Ezekiel 32:28
Yea, thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain with the sword.
Original Language Analysis
בְּת֧וֹךְ
in the midst
H8432
בְּת֧וֹךְ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
2 of 8
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
עֲרֵלִ֛ים
of the uncircumcised
H6189
עֲרֵלִ֛ים
of the uncircumcised
Strong's:
H6189
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, exposed, i.e., projecting loose (as to the prepuce); used only technically, uncircumcised (i.e., still having the prepuce uncurtailed)
תִּשָּׁבַ֥ר
Yea thou shalt be broken
H7665
תִּשָּׁבַ֥ר
Yea thou shalt be broken
Strong's:
H7665
Word #:
4 of 8
to burst (literally or figuratively)
וְתִשְׁכַּ֖ב
and shalt lie
H7901
וְתִשְׁכַּ֖ב
and shalt lie
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
5 of 8
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Historical Context
Egyptian circumcision (practiced from ancient times) created cultural superiority complex—Herodotus noted Egyptians viewed uncircumcised peoples as unclean. To be told they'd lie forever among uncircumcised would horrify Egyptians. Yet this is exactly what happened: Egypt lost distinct identity, absorbed into multicultural empires, her ancient religion and culture extinct. The 'breaking' proved permanent.
Questions for Reflection
- What does lying among 'uncircumcised' teach about the emptiness of cultural pride?
- How does God's disregard for human distinctions in judgment reveal His impartiality?
- What cultural or religious superiority complexes might God similarly judge?
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Analysis & Commentary
Yea, thou shalt be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shalt lie with them that are slain with the sword—Egypt's fate restated: תִּשָּׁבֵר (tishshābēr, 'you shall be broken/shattered') בְּתוֹךְ עֲרֵלִים (bĕthôkh ʿărēlîm, 'in the midst of uncircumcised'). For circumcised Egyptians, this is ultimate degradation—mingling with barbarous peoples they despised.
The verb שָׁבַר (shābar, 'to break/shatter') has appeared throughout these oracles (30:21-22, 24—Pharaoh's broken arms). Now it culminates: Egypt herself is 'broken,' shattered beyond repair, consigned to Sheol among peoples she considered beneath her. The irony is profound: Egypt, who prided herself on civilization and religious sophistication, joins crude barbarians in death. All human distinctions vanish in judgment; only relationship with God matters (Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11).