Ezekiel 32:8
All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְא֤וֹרֵי
All the bright
H3974
מְא֤וֹרֵי
All the bright
Strong's:
H3974
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli
אוֹר֙
lights
H216
אוֹר֙
lights
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
3 of 13
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם
of heaven
H8064
בַּשָּׁמַ֔יִם
of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
4 of 13
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
אַקְדִּירֵ֖ם
will I make dark
H6937
אַקְדִּירֵ֖ם
will I make dark
Strong's:
H6937
Word #:
5 of 13
to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)
עָלֶ֑יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֑יךָ
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
וְנָתַ֤תִּי
over thee and set
H5414
וְנָתַ֤תִּי
over thee and set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
חֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙
darkness
H2822
חֹ֙שֶׁךְ֙
darkness
Strong's:
H2822
Word #:
8 of 13
the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
This language recalls the ninth plague on Egypt—darkness covering the land (Exodus 10:21-23). The parallel demonstrates God's consistency and Egypt's failure to learn from history. Repeated patterns reveal persistent problems.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's control over creation as well as history assure His ultimate victory?
- What does it mean that 'the earth is the LORD's' (Psalm 24:1) and serves His redemptive purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God Himself would 'darken all the bright lights' and 'set darkness upon thy land.' This directly attributes cosmic disturbances to divine action. The covenant formula emphasizes divine authority. When God judges, creation itself responds. The natural order serves redemptive purposes, revealing that nothing exists independently of God's sovereign control.