when a tree is cut down, and its branches lopped off and limbs lie scattered, the birds that before lived in it, for a while were scared away, but return to it; or others might come and pick up what they can find on them.
And all the beasts of the field shall be upon his branches . . . once a tree is down, the beasts browse upon the branches. This may mean that even those people who before put themselves under the protection of this monarch, or sought association with him, now preyed upon his dominions; or the Medes and Babylonians, the conquerors, grabbed on the provinces of the empire, and plundered them of their riches. As birds and beasts sit on the boughs of a tree cut down, and the beasts browse upon his branches; so shall the dominions of Pharaoh be a prey to the conquerors.
*****It is common among the poetical writers, to represent a great national calamity or destruction, to fowls and animals of prey fattening on the bodies of the dead (Lev.26:22; Deut.32:24; 1 Ki.21:23-24; 2 Ki.9:35-37; Isa.18:6; 34:7; 56:9-10; Jer.15:3; 16:4; Eze.5:17; 14:15, 21; Rev.6:8; 19:17-18).
But here, Ezekiel has gone farther, and by a bold symbol gives us trees, which he uses as a symbol for kingdoms, as a prey to the birds. We must admire the beauty of this symbol, the art with which it is formed, and the richness of the prophet's idea (Isa.14:9-20). The fall of Egypt is compared to the fall of a huge tree; and as the fowls and beasts that had been sheltered under its branches before (31:6), now feed on its ruins.
Ezekiel 31:14 To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs, neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water: for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with them that go down to the pit. (KJV)
To the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height . . . to the end that none of all the trees . . . This man’s father was Sennacherib. https://www.ancient.eu/sennacherib/
The end proposed by the LORD in the destruction of the king of Assyria and of Egypt, and how we should consider it, is this; that the kings of the Earth should take warning, those who rule over a multitude of people, compared to waters, and who abound in riches and wealth. They should not be elated with pride and vanity, because of their exalted estate, their fame, dignity and grandeur. They should not behave in a disrespectful manner against the Lord GOD, on whom they depend; nor should they behave arrogantly, or in a cruel, oppressive manner towards their own subjects, over whom they rule. There is much of this in today’s world! Waters = people: (Jer.47:2; Is.17:12; Rev.17:15).
Neither shoot up their top among the thick boughs . . . he had affected universal monarchy, and set himself up over all kingdoms and states, as he had rule over them, and made all subject to him.
Neither their trees stand up in their height, all that drink water . . . meaning kings and leaders, who rule over the people, and are supplied and supported by thosein their exalted stations, by the tribute and taxes they pay them and so abound in riches and power, should not trust in the height of honor and power they are raised to, and treat scornfully GOD and man; but consider what they are, that they are just men, and are in very slippery places, where there is no standing a long time, especially when death comes, as follows.
For they are delivered unto death in the nether parts of the earth . . . all rulers are mortal by nature, just as other men, and they all are appointed once to die (Heb.9:27), and will be delivered into the hands of death, when their time is right. Death will NOT spare them because of their crowns and status; and when these who once sat on elevated thrones shall be laid in the grave, their final end shall be in the lowest parts of the Earth.
In the midst of the children of men, with those that go down to the pit . . . the grave is where the most rich and famous are on the same level with the poorest and meanest of their subjects.
I bring the many following Scriptures to hopefully show you that ALL the wicked shall end up in Hell, and you do not want to go there. BEWARE! Please read them carefully.
Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (KJV)
Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. (KJV)
Isaiah 5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. (KJV)
Isaiah 14:9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. (KJV)
Isaiah 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (KJV)
Habakkuk 2:5 Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: (KJV)
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV)
Matthew 13:49-50 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (KJV)
2 Thes.1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (KJV)
2 Peter 2:4-5 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; (KJV)
Revelation 14:10-11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (KJV)
Revelation 19:20And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. (KJV)
Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (KJV)
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (KJV)
Is YOUR name in the book of life???
