A Lament for Pharaoh King of Egypt 1In the twelfth year, on the first day of the twelfth month, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas. You thrash about in your rivers, churning up the waters with your feet 3This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will spread My net over you with a company of many peoples, and they will draw you up in My net. 4I will abandon you on the land and hurl you into the open field. I will cause all the birds of the air to settle upon you, and all the beasts of the earth 5I will put your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with your remains.a 6I will drench the land with the flow of your blood, all the way to the mountains— 7When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. 8All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you, and I will bring darkness upon your land,’ 9‘I will trouble the hearts of many peoples, when I bring about your destruction among the nations, in countriesb you do not know. 10I will cause many peoples to be appalled over you, and their kings will shudder in horror because of you when I brandish My sword before them. On the day of your downfall each of them will tremble 11For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘The sword of the king of Babylon 12I will make your hordes fall by the swords of the mighty, the most ruthless of all nations. They will ravage the pride of Egypt and all her multitudes will be destroyed. 13I will slaughter all her cattle beside the abundant waters. No human foot will muddy them again, and no cattle hooves will disturb them. 14Then I will let her waters settle and will make her rivers flow like oil,’ 15‘When I make the land of Egypt a desolation and empty it of all that filled it, when I strike down all who live there, then they will know that I am the LORD.’ 16This is the lament they will chant for her; the daughters of the nations will chant it. Over Egypt and all her multitudes they will chant it, declares the Lord GOD.” Egypt Cast into the Pit 17In the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month,c the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 18“Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit: 19Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised! 20They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes. 21Mighty chiefs will speak from the midst of Sheol about Egypt and her allies: ‘They have come down and lie with the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.’ 22Assyria is there with her whole company; her graves are all around her. All of them are slain, 23Her graves are set in the depths of the Pit, and her company is all around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who once spread terror 24Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who went down uncircumcised to the earth below, who once spread their terror in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. 25Among the slain they prepare a resting place for Elam with all her hordes, with her graves all around her. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, although their terror was once spread in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. They are placed among the slain. 26Meshech and Tubal are there with all their multitudes, with their graves all around them. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, because they spread their terror 27They do not lie down with the fallen warriors of old,d who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war, whose swords were placed under their heads, whose shieldse rested on their bones, although the terror of the mighty was once in the land of the living. 28But you too will be shattered and lie down among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. 29Edom is there, and all her kings and princes, who despite their might are laid among those slain by the sword. They lie down with the uncircumcised, with those who descend to the Pit. 30All the leaders of the north and all the Sidonians are there; they went down in disgrace with the slain, despite the terror of their might. They lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword and bear their shame with those who descend to the Pit. 31Pharaoh will see them and be comforted over all his multitude— Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD. 32For I will spread My terror in the land of the living, so that Pharaoh and all his multitude will be laid to rest among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD.” Footnotes: 5 a Or your lofty stature 9 b Hebrew; LXX when I lead you into captivity among the nations, into countries 17 c Presumably the fifteenth day of the twelfth month (see verse 1); LXX on the fifteenth day of the first month. 