Ezekiel Chapter 32 — Lamentations for Egypt and Pharaoh
God instructs Ezekiel to lead a lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt, foretelling their complete desolation and descent into the realm of the dead.
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Notable Verses
Ezekiel 32:11
“For the Lord GOD says: I will cause your multitude to fall by the swords of the mighty.”
This verse identifies the specific physical means by which Egypt's worldly power would be dismantled.
Ezekiel 32:18
“Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even her and the daughters of the famous nations, to the lower parts of the earth, with those who go down into the pit.”
It sets the stage for the graphic vision of nations descending into the realm of the dead.
Ezekiel 32:31
“Pharaoh will see them and will be comforted over all his multitude, even Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword,” says the Lord GOD.”
This verse provides a haunting conclusion where Pharaoh realizes his shared fate with other fallen powers.
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel Chapter 32 contains two distinct prophecies of lamentation for Egypt. The first part, dated to the twelfth year, compares Pharaoh to a great sea monster that God will capture and leave on the open land to perish. This judgment will cause darkness and terror among other nations who witness Egypt’s fall to the swords of the mighty. The second part, occurring fifteen days later, provides a vivid description of Egypt's descent into Sheol, the place of the dead. Egypt is depicted as joining other fallen powers like Assyria, Elam, Edom, and Sidon. These nations, once fearsome in the land of the living, now lie in shame and silence among those slain by the sword. The chapter concludes by noting that Pharaoh will find a grim comfort in seeing that he is not alone in his downfall, as many other once-great empires share his fate in the pit.
Frequently Asked Questions
The chapter focuses on two final laments regarding the judgment and destruction of Egypt and its king, Pharaoh. It details their transition from a terrifying world power to a fallen nation in the realm of the dead.
Ezekiel lists several fallen empires including Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom, and the Sidonians. These serve as a reminder that no powerful nation is exempt from God's judgment or the reality of death.
In this chapter, the pit (or Sheol) represents the grave and the finality of death for those who once caused terror. It is depicted as a place of shame where once-mighty warriors and kings lie powerless.
Study Note
The specific dating in verses 1 and 17 places these prophecies around 585 BC, shortly after the final fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.
Related Chapters
Isaiah Chapter 14
This chapter contains a similar prophetic lament for a fallen ruler descending into the depths of Sheol.
Ezekiel Chapter 31
The previous chapter also deals with the allegory of Egypt's fall, comparing it to a felled cedar tree.
Revelation Chapter 20
This chapter relates to the broader biblical themes of final judgment and the fate of the dead.
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