Revelation 21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (KJV)
Mourning the Fall of Pharaoh (31:15-18)
Ezekiel 31:15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when he went down to the grave I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for him, and I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed: and I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him. (KJV)
Thus saith the Lord GOD, in the day when he went down to the grave . . . when the Assyrian monarch was destroyed, he ceased to be king, and was stripped of all his majesty, power and authority, and was as one dead, and laid in the grave. The grave, also hell (verses 16-17), and Sheol, the place of the dead (32:18.) A cloud of darkness is spread over the canals, the river, and the sea. All nature that had rejoiced at his birth and coronation (31:4), now takes part in the funeral of this dead kingdom (32:10.)
http://www.godcannotlie.org/abraham's_bosom_sheol.htm
I caused a mourning . . . that is, for him, in the waters, and among the trees, among the people and the kings of the earth, as follows.
I covered the deep for him . . . with mourning, with thick darkness, which set him up on high (31:4).
And I restrained the floods thereof, and the great waters were stayed . . . suggesting that the kingdoms of the world are compared to the sea, of which his empire consisted, and all the inhabitants and people of them, compared to floods and great waters (Jer.47:2; Is.17:12; Rev.17:15). All the people were affected with the fall of this great ruler, and thrown into panic by it; not knowing what would be the end of things, and did not know what course to take. All business was stopped, especially all traffic by sea, and all trade and commerce everywhere stopped everything for a while.
And I caused Lebanon to mourn for him . . . where he had been a massive cedar (31:3). This may mean the whole empire of which he was head, mainly the kingdom of Syria, on the borders of which Lebanon was; and was a part of the Assyrian empire, which would mourn and have great concern at the fall of it.
And all the trees of the field fainted for him . . . all the kings of the Earth that were in alliance with him, or subject to him, trembled with fear that their destruction would be next. All the trees of the field; the lesser kings and princes around him. Fainted, nearly fell unconscious at the news of this great and incomparable downfall of this mighty king and kingdom. Dear one, there is NO one who can stand, whom GOD has decided to cast down.
Ezekiel 31:16 I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth. (KJV)
I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall . . . to shake, all that heard the noise of his fall trembled at it, for it was as God intended it should be, an astonishment to them all, just as when a huge tree was cut down and fell in Lebanon, the noise of it was heard at quite a distance. When this mighty king and kingdom fell, the nations of the world, and their kings heard of it far and near, and they shook with fear of what would be the result, fearing that they would also fall in the same way.
When I cast him down to hell . . . or the grave (31:14).
With them that descend into the pit . . . ALL the greatest and the most famous are in common with others that die, and are buried . . . be they a powerful billionaire or a homeless person, ALL shall one day die physically die. It is what happens AFTER physical death, that should be of great concern to you, for your soul lives forever! http://www.hisservants.org/death_then_what_1.1.htm
And all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water . . . all the trees, are the chief and principal rulers of the Assyrian empire; all that ruled over multitudes of people, and took part of their wealth and riches, and were supported in grandeur and dignity.
Shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth . . . (Isa.14:9-10), when they see such a mighty monarch depressed, and brought as low as they, into the same state of meanness and contempt; for it seems a kind of comfort for persons in distress to have partners with them. This is a poetic expression, showing the dead as rejoicing to see others in the same condition with themselves. The Targum is, all the kings of the east, the governors, and those that are rich in substance, all that hold a kingdom, are comforted in the lower part of the earth.
Ezekiel 31:17 They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen. (KJV)
They also went down to hell with him . . . many of his nobles, princes, generals, soldiers and subjects went to the grave with him. They also, could be either his neighbor kings and princes, or those that were his own subjects who were rich and powerful. Went down into hell, were broken and perished with him, and went with those that GOD had slain because of their pride and wickedness.
Unto them that be slain with the sword . . . to be buried and lie with them who had fallen by the sword, as a just punishment for their iniquities.
And they that were his arm . . . his loyal and faithful subjects and friends abroad, who having been protected by him, remembered it, and stood by to support him . . . but they all fell, they all are dead and gone down to the pit (26:20; 28:8; 32:24-25, 29-30), where there are many proud ones!
That dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen . . . all people in the midst of the nations who were subject to the Assyrian empire; those who put themselves under the protection of it, lived comfortably there and continued with it to the last; these shared the same fate as that did.