27 d LXX; Hebrew warriors of the uncircumcised 27 e Likely reading of the original Hebrew text; MT iniquities Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Ezekiel 32 Summary Egypt Cast into the PitVerses 1–2 – A Lament for Pharaoh, the Lion and the Monster Verses 3–10 – God’s Net and the Terrifying Aftermath Verses 11–16 – The Sword of Babylon and the End of Egypt Verses 17–21 – The Descent to the Pit Begins Verses 22–32 – Egypt Joins the Fallen Nations Ezekiel 32 is a lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt, providing a stark view of God’s judgment on nations that place their trust in their own might and oppress the people of God. In this chapter, Ezekiel prophetically speaks about the downfall of Egypt, comparing it to the fall of other nations, and providing a sobering vision of the afterlife for these condemned nations. Historical Setting • Date: 12th year, 12th month, 1st and 15th days (Mark 3 and Mark 17, 585 BC). • Judah was already exiled. Egypt had briefly aided Judah (Jeremiah 37:5) but then withdrew. Babylon now targets Egypt (Jeremiah 43:8–13). • Pharaoh Hophra (Apries) reigned 589–570 BC. Greek historians record his arrogance and eventual overthrow, matching Ezekiel’s tone. Literary Structure 1. Prologue: Lament announced (vv 1–2). 2. Net-casting oracle (vv 3–10). 3. Babylon’s sword oracle (vv 11–16). 4. Funeral dirge in Sheol (vv 17–32). The chapter forms a double lament, like funeral songs sung before death and after burial. Imagery Explained • Young lion: Egypt once hunted powerfully (Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24). • Sea monster (tannîn): evokes the Nile crocodile and the chaos beast defeated by God at creation (Job 26:12–13). • Net and fish: typical Near-Eastern capture image; God proves supreme Fisherman (Habakkuk 1:14–17). • Darkened lights: cosmic signs accompany national judgment (Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:31; Matthew 24:29). • Pit/Sheol: the underworld where military giants now lie impotent (Isaiah 14:9-11). Theological Themes 1. God rules nations: “The king’s heart is a stream of water…” (Proverbs 21:1). 2. Pride precedes downfall: Pharaoh’s boasts echo earlier Egypt (Exodus 5:2) and future Babylon (Revelation 18:7–8). 3. Universality of judgment: circumcised or not, terror-spreading kingdoms face the same grave (Romans 2:11). 4. Hope through cleansing: muddied waters clear once the monster is removed (v 14), hinting at God’s eventual restoration of creation (Revelation 22:1). Connections to Other Scriptures • Earlier Egyptian judgments: Ezekiel 29–31 (esp. ch 29:3, another crocodile image). • Isaiah 19 predicts Egypt’s internal turmoil and ultimate submission. • Daniel 11:42 hints at a future northern king overpowering Egypt, showing the land’s recurring vulnerability. • Revelation 18 reflects the funeral dirge pattern for end-times Babylon: “In one hour she has been brought to ruin!” Archaeological and Cultural Notes • Hophra’s anti-Babylon alliances are etched on scarab seals bearing his cartouche. • Herodotus records that Hophra believed no god or man could dethrone him—mirroring Ezekiel’s charge of hubris. • Mass crocodile burials in Middle Egypt testify to the sacred status of the Nile monster, making God’s portrayal of Pharaoh as a dead reptile especially insulting. • Babylonian chronicles list campaigns toward Egypt ca. 568 BC, fulfilling “the sword of the king of Babylon” (v 11). Practical Applications • National strength apart from God is fragile. • Personal pride—thrashing around, muddying relationships—invites humbling. • God can “clear the streams” of our lives once idols are removed. • Lament has a place in faith; Ezekiel models honest grief over sin’s fallout. Timeline of Events 587 BC – Jerusalem falls. 585 BC – Ezekiel 32 visions. 571 BC – Final oracle dated (Ezekiel 29:17). 568 BC – Babylon invades Egypt. 570 BC – Hophra is dethroned by Amasis II. Key Word Study • “Lament” (Hebrew qînâ) – a mournful poem with a distinctive meter, used for funerals (2 Samuel 1:17). • “Pit” (bôr) vs. “Sheol” – the grave as both literal burial and the shadowy realm of the dead. • “Terror” (ḥitît) – panic spread by military might, turned back on the aggressor in judgment (Psalm 9:20). Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 14:12-15The fall of Lucifer, another example of pride leading to downfall. Daniel 4:28-37 Nebuchadnezzar's humbling experience, illustrating God's sovereignty over kings. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Teaching Points The Lament for PharaohEzekiel 32:2-3 describes Pharaoh as a lion among the nations and a monster in the seas, illustrating Egypt's perceived strength and eventual downfall. Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas, thrashing about in your streams, churning the water with your feet and muddying the streams.’ (Ezekiel 32:2-3) God's Judgment Verses 7-8 depict the cosmic consequences of Egypt's fall, symbolizing the darkness that comes with God's judgment. When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. (Ezekiel 32:7) The Fate of the Mighty Verses 17-32 list other nations that have fallen, emphasizing that Egypt will join them in the realm of the dead. This underscores the theme that no nation is immune to God's judgment. They do not lie with the fallen warriors of old, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war, their swords placed under their heads, and their shields resting on their bones, though the terror of these warriors was once in the land of the living. (Ezekiel 32:27) The Sovereignty of God The entire chapter highlights God's control over the rise and fall of nations, reminding us that earthly power is temporary and subject to His will. Practical Applications Reflect on the Transience of Earthly PowerRecognize that worldly power and success are fleeting and should not be the ultimate pursuit in life. Trust in God's Sovereignty In times of national or personal uncertainty, remember that God is in control and His plans are perfect. Live with Eternal Perspective Focus on building a life that honors God and invests in eternal values rather than temporary achievements. Repentance and Humility Acknowledge our own need for repentance and humility before God, recognizing that we are not immune to His judgment. People 1. PharaohThe central figure in Ezekiel 32, Pharaoh is the king of Egypt. The chapter contains a lamentation for him, symbolizing the impending doom and destruction of Egypt. The prophecy speaks of Pharaoh being cast down into the pit, along with other fallen nations. 2. Assyria Mentioned in verse 22, Assyria is depicted as a nation that has already fallen and is in the realm of the dead. The reference serves as a warning to Egypt, showing that even mighty nations like Assyria have been brought low. 3. Elam In verse 24, Elam is described as another nation that has fallen and is in the pit. Elam's warriors are said to have gone down to the grave, uncircumcised, with their weapons of war. 4. Meshech and Tubal These are mentioned in verse 26. They are described as nations whose warriors lie in the grave, uncircumcised, with their swords under their heads, symbolizing their defeat and dishonor. 5. Edom In verse 29, Edom is mentioned as a nation that has also fallen. Its kings and princes are said to be laid among the slain, highlighting their defeat. 6. The princes of the north and all the Sidonians In verse 30, these groups are mentioned as being among the fallen. They are described as having gone down in shame with the slain, despite their terrorizing power. Places 1. EgyptEgypt is the primary focus of the lamentation in Ezekiel 32. It is depicted as a once-great nation that will face judgment and destruction. The chapter uses vivid imagery to describe Egypt's downfall, symbolizing the nation's pride and power being brought low. 2. Assyria Assyria is mentioned as a nation that has already fallen, serving as a warning to Egypt. The text refers to Assyria's past glory and subsequent descent into the grave, illustrating the fate that awaits Egypt. 3. Elam Elam is another nation mentioned in the chapter, known for its warriors. Like Assyria, Elam's downfall is used as an example of the judgment that will befall Egypt. The reference to Elam highlights the theme of divine retribution against nations that oppose God. 4. Meshech and Tubal These are regions or peoples mentioned alongside other nations that have faced judgment. They are depicted as lying in the grave with their weapons of war, symbolizing the futility of relying on military might against divine judgment. 5. Edom Edom is included in the list of nations that have been judged. The mention of Edom serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of God's judgment against those who oppose His will. 6. Sidon Sidon is mentioned as another nation that has experienced God's judgment. The reference to Sidon underscores the widespread impact of divine retribution across different regions and peoples. Events 1. Lamentation for PharaohThe chapter begins with a lamentation for Pharaoh, king of Egypt. The Lord instructs Ezekiel to take up a lament concerning Pharaoh, likening him to a lion among the nations and a monster in the seas. This imagery is rooted in the Hebrew word "תַּנִּין" (tannin), often translated as "monster" or "dragon," symbolizing chaos and destruction (Ezekiel 32:2). 