Ezekiel 32:3
Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will therefore spread out my net over thee with a company of many people; and they shall bring thee up in my net.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
וּפָרַשְׂתִּ֤י
I will therefore spread out
H6566
וּפָרַשְׂתִּ֤י
I will therefore spread out
Strong's:
H6566
Word #:
5 of 13
to break apart, disperse, etc
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙
H5921
עָלֶ֙יךָ֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֣ים
people
H5971
עַמִּ֣ים
people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
רַבִּ֑ים
of many
H7227
רַבִּ֑ים
of many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
11 of 13
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Ezekiel 12:13My net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there.Jeremiah 16:16Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.Ecclesiastes 9:12For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.Ezekiel 17:20And I will spread my net upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring him to Babylon, and will plead with him there for his trespass that he hath trespassed against me.Hosea 7:12When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down as the fowls of the heaven; I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard.Lamentations 1:13From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar's coalition included various subject peoples and allied forces. This international army fulfilled the prophecy of 'many peoples' bringing Egypt down. Historical records confirm Babylonian military operations against Egypt circa 568-567 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over the mightiest human powers encourage you in times of apparent powerlessness?
- What does it mean that God uses corporate action ('many peoples') to accomplish His purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God will spread His 'net' over Pharaoh with 'an assembly of many peoples'—multinational coalition (Babylon and allies) would capture Egypt like hunters netting prey. The imagery reduces mighty Pharaoh to caught fish, emphasizing helplessness before God. No creature escapes God's sovereign purposes. Human power is illusory when confronting divine judgment.