Ezekiel 31:2
Son of man, speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to his multitude; Whom art thou like in thy greatness?
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Son
H1121
בֶּן
Son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֕ם
of man
H120
אָדָ֕ם
of man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 13
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
הֲמוֹנ֑וֹ
and to his multitude
H1995
הֲמוֹנ֑וֹ
and to his multitude
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
9 of 13
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
מִ֖י
H4310
מִ֖י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
11 of 13
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
Cross References
Ezekiel 29:19Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.Ezekiel 31:18To 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.Ezekiel 30:10Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon.
Historical Context
Assyria dominated the ancient Near East for centuries (883-612 BC) before falling to Babylon. Egypt now faced the same judgment for similar pride. History repeats patterns when nations repeat sins.
Questions for Reflection
- What patterns do you see in God's historical dealings with nations and individuals?
- How can learning from history help you avoid repeating others' mistakes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God asks rhetorically 'Whom art thou like in thy greatness?'—a question anticipating the answer 'Assyria' (verse 3). This comparison method draws parallels between Egypt and Assyria, showing Egypt would share Assyria's fate. Teaching through historical analogy helps people recognize patterns in God's dealings: pride brings humiliation, empire-building leads to fall.