2. The Net of Many Peoples God declares that He will spread His net over Pharaoh with a company of many peoples, and they will haul him up in His net. This signifies the gathering of nations against Egypt, leading to its downfall (Ezekiel 32:3). 3. Casting Pharaoh on the Land The prophecy continues with the imagery of casting Pharaoh on the land, leaving him to be devoured by birds and beasts. This symbolizes the complete humiliation and defeat of Egypt (Ezekiel 32:4-5). 4. Darkening the Heavens God proclaims that He will cover the heavens and darken the stars, sun, and moon over Egypt. This apocalyptic imagery signifies the profound impact of Egypt's fall, affecting the entire world order (Ezekiel 32:7-8). 5. The Mourning of Many Nations The fall of Egypt will cause many nations to mourn, as they witness the judgment executed by God. This reflects the widespread influence and connections Egypt had with other nations (Ezekiel 32:9-10). 6. The Sword of Babylon God announces that the sword of the king of Babylon will come against Egypt. This is a direct reference to the historical conquest of Egypt by Babylon, fulfilling God's judgment (Ezekiel 32:11). 7. Desolation of Egypt The land of Egypt will be made desolate, and its cities laid waste. This desolation is a result of God's judgment, emphasizing the totality of Egypt's downfall (Ezekiel 32:12-15). 8. Lamentation for the Multitude of Egypt Another lamentation is taken up for the multitude of Egypt, highlighting the widespread death and destruction that will come upon the nation (Ezekiel 32:16). 9. Descent to the Pit The chapter concludes with a vision of Egypt's descent into the Pit, a term often used in Hebrew (שַׁחַת, shachat) to describe the grave or the realm of the dead. Egypt joins other fallen nations in the depths, symbolizing its ultimate demise and the futility of its former glory (Ezekiel 32:17-32). Topics 1. Lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt (Ezekiel 32:1-2)The chapter begins with a lamentation for Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Ezekiel is instructed to take up a lamentation, symbolizing the impending downfall of Egypt. The imagery used is that of a lion and a sea monster, representing Pharaoh's power and influence. "Son of man, take up a lament for Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him: ‘You were like a lion among the nations, but you are like a monster in the seas...’" (Ezekiel 32:2). 2. The Net and Capture of Pharaoh (Ezekiel 32:3-4) God declares that He will spread His net over Pharaoh, capturing him as one would a fish. This signifies the divine judgment and inescapability of God's decree. "This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘I will spread My net over you with a company of many peoples, and they will haul you up in My net.’" (Ezekiel 32:3). 3. Destruction and Scattering (Ezekiel 32:5-6) The prophecy continues with vivid descriptions of destruction, where the carcass of Pharaoh is left on the land, and his blood saturates the earth, symbolizing the totality of Egypt's defeat. "I will put your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with your remains." (Ezekiel 32:5). 4. Darkness Over the Land (Ezekiel 32:7-8) The imagery of cosmic disturbances, such as the darkening of the sun and moon, is used to depict the catastrophic impact of Egypt's fall on the world. "When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light." (Ezekiel 32:7). 5. Fear Among the Nations (Ezekiel 32:9-10) The fall of Egypt will cause fear and astonishment among other nations, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of God's judgment. "I will trouble the hearts of many peoples when I bring about your destruction among the nations, in countries you do not know." (Ezekiel 32:9). 6. The Sword of Babylon (Ezekiel 32:11-12) God declares that the sword of the king of Babylon will come against Egypt, serving as the instrument of divine judgment. "For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘The sword of the king of Babylon will come against you.’" (Ezekiel 32:11). 7. Desolation of Egypt (Ezekiel 32:13-16) The prophecy describes the desolation that will befall Egypt, including the destruction of its livestock and the silencing of its cities. "I will destroy all its cattle beside abundant waters. No longer will the foot of man muddy them, nor the hooves of cattle stir them." (Ezekiel 32:13). 8. Descent into Sheol (Ezekiel 32:17-21) A lamentation for Egypt's descent into Sheol, the realm of the dead, is presented. This section emphasizes the finality of Egypt's judgment. "They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is drawn; they carry her off and all her multitudes." (Ezekiel 32:20). 