Ezekiel 31:18 To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth: thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that be slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD. (KJV)
To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? . . . the king of Assyria was among all the kings and monarchs of the Earth, and the greatest of them for majesty and glory, for wealth and riches, for power and authority, and the extent of its territory. This is said to Pharaoh King of Egypt, and applies to the preceding parable to him; suggesting that he was as high as any ever was, or anyone could proudly imagine himself to be.
Yet shall thou be brought down with the trees of Eden unto the nether parts of the earth . . . the pharaoh would be brought down to the grave, and lie in the same depressed and humble state, exactly as the greatest monarchs that ever were on Earth before him.
Thou shalt lie in the midst of the uncircumcised . . . the wicked, the Targum is; the uncircumcised in heart; who belong not to God, or his people, and have no communion with either, but are shut out of the kingdom of heaven, and have their portion with devils and damned spirits.
With them that be slain by the sword . . . was one way of judgment for their sins (26:6; 31:18; 32:20-31).
This is Pharaoh, and all his multitude, saith the Lord GOD. . . this explains Pharaoh, his grandeur, his pride, and his ruin, showing what will be the end of him, and his many subjects. Some versions render it, so will be Pharaoh, for in like manner will he fall, and all his people with him . . . for the Almighty Lord GOD has said it, and when He says something, it shall certainly come to pass. All that the LORD had spoken in this parable of the lofty cedar refers to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, his princes, confederates and people.
What is said of Assyria also belongs to Egypt. The point of all this chapter, shows the rise, greatness and fall of the Assyrian empire (31:3-17). It was to make it known that Pharaoh and Egypt were to have a similar fate.
*****The greatest, most powerful, richest and longest-lived kingdoms ever represented, GOD has overthrown and destroyed. A kingdom can never pretend to be equal with the Lord GOD’S Kingdom! What king or kingdom is there anywhere, that can possibly think they are invincible or unassailable? Whoever they think they are, in greatness and power, they CANNOT stand up to GOD’S judgment on their sin. They shall be like all the mighty ones before them who have fallen.
Special Comments
The Jewish calendar has the following months:
1. Nissan 30 days March-April
2. Iyar 29 days April-May
3. Sivan 30 days May-June
4. Tammuz 30 days June-July
5. Av 30 days July-August
6. Elul 29 days August-September
7. Tishri 30 Days September-October
8. Cheshvan 29 or 30 days October-November
9. Kishlev 30 or 29 days November-December
10. Tevet 29 days December-January
11. Shevat 30 Days January-February
12. Adar I (leap years only) 30 days February-March
13. Adar (leap years only) 29 days February-March
Two Prophecies, Fulfilled (31:18).
#1. You will be brought down with the trees of Eden into the nether parts of the earth.
#2. You will lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with them that are slain with the sword.
Book of Ezekiel
Eze.Ch.1 . . Eze.Ch.2 . . Eze.Ch.3. . Eze.Ch.4 . . Eze.Ch.5 . . Eze.Ch.6 . . Eze.Ch.7 . . Eze.Ch.8 . . Eze.Ch.9 . . Eze.Ch.10 . . Eze.Ch.11 . . Eze.Ch.12 . . Eze.Ch.13 . . Eze.Ch.14. . Eze.Ch.15 . . Eze.Ch.16 . . Eze.Ch.17 . . Eze.Ch.18 . . Eze.Ch.19 . . Eze.Ch.20 . . Eze.Ch.21 . . Eze.Ch.22 . . Eze.Ch.23 . . Eze.Ch.24 . . Eze.Ch.25 . . Eze.Ch.26 . . Eze.27 . . Eze.28 . . Eze.29 . . Eze.30 . . Eze.31 . . Eze.32 . . Eze.33 . . Eze.34 . . Eze.35 . . Eze.36 . . Eze.37 . . Eze.38 . . Eze.39 . . Eze.40 . . Eze.41 . . Eze.42 . . Eze.43 . . Eze.44 . . Eze.45 . . . Eze.46 . . . Eze.47 . . . Eze.48 . . . Eze. Millennial Temple . . . Eze.Special Comments . . . Eze.What is Shekinah Glory? . . . Home Page
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