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.
Original Language Analysis
אַשּׁ֜וּר
Behold the Assyrian
H804
אַשּׁ֜וּר
Behold the Assyrian
Strong's:
H804
Word #:
2 of 14
ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire
וְחֹ֥רֶשׁ
shroud
H2793
וְחֹ֥רֶשׁ
shroud
Strong's:
H2793
Word #:
7 of 14
a forest (perhaps as furnishing the material for fabric)
מֵצַ֖ל
and with a shadowing
H6751
מֵצַ֖ל
and with a shadowing
Strong's:
H6751
Word #:
8 of 14
to shade, as twilight or an opaque object
וּבֵ֣ין
H996
וּבֵ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
11 of 14
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
עֲבֹתִ֔ים
was among the thick boughs
H5688
עֲבֹתִ֔ים
was among the thick boughs
Strong's:
H5688
Word #:
12 of 14
something intwined, i.e., a string, wreath or foliage
Cross References
Daniel 4:10Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great.Ezekiel 17:22Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:Judges 9:15And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.
Historical Context
Assyria's fall came swiftly—Nineveh destroyed in 612 BC after appearing invincible for centuries. This recent historical memory made the comparison powerful. Egypt would follow the same trajectory despite current strength.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms affect your priorities and allegiances?
- What does it mean to seek first God's eternal kingdom rather than temporary earthly success?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The cedar metaphor depicts a mighty empire—beautiful, tall, far-reaching. The 'forest' represents the community of nations. Assyria's 'shadowy shroud' suggests protection provided to vassal states. Yet despite grandeur, the cedar fell. This teaches that earthly kingdoms, however magnificent, are temporary. Only God's kingdom endures forever (Daniel 2:44).