9. Comparison with Other Nations (Ezekiel 32:22-32) The chapter concludes with a comparison of Egypt's fate to that of other nations who have already fallen, underscoring the universality of God's judgment. "Assyria is there with her whole company; her graves are all around her, all of them slain, fallen by the sword." (Ezekiel 32:22). Themes 1. Judgment on EgyptEzekiel 32 begins with a lamentation for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, symbolizing the impending judgment on Egypt. The chapter portrays Egypt as a lion and a sea monster, destined for destruction. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew concept of divine justice, where God holds nations accountable for their actions. The imagery of a sea monster (Hebrew: תַּנִּין, tannin) emphasizes chaos and disorder, which God will subdue. 2. The Day of the LORD The prophecy speaks of a "day of the LORD" (Ezekiel 32:7-8), a time of darkness and cosmic upheaval. This theme reflects the Hebrew understanding of God's intervention in history, bringing about both judgment and salvation. The darkening of celestial bodies symbolizes the end of an era and the beginning of divine retribution. 3. The Fall of the Mighty The chapter highlights the fall of Egypt's might and power, illustrating the theme of the downfall of the proud and powerful. This is a common biblical motif where God humbles those who exalt themselves. The Hebrew word for "mighty" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor) underscores the strength and influence that will be brought low. 4. The Pit and the Afterlife Ezekiel 32:18-32 describes Egypt's descent into the Pit, a metaphor for Sheol or the realm of the dead. This theme explores the fate of nations and individuals who oppose God, emphasizing the finality of divine judgment. The Hebrew term for "Pit" (בּוֹר, bor) conveys a sense of entrapment and hopelessness. 5. Universal Judgment The chapter concludes with a broader theme of universal judgment, where not only Egypt but also other nations face God's wrath. This reflects the biblical principle that all nations are subject to God's sovereign rule and justice. The inclusion of other nations in the lamentation underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment. Answering Tough Questions 1. Ezekiel 32:2 – Does the historical record support Pharaoh’s downfall as graphically portrayed here, or does it conflict with known events in ancient Egypt? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the imagery used to describe Pharaoh and his downfall relate to the broader themes of power and judgment? 2. How does this chapter reflect on the temporary nature of earthly power? 3. In what ways can the lamentation of Ezekiel be seen as a warning for present-day nations? 4. How does the theme of God's sovereignty play out in this chapter? 5. How can you apply the lessons from the downfall of these nations to your own life? 6. How can one guard against the kind of pride exemplified by Pharaoh and these other nations? 7. What does Ezekiel 32 suggest about the fate of the unrepentant in the afterlife? 8. How does the image of the Pit resonate with your understanding of God’s judgment? 9. How does the description of Egypt’s downfall encourage humility and reliance on God? 10. What does the repeated phrase "Then they will know that I am the Lord" suggest about God's purpose in judgment? 11. How does this chapter depict the role of a prophet in announcing divine judgment? 12. How might the themes of this chapter apply to institutions or systems today that resist God’s ways? 13. How does the downfall of other nations as described in this chapter relate to your understanding of divine justice? 14. How does Ezekiel’s lamentation encourage you to evaluate your sources of security and trust? 15. In what ways does the prophecy of Egypt's downfall reflect on the balance between God's justice and mercy? 16. What are the practical implications for believers when confronted with the reality of divine judgment? 17. How can this chapter's theme of divine sovereignty help you deal with current global uncertainties? 18. How can believers maintain hope in God's justice, as illustrated in Ezekiel 32, in a world where it seems wickedness often prevails? 19. How can this chapter inspire you to live a life of humility and obedience to God's commandments? 20. How can the themes of mortality and the afterlife in this chapter influence your perspective on life and eternity? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |




