Ezekiel 31:1-18

Ezekiel 31. Fallen is the Mighty Cedar. In this striking poem, Pharaoh (= Egypt) is likened to a cedar of surprising height and beauty, fed by the waters of the deep (i.e. the Nile) and giving shelter to birds and beasts (i.e. protection to dependent peoples). For beauty, height, luxuriance no tree (= nation) could compare with it it was the envy of all (Ezekiel 31:1). (In Ezekiel 31:3 delete the Assyrian, and read simply, there was a cedar, etc. For thick boughs read clouds with LXX. In Ezekiel 31:4 for the trees of the field, read its soil.)

But the mighty Nebuchadrezzar, with his terrible army, will send it crashing with a blow, boughs and branches will be scattered over mountain and valley, those whom once it sheltered will sit in triumph on its ruins; and its fate will serve as a warning to others not to lift themselves haughtily (Ezekiel 31:10). (In Ezekiel 31:12 watercourses = ravines. In Ezekiel 31:14 the trees = nations.)

Ezekiel 31:15. Its fall would be widely mourned by Lebanon, on which it grew, and by the waters, which nourished it. Others fainted away at the thought that the like might happen to themselves. The trees (i.e. the other dead nations) in the underworld would be comforted to find this mighty cedar (Egypt) sharing their fate. Thus would this incomparable tree Pharaoh and his multitude be brought down: like the unburied slain they would lie dishonoured in the underworld. (In Ezekiel 31:15 omit I covered, and read, I caused the deep to mourn for him. Ezekiel 31:16. Hell, i.e. Sheol, the underworld. Ezekiel 31:17. They that were his arm, read perhaps his helpers. Ezekiel 31:18. Circumcision was important in Egypt: this explains the peculiar horror of their fate in Sheol.)