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.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶ֨תְּנֵ֔הוּ
I have therefore delivered
H5414
וְאֶ֨תְּנֵ֔הוּ
I have therefore delivered
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּיַ֖ד
him into the hand
H3027
בְּיַ֖ד
him into the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֵ֣יל
of the mighty one
H410
אֵ֣יל
of the mighty one
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
3 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
גּוֹיִ֑ם
of the heathen
H1471
גּוֹיִ֑ם
of the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
4 of 9
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
יַֽעֲשֶׂה֙
deal
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂה֙
deal
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יַֽעֲשֶׂה֙
deal
H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂה֙
deal
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Nahum 3:18Thy shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria: thy nobles shall dwell in the dust: thy people is scattered upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them.Deuteronomy 18:12For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Historical Context
Assyria dominated the ancient Near East (745-612 BC) through brutal military campaigns, mass deportations, and cultural destruction. At its peak, Assyria seemed invincible—the 'great cedar.' Yet Babylon destroyed Nineveh (612 BC), and Assyrian identity vanished. Ezekiel uses this recent historical event (within living memory for exiles) as an object lesson: Egypt, similarly proud, will fall similarly hard.
Questions for Reflection
- How does comparing Egypt to fallen Assyria function as a prophetic warning?
- What does expulsion 'for wickedness' teach about the moral dimension of judgment?
- How should the fate of seemingly invincible empires inform our view of current powers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the heathen—After comparing Pharaoh to Assyria as a great cedar (31:3-10), God declares Assyria's fate, foreshadowing Egypt's. אֵיל גּוֹיִם (ʾêl gôyim, 'mighty one of nations')—likely Babylon, who conquered Assyria (612 BC).
He shall surely deal with him—עָשׂוֹ יַעֲשֶׂה לוֹ (ʿāśô yaʿăśeh lô, 'doing he shall do to him')—emphatic construction guaranteeing thorough judgment. I have driven him out for his wickedness—גֵּרַשְׁתִּיהוּ (gērashtîhû, 'I have driven/expelled him') בְּרִשְׁעוֹ (bĕrishʿô, 'for his wickedness'). The verb גָּרַשׁ (gārash) often describes expulsion/exile—Adam from Eden (Genesis 3:24), Israel from the land (Leviticus 18:24). Assyria, like the great cedar cut down, was expelled for pride and wickedness. Egypt's parallel fate is inevitable.