Ezekiel 32:20
They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword: she is delivered to the sword: draw her and all her multitudes.
Original Language Analysis
בְּת֥וֹךְ
in the midst
H8432
בְּת֥וֹךְ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
1 of 10
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
חַלְלֵי
of them that are slain
H2491
חַלְלֵי
of them that are slain
Strong's:
H2491
Word #:
2 of 10
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
חֶ֣רֶב
by the sword
H2719
חֶ֣רֶב
by the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
3 of 10
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
יִפֹּ֑לוּ
They shall fall
H5307
יִפֹּ֑לוּ
They shall fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
4 of 10
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
חֶ֣רֶב
by the sword
H2719
חֶ֣רֶב
by the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
5 of 10
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
נִתָּ֔נָה
she is delivered
H5414
נִתָּ֔נָה
she is delivered
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 10
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מָשְׁכ֥וּ
draw
H4900
מָשְׁכ֥וּ
draw
Strong's:
H4900
Word #:
7 of 10
to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
אוֹתָ֖הּ
H853
אוֹתָ֖הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Egypt's defeat by Babylon fulfilled this prophecy. Later conquests by Persia, Greece, and Rome kept Egypt subject to foreign powers. The great civilization that built pyramids and ruled the ancient world became subject to others, her glory faded, her power broken. Time and judgment reduce all human empires to graves and ruins.
Questions for Reflection
- What happens to proud empires that defy God?
- How does the grave's indignity reverse earthly glory?
- Which kingdom alone endures beyond the grave?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
They shall fall in the midst of them that are slain by the sword predicts Egypt's military defeat. She is delivered to the sword means God has decreed it. Draw her and all her multitudes commands the executioners to drag Egypt to judgment. The imagery is stark—no dignity, no honor, just corpses dragged to mass graves. This is the fate of proud nations who defy God. All human glory ends in graves. Every empire becomes carrion. Only God's kingdom endures.