Ezekiel 32:31
Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all his multitude, even Pharaoh and all his army slain by the sword, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
אוֹתָם֙
H853
אוֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִרְאֶ֣ה
shall see
H7200
יִרְאֶ֣ה
shall see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וְנִחַ֖ם
them and shall be comforted
H5162
וְנִחַ֖ם
them and shall be comforted
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הֲמוֹנֹ֑ה
over all his multitude
H1995
הֲמוֹנֹ֑ה
over all his multitude
Strong's:
H1995
Word #:
7 of 15
a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth
חֶ֙רֶב֙
by the sword
H2719
חֶ֙רֶב֙
by the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
9 of 15
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חֵיל֔וֹ
and all his army
H2428
חֵיל֔וֹ
and all his army
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
12 of 15
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
Cross References
Ezekiel 31:16I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall, when I cast him down to hell with them that descend into the pit: and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the nether parts of the earth.Ezekiel 14:22Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters: behold, they shall come forth unto you, and ye shall see their way and their doings: and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought upon it.
Historical Context
Ezekiel's Sheol vision (32:17-32) catalogs fallen nations: Assyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom, northern princes, Sidon, and now Egypt. All were contemporary or recent powers. When Egypt fell to Babylon (568/567 BC), she indeed joined this grim company. Pharaoh's 'comfort'—seeing other empires fallen—proved prophetically accurate. Historical pattern demonstrates God's impartial judgment of prideful powers.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the emptiness of being 'comforted' by others sharing your doom?
- How does false comfort (shared judgment) contrast with true comfort (shared salvation)?
- What does the catalog of fallen nations teach about the certainty of pride's consequences?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all his multitude—When Egypt descends to Sheol, פַּרְעֹה (Pharʿōh) will רָאָה (rāʾāh, 'see') other fallen nations and be נִחַם (niḥam, 'comforted'). This grim 'comfort' is misery's company—seeing he's not alone in judgment.
Even Pharaoh and all his army slain by the sword, saith the Lord GOD—חַלְלֵי־חֶרֶב (ḥallê-ḥereb, 'slain of the sword') includes Egypt's entire military. The 'comfort' is hollow: yes, other great nations fell, but that doesn't diminish Egypt's doom—only confirms it's deserved. This dark comfort contrasts sharply with true comfort God offers the redeemed (Isaiah 40:1, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Egypt's comfort is shared doom; believers' comfort is shared